Commentary on Saint John the Apostle and Evangelist, Homilies 48–88

Homily 61 (John 10.22-42)

HOMILIES 151 profitless pursuits, in order that we may both do benefit to them and prepare joy for ourselves. Moreover, by bringing it about that God is glorified, we may thus obtain everlasting blessings by the grace and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ. Through Him and with Him glory be to the Father, together with the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen. Homily 61 (John 10.22-42) 'Now there took place at Jerusalem the feast of the Dedication , and it was winter. And Jesus was walking in the temple in Solomon's porch. The Jews therefore gathered round him, and said to him, "How long dost thou keep us in suspense?" '1 All virtue is good, but especially that of meekness or gentleness . It proves that we are men; it distinguishes us from wild beasts; it makes us fit to dwell in the company of the angels. That is why Christ repeatedly spoke at some length about this virtue and bade us to be meek and gentle.2 Moreover, not only did He speak of it, but He also instructed us by His example. At one time He was struck and bore it patiently. At another, He was insulted and plotted against. Yet again, He went forth into the midst of those who were plotting against Him. For it was those who had called Him a demoniac, and a Samaritan, and who had often desired to kill Him, and had stoned Him, who now 'gathered round Him and asked, "Art thou the Christ?" , Nevertheless, He did not put them off-despite the amount and extent of their treachery-but replied to them with great meekness. However, we must review the entire context from the beginning. 'There took place at Jerusalem,' the Evangelist 1 John 10.22-24. 2 Cf. Matt. 11.29. 152 SAINT JOHN CHRYSOSTOM records, 'the feast of the Dedication; and it was winter.' This feast was a great and solemn one. For they commemorated with great fervor the day on which the construction of the Temple was completed, after they had returned from their long captivity in Persia.3 On this day Christ also was in the Temple. For, since His Passion was near at hand, He was at last frequently visiting Judea. 'The Jews therefore gathered round him and said to him, "How long dost thou keep us in suspense? If thou art the Christ, tell us openly.'" Now, He did not reply: 'Why are you coming to Me for information? You have often called Me a demoniac and a madman and' a Samaritan; and you have considered Me an enemy of God and a deceiver. Besides, you just now said: "Thou bearest witness to thyself. Thy witness is not true."4 How is it, then, that you are asking Me questions and wish to get information from Me whose testimony you despise?' On the contrary, He said nothing of this, though He knew that the intention they had in asking was an evil one. The fact that they 'gathered round him and said to him, "How long dost thou keep us in suspense," seemed to indicate that they had a desire to learn, but actually the intention which they had in asking was corrupt and insincere. Indeed, since His deeds did not allow of slander or contumely, but they were forced to rely on His words, they were repeatedly addressing questions to Him, asking them with a meaning different from the literal sense of their words, in the desire to confound Him by His own words. Because they were unable to make any accusation against Him, based on His deeds, they were in hopes of finding some pretext from what He said. . 3 The Benedictine editor comments that St. John Chrysostom often calls Babylonia and Assyria ·Persia.' The Feast of the Dedication was celebrated in mid·December and lasted eight days. The event COmmemorated is recorded in 1 Mach. 4.36-59. 4 John 8.13. HOMILIES 153 That is why they urged: 'Tell us,' even though He had often told them. I say this for He said to the Samaritan woman: 'I who speak with thee am he,' and to the blind man He said: 'Thou hast both seen him and he it is who speaks with thee.'5 Furthermore, He had also said this to these others, even if not so explicitly, yet in other words. Still, if they...