Fathers

Loading…

What the Fathers say

James 1:27

Eastern Fathers

Theophylact of Ohrid

Religion seems to imply something more than faith. The word promises knowledge of hidden things, firmness in what is contemplated by faith. For this reason the apostle used such a word in speaking of the religious person. He speaks as if to say: "You consider yourself a knower of the mysteries of the law and a precise keeper of it. How so? You think this, you who cannot bridle your tongue, who condemn your neighbor, who live arrogantly, and who show compassion to none of the poor! …

Commentary on James ↗

Western Saints

Bede

To visit orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unspotted from the world. Because he said that the doer of the work will be blessed in his act, now he says which deeds are most pleasing to God, namely mercy and innocence. For in that he commanded to visit orphans and widows in their distress, he suggests all that we must do mercifully towards our neighbors. …

Commentary on the Catholic Epistles ↗