ACC ~ Mark 11 v20 - 25

OVERVIEW:

Beware of fruitlessness. It will be cursed (CYRIL OF JERUSALEM). Faith prays without hesitation and in doing so already is obtaining what is rightly asked for according to the divine will (JOHN CASSIAN). In this way prayer participates actively in the power of almighty God (CHRYSOSTOM). The perfect faith required for moving mountains, even if it is unexampled, is not intrinsically impossible (AUGUSTINE). The text teaches us to forgive in the manner in which we would desire to be forgiven (EPISTLE TO LUCIAN).

11:21 | The Fig Tree Which You Cursed Has Withered

ADMONITION FOR THOSE PREPARING TO BE BAPTIZED

CYRIL OF JERUSALEM: You are now being joined with the holy vine. [1] If, then, you abide in the vine, you grow into a fruitful branch, but if you do not so abide, you will be burnt in the fire. Let us therefore bring forth worthy fruit. For let it not come about that it should happen to us what happened to the barren fig tree in the Gospel. [2] Let not Jesus come in these days and utter the same curse upon the fruitless. But instead may all of you say, “I am like a green olive tree in the house of God.” [3] CATECHETICAL LECTURES 1.4. [4]

[1] Cf. Jn 15:4-6.

[2] Cf. Mt 21:19; Mk 11:20.

[3] Cf. Ps 52:8.

[4] TLG 2110.003, 1.4.6-14; LCC 4:80*.

11:23a | Whoever Does Not Doubt in His Heart but Believes

THE POWER OF PRAYER

CHRYSOSTOM: Prayer is an all-efficient panoply, a treasure undiminished, a mine never exhausted, a sky unobstructed by clouds, a haven unruffled by storm. It is the root, the fountain, and the mother of a thousand blessings. It exceeds a monarch’s power. … I speak not of the prayer which is cold and feeble and devoid of zeal. I speak of that which proceeds from a mind outstretched, the child of a contrite spirit, [1] the offspring of a soul converted—this is the prayer which mounts to heaven. … The power of prayer has subdued the strength of fire, bridled the rage of lions, silenced anarchy, extinguished wars, appeased the elements, expelled demons, burst the chains of death, enlarged the gates of heaven, relieved diseases, averted frauds, rescued cities from destruction, stayed the sun in its course, and arrested the progress of the thunderbolt. In sum, prayer has power to destroy whatever is at enmity with the good. I speak not of the prayer of the lips, but of the prayer that ascends from the inmost recesses of the heart. ON THE INCOMPREHENSIBLE NATURE OF GOD, HOMILY 5.44, 46, 57, 58. [2]

[1] Cf. Ps 34:18; Is 66:2.

[2] TLG 2062.012, 5.430-433, 448-451, 575-583; GMI 279-80**; cf. FC 72:156-57, 161-62.

11:23b | Believe That You Will Receive It and You Will

FULL CONFIDENCE

JOHN CASSIAN: While we are praying, there should be no hesitation that would intervene or break down the confidence of our petition by any shadow of despair. We know that by pouring forth our prayer we are obtaining already what we are asking for. We have no doubt that our prayers have effectually reached God. [1] For to that degree that one believes that he is regarded by God, and that God can grant it, just so far will one be heard and obtain an answer. CONFERENCES 1.9.32. [2]

[1] Cf. Jas 5:15-16.

[2] Cetedoc 0512, 9.32.277.14; NPNF 2 11:398**.

11:23c | It Will Be Done for Him

DIVINE GIVING AND HUMAN WILLING

AUGUSTINE: Note that Jesus said “for him,” not “for me,” [1] and not “for the Father.” Yet it is certain that no human being does such a thing without God’s gift and workings. Mark well that even if no actual instances of perfect righteousness may be found among humans, that does not rule out perfect righteousness as if it were formally impossible. For it might have been realized if only sufficient responsive willing had been applied, enough to suffice for so great a deed. ON THE SPIRIT AND THE LETTER 63. [2]

[1] The Son.

[2] Cetedoc 0343, 35.63.223.10; NPNF 1 5:112*.

11:25 | Forgive, If You Have Anything Against Anyone

OVERCOMING PERSONAL ALIENATION

ANONYMOUS: [1] If an injury is done to you, look to Jesus Christ. Even as you desire that he may forgive your sins, just so you must also forgive them theirs. By this you will circumvent ill-will, and bruise the head of that ancient serpent, [2] who is ever on the watch with all subtlety to undo your good works and fruitful aims. Let no day pass by without reading some portion of the sacred Scriptures, whenever you have time, and giving some space to meditation. Never cast off the habit of reading the holy Scriptures. Nothing feeds the soul and enriches the mind so much as those sacred studies. [3] EPISTLE TO LUCIAN 9. [4]

[1] Sometimes attributed to Theonas of Alexandria.

[2] Cf. Gen 3:15; Rom 16:20.

[3] Cf. Jn 5:39; Acts 17:11; 2 Tim 3:15-16.

[4] PG 10:1574. ANF 6:161*.