Fathers

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What the Fathers say

Luke 18:14

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

This parable represents to us two chariots on the race course, each with two charioteers in it. In one of the chariots it places righteousness with pride, in the other sin and humility. You see the chariot of sin outstrip that of righteousness, not by its own strength but by the excellence of humility combined with it, but the other is defeated not by righteousness, but by the weight and swelling of pride. …

Catena Aurea by Aquinas ↗

Basil of Caesarea

In like manner it is possible to be honourably elated when your thoughts indeed are not lowly, but your mind by greatness of soul is lifted up towards virtue. This loftiness of mind is seen in a cheerfulness amidst sorrow; or a kind of noble dauntlessness in trouble; a contempt of earthly things, and a conversation in heaven. …

Catena Aurea by Aquinas ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

Someone might perhaps wonder why the Pharisee, although he spoke only a few words with haughtiness, was nevertheless condemned, while Job spoke very many great things about himself (Job 29:7–25), yet received a crown? This is because the Pharisee began to prattle in praise of himself when no one was compelling him to do so, and condemned others when no benefit prompted it. …

Commentary on Luke ↗

Western Saints

Bede

For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. Of the aforementioned people, both the proud and the humble, it can rightly be understood, just as we read elsewhere: Before destruction the heart is exalted, and before glory, it is humbled (Prov. XVI). …

On the Gospel of Luke ↗

Bonaventure

Amen I say to you. After he has described the conditions of the persons and of the prayers, here now in the third place he describes the conditions of being heard. Moreover, the condition of being heard is described here with respect to personal judgment and with respect to universal edict. …

Commentary on Luke, Chapter 18 ↗