ACC ~ Matthew 12 v27

A MATTER OF ATTRIBUTION

JEROME: If they were exorcists casting out devils by invoking God’s name, he intimates by clever questioning that they should declare the work to be of the Holy Spirit. He goes on to say, “If the casting out of devils by your [the Pharisees’] children is attributed to God and not to devils, how come the same work does not have the same cause?” Therefore “they shall be your judges,” not by authority but by comparison. While they attribute to God the casting out of devils, you attribute it to Beelzebub the prince of devils. But it was said about the apostles (and this we should bear in mind), they will be the judges of those children, for they will sit on twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. COMMENTARY ON MATTHEW 2.12.27. [1]

[1] CCL 77:92-93.

BY WHOM DO YOUR SONS CAST OUT DEMONS?

ANONYMOUS: Jesus called his disciples apostles, [1] who were among those he recently sent to preach, giving them power to cast out unclean spirits. [2] In their belief, they told him, “Lord, even the demons have been subject to us in your name.” [3] In whose name have they been casting out devils? If they have been casting them out in my name with the words “In the name of Jesus Christ I order you to go out of him,” it is true, because I do not cast out demons in the name of Beelzebub. In fact, whoever it is that casts out demons by Beelzebub, his name cannot be so awesome and revered that others could cast out demons in his name. “Therefore they shall be your judges.” When? “When they shall sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” [4] Then the Pharisees will undoubtedly say in judgment of me: “Therefore we do not believe you as you were casting out devils, because we thought you were casting out devils in Beelzebub.” The children of faith will answer you back: “If you were to take a good look and see that we were casting out devils in his name, you would realize that the spirit of Beelzebub is not with him in whose name such mighty works are being done.” INCOMPLETE WORK ON MATTHEW, HOMILY 29. [5]

[1] Mt 10:2.

[2] Mt 10:8.

[3] Lk 10:17.

[4] Mt 19:28.

[5] PG 56:784.