ACC ~ Mark 9 v50

THE MEANING OF SALT

METHODIUS: According to levitical law, [1] every gift, unless it be seasoned with salt, is forbidden to be offered as an oblation to the Lord God. Now the whole spiritual meditation of the Scriptures is given to us as salt which stings in order to benefit. Without this disinfection, it is impossible for a soul, by means of reason, to be brought to the almighty. THE BANQUET OF THE TEN VIRGINS 1.1. [2]

A FIT PINCH OF SALT

EPHREM THE SYRIAN:

Glory be to God on high,

Who mixed his salt in our minds,

His leaven in our souls.

His body became bread, [3]

To quicken our deadness.

HYMNS ON THE NATIVITY 2. [4]

[1] Lev 2:13; Mk. 9:49-50.

[2] PG 18:40; ANF 6:311**.

[3] Cf Mt 26:26; Mk 14:22; Lk 22:19.

[4] CSCO 186-187:21; NPNF 2 13:237.

HAVING SALT IN OUR SPEECH

GREGORY THE GREAT: When the counselor prepares himself for speaking, let him bear in mind with what diligent caution he ought to speak, lest, if he is too hurried in speaking, the hearts of hearers be struck with the wound of error. Desiring to seem wise, he may unwisely sever the bond of unity. It is for this reason that the One who is truth has said: “Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.” [1] Now by salt is denoted the word of wisdom. Let him, therefore, who strives to speak wisely fear greatly, lest by his eloquence the integrity of his hearers be disturbed. PASTORAL CARE 4.12. [2]

ON DIVORCE MARK 10:1-12

[1] Mk 9:50.

[2] Cetedoc 1712, 2.4.56; NPNF 2 12:12**.

OVERVIEW:

God could have provided an infinite number of partners for Adam but gave him only one. Marriage is no burden when the two become equally one in all things, losing all, sharing all (TERTULLIAN). The mystery of the joining of one man and one woman in one flesh is viewed by analogy to the joining of God and humanity in the incarnation (ORIGEN). The biblical prototype of one flesh is the relation of Christ and the church (AUGUSTINE). Meanwhile, the tempter promotes a permissive view of divorce and remarriage (CLEMENT OF ALEXANDRIA, ATHENAGORAS). The Lord’s teaching on divorce applies equally to men and women (BASIL). Fornication evidences the failure of original intent in the marriage. Four adulterers can emerge from the aftermath of one marriage of two previously married spouses (AUGUSTINE). Jesus was not vexed when he was challenged by deceptive questioners who hoped more for a gaffe than an answer (ORIGEN).