ACC ~ Mark 6 v3

COMMON LABOR

JUSTIN MARTYR: Jesus came as the son of a carpenter. [1] He was not physically attractive, just as the prophets had predicted of him. [2] He was merely a carpenter, making ploughs and yokes, and instructing us by such symbols of righteousness to avoid an inactive life. DIALOGUE WITH TRYPHO 7.9. [3]

[1] Cf. Mt 13:55.

[2] Cf. Is 53:2.

[3] TLG 0645.003, 88.8.1-7; GMI 120*.

CARPENTRY A BLESSED OCCUPATION

EPHREM THE SYRIAN: The ordinary workmen will come to the son of Joseph singing:

“Blessed be your coming, [1]

O master of workers everywhere.

The imprint of your labor is seen in the ark, [2]

And in the fashioning of the tabernacle [3]

Of the congregation that was for a time only!

Our whole craft praises you, who are our eternal glory.

Make for us a yoke that is light, even easy, for us to bear. [4]

Establish that measure in us in which there can be no falseness.”

HYMNS ON THE NATIVITY 6. [5]

[1] Cf. Ps 118:26.

[2] Cf. Ex 25:10-16.

[3] Cf. Ex 26.

[4] Cf. Mt 11:30.

[5] NPNF 2 13:239**. He blessed common labor by his own hands that ordinary workers everywhere might see how he participated in their humble work.

Mk