ACC ~ Luke 7 v31 - 35

JEWISH LEADERS THE MEN OF THIS GENERATION

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: The prophet’s words will apply to us, “Woe to them that call evil good, and good evil. Who call bitter sweet and sweet bitter. Who put light for darkness, and darkness for light.” [1] This was the character of the Israelites and especially of those who were their chiefs, the scribes, namely, and Pharisees. Christ said about them, “To what shall I liken the men of this generation?” COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 39. [2]

[1] Is 5:20.

[2] CGSL 165*.

A WEDDING WHERE CHRIST IS THE BRIDEGROOM

MAXIMUS OF TURIN: People are in the habit of dancing or singing as the custom is with vows, particularly at marriages, and so we have marriages to which a vow is attached and at which we are expected to dance or sing. Our vows are celebrated when the church is united to Christ. John says, “The one who has the bride is the bridegroom.” [1] It is good for us to dance because of this marriage, for David, both king and prophet, danced before the ark of the covenant “with much singing.” [2] He broke into dancing in high rejoicing, for in the Spirit he foresaw Mary, born of his own line, brought into Christ’s chamber. He says, “And he, like a bridegroom, will come forth from his chamber.” [3] He sang more than the other prophetic authors did because he was gladder than the rest of them. By these joys, he united those coming after him in marriage. By inviting us to his own vows in a more charming way than usual, having danced with such joy in front of the ark before his marriage, he taught us what we ought to do at those other vows. The prophet David danced. SERMON 42.5. [4]

[1] Jn 3:29.

[2] 2 Sam 6:14.

[3] Ps 19:5.

[4] ACW 50:106-7**.

THE SONGS AND DANCES OF THE PROPHETS

AMBROSE: “Therefore, wisdom is justified by all her children.” He fittingly says “by all,” because justice is preserved around all. In order that an acceptance of the faithful may happen, a rejection of the unbelieving must occur. Very many Greeks say this, “Wisdom is justified by all her works,” because the duty of justice is to preserve the measure around the merit of each. It aptly says, “We have piped to you, and you have not danced.” Moses sang a song when he stopped the flow in the Red Sea for the crossing of the Jews, [1] and the same waves encircled the horses of the Egyptians and, falling back, drowned their riders. Isaiah sang a song of his beloved’s vineyard, [2] signifying that the people who before had been fruitful with abundant virtues would be desolate through shameful acts. The Hebrews sang a song when the soles of their feet grew moist at the touch of the bedewing flame, and while all burned within and without, the harmless fire caressed them alone and did not scorch. [3] Habakkuk also learned to assuage universal grief with a song and prophesied that the sweet passion of the Lord would happen for the faithful. [4] The prophets sang songs with spiritual measures, resounding with prophecies of universal salvation. The prophets wept, softening the hard hearts of the Jews with sorrowful lamentations. [5] EXPOSITION OF THE GOSPEL OF LUKE 6.6-7. [6]

[1] Ex 15:1-18.

[2] Is 5:1-7.

[3] See 1 Macc 2:59; 3 Macc 6:6; Dan 3:19-25.

[4] Hab 3:13.

[5] Is 46:12.

[6] EHG 195*.

A CHILD’S GAME

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: There may have been perchance a sort of game among the Jewish children, something of this kind. A group of youths was divided into two parts. One made fun of the confusion in the world, the uneven course of its affairs, and the painful and rapid change from one extreme to the other, by playing some of them on instruments of music. The other group wailed. Neither did the mourners share the merriment of those who were playing music and rejoicing, nor did those with the instruments of music join in the sorrow of those who were weeping. Finally, they rebuked one another with their lack of sympathy, so to speak, and absence of affection. The one party would say, “We have played unto you, and you have not danced.” The others would respond, “We have wailed to you, and you have not wept.” COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 39. [1]

[1] CGSL 165-66**.

WISDOM IS JUSTIFIED BY ALL HER CHILDREN

AUGUSTINE: The Lord made a truly necessary addition to these words when he said, “And wisdom is justified by her children.” If you ask who those children are, read what is written, “The sons of wisdom are the church of the just.” [1] LETTER 36. [2]

[1] Sir 3:1.

[2] FC 12:161*.