ACC ~ Luke 9 v32 - 35

THE DISCIPLES BEHOLD HIS GLORY EVEN IN SLEEP

AMBROSE: Peter saw this grace, and so did those who were with him, although they were heavy with sleep. The incomprehensible magnificence of the Godhead overwhelms the perceptions of our body. If the sharpness of bodily vision cannot bear the ray of the sun directly into watching eyes, how may the corruption of human members endure the glory of God? The garment of the body, purer and finer after the removal of the materiality of vices, is made for the resurrection. Perhaps they were so heavy with sleep that they saw the radiance of the resurrection after their rest. Keeping vigil, they saw his majesty, because no one sees the glory of Christ unless he is vigilant. [1] EXPOSITION OF THE GOSPEL OF LUKE 7.17. [2]

[1] See Lk 12:37.

[2] EHG 243-44**.

PETER’S UNTIMELY ZEAL

AMBROSE: It says, “It is good for us to be here.” “My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.” [1] The diligent workman is not content to praise. Even more admirable, not only in affection but also in pious deeds, he promises a ministry of common worship for the building of three tabernacles. Although he did not know what he said, he promised an observance that does not heap up the fruits of piety in indiscreet carelessness but in untimely zeal. His ignorance came from his condition, but his promise from his devotion. The human condition is corruptible in this. This mortal body is not capable of making a tabernacle for God. EXPOSITION OF THE GOSPEL OF LUKE 7.18. [2]

[1] Phil 1:23.

[2] EHG 244**.

PETER THOUGHT THE KINGDOM HAD COME

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: The dispensation was still at its beginning and not yet fulfilled. How would it have been fitting for Christ to abandon his love for the world and depart from his purpose of suffering on its behalf? By undergoing death in the flesh and by abolishing death by the resurrection from the dead, he redeemed all under heaven. Peter therefore knew not what he said. COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 51. [1]

[1] CGSL 227-28**.

THE CLOUD SPRINKLES THE DISCIPLES

AMBROSE: “While he spoke, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them.” That is the overshadowing of the divine Spirit, who is not dark with the emotions of humankind but unveils secrets. This is also revealed in another place when an angel says, “And the power of the Most High shall overshadow you.” [1] The effect of this is shown when the voice of God is heard, saying, “This is my beloved Son; hear him.” Elijah is not the Son, and Moses is not the Son. This is the Son whom only you see, because they had withdrawn when he began to be described as Lord. … It was a luminous cloud that does not soak us with rainwater or the downpour of storm, but from dew that sprinkles the minds of men with faith sent by the voice of almighty God. EXPOSITION OF THE GOSPEL OF LUKE 7.19-20. [2]

[1] Lk 1:35.

[2] EHG 244-45*.

THE FATHER’S VOICE ASSURES THE DISCIPLES JESUS IS COETERNAL

BEDE: The Father’s voice did not forbid them to listen to Moses and Elijah (that is, to the Law and the Prophets). It rather suggested to all of them that listening to his Son was to take precedence since he came to fulfill the Law and the Prophets. [1] It impressed on them that the light of gospel truth was to be put ahead of all the types and obscure signs of the Old Testament. By the benevolent, divinely arranged plan when the moment of the cross was drawing near, he strengthened them so that the disciples’ faith might not falter when the Lord was crucified. He revealed to them how also his humanity was to be lifted up by heavenly light through his resurrection. The heavenly voice of the Father gave assurance that the Son was coeternal to the Father in his divinity so that when the hour of the passion approached, they would be less sorrowful at his dying. They remembered that after his death he would soon be glorified as a human being, although in his divinity he had always been glorified by God his Father.

Since the disciples were fleshly and still fragile in substance, they were afraid and fell upon their faces when they heard God’s voice. Since the Lord was a benevolent master in everything, he consoled them at the same time by his word and his touch, and he lifted them up. HOMILIES ON THE GOSPELS 1.24. [2]

[1] Mt 5:17.

[2] CS 110:242-43**.

JESUS INITIATES US INTO THE MYSTERY OF THE FUTURE

GREGORY OF NAZIANZUS: He was bright as the lightning on the mountain and became more luminous than the sun, initiating us into the mystery of the future. ORATION 3.19, ON THE SON. [1]

[1] LCC 3:174.