Fathers

Loading…

What the Fathers say

Matthew 9:23

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

Noble tokens, surely, these, of the rulers of synagogues; in the moment of her death pipes and cymbals raising a dirge! What then doth Christ? All the rest He cast out, but the parents He brought in; to leave no room for saying that He healed her in any other way.

Homily on the Gospel of Matthew 31 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

"And when Jesus came into the ruler's house, and saw the flute players and the people making a noise, He said unto them, Give place: for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed Him to scorn." Since she was unmarried, they were mourning her with flutes used at weddings, which was contrary to the law. Jesus said that she was sleeping, because He was able to resurrect her easily, and so to Him, death was sleep. …

Commentary on Matthew ↗

Western Saints

Ambrose of Milan

For by the ancient custom minstrels were engaged to make lamentation for the dead.

Catena Aurea by Aquinas ↗

Jerome

And when Jesus came into the ruler's house, and saw the minstrels and the people making a noise, He said, Give place: for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn. But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose. And the fame hereof went abroad into all that land.

Commentary on Matthew ↗

Hilary of Poitiers

Mystically; The Lord enters the ruler's house, that is, the synagogue, throughout which there resounded in the songs of the Law a strain of wailing.

Catena Aurea by Aquinas ↗