“NOR does the kingdom of heaven belong to sleepers and sluggards, ‘but the violent who take it by force’ (Mt. 11:12). Therefore on hearing those words, the blessed Peter, the chosen, the pre-eminent, the first of the disciples, for whom alone and Himself the Saviour paid tribute, quickly seized and comprehended the saying. And what does he say? ‘Lo, we have left all and followed Thee’ (Mt. 19:27; Mk. 10:28).”
~St. Clement of Alexandria: Who is the Rich Man That Shall Be Saved?, Ch. 21.
Landscape with Christ and His Disciples, by Francisque Millet
(1642 - 1679). Oil on canvas; The Hermitage, St. Petersburg.
