Loading…
VRSZ
This sets the art on your cards and whose commentary you read on each verse. You can change it later in settings.
Translation
Loading…
What the Fathers say
Eastern Fathers
John Chrysostom
For indeed if virtue be absent, it is no advantage to be an angel by nature; and the Devil is a proof of this, who was an angel once: but if virtue be present, it is no loss to be a man by nature; and John is a proof of this, who was a man, and Elias who went up into heaven, and all those who are about to depart thither. For these indeed, though with bodies, were not prevented from dwelling in heaven: while those others, though without bodies, could not remain in heaven. …
Theophylact of Ohrid
Upon those who are accustomed to sleeping spiritually (which means being absorbed in vanity) and thereby burden the sobriety of the soul, the cunning beast of despair attacks. Warning against this, the disciple of Christ urges us to always be vigilant and to beware of the sower of tares, so that while we sleep, that is, lead a careless and lazy life, he does not secretly sow wicked thoughts and draw us away from the true life. For he, says the apostle, constantly goes about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. …
Oecumenius
"Be sober-minded; be watchful." On those who are spiritually asleep (this, however, is to aspire to vain things) and from this, the watchfulness of souls is weighed down, the evil and most savage beast of despair is accustomed to leap upon them. Therefore, Christ's disciple, strengthening us (Matt. 13:24), exhorts us to always be vigilant and to watch over him who sows tares, lest in any way, while we are asleep, or living carelessly and sluggishly, he secretly sows wicked thoughts and drives us away from true life. …
Western Saints
Augustine of Hippo
Who could avoid encountering the teeth of this lion, if the lion from the tribe of Judah had not conquered?
Bede
Be sober and vigilant, etc. In the exposition of this sentence, let us place not our own words, but those of the blessed Cyprian. "He (says he) circles around us individually, and like an enemy besieging enclosed walls, he inspects and tests to see if there is any part of the members that is less stable and less dependable, through which entry to the interior may be gained. He offers alluring forms and easy pleasures to the eyes so that through sight he may destroy chastity. …
Bonaventure
The soul is disposed to the gift of fortitude through the unconquerable shield of faith. The devil draws man to the concupiscence of the flesh, to the concupiscence of the eyes, and to the pride of life. What is the means of resisting these? Through truth. "His truth shall encompass you with a shield," namely through faith dwelling within. …
Translation