Fathers

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What the Fathers say

Matthew 4:21

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

To these, then, such was His promise: but to James and John He saith no such thing. For the obedience of those that had gone before had by this time paved the way for these. And besides they had also heard many things before concerning Him. And see how he doth with exact care intimate unto us their poverty also: in that He found them sewing up their nets. So exceeding great was their poverty, that they were mending what was worn out, not being able to buy others. …

Homily on the Gospel of Matthew 14 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

And going on from thence, He saw two other brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a boat with Zebedee their father. It is the greatest of virtues to care for one's father in his old age, and for the father to be supported by the just labors of his sons. Mending their nets. They were poor and as they were unable to buy new nets, they were stitching together their old ones.

Commentary on Matthew ↗

Western Saints

Gregory the Dialogist

Hereby we are also silently admonished, that he who wants affection towards others, ought not to take on him the office of preaching. The precepts of charity are two, and between less than two there can be no love.

Catena Aurea by Aquinas ↗

Thomas Aquinas

Then he deals with another call: And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother. First, those called are described; secondly, their call (v. 21b); thirdly, their obedience (v. 22). The ones called are described in four ways: the number, name, piety and poverty. He says, therefore, and going on from there he saw two other brothers. …

Commentary on Matthew ↗

Glossa Ordinaria

These last disciples were an example to such as leave their property for the love of Christ; now follows an example of others who postponed earthly affection to God. Observe how He calls them two and two, as He afterwards sent them two and two to preach. (ap Anselm.) and John that he may ascribe the whole to God's grace. The calling of four only is mentioned, as those preachers by whom God will call the four quarters of the world.

Catena Aurea by Aquinas ↗