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What the Fathers say
Eastern Fathers
John Chrysostom
He had said, "Let them learn first to show piety at home, and to requite their parents." He had also said, "She that liveth in pleasure is dead whilst she liveth." He had said, "If she provides not for her own she is worse than an infidel." Having mentioned the qualities which not to have would render a woman unworthy to be reckoned among the widows, he now mentions what she ought to have besides. What then? are we to receive her for her years? What merit is there in that? It is not her own doing that she is threescore years old. …
Theophylact of Ohrid
Since above the apostle said that a pleasure-loving woman who does not care for her own household is unworthy to be numbered among the widows, he now teaches us what she must have. In the first place the apostle sets a definite age for her, and indicates the reason for this afterward. However, he does not approve a sixty-year-old woman simply on the basis of age alone, for even such a woman may prove to be unworthy. Then the apostle requires of her a single marriage, as a sign of her dignified honesty and love of chastity.
Oecumenius
Let a widow be counted as not less than sixty years old, the wife of one man, well attested for good works, if she has brought up children, if she has hosted strangers, if she has washed the feet of the saints, if she has comforted the afflicted, if she has devoted herself to every good work. Here, Paul also considers age along with other factors, and previously he states the reason, saying that even if the age were sixty years old, without the other conditions being met, it should not be counted. …
Western Saints
Ambrose of Milan
It is not that old age alone makes the widow. Rather the virtues of the widow may become the duties of old age. For she certainly is the more prone to virtue who represses the heat of youth and the impetuous ardor of youthful age, coveting neither the tenderness of a husband nor the abundant delights of children. She rises above one who, now worn out in body, cold in age, of ripe years, can neither grow warm with pleasures nor hope for offspring.
Thomas Aquinas
Above, he taught that widows in the Church must be provided for; here he shows which ones are to be provided for: first, he shows which ones are to be chosen; second, which ones are to be avoided, at but the younger widows. In regard to the first he does three things: first, he shows that they must be chosen according to age; second, by reason of their chastity; third, from having performed good works, at having testimony for her good works. According to age, they must be no less than sixty years of age. …
Bonaventure
To that which is objected: Let a widow be chosen not less than sixty years old: it must be said that this is not understood with respect to the vow of continence, but with respect to the ministry that was to be rendered to the Saints, who also were to be sustained from ecclesiastical goods. Hence in the Gloss: "Let a widow be chosen not less than sixty years old, who is to be nourished by the sustenance of the Church." Hence what he adds: Avoid younger widows: is understood in the same sense. …
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