ACC ~ Matthew 5 v44

CHRIST DOES NOT COMMAND IMPOSSIBILITIES

THEODORE OF HERACLEA: The law of the Lord transcends both the law of nature and the law revealed to Moses. For the things that are impossible with humans are possible with God. [1] But Christ does not legislate impossibilities, as Stephen showed at the time of his passion, when he bent his knees and prayed for those who were stoning him. [2] Similarly Paul, who had suffered so many things at the hands of the Jews, also prays for them. [3] Therefore the infrequency of these things shows that they are not impossible. For most people, though, they are difficult to accomplish owing to their unwillingness to strive to reach the summit of virtue. FRAGMENT 40. [4]

[1] Lk 18:27.

[2] Acts 7:60.

[3] 1 Cor 4:12.

[4] MKGK 68.

PRAY FOR THOSE WHO PERSECUTE YOU

CHRYSOSTOM: For neither did Christ simply command to love but to pray. Do you see how many steps he has ascended and how he has set us on the very summit of virtue? Mark it, numbering from the beginning. A first step is not to begin with injustice. A second, after one has begun, is not to vindicate oneself by retaliating in kind. A third, to refuse to respond in kind to the one who is injuring us but to remain tranquil. A fourth, even to offer up one’s self to suffer wrongfully. A fifth, to give up even more than the wrongdoer wishes to take. A sixth, to refuse to hate one who has wronged us. A seventh, even to love such a one. An eighth, even to do good to that one. A ninth, to entreat God himself on our enemy’s behalf. Do you perceive how elevated is a Christian disposition? Hence its reward is also glorious. THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 18.4. [1]

[1] PG 57:269; NPNF 1 10:126**.