Fathers

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What the Fathers say

John 11:22

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

Nor did she know that He wrought His miracles by His own independent power: But I know that even now, whatsoever Thou will ask of God, God will give it Thee. She only thinks Him some very gifted man.

Catena Aurea by Aquinas ↗

Cyril of Alexandria

And the words: Whatsoever Thou shalt ask of God He will give Thee, are the words of one who is almost afraid to ask plainly what she wishes; nevertheless she stumbles concerning the truth in that she speaks not as to God, but as to one of the saints; His being seen in the flesh causing her to think that whatsoever He should ask as a saint, He would receive from God; not indeed knowing that, being in His Nature God and the Power of the Father, He possesses irresistible might over all things. …

Commentary on the Gospel of John, Book 7 (Fragments) ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

And further she reveals an even greater weakness of faith. For she says: "Whatever You ask of God, God will give You." Do you see, she considers Him to be some virtuous man who is pleasing to God. For she did not say "whatever You will, You shall do," but "whatever You ask, He will give You."

Commentary on John ↗

Western Saints

Augustine of Hippo

She does not say to Him, Bring my brother to life again; for how could she know that it would be good for him to come to life again; she says, I know that Thou canst do so, if Thou wilt; but what Thou wilt do is for Thy judgment, not for my presumption to determine.

Catena Aurea by Aquinas ↗

Thomas Aquinas

She looks to the future when she adds, and even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you. In saying this she spoke the partial truth - for it belonged to Christ as having a human nature to petition God; thus we read that he often prayed, and above it is said, "If any one is a worshipper of God and does his will, God listens to him" (9:31). …

Commentary on John ↗

Bonaventure

But even now I know, that is, I hold with firm faith, that whatever you shall ask of God, God will give you. Augustine: "I know that you can; if you will, you do it; but whether you do it is a matter of your judgment, not of my presumption." She did not dare to ask so great a thing, lest she suffer a refusal; but by expressing her faith she intimated her desire. Not only does God give what Christ asks, but also what is asked in his name; below in chapter 16: "If you shall ask the Father anything in my name, he will give it to you."

Commentary on John, Chapter 11 ↗