ACC ~ Matthew 12 v50

WHOEVER DOES THE WILL OF MY FATHER

THEODORE OF MOPSUESTIA: He said these things, not in contempt of his mother and his brothers, but in order to show that he values more highly closeness of soul than any blood relation of body. For it was necessary to say this, both for those who thought that it was more important for him to interact with his own family, as well as for the instruction of those who were present. For just as he himself says to the disciples, “he who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me,” [1] in the same way, I think, Jesus sets a higher value on his disciples than on his “mother and brothers.” FRAGMENT 71. [2]

[1] Mt 10:37.

[2] MKGK 119-20.

MY MOTHER THROUGH FAITH

GREGORY THE GREAT: If someone can become the brother of the Lord by coming to faith, we must ask how one can become also his mother. We must realize that the one who is Christ’s brother and sister by believing becomes his mother by preaching. It is as though one brings forth the Lord and infuses him in the hearts of one’s listeners. And that person becomes his mother if through one’s voice the love of the Lord is generated in the mind of his neighbor. FORTY GOSPEL HOMILIES 3.2. [1]

[1] PL 76:1086; CS 123:5-6 (Homily 1).