ACC ~ Matthew 3 v6

CLEANSING BY REPENTANCE

CHROMATIUS: Therefore John exhorted those coming to him. He preached that the sins they had committed by transgressing the precepts of divine law could be cleansed by repentance. Thus by satisfying God with worthy repentance they might receive forgiveness from him who said through the prophet: “I have no pleasure in the death of anyone … so turn and live.” [1] And again: “Turn to me, says the Lord of Hosts, and I will turn to you.” [2] And again: “I am the Lord who does not remember wickedness, provided one turn from his evil ways and all his iniquities so that he may live.” [3] TRACTATE ON MATTHEW 10.1. [4]

[1] Ezek 18:32.

[2] Cf. Is 45:22; Jer 15:19.

[3] Ez 18:21-22

[4] CCL 9a:235.

CONFESSING THEIR SINS

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: The baptism of John did not provide forgiveness of sins, but it taught people to run to the baptism [1] that is for the sake of sins. FRAGMENT 18. [2]

[1] This second baptism is the Christian baptism, of which John’s baptism was merely a symbolic prefigurement.

[2] MKGK 159.

CONFESSION AND SHAME

ANONYMOUS: Confession of sins is the testimony of a conscience that fears God. Whoever fears God’s judgment will not be ashamed to confess his sins, for he who is ashamed has no fear. Indeed, perfect fear of God releases one from all feeling of shame. One’s confession is morally valueless when one does not believe in the punishment of future judgment. For do we not know that the confession of sins involves shame and that this very shamefulness is itself a severe punishment? But all the more does God order us to confess our sins so we may experience shame by way of punishment. For this very thing is a part of judgment. O mercy of God, which we have so often incited to wrath! Sufficient for it is the punishment that accompanies our shame. INCOMPLETE WORK ON MATTHEW, HOMILY 3. [1]

[1] PG 56:650.