ACC ~ Mark 5 v39

THE AWAKENING VOICE OF THE LORD

AMBROSE: And what shall I say about the daughter of the ruler of the synagogue, at whose death the people were mourning and the flute players were playing their music? [1] On the assumption that she was indeed dead, solemn funeral services were already being performed. But her spirit returned immediately at the voice of the Lord. She arose with revived body and partook of food to furnish proof that she was alive. [2] ON HIS BROTHER, SATYRUS 2.82. [3]

[1] Cf. Mt 9:23.

[2] Cf. Mk 5:38-43; Lk 8:52-55.

[3] Cetedoc 0157, 2.82.294.1; FC 22:233*. Cf. Ambrose On Belief in the Resurrection 2, NPNF 2 10:187. She who was perceived as being irrevocably dead was given new life simply through the voice of the Lord.

WHETHER THE CHILD WAS DEAD

AUGUSTINE: He comes to the house, and finds the customary funeral rites already underway, and he says to them, “Why do you make a tumult and weep? The child is not dead, but sleeping.” [1] He spoke the truth. She was in a certain sense asleep—asleep, that is, in respect of him, by whom she could be awakened. So awakening her, he restored her alive to her parents. SERMON ON NEW TESTAMENT LESSONS 48. [2]

[1] Mark 5:39.

[2] Cetedoc 0284, 98.38.593.16; NPNF 1 6:414**; cf. WSA 3 4:45, Sermon 98.4. Her assumed death and sleeping in relation to him is seen in the light of her awakening to him.

THE LONG-SUFFERING OF PARENTS

PETER CHRYSOLOGUS: Let us, if it is pleasing to you, speak for a moment of the pains and anxieties which parents take upon themselves and endure in patience out of love and affection for their children. Here, surrounded by her family and by the sympathy and affection of her relations, a daughter lies upon her bed of suffering. She is fading in body. Her father’s mind and spirit are worn with grief. She is suffering the inward pangs of her sickness. He, unwashed, unkempt, is absorbed wholly in sorrow. He suffers and endures before the eyes of the world. She is sinking into the quiet of death. … Alas! why are children indifferent to these things! Why are they not mindful of them? Why are they not eager to make a return to their parents for them? But the love of parents goes on nevertheless; and whatever parents bestow upon their children, God, the parent of us all, will duly repay. SERMON 33.2. [1]

[1] Cetedoc 0227+, 33.13; SSGF 4:322-23*.