ACC ~ Mark 15 v4

PRACTICE OF PATIENCE AMID PERSECUTION

CYPRIAN: What great patience this is that he who is adored in heaven is not yet avenged on earth! Let us think of his patience, beloved brothers and sisters, in our persecutions and sufferings. Let us show forth the full obedience that is inspired by our expectation of his coming. Let us not hasten with the impious and shameless haste of a servant to defend ourselves before the Lord. Let us rather persevere and let us labor, and be watchful with all our heart and steadfast even to total resignation. Let us guard the precepts of the Lord, so that when the day of wrath and vengeance comes, [1] we may not be punished with the impious and sinners but may be honored with the just and those who fear God. THE GOOD OF PATIENCE 24. [2]

[1] Ezek 7:19; Zeph 1:14-18; Rev 6:17.

[2] Cetedoc 0048, 24.475; FC 36:287*. As God is patient with us in our rebelliousness, we are to be patient with others under conditions of trial and harassment, according to the pattern of Jesus under trial.

SILENT BEFORE HIS OPPRESSORS

GREGORY OF NAZIANZUS: A lamb, he is silent [1] —yet he is “word,” [2] proclaimed by “the voice of one crying in the wilderness.” [3] He is weakened, wounded [4] —yet he cures every disease and every weakness. [5] He is brought up to the tree [6] and nailed to it [7] —yet by the tree of life he restores us. [8] ORATION 29, ON THE SON 20. [9]

[1] Is 53:7.

[2] Cf. Jn 1:1.

[3] Cf. Mt 3:3; Mk 1:3; Lk 3:4; Jn 1:23.

[4] Cf. Is 53:5.

[5] Cf. Mt 9:35.

[6] Cf. 1 Pet 2:24.

[7] Cf. Jn 19:17-18.

[8] Cf. Gen 2:9; 3:22; Rev 2:7.

[9] FGFR 259*; TLG 2022.009, 20.21-25.