ACC ~ Matthew 23 v3
NOT WHAT THEY DO
JEROME: He is tempted by the Pharisees and surrounded by their lies. According to the psalmist, “The arrows of children are their snares.” [1] Nevertheless, on account of the dignity of the priests and their reputation, he encourages the people to obey them, considering not their works but their teaching. What he says is this: “The scribes and Pharisees sit upon the throne of Moses,” showing this as a throne of teaching about the law. And we ought to accept this because of what is said in the psalms: “He does not sit in the seat of scoffers” [2] and “He overturned the seats of those who sold pigeons.” [3] COMMENTARY ON MATTHEW 4.23.3. [4]
[1] Jerome is referring to Ps 63:8 in the Vulgate. This is not reflected in any of the English translations (Ps 64:7) but does reflect the Septuagint (Ps 63:8).
[2] Ps 1:1.
[3] Mt 21:12.
[4] CCL 77:210.
HONOR GOOD PRIESTS AND BAD
INCOMPLETE WORK ON MATTHEW: If they speak well, it is to their credit. If they teach well, it is to yours. [1] Accept therefore what is yours and do not discuss what is another’s. For just as the priests teach the unfaithful on account of the faithful, judging better to encourage the evil on account of the good rather than to neglect the good on account of the evil, so also therefore you must honor good priests and bad, lest you condemn the good on account of the bad. For it is better to preserve the just with the evil than to subvert the just for the good. For frequently you will treat the bad man with good faith. Remember that wretched land may produce precious gold. Is the gold despised on account of the wretched land? No! But just as gold is taken and the earth is left behind, so also you must accept their teaching and leave behind their customs. HOMILY 43. [2]
[1] To justify the reverence due to a priest who is morally undeserving, the author observes that the role of the priest is to teach. Hence the faithful must pay heed even if his behavior is reprehensible because for this he is responsible as a man—not as a priest.
[2] PG 56:876-77.
THEY PREACH BUT DO NOT PRACTICE
INCOMPLETE WORK ON MATTHEW: What does he say then to the people? “Whatever you have been told to do, obey and do; just do not imitate their deeds.” For you are sitting in the church not only as listeners but also as judges of the priests. You may be learning strange things that would be considered inappropriate. You are judging the priests in comparison with yourselves. You should listen to everything they say, but do not do everything which you hear. Yes, all priests teach, but they do not all practice what they teach. For among men there is a ranking that is quite diverse. But in nature everything is equal. For from the beginning men were created in this same way. Only afterwards are they ranked for your sake. Therefore, on account of this, their nature belongs to them in and of itself, but their ranking is for your benefit. HOMILY 43. [1]
[1] PG 56:876.
Mt