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Translation
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What the Fathers say
Eastern Fathers
John Chrysostom
"I will therefore," he says, (since they themselves wish it,) "that the younger widows marry, bear children, guide the house." This course is at least preferable to the other. They ought indeed to be concerned for the things of God, they ought to preserve their faith. But since they do not this, it is better to avoid a worse course. God is not dishonored by their marrying again, and they do not fall into those practices, which have been censured. From such a widowhood, no good could arise, but good may come out of this marriage. …
Theophylact of Ohrid
Especially, he says, I desired that they not break their vows. Since they themselves desire marriage, I too, condescending to them, want this. For it is better for them to "manage the house," that is, to have care for their own household and bear the labors and concerns of it, than to go about from house to house, chattering and spending time in idleness. Having said "bear children," the apostle showed that one should enter into marriage for the sake of childbearing, so as to bring many to God.
Oecumenius
Therefore, I wish the younger women to marry, bear children, manage the household, and give no opportunity to the adversary to have a cause for slander. For already some have turned aside after Satan. The good aspect was that, once the widows were instructed, they should not abandon Christ nor reject their initial faith. But since they do this, let them marry, and let them not pledge themselves to Christ, and so let them marry. The former is blameless, the latter is unholy. …
Western Saints
Thomas Aquinas
Then when he says, I will, therefore, that the younger should marry, he shows what they should apply themselves to, namely, that they marry: first, he gives his teaching; second, the reason, at for some. He says, therefore: I will, therefore, that the younger, namely, widows, should marry. But this seems to be contrary to what he says in 1 Corinthians: but I say to the widows: it is good for them, if they so continue (1 Cor 7:8). Therefore, he should have said, I will that they continue in their state. …
Bonaventure
To that which is objected from the word of the Apostle: I will that the younger women marry, etc.: it must be said that neither is this a precept, but it is permissive, just as the preceding one; and therefore it does not follow that to vow continence is reprehensible. …
Translation