Memorial of Pope Saint Pius V
John 13:16-20
Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.
I am not speaking of you all; I know whom I have chosen; it is that the scripture may be fulfilled, ‘He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.’
I tell you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am he. Truly, truly, I say to you, he who receives any one whom I send receives me; and he who receives me receives him who sent me.”
What do the Fathers say?
The Venerable BEDE. To know what is good, and not to do it, does not lead to happiness, but to condemnation; as James says, Whoever knows what is right to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin. And He adds, If you know these things, happy are you if you do them.
St John CHRYSOSTOM. Then, that He might not sadden them all, He adds, But it is so that the scripture may be fulfilled, ‘He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.’ showing that He knew who the traitor was, an intimation that would surely have checked him, if any thing would. He does not say, shall betray Me, but, shall lift up his heel against Me, alluding to his deceit and secret plotting.
He who ate My bread ; i. e. he who was fed by Me, who partook of My table. So that if we ever be injured by our servants or inferiors, we need not be offended. Judas had received infinite benefits, and yet thus requited his Benefactor.