The main passage within the synoptics that agree with one another is the passage on the measure one gives (Mt 7:2, Mk 4:24, Lk 6:38). One could rightly ask what Christ means by “measure” here; measure of what? This is adeptly answered by many Church Fathers and some more modern scholars.
In his commentary on Matthew’s Gospel, St. Augustine provides us with an answer: “I think that by the word, measure, judgment itself is meant.”1 Augustine explains his thoughts further by saying “this expression has been used because the very rashness by which you punish another will inevitably punish yourself”.2 This is further clarified in the following summation, “according to the measure, by which thou judgest others, so shalt thou be judged thyself. If thou shalt show thyself kindly, then will others judge thee kindly: if thou judgest severely, then severely will others judge thee.”3 We as well read in the Catena Aurea of St. Thomas Aquinas Pseudo-Jerome’s commentary from Mark’s account, “according to the measure of his faith the understanding of mysteries is divided to every man, and the virtues of knowledge will also be added to them.”4 Here we see how Mark’s account of this part of the sermon reflects a theological notion. In the passages previous, Mark provides us with Christ’s question of where a candle is best placed and how nothing is hidden to the light, for nothing is hidden to God. While this is reflective of the omnipotence of God, the light may also represent our faith, for with faith we are lights for the world (Mt. 5:14), and so according to our faith we will obtain an understanding and knowledge of God.
Finally, within the commentary on Luke we receive a greater abundance of fruit from the Fathers. We see St. Basil say “the same measure with which each one of you metes, that is, in doing good works or sinning, will he receive reward or punishment.”5 Following St. Basil we read from Cyril of Alexandria who helps to tie in from the Apostle Paul “he (Paul) says, he who sows sparingly, shall also reap sparingly (2 Cor. 6:9.) and he who sows blessings, shall reap also blessings… For a man is accepted in that which he has, not in that which he has not.”6
As we’ve seen, context seems to play a role in what meaning we gather from this phrase and thus the interpretation. In his commentary on Matthew’s Gospel, Rev. A.J Maas points out that “..some of the clauses and expressions of the present passage occur in other gospels in a quite different context, and consequently with a different meaning. The illustration of the sameness of measure, e.g., occurs Lk. 6:38 in an exhortation to liberality.”7 Within each of these distinct yet important contexts we can gather a deeper meaning of what Christ is saying to us.
Through these interpretations we are able to grow closer to Christ as He is speaking directly to us in these texts. It is clear from these passages that the term “measure” can be applied to a broad range of topics and meanings depending on the context of the Gospel you choose. But “measure” equating to “judgement” is a definite understood meaning. Could Christ be calling us to a standard which we should live up to? In the following and final part to this series we will tackle the topic directly and come to an understanding of if we are to judge others and how we are to approach forgiveness.
1 St. Augustine, Commentary on the Sermon on the Mount, 172
2 St. Augustine, Commentary on the Sermon on the Mount, 172
3 Cornelius a Lapide, The Great Commentary – Matthew, trans. Thomas W Mossman (London: Hodges, 1887), chap. 7, at Catholics Online for the Third Millennium, https://www.ecatholic2000.com/index.php
4 St. Thomas Aquinas, Catena Aurea – Commentary on the Four Gospels Collected Out of the Works of the Fathers – Mark (London: Parker, J.G.F, and Rivington, 1841), chap 4: 21-25, at Catholics Online for the Third Millennium, https://www.ecatholic2000.com/index.php
5,6 St. Aquinas, Catena Aurea – Luke,chap. 6: 37-38
7 Maas, Commentary on Matthew, part 3
A Holy Legacy 