ACC ~ Mark 16 v13

THE DIMNESS OF THEIR PERCEPTION

AUGUSTINE: Their eyes were obstructed, that they should not recognize him until the breaking of the bread. And thus, in accordance with the state of their minds, which were still ignorant of the truth (that the Christ would die and rise again), their eyes were similarly hindered. It was not that the truth himself was misleading them, but rather that they were themselves unable to perceive the truth. [1] HARMONY OF THE GOSPELS 3.25.72. [2]

[1] Cf. Lk 24:13-32.

[2] Cetedoc 0273, 3.25.72.371.21; NPNF 1 6:217*.

WHY RECOGNITION CAME HARD

AUGUSTINE: Jesus appeared; he was visible to their eyes, yet he was not recognized. The master walked with them on the way; in fact, he was the way on which they were not yet walking; but he found that they had wandered some distance from the way. For when he was with them before his passion, he had foretold all—that he would suffer, that he would die, that he would rise again on the third day—he had predicted all; but his death was as a loss of memory for them. They were so disturbed when they saw him hanging on the cross that they forgot his teaching, did not look for his resurrection, and failed to keep his promises in mind. SERMON 235.1. [1]

[1] Cetedoc 0284, 235.67.138.19; FC 38:228.