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Translation
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What the Fathers say
Eastern Fathers
John Chrysostom
Observe how again he speaks of those as "widows indeed," who are left destitute, and have no resource from any other quarter. It was better to have it so. For thus two great objects were attained. Those had an opportunity of doing good, whilst these were honorably maintained, and the Church not burdened. And he has well said, "If any believer." For it is not fit that believing women should be maintained by unbelievers, lest they should seem to stand in need of them. …
Theophylact of Ohrid
For the widows of the faithful ought not to receive sustenance from the unfaithful, lest it seem that they have need of them. By the expression "must provide for them," the apostle indicated a sufficient satisfaction of need, and not luxury. Thus, the faithful who support their own widows also help the church's widows at the same time, precisely in that the Church is not burdened and as a result can better provide for those whom it supports, namely the true widows, that is, those who are completely defenseless and alone.
Oecumenius
If a faithful man or woman has widows, let them be supported, and let the Church not be burdened, so that it may provide adequately for the truly widows. If a faithful man. He repeated: If a faithful man or woman has widows. For if they were unfaithful, it would not be necessary for them to be supported by them, lest the faithful appear to be in need of the unfaithful. Moreover, the laws also concern those who obey them, not those who are not subject to them. let him provide for them. Let the matter be done lightly. …
Western Saints
Augustine of Hippo
"Now no one of those at the table knew for what intent He spake this unto him. For some of them thought, because Judas had the money-bag, that Jesus said unto him, Buy those things which we have need of against the feast; or, that he should give something to the poor." The Lord, therefore, had also a money-box, where He kept the offerings of believers, and distributed to the necessities of His own, and to others who were in need. …
Ambrose of Milan
But if it is praiseworthy to have one's soul free from this failing of greed, how much more glorious is it to gain the love of the people by liberality. This should be neither too freely shown to those who are unsuitable, nor too sparingly bestowed upon the needy.… There is also another kind of liberality which the apostle teaches, "If any believing woman has relatives who are widows, let her assist them. Let the church not be burdened so that it may assist those who are real widows." Useful, then, is liberality of this sort.
Thomas Aquinas
Then when he says, if any of the faithful, he shows that the widows should be supported by private persons: first, he sets forth the doctrine; second, the reason, at do not let the Church be charged. He says, therefore, that one who is truly a widow should put her trust in God; but if she has brothers or sisters or parents, let her be supported by them. That is why he says, if any of the faithful have widows, let him minister to them, because this is a work of mercy; and this should be done lest the Church be charged. …
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