ACC ~ Mark 14 v36b

PERSEVERING IN PRAYER THROUGH TEMPTATION

EPHREM THE SYRIAN: He knew what he was saying to his Father, and was well aware that this chalice could pass from him. But he had come to drink it for everyone, in order to acquit, through this chalice, the debt of everyone, [a debt] which the prophets and martyrs could not pay with their death. … He assumed flesh. He clothed himself with weakness, eating when hungry, becoming tired after working, being overcome by sleep when weary. It was necessary, when the time for his death arrived, that all things that have to do with the flesh would be fulfilled then. The anguish of death in fact invaded him, to manifest his nature as a son of Adam, over whom death reigns, [1] according to the word of the apostle. … Or alternatively, in this hour of his corporeal death, he gave to the body that which belonged to it, saying that all the sufferings of [his] body would show to the heretics and schismatics that his body was [real]. Did not this body of his appear to them, just as it was visible to everyone else? Just as he was hungry and thirsty, tired and had need of sleep, so too, he was afraid. Or, [he said that], so that it would be difficult for people in the world to say that it was without suffering and toil that our debts were remitted by him. Or [it was] to teach his disciples to confide their life and death to God. If he, who is wise on account of the wisdom of God, asked for what was fitting for him, how much more [should] ordinary people surrender their will to the One who knows all things. … If he who is fearless was afraid [of death], and asked to be delivered from it, although he knew that it was impossible, how much more should others persevere in prayer before temptation, so that, in time of temptation, they may be delivered from it. COMMENTARY ON TATIAN’S DIATESSARON. [2]

[1] Cf. Rom 5:14, 17.

[2] CSCO 137:280, 282, 284; JSSS 2:292-96*.

HE PRAYS IN A HUMAN MANNER

HILARY OF POITIERS: Though with God nothing is impossible, yet for human nature it is impossible to ignore the fear of suffering. Only by trial can faith be proved. [1] Thus as a human being he prays in a human manner that the cup may pass away, but as God from God, his will is in unison with the Father’s effectual will. ON THE TRINITY 10.38. [2]

[1] 1 Pet 1:7.

[2] NPNF 2 9:192*. As son of Mary he shrinks from suffering; as God the Son his will remains in unity with that of God the Father.

WHAT PASSES AWAY?

HILARY OF POITIERS: He does not pray that the cup may pass around him. He prays that the cup may pass away from him, but it cannot pass away unless he drinks it. To pass away does not mean to depart from its place, but not to exist at all. [1] And this is indeed the very meaning that the apostles have in mind when they say: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” [2] ON THE TRINITY 10.42. [3]

[1] If the cup is to pass away finally, it must be drunk. It does not pass away by being avoided. If the cup passes around him and still exists for someone else to deal with, the cup has not fully passed away.

[2] Mt 24:35; Mk 13:31; Lk 21:33.

[3] Cetedoc 0433, SL 62A, 10.42.12; FC 25:430**.