ACC ~ Matthew 26 v37

HE TOOK THREE WITH HIM

CHRYSOSTOM: His disciples were clinging to him inseparably. So he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.” [1] For it was usual with him to pray apart from them. He did this to teach us how to pray, how to use silence and solitude to pray for great matters. And taking with him the three, he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” [2] Why does he not take all of them with him? That they might not be more sorrowful. He took only those who had been spectators of his glory. [3] THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 83.1. [4]

[1] Mt 26:36.

[2] Mt 26:38.

[3] In the transfiguration.

[4] PG 58:745; NPNF 1 10:497.

HE BEGAN TO BE SORROWFUL

HILARY OF POITIERS: When we read that the Lord was sad, we must examine everything that was said to find out why he was sad. He previously warned that they would all fall away. Brimming with confidence, Peter responded that even though all the others might be alarmed, he would not be moved [1] —he who the Lord predicted would deny knowing him three times. [2] In fact, Peter and all the other disciples promised that even in the face of death they would not deny him. [3] He then proceeded on and ordered his disciples to sit down while he prayed. [4] Having brought with him Peter, James and John, he began to grieve. Before he brought them along with him, he did not feel sad. It was only after they had accompanied him that he grew exceedingly sad. His sadness thus arose not from himself but from those whom he had taken with him. It must be realized that the Son of man brought with him none but those whom he showed that he would come into his kingdom at that time when, in the presence of Moses and Elijah on the mountain, he was surrounded by all the splendor of his eternal glory. But the reason for bringing them with him both then and now was the same. ON MATTHEW 31.4. [5]

[1] Mt 26:33.

[2] Mt 26:34.

[3] Mt 26:35.

[4] Mt 26:36.

[5] SC 258:230.

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