Fathers

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What the Fathers say

Matthew 18:5

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

Wherefore He brought it in, and set it in the midst; and not at this merely did He conclude His discourse, but carries further this admonition, saying, "And whoso shall receive such a little child in my name, receiveth me." "For know," saith He, "that not only, if ye yourselves become like this, shall ye receive a great reward; but also if for my sake ye honor others who are such, even for your honor to them do I appoint unto you a kingdom as your recompence." Or rather, He sets down what is far greater, saying, "he receiveth me." So …

Homily on the Gospel of Matthew 58 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

And whoso shall receive one such little child in My name receiveth Me. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in Me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Not only, He says, must you be humble, but if for My sake you honor others who are humble, you shall receive your reward. For when you receive the children, that is, the humble, you are receiving Me. …

Commentary on Matthew ↗

Western Saints

Jerome

And whoever receives such a little child in my name, receives me. And whoever is such, that he imitates the humility and innocence of Christ, in him Christ is received. And wisely, lest when it is reported to the apostles, they should think themselves honored, he added that they should be received not through their own merit, but through the honor of the master.

Commentary on Matthew ↗

Thomas Aquinas

And whoever shall receive one such little child, receives me. Since little children are so worthy, they should not be scandalized; hence and whoever shall scandalize, etc. And first he shows that they should not be scandalized because of the punishment; secondly, because of divine providence. The second part begins at see that you despise not one of these little ones. First he says that scandal should not be inflicted on little ones; secondly, that it should not be negligently avoided, at and if your hand, etc. …

Commentary on Matthew ↗