ACC ~ Mark 16 v14a
IN SOME COPIES
JEROME: In some copies, and especially in the Greek codices, it is written according to Mark at the end of his Gospel: “At length Jesus appeared to the eleven as they were at table.” [1] AGAINST THE PELAGIANS 2.15. [2]
[1] Mk 16:14.
[2] Cetedoc 0615, 2.15.1; FC 53:317. Jerome’s phrase “in some copies” shows that by the end of the fourth century Christian scholars were aware of textual difficulties associated with the ending of Mark.
NO EATING WITHOUT TEETH
JEROME: As he showed them real hands and a real side, [1] so he really ate with his disciples; [2] really walked with Cleophas; [3] conversed with men with a real tongue; [4] really reclined at supper; [5] with real hands took bread, blessed and broke it, and was offering it to them. [6] … Do not put the power of the Lord on a level with the tricks of magicians, so that he may appear to have been what he was not, and may be thought to have eaten without teeth, walked without feet, broken bread without hands, spoken without a tongue, and showed a side which had no ribs. TO PAMMACHIUS AGAINST JOHN OF JERUSALEM 34. [7]
[1] Cf. Jn 20:27.
[2] Cf. Mk 16:14.
[3] Cf. Lk 24:13-35.
[4] Cf. Lk 24:17-27.
[5] Cf. Mk 16:14.
[6] Cf. Lk 24:30.
[7] Cetedoc 0612, 34.404.27; NPNF 2 6:442*. There is no magic here. He rose from the dead, with his actual teeth and with no false ribs.
HIS PRESENCE IN THE BREAKING OF BREAD
BEDE: He appeared in the breaking of bread to those who, supposing that he was a stranger, invited him to share their table. [1] He will also be present to us when we willingly bestow whatever goods we can on strangers and poor people. [2] And he will be present to us in the breaking of bread, when we partake with a chaste and simple conscience in the sacrament of his body, the living bread. [3] EXPOSITION ON THE GOSPEL OF MARK 2.8. [4]
[1] Cf. Lk 24:29.
[2] Cf. Mt 25:31-46.
[3] Cf. Jn 6:51.
[4] Cetedoc 1367, 2.8.173; HOG 2:75. Whenever we offer bread to the poor or care for the stranger, the risen Lord is present.
Mk