ACC ~ Mark 1 v6c

FREEDOM FROM NEED

CHRYSOSTOM: It was necessary that the precursor of the One who was to undo the age-long burdens of men, such as toil, malediction, pain and sweat, should in his own person give some token of the gifts to come, so as to stand above these tribulations. And so it was that he neither tilled the earth, nor plowed the furrow, nor did he eat bread of his own sweat, for his table was easily prepared, and his clothing more easily than his table, and his dwelling more easily than his clothing. For he had need neither of roof, nor bed, nor table, nor any such thing. But even while still within this flesh of ours he lived an almost angelic life. His clothing was put together from the hair of camels, so that even from his garments he might teach us that we free ourselves of human needs, and need not be bound to this earth, but that we may return to the pristine dignity in which Adam first lived, before he had need of garments or of clothing. THE GOSPEL OF ST. MATTHEW, HOMILY 10. [1]

[1] TLG 2062.152, 57.188.26-42; SSGF 1:86*.

SHEDDING SKIN THROUGH A NARROW PASSAGE

CYRIL OF JERUSALEM: He fed on locusts to make his soul grow wings. Sated with honey, the words he spoke were sweeter than honey and of more profit. Clothed in a garment of camel’s hair, he exemplified in his own person the holy life. … For every snake puts off its signs of age by pushing through some narrow place, and gets rid of its old apparel by squeezing it off. From then on it is young again in body. So “enter in at the straight and narrow gate,” [1] squeeze yourself through by fasting, break yourself away from perishing, “put off the old nature with its deeds.” [2] THE CATECHETICAL LECTURES 3.6. [3]

[1] Mt 7:13-14; Lk 13:24.

[2] Eph 4:22; Col 3:9.

[3] TLG 2110.003, 36.18-21; 7.12-17; LCC 4:93-94. By his way of life he displayed the seriousness of his preaching.