Fathers

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What the Fathers say

Isaiah 26:20

Eastern Fathers

Clement of Rome

All the generations from Adam to this day have passed away; but those who were made perfect in charity by the grace of God live among the saints; and they shall be made manifest at the judgment of the kingdom of Christ. For it is written, "Enter into your chamber a little while, until my wrath and anger pass, and I remember the good day and will raise you up out of your graves."

1 Clement 50 ↗

Western Saints

Augustine of Hippo

Certainly there are two things that make us hope for the bliss of the just and the end of all suffering: death and the resurrection from the dead. In death is rest, as the prophet says, "My people, enter into your chambers, hide yourself a little until the indignation of the Lord pass away." But in the resurrection there is perfect happiness in the whole person, that is, in flesh and spirit. Consequently we are not to think that both of these are to be marked by the labor of fasting but rather by the rejoicing of refreshment.

Letter 36 ↗

Thomas Aquinas

Second, the immunity of the people of God: go, my people; enter into your chambers, tombs, or literally, the fortifications in which they sometimes carefully kept themselves, below: in a moment of indignation have I hid my face a little while from you, but with everlasting kindness have I had mercy on you (Isa 54:8); and it was said to them that they should rest for a little time till the number of their brethren should be filled up (Rev 6:11).

Commentary on Isaiah ↗