ACC ~ Mark 14 v36c

WITHIN TIME FOR ETERNITY

HILARY OF POITIERS: Although he was obedient, it was a voluntary obedience. The only begotten Son humbled himself, and obeyed his Father even to the death of the cross. But was it as human or as God that he was subjected to the Father? His subjection is that of one to whom all things have been subjected. [1] This subjection is not a sign merely of a temporal obedience, for his allegiance is eternal. Rather it was an instance in time of the dispensation of the eternal mystery of his humbling. His actual humbling occurred within time. [2] Yet in its very unpretentiousness it displays the eternal mystery of his humiliation. ON THE TRINITY 11.30. [3]

[1] Cf. 1 Cor 15:27-28.

[2] As a series of events within time. Cf. Phil 2:6-8.

[3] Cetedoc 9433, SL 62A, 11.30.21; NPNF 2 9:212**.

EMBODYING OBEDIENCE

AUGUSTINE: To show sufferers that they need not despair, the true Savior became the good teacher by himself epitomizing the truth in his own person. He participated in our suffering in an empathic way, [1] knowing that through human frailty sorrow might steal in upon our hearts amid afflictions, and knowing that we would overcome it if we yield to God’s will above our own, mindful that God knows best those whose well-being he superintends. [2] HARMONY OF THE GOSPELS 3.4.14. [3]

[1] Cf. Heb 2:9, 18; 4:15.

[2] Cf. 2 Pet 2:9; Jas 1:12.

[3] Cetedoc 9273, 3.4.14.285.11; NPNF 1 6:184**.