ACC ~ Matthew 28 v14

IF THIS COMES TO THE GOVERNOR’S EARS

CHRYSOSTOM: They were correct in saying earlier that “the last fraud will be worse than the first.” [1] They were in effect making this declaration against themselves. After so much violent conduct they ought to have repented, but rather they strove to outdo their former lunacies, feigning absurd fictions. When he was alive, they purchased his blood. When he was dead and risen again, they again by money were striving to undermine the evidence of his resurrection. THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 90.1. [2]

[1] Mt 27:64.

[2] PG 58:788; NPNF 1 10:530.

WE WILL KEEP YOU OUT OF TROUBLE

PETER CHRYSOLOGUS: Among these misdeeds, we find the priests bribing people and, what is worse, deceiving them by pointing falsely to the misdeeds of others. Meanwhile they were putting a price on sin. They paid money to cover up their manipulations. They buy out Judas who betrayed his Lord. They compensate with money the blood of the Savior of the world. They try to shut up faith in the empty tomb by purchasing silence. With petty theft they deal in the greater crime of denying the resurrection. “They gave a sum of money to the soldiers and said, ‘Tell people, “His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.” And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.’ So they took the money and did as they were directed; and this story has been spread among the Jews to this day.” Among the Christians too. What they covered up with gold in Judea would shine brightly and intensely over the whole world. The disciples received Christ; they did not steal him. You purchased treachery, but you did not steal the truth. Christ rose from the dead. You lost money. SERMONS 76.4. [1]

[1] CCL 24a:468.