Fathers

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What the Fathers say

Lamentations 3:34

Western Saints

Augustine of Hippo

Regarding patience in not offering resistance, a man is praised who "giveth his cheek to him that smiteth him, and who is filled full with reproach." Of love to enemies it is said: "If thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink." This also is quoted by the apostle. In the Psalm, too, it is said, "I was a peace maker among them that hated peace;" and in many similar passages. …

Reply To Faustus The Manichaean 19:28 ↗

Thomas Aquinas

A contention from divine justice is here advanced. First is eliminated a tyrannical oppression from divine justice. As stated: "To crush under foot": like a tyrant, who externally opposes any judgment. Then: "all the prisoners of the earth." Namely, all those afflicted. To which Psalm 69:33 can refer: "For the Lord hears the needy, and does not despise his own that are in bonds." Second, perversity of a judge is excluded: "to turn aside the right of a man in the presence of the Most High." That is, from rectitude. …

Commentary on Lamentations ↗