Fathers

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What the Fathers say

Matthew 5:47

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

"Do not even the Gentiles the same?" And this most especially we may admire in His teaching, that while in each instance He sets down with very great fullness the prizes of the conflicts; such as "to see God," and "to inherit the kingdom of Heaven," and "to become sons of God," and "like God," and "to obtain mercy," and "to be comforted," and "the great reward:" if anywhere He must needs mention things grievous, He doth this in a subdued tone. …

Homily on the Gospel of Matthew 18 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

And if ye salute your friends only, what do ye more than others? Do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father Who is in heaven is perfect. To love some men, that is, one's own friends, and to hate others, is imperfection. Perfection is to love every one.

Commentary on Matthew ↗

Western Saints

Glossa Ordinaria

But if you only pray for them that are your kinsfolk, what more has your benevolence than that of the unbelieving? Salutation is a kind of prayer.

Catena Aurea by Aquinas ↗

Rabanus Maurus

Ethnici, that is, the Gentiles, for the Greek word ἔθνος is translated 'gens' in Latin; those, that is, who abide such as they were born, to wit, under sin.

Catena Aurea by Aquinas ↗