vER. 45—47. ST. LUKE. 671 And lovegreetingsinthemarkets.THEOPHYL. Which isthe wayofthosewho courtand hunt aftera good reputation,or theydo itforthesakeofcollectingmoney. Itfollows,And thechiefseatsin synagogues.BEDE. He doesnotforbidthosetositfirstin the synagogue,or at the feast,to whom thisdignitybelongsby right,but He tells themtobewareof thosewho lovethisunduly; denouncing notthedistinction,but theloveofit.Though theotheralso wouldnotbe freefrom blame,when thesame men who wish totakepartinthedisputesin themarket,desirealsoto be calledmastersin the synagogue. For two reasonswe are bidtobewareofthosewho seekaftervain-glory,eitherlest webeledaway by theirpreteuces,supposingthosethingsto begoodwhichtheydo,orbe inflamedwithjealousy,desiring invaintobe praisedforthe good deedswhich theypretend to.But theyseeknotonlyforpraisefrommen, but money; foritfollows,Who devourwidows'houses,and for a shew makelongprayers. For pretendingto be righteousand of greatmeritbeforeGod,theydo notfailtoreceivelargesums ofmoney from the sickand thosewhose consciencesare disturbedwiththeirsins,asthoughtheywould be theirpro tectorsin thejudgment. CHKYS. Thrustingthemselvesalso intothepossessionsofwidows,theygrinddown theirpoverty, iiotcontenttoeatas itmay be affordedthem,but greedily devouring; usingprayeralsoto an evilend,they thusex posethemselvesto a heaviercondemnation;as itfollows, Theseshallreceivethegreaterdamnation.THEOPHYL. Be causetheynot onlydo what isevil,but make a pretenceof prayer,so making virtuean excusefortheirsin. They also impoverishwidows whom theywere bound to pity,by their presencedrivingthem togreatexpenses.BEDE. Or because theyseekfrom men praiseand money, they are punished withthegreaterdamnation.