Fathers

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What the Fathers say

Luke 13:32

Eastern Fathers

Cyril of Alexandria

Or else the discourse seems to change here, and not to refer so much to the character of Herod as some think, as to the lies of the Pharisees. For He almost represents the Pharisees themselves to be standing near, when He said, Go tell this fox, as it is in the Greek. Therefore he commanded them to say that which might rouse the multitude of Pharisees. Behold, said He, I cast out devils, and I do cures to day and to morrow, and on the third day I shall be perfected. …

Catena Aurea by Aquinas ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

As if He says, What think ye of My death? Behold, a little while, and it will come to pass. But by the words, To day and to morrow, are signified many days; as we also are wont to say in common conversation, "To day and to morrow such a thing takes place," not that it happens in that interval of time. …

Catena Aurea by Aquinas ↗

Irenaeus

And therefore did the Lord term those whom He knew to be the offspring of men "a generation of vipers;" because after the manner of these animals they go about in subtilty, and injure others. For He said, "Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees." Speaking of Herod, too, He says, "Go ye and tell that fox," aiming at his wicked cunning and deceit.

Against Heresies Book IV ↗

Western Saints

Augustine of Hippo

Or these things are understood to have been spoken mystically by Him, so as to refer to His body, which is the Church. For devils are cast out when the Gentiles having forsaken their superstition, believe in Him. And cures are perfected when according to His commands, after having renounced the devil and this world until the end of the resurrection, (by which as it were the third day will be completed,) the Church shall be perfected in angelical fulness by the immortality also of the body.

Catena Aurea by Aquinas ↗

Bede

Because of his wiles and stratagems He calls Herod a fox, which is an animal full of craft, concealing itself in a ditch because of snares, having a noisome smell, never walking in straight paths, all which things belong to heretics, of whom Herod is a type, who endeavours to destroy Christ (that is, the humility of the Christian faith) in the hearts of believers.

Catena Aurea by Aquinas ↗

Bonaventure

Secondly, the passion of Christ is intimated as voluntarily undertaken by him, when it is added: And he said to them: Go and tell that fox. He calls Herod a fox on account of his malice and deceitfulness, which nevertheless does not prevail against the wisdom of Christ; Wisdom 7: "Wisdom is not overcome by malice. …

Commentary on Luke, Chapter 13 ↗