Fathers

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What the Fathers say

Mark 14:13

Eastern Fathers

Theophylact of Ohrid

He sends two of His disciples, Peter and John — as Luke says — to an unknown man, showing them through this that He could have avoided suffering, had He so willed. For He who disposed an unknown man to receive Him, what could He not have produced in others? Meanwhile He gives the disciples a sign by which to find the house they sought, namely: He commands them to follow a man carrying a pitcher of water. But this can also be explained in a figurative sense. The one who carries a "pitcher of water" is one who has been baptized. …

Commentary on Mark ↗

Western Saints

Augustine of Hippo

Mark says a pitcher, Luke a two-handled vessel; one points out the kind of vessel, the other the mode of carrying it; both however mean the same truth.

Catena Aurea by Aquinas ↗

Bede

Or else, the large upper-room is spiritually the Law, which comes forth from the narrowness of the letter, and in a lofty place, that is, in the lofty chamber of the soul, receives the Saviour. But it is designedly that the names both of the bearer of the water, and of the lord of the house, are omitted, to imply that power is given to all who wish to celebrate the true Passover, that is, to be embued with the sacraments of Christ, and to receive Him in the dwelling-place of their mind.

Catena Aurea by Aquinas ↗