ACC ~ Mark 14 v44

JESUS’ RESPONSE WAS SOFTER THAN A KISS

DIONYSIUS OF ALEXANDRIA: How magnificent is the endurance of evil by the Lord who even kissed his own traitor, and then spoke words even softer than a kiss! For he did not say, O you abominable one, or traitor, is this what you do in return for great kindnesses? He simply says “Judas,” using his first name. [1] This is in the voice of one commiserating with another or who wished another to come back to him, not the voice of anger. EXEGETICAL FRAGMENTS. [2]

[1] Cf. Lk 22:48.

[2] PG 10:1596; ANF 6:116*.