ACC ~ Matthew 22 v15

THE PHARISEES PLANNED HOW TO ENTANGLE HIM

INCOMPLETE WORK ON MATTHEW: The truth frequently confounds every evil intention but without the intention being thereby reformed. This is especially true of those who intentionally sin by malice rather than out of ignorance. For example, the priests of the old covenant were unable to intimidate the Lord when they asked him, “By what authority do you do these things?” [1] And after the force of his parables further frustrated them, they passed judgment on themselves by saying, “He will utterly destroy those wretches.” [2] Since no one bore witness against them, it had to have been their conscience alone which caused them to say this. Yet certainly the fear of sin didn’t prick their conscience. Nor did the thought of freedom from sin restrain them. What was it, then? “They went out and planned how to catch him in his words.” If anyone attempts to shut off a stream of running water by erecting some sort of blockade, the water will burst through and create a new path in another direction. Similarly the priests’ frustrated evil intentions discovered other avenues for themselves. HOMILY 42. [3]

[1] Mt 21:23.

[2] Mt 21:41.

[3] PG 56:866.

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