ACC ~ Matthew 23 v15

THE CORRUPTION OF THE LAITY

CHRYSOSTOM: The scribes and Pharisees have laid endless toil upon others. This should draw them toward being more empathic with others’ burdens. But the things that we acquire easily we care less about. So even their unfair advantages do not render them more gentle. Here he lays to the charge of the priests two things. First, that they have been unprofitable for the salvation of many. They have forgotten that they need much toil in order to win over even one. And second, that they were remiss in the preservation of those whom they had won. Not only were they careless but traitors. We see this from the wickedness of their lives, corruption and making others worse. When a disciple sees his teacher to be corrupt, he becomes even more so. He does not stop at his teacher’s corruption. THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 73.1. [1]

[1] PG 58:673; NPNF 1 10:440.

YOU TRAVERSE SEA AND LAND

JEROME: The scribes and the Pharisees were reviewing the whole world on account of the business and diverse profits taken by their disciples. These profits were taken under the pretense of sanctity. COMMENTARY ON MATTHEW 4.23.15. [1]

[1] CCL 77:214.

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