ACC ~ Matthew 23 v37

O JERUSALEM, JERUSALEM

CHRYSOSTOM: Then he directs his speech at the city, yet with the intention of correcting his hearers. He says, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem!” Why the repetition? This is the speech of one who at the same time pities, bemoans and greatly loves this city. The emotive quality is like a woman who is much beloved and forever loved, yet who had despised the one who loved her. Now on the point of her punishment, just as the punishment is about to be inflicted, he pleads for her. The prophets also had similar words when they said, “Turn to me, and she did not return.” [1]

Then having called her, he tells also her bloodstained deeds, she who has been “killing the prophets and stoning those who are sent to you! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you would not!” In this way Jesus is also pleading his own case. But even with all this you have turned me aside. Yet I have not withdrawn my great affection toward you. It was my desire often to draw you to myself, but you would not.

Jerusalem is defeating itself by its sins. Yet what affection remains. With what warmth is his affection expressed, as a mother for her brood. Everywhere in the prophets is this same image of the wings, both in the song of Moses [2] and in the Psalms, [3] indicating his great protection and care.

“But you would not,” he says, so “behold, your house is forsaken and desolate,” stripped of the protection which comes from me.

It surely was this same one who had been protecting the city, and holding it together and preserving it, who had found it necessary to chasten his beloved. So now a punishment is appointed, one that brings exceeding dread and implies the entire overthrow of the city. THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 74.3. [4]

[1] Jer 3:7.

[2] Deut 32:11.

[3] E.g., Ps 91:4.

[4] PG 58:682; NPNF 1 10:447.

FOR WHOM WAS THE LORD GRIEVING?

INCOMPLETE WORK ON MATTHEW: The whole future is before the gaze of the Lord, for he foresaw the fall of Jerusalem and the wound which was to be inflicted upon its people by the Roman Empire. It was on account of these things that he raised his mournful lamentation, crying, “Jerusalem, Jerusalem.” He was thinking of the blood that flowed from the bodies of his saints, soon to be shed yet again. Nevertheless the Lord was not grieving over the suffering sustained by these holy ones, for he knew what kind of glory he had prepared for them after death. Instead, he was mourning the destruction of those who were to receive evil in this life and even worse in the life to come. HOMILY 46. [1]

[1] PG 56:894.

ARDENT CARE FOR HER BROOD

APOLLINARIS: He was soon to rain calamitous blows on Jerusalem because of its bloodthirsty nature. For that very reason Jesus accuses it of possessing a murderous disposition. For he says it kills the prophets and stones the ones sent to it. So often [the city] could have obtained mercy, but it does not desire it. How many times he demonstrated this, on many occasions and to many descendants, as when he brought back the people from captivity. But through their sins they continually scattered themselves. By speaking of wings and shelter Jesus teaches in a way appropriate for God and illustrates the meaning of Moses’ words through a human comparison. “He spread his wings and welcomed them.” [1] And David: “But the children of men take refuge in the shadow of your wings.” [2] For when Satan scattered them on one side into idolatry and on the other into a love for pleasure, he sent prophets to them. Then through himself he came that he might gather them together “into one.” But they could not bear to remain under his protection. “For I,” he says, “like a loving hen always held you to draw you to myself, but you had no desire for this. You scattered yourself through your constant sinning and drew away from God.” But this is a prolific hen who has many children. She ardently loves and cares for her children and willingly gives herself for them. FRAGMENT 121. [3]

[1] Deut 32:11.

[2] Ps 36:7 (35:8 LXX).

[3] MKGK 241.

Mt