Matthew 12:7 But if you had known what this means, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, you would not have condemned the guiltless. When St. Spyridion was about eighty years old, it happened that a traveller came to visit him at one of those periods of the year when it was his custom to fast on alternate days. Seeing that the stranger was very tired, Spyridion told his daughter to wash his feet, and set meat before him. She replied, that as it was fast-time, there was neither bread nor meat ready. On which Spyridion, having prayed and asked forgiveness, desired her to cook some salt pork there chanced to be in the house. When it was prepared, he sat down at table with the stranger, partook of the meat, and told him to follow his example. But the stranger declined, saying he was a Christian, and ought not to eat meat during the great fast. Spyridion answered, "It is for that very reason you ought not to refuse to partake of the food; unto the pure all things are pure." Parallel Verses KJV: But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless. |
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