Jeremias 11
John Chrysostom · Comentário Patrístico (catena)
Jeremias 11:5
Not only did God send Jeremiah into Egypt, but also Ezekiel into Babylon. They did not refuse to go. When they found their Master loved the people exceedingly, they continued themselves to do so as well. It is as if a right-minded servant were to take compassion on an intractable son when he saw the father grieving and lamenting about him. What was there that they did not suffer for them? They were sawn asunder, they were driven out, they were reproached, they were stoned, and they underwent numberless grievances. After all of this, they would run back to them.… For the people of the Jews, Jeremiah has composed Lamentations in writing. And when the general of the Persians had given him liberty to dwell securely and with perfect freedom, wherever he pleased, he preferred the affliction of the people and their hard endurance in a strange land above living at home. — HOMILIES ON ROMANS 14
Jeremias 11:14
They ask for a mercy it is impossible for them to receive since they have sins for which they have not repented. They cannot receive this mercy—not if they ask for it themselves, or even if the request is made by others who are stronger in their relationship with God. When Jeremiah was praying for the Jews, the Lord in fact said, "Do not pray for this people, because I will not hear you." — HOMILIES ON THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW 60:2
Jeremias 11:14
"Why do not Christians obtain all things in prayer?" Because they fail for many causes. They often ask things inexpedient. Why are you surprised, if this is the case with some, when even Paul heard: "My grace is sufficient for you, because my strength is perfected in weakness" … What if they pray against people who have hurt them, seeking for compensation and vengeance? This kind of thing is forbidden, for, "pray," he said, "for your enemies." … To Jeremiah he also said, "Do not pray for this people, for I will not hear you," not wishing to stop Jeremiah from praying (for he earnestly longs for our salvation) but to terrify them. Thus the prophet, seeing this, did not cease praying. — HOMILIES ON THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW 60:2