ACC ~ Matthew 13 v2
AT A DISTANCE FROM THE WORD
HILARY: There is a reason why the Lord was sitting in the boat and the crowds were standing outside like simple followers: he was about to speak in parables. Jesus was therefore indicating that those who were outside the church were at a distance from being able to grasp his words of truth. For the boat symbolizes the church, and those who lie barren and fruitless outside like grains of sand are unable to understand the word of life put forward and preached. ON MATTHEW 13.1. [1]
[1] SC 254:294-96.
HE GOT INTO A BOAT
JEROME: The people were unable to enter Jesus’ house, nor could they be present when the apostles heard the mysteries. For that reason the compassionate and merciful Lord goes out of the house. He sits by the seaside of this world so the crowds may gather about him and hear along the shore what they were not entitled to hear inside. “So that he got into a boat and sat down. And all the crowds stood on the shore.” Jesus was in the boat as it was being buffeted here and there by the waves of the sea. Secure in his majesty, he made the boat approach the land. And the people, sensing no danger or insurmountable odds, stood in rapt attention on the shore to hear his words. COMMENTARY ON MATTHEW 2.13.2. [1]
[1] CCL 77:101.
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