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Translation
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What the Fathers say
Eastern Fathers
Gregory of Nazianzus
When you hear this you must not entertain the notion of different natures, as certain heretics do, who think that some men indeed are of a perishing nature, others of a saving nature, but that some are so constituted that their will leads them to better or worse. But add to the words, To you it is given, if willing and truly worthy.
Theophylact of Ohrid
But to those who are unworthy of such mysteries, they are obscurely spoken. Hence it follows, But to the rest in parables, that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand. For they think they see, but see not, and hear indeed, but do not understand. For this reason Christ hides this from them, lest they should beget a greater prejudice against them, if after they had known the mysteries of Christ, they despised them. For he who understands and afterwards despises, shall be more severely punished.
Western Saints
Bede
But to the rest (He spoke) in parables, so that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand. Mark says it thus: But to those who are outside, everything is done in parables (Mark 4). Therefore, let us also enter into the sanctuary of God with the disciples of Christ, so that we may understand the final mysteries of the kingdom of God. For those who approach His feet will receive from His teaching, saying with the Psalmist, "Reveal our eyes, and we will consider the wonders of Your law" (Psalm 119). …
Bonaventure
Third, with respect to the familiar pre-election that strengthens, it is added: To whom he said: To you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God, that is, the understanding of Scripture, which is called the kingdom of God, according to that passage in Matthew twenty-one: "The kingdom of God shall be taken from you and given to a nation bringing forth its fruits." Scripture is called the kingdom of God because it preaches and shows and promises him and leads the obedient to him, according to that passage in John five: …
Translation