ACC ~ Mark 2 v16

NO PHYSICIAN CAN AVOID THE ARENA OF SICKNESS

GREGORY NAZIANZEN: When Jesus is attacked for mixing with sinners, and taking as his disciple a despised tax collector, one might ask: What could he possibly gain by doing so? [1] Only the salvation of sinners. To blame Jesus for mingling with sinners would be like blaming a physician for stooping down over suffering and putting up with vile smells in order to heal the sick. ORATION 45, ON HOLY EASTER 26. [2]

[1] Cf. Lk 15:2.

[2] TLG 2022.052, 36.660.20-26; NPNF 2 7:433**.