ACC ~ Mark 7 v6

VERBAL RELIGION

CLEMENT OF ROME: So let us devote ourselves to those at peace in their devotion to God, and not to those who seek peace through hypocrisy. For he says in one place: “This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.” [1] And again: “They blessed with their mouth, but they cursed in their heart.” [2] And again he says: “They flattered him with their mouths; they lied to him with their tongues. Their heart was not steadfast toward him; they were not true to his covenant.” [3] 1 CLEMENT 15.1-4. [4]

[1] Is 29:13; Mk 7:6.

[2] Ps 62:4.

[3] Ps 78:36-37.

[4] TLG 1271.001, 15.1-4; FC 1:21**.

GOD SEES THROUGH TO OUR INWARD CONDITION

CLEMENT OF ALEXANDRIA: God considers our inward thoughts. Remember Lot’s wife. All she did was voluntarily to turn her head back toward worldly corruption. She was left a senseless mass, a pillar of salt. [1] STROMATEIS 2.14. [2]

[1] Cf. Gen 19:26.

[2] ANF 2:361*; TLG 0555.004, 2.14.61.4.1-5.