ACC ~ Matthew 7 v13 - 14

THE YOKE IS EASY

AUGUSTINE: He says this not because the Lord’s yoke is rough or his burden heavy but because there are a few who wish their labors to end. They do not put their full trust in the Lord when he cries, “Come to me, all you who labor, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart. … For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” [1] Hence the humble and the meek of heart are named at the very beginning of this sermon. But because there are many who spurn this smooth yoke and this light burden, it comes to pass that the way that leads to life is demanding and the entry gate is narrow. SERMON ON THE MOUNT 2.23.77. [2]

[1] Mt 11:28-30.

[2] PL 34:1304-5; FC 11:187-88*. It is not because the Lord’s yoke, his command itself, is heavy but because so few are willing to put their trust in the Lord in meekness that the way seems so narrow.

THE ROAD THAT LEADS TO LIFE

CHRYSOSTOM: Remember that later Jesus would say, “My yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” [1] And here he implies the same thing. [2] Does it not seem inconsistent then to say here that the good road is narrow and constricted? Pay attention. He has made it clear the burden [3] is very light, easy and agreeable. “But how,” one may say, “is the narrow and constricted road easy?” Because it is both a gate and a road. The other road is, of course, both a gate and a road, but on that way there is nothing that is enduring. All things on that way are temporary, both things pleasant and painful. [4] THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 23.5. [5]

[1] Mt 11:30.

[2] For he has just said that you already clearly know the requirement of God, to do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

[3] As enabled by grace.

[4] Whether it is easy or hard, wide or narrow, long or short, temporally viewed, the faithful are still being given a pathway and a gate leading to eternal life.

[5] PG 57:314; NPNF 1 10:162.

AN ETERNAL CROWN

CHRYSOSTOM: It is not only on the way that the things of excellence become easy. In the end they become even more agreeable. For it is not just the passing away of toil and sweating but also the anticipated arrival at a pleasant destination that is sufficient to encourage the traveler. For this road ends in life! The result is that both the temporary nature of the toils and the eternal nature of the victor’s crowns, combined with the fact that these toils come first and the victor’s crowns come afterward, become a hearty encouragement. THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 23.5. [1]

[1] PG 57:314; NPNF 1 10:162. The shortness of the temporal road and the greatness of the eternal gate make the road easy, even if for a short time narrow and hard.