ACC ~ Matthew 5 v14

ILLUMINED BY CHRIST

CHROMATIUS: The Lord has already called his disciples the “salt of the earth” because they seasoned with divine wisdom the hearts of the human race which had been made tasteless by the devil. Now he also calls them the “light of the world.” For, illumined by his very own self who is the true and eternal light, they too become light within the darkness. For since he himself is the sun of righteousness, he rightly also calls his disciples “light of the world.” Through them, as if through shining rays, he poured the light of his knowledge on the entire world. For by showing the light of truth, the Lord’s disciples made the darkness of error flee from people’s hearts. TRACTATE ON MATTHEW 19.1.1-2. [1]

[1] CCL 9a:285.

FIRST SALT, THEN LIGHT

CHRYSOSTOM: You are the light of the world—not of a single nation nor of twenty cities but of the entire inhabited earth. You are like a light for the mind, far better than any particular sunbeam. Similarly, you are spiritual salt. First you are salt. Then you are light. The metaphors of salt and light drive home the great benefit of these stinging words and the profit of this rigorous discipline, how it binds and does not permit us to become dissolute in our behavior. THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 15.7. [1]

[1] PG 57:232; NPNF 1 10:97-98.

CHRIST UNITES US IN ONE COMMONWEALTH

HILARY: He calls the flesh he has assumed a city. For as a city consists in a variety and multitude of inhabitants, so by virtue of his assumed body he contains in himself a certain union of the entire human race. Thus he becomes a city by our union in him, and we through union with his flesh are the community of the city. Therefore he cannot be hidden. Situated on God’s lofty height, he is held up to all in admiration of his good works as deserving of contemplation and understanding.

But a lamp is not to be lit and hidden under a bushel. For what benefit is derived from keeping light enclosed? Thus the lamp of Christ must not be hidden under a bushel. … Hung on the wood of the cross, it sheds everlasting light on all those who dwell in the church. ON MATTHEW 4.12-13. [1]

[1] SC 254:130; cf. SC 254:126-28.

DO NOT FENCE IN GOODNESS

CHRYSOSTOM: The person characterized by humility, gentleness, mercy and righteousness does not build a fence around good deeds. Rather, that one ensures that these good fountains overflow for the benefit of others. One who is pure in heart and a peacemaker, even when persecuted for the sake of truth, orders his way of life for the common good. THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 15.7. [1]

[1] PG 57:231; NPNF 1 10:97**.

THE HOLY CITY

ANONYMOUS: What is this city? It is the church of the holy people, of which the prophet says, “Glorious things of you are spoken, city of our King.” [1] Moreover, all the faithful are its citizens, of whom the apostle says, “You are fellow citizens with the saints and are part of God’s household.” [2] INCOMPLETE WORK ON MATTHEW, HOMILY 10. [3]

[1] Ps 87:3 (86:3 LXX).

[2] Eph 2:19.

[3] PG 56:686.