Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

CYPRIAN OF CARTHAGE:

When, therefore, weakness and inefficiency and any destruction seize us, then our strength is made perfect. Then, if our faith is put to the test, it will stand fast and receive a crown, as it is written: “The furnace tries the vessels of the potter, and the trial of tribulation tests just people.” This, in short, is the difference between us and others who do not know God, that in misfortune they complain and murmur, while adversity does not call us away from the truth of virtue and faith but strengthens us by its suffering.¹

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA:

He had previously shown us that judging others is utterly wicked and dangerous. It causes final condemnation. “Do not judge,” he said, “and you shall not be judged.” Do not condemn, and you shall not be condemned. By conclusive arguments, he persuades us to avoid the very wish of judging others. Deliver yourself first from your great crimes and your rebellious passions, and then you may set him right who is guilty of only minor offenses.²

1. ON MORTALITY 13.  Voicu, S. J. (Ed.). (2010). Apocrypha (pp. 307–308). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
2. COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 33.  Just, A. A. (Ed.). (2005). Luke (p. 112). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.