ACC ~ Mark 16 v3

THE DOOR OF THE HEART

PETER CHRYSOLOGUS: Is it from the door of the sepulcher, or of your own hearts? From the tomb, or from your own eyes? You whose heart is shut, whose eyes are closed, are unable to discover the glory of the open grave. Pour then your oil, if you wish to see that glory, not on the body of the Lord, but on the eyes of your hearts. By the light of faith you will then see that which through the deficiency of faith now lies hidden in darkness. [1] SERMON 82. [2]

[1] Cf. Rev 3:18.

[2] Cetedoc 0227+, 42a.82.23; GMI 438*.

THE FRAILTY OF BEHOLDERS AND THEIR GRADUAL RECOGNITION

BEDE: Our Lord and redeemer revealed the glory of his resurrection to his disciples gradually and over a period of time, undoubtedly because so great was the virtue of the miracle that the weak hearts of mortals could not grasp [the significance of] this all at once. Thus, he had regard for the frailty of those seeking him. To those who came first to the tomb, both the women who were aflame with love for him and the men, he showed the stone rolled back. [1] Since his body had been carried away, he showed them the linen cloths [2] in which it had been wrapped lying there alone. Then, to the women who were searching eagerly, who were confused in their minds about what they had found out about him, he showed a vision of angels [3] who disclosed evidences of the fact that he had risen again. Thus, with the report of his resurrection already accomplished, going ahead of him, the Lord of hosts and the king of glory [4] himself at length appeared and made clear with what great might he had overcome the death he had temporarily tasted. EXPOSITION ON THE GOSPEL OF MARK 2.9. [5]

[1] Cf. Mt 28:2; Mk 16:4; Lk 24:2; Jn 20:1.

[2] Cf. Lk 24:12; Jn 20:3-7.

[3] Cf. Mt 28:1-5; Mk 16:1-6; Lk 24:1-10.

[4] Cf. Ps 24:10.

[5] Cetedoc 1367, 2.9.1; HOG 2:78.