ACC ~ Luke 6 v39 - 46

OVERVIEW:

There is a natural transition between the prohibition against judging and the parables that follow, since they illustrate what Jesus has been saying. Undue judgment and criticism lead to hypocrisy and are not to be tolerated (CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA).

The good tree is the Holy Spirit, and the bad tree is the devil and his angels (ORIGEN). One’s fruits, that is, deeds and words, reveal that person’s character and state of heart (CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA).

The tabernacle and the temple illustrate how a firm foundation is necessary for a solid building, for both these structures serve as an image of the universal church that produces Jews and Gentiles, who in turn are characterized by works and faith. It is difficult to judge one’s thought and intentions, for they are determined by the disposition of the heart. A lesser deed produces a great reward and a more significant act a lesser reward, as the widow’s mite illustrates, as well as the example of those hypocrites who cry out “Lord, Lord” (BEDE).

6:39-42 | Sight Instead of Blindness

PARABLES ILLUSTRATE JESUS’ TEACHING

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: This parable he added as a most necessary attachment to what had been said. The blessed disciples were about to be the initiators and teachers of the world. It was necessary for them therefore to prove themselves possessed of everything piety requires. They must know the pathway of the evangelic mode of life and be workmen ready for every good work. They must be able to bestow upon well-instructed hearers such correct and saving teaching as exactly represents the truth. This they must do, as having already first received their sight and a mind illuminated with the divine light, lest they should be blind leaders of the blind. It is not possible for those enveloped in the darkness of ignorance to guide those who are afflicted in the same way into the knowledge of the truth. Should they attempt it, they will both roll into the ditch of carelessness.

He overthrew the bragging passion of boastfulness, which most give way, that they may not enviously strive to surpass their teachers in honor. He added, “The disciple is not above his teacher.” Even if some make such progress, as to attain to a virtue that rivals that of their teachers, they will range themselves no higher than their level and be their imitators. Paul shall again support us. He says, “Imitate me, as I also imitate Christ.” [1] COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 29. [2]

[1] 1 Cor 11:1.

[2] CGSL 138**.

HYPOCRITES DO NOT SEE THE MOTE IN THEIR OWN EYES

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: He had previously shown us that judging others is utterly wicked and dangerous. It causes final condemnation. “Do not judge,” he said, “and you shall not be judged.” Do not condemn, and you shall not be condemned. By conclusive arguments, he persuades us to avoid the very wish of judging others. Deliver yourself first from your great crimes and your rebellious passions, and then you may set him right who is guilty of only minor offenses COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 33. [1]

[1] CGSL 139*.

6:43-46 | Transformation - Good Fruit Instead of Bad Fruit

THE GOOD AND BAD TREES

ORIGEN: “The good tree” is the Holy Spirit. The “bad tree” is the devil and his underlings. The person who has the Holy Spirit manifests the fruits of the Spirit, which the apostle describes when he says, “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self-control.” [1] The one who has the opposing power brings forth briars and thistles, the passions of dishonor. FRAGMENTS ON LUKE 112. [2]

[1] Gal 5:22-23.

[2] FC 94:172-73*.

CHARACTER IS SHOWN BY THE DEEDS IN ONE’S LIFE

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: See again, Christ commands that those who come to us must be distinguished not by their clothing but by what they really are. “By its fruit,” he says, “the tree is known.” It is ignorance and folly for us to expect to find the choicer kinds of fruits on thorns, grapes for instance, and figs. So it is ridiculous for us to imagine that we can find in hypocrites and the profane anything that is admirable, such as the nobleness of virtue. …

This is also made clear by another declaration of our Lord. “The good man,” he says, “as out of a good treasure, pours forth from the heart, good things.” One who is differently disposed, and whose mind is the prey of fraud and wickedness, necessarily brings forth what is concealed deep within. The things that are in the mind and heart boil over and are vomited forth by the stream of speech that flows out of it. The virtuous person therefore speaks such things as become his character, while one who is worthless and wicked vomits forth his secret impurity. COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 33. [1]

[1] :1–24:53 PRELIMINARY REMARKS | ON THE GOSPEL

HUMAN BEINGS ARE TREES; THEIR WORKS ARE THE FRUIT

BEDE: “Every tree which does not bear fruit will be cut down and cast into the fire.” [1] He is referring to human beings as trees and to their works as the fruit. Do you want to know which are the bad trees and what are the bad fruits? The apostle teaches us this. He says, “The works of the flesh are manifest: they are fornication, impurity, self-indulgence, idolatry, sorcery, malice, strife, jealousy, anger, quarrels, conflict, factions, envy, murder, drunkenness, carousing, and things of this sort.” [2] Do you want to hear whether trees which bring forth fruits such as these belong in the heavenly temple of the eternal King? The apostle continues: “I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not attain the kingdom of God.” [3] He subsequently lists the fruits of a good tree. He says, “The fruit, however, of the Spirit is charity, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, faith, gentleness, self-control.” [4] HOMILIES ON THE GOSPELS 2.25. [5]

[1] Mt 3:10.

[2] Gal 5:19-21.

[3] Gal 5:19.

[4] Gal 5:22-23.

[5] CS 111:257**.

THE DISPOSITION OF THE HEART DETERMINES THE NATURE OF THE FRUIT

BEDE: “The good man produces good from the good treasure in his heart, and the evil man produces evil from the evil treasure.” The treasure in one’s heart is the intention of the thought, from which the Searcher of hearts judges the outcome. … Christ subsequently adds force to his pronouncement by clearly showing that good speech without the additional attestation of deeds is of no advantage at all. He asks, “And why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I say?” To call upon the Lord seems to be the gift of a good treasure, the fruit of a good tree. “For everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved.” [1] If anyone who calls upon the name of the Lord resists the Lord’s commands by living perversely, it is evident that the good that the tongue has spoken has not been brought out of the good treasure in his heart. It was not the root of a fig tree but that of a thorn bush that produced the fruit of such a confession—a conscience, that is, bristling with vices, and not one filled with the sweetness of the love of the Lord. HOMILIES ON THE GOSPELS 2.25. [2]

[1] Joel 2:32; Acts 2:21; Rom 10:13.

[2] CS 111:259-60*.