ACC ~ Matthew 24 v20

NOT IN WINTER

CHRYSOSTOM: Recall that this discourse is addressed to the Jews. He is speaking here of the ills that should overtake them. He is not speaking primarily to the apostles, who did not keep the Jewish sabbath day. [1] They were nowhere around when Vespasian did these things. [2] Indeed, most of the apostles would soon be dead or in other distant parts of the world.

It is to the Jews that he says “Pray that your flight may not be in winter or on a sabbath.” Pray that it not be in winter, because of the difficulty of the season. Pray that it not be on the sabbath day, because of the absolute authority exercised by the law. For they had need of flight, and of the swiftest flight. The Jews would not dare to flee on the sabbath day, because of the law. THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 76.1. [3]

[1] They celebrated the resurrection on the first day of the week.

[2] Vespasian was the Roman emperor A.D. 69-79 and was known for his role in putting down the Jewish rebellion (66-70).

[3] PG 58:695; NPNF 1 10:457.

A WINTER OF EVILS

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: Perhaps this saying contains a puzzle. It admonishes us to pray that our departure from this body would not happen in the time of rest from good works, which the sabbath signifies, nor in the time of unfruitfullness, which is winter. It is notable, however, that God did not create the winter of misfortunes. Winter means the time that we are possessed by the fleshly passions. [1] FRAGMENT 269. [2]

[1] In the Mediterranean world severe winds rule and toss the sea during winter.

[2] MKGK 244.