ACC ~ Matthew 9 v16

DO NOT TEAR THE GARMENT BY PREMATURE PATCHING

CHRYSOSTOM: Once again Jesus constructs his argument with illustrations from common life. And what he says is something like this: “The disciples have not yet become strong. They still need a lot of help at a level they can understand. They have not yet been regenerated by the Spirit. At this time there is no need to dump on them a load of commandments while they are still in this learning period.” He therefore proceeded gradually to set maxims and precepts for his disciples within the times of their step-by-step maturing, as they were better prepared to receive them. This was to teach them later to deal very gently with others, when the time would come that they would be taking this message to the whole world and receiving as disciples all sorts of persons. THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 30.4. [1]

[1] PG 57:367; NPNF 1 10:202*. In this text Jesus provided his disciples with an illustration of the need to accommodate themselves to the limited abilities of new disciples.

THE BEGINNING OF A NEW WEAVE

PETER CHRYSOLOGUS: He says that the fabric of the old law was worn away by Judaic zealousness, corrupted by the senses, split apart by factions and worn out by impure actions. The shrunk cloth of the gospel he calls a garment. But make note of the cloth, not simply the tear but the beginning of the weave. First of all, the fabric of Christ’s royal garment was woven out of wool that came from a lamb: “The Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.” [1] The royal vestment was a woven vestment, which the blood of his passion tinged with purple splendor. SERMONS 31.4. [2]

[1] Jn 1:29.

[2] CCL 24:180.