ACC ~ Matthew 8 v18

TRAINING IN SELF-CONSTRAINT

CHRYSOSTOM: Note once again his freedom from superficialities. He charged the devils not to disclose his identity. [1] He commanded the multitudes to depart. In doing so, he was training all his followers in self-constraint and teaching them to do nothing for display. At the same time he was silencing the envy of his detractors. He thereby showed that he was not a healer of bodies only but also of souls, and a teacher of forbearance. He demonstrated this by first healing their diseases and then by teaching them not to do anything merely for vanity’s sake. The crowds meanwhile were clinging to him, loving him, marveling at him, desiring to be with him. For who would want to depart from one who performed such miracles? Who would not long to linger there, even if it were only to glimpse his face and the mouth that was saying such things? THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 27.2. [2]

[1] As in Mk 1:34; Lk 4:41.

[2] PG 57:345-46; NPNF 1 10:185-86**.

CROSSING OVER TO DEEPER LIFE IN THE SPIRIT

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: But it is only to the disciples that Jesus “gave orders to cross over to the other side,” lest, from the crowds pressing about him, his disciples should be prevented from hearing those very teachings that were most appropriate for them. To the disciples he revealed God’s future mysteries more deeply than in the things that were spoken to the crowds only “in parables.” Only the disciples had left behind all present goods and followed him through love of learning. He commands them to cross over from temporary things to eternal things, from the earthly to the heavenly, from the carnal to the spiritual. FRAGMENT 97. [1]

[1] MKGK 183.

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