Fathers

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What the Fathers say

Isaiah 11:4

Eastern Fathers

Cyril of Jerusalem

He [Christ] does not esteem the learned above the simple, nor the rich above the poor.

Catechetical Lecture 15:23 ↗

Western Saints

Bede

Hence, when Isaiah said "he will judge the poor with justice," he was without doubt speaking of those very persons to whom it was said, "Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God."

Commentary on Samuel 1:7.6 ↗

Thomas Aquinas

367. But he shall judge. Here his justice in executing is shown. And first, as to the good, in distributing their rights: he shall judge, in the day of judgment and even now: the Father has given all judgment to the Son (John 5:22); the Poor, about whom it says in Matthew 5:3: blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. …

Commentary on Isaiah ↗

Bonaventure

Just as "feigned righteousness is not righteousness, but double iniquity," so feigned holiness is not holiness, but rather iniquity. Against such the Apostle says: "In the last times there will be men who are lovers of pleasures, having the appearance of piety, but denying its power." Those having the appearance of piety are hypocrites. For such a one is a son of perdition. Of such a one it is said: "With the breath of his lips he shall strike the impious one," namely him who will have the greatest appearance of piety.

Collationes de Septem Donis, Collation 3 ↗