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What the Fathers say
Eastern Fathers
John Chrysostom
For this cause Christ, to teach us that of mere goodness He had entered on this, so far from waiting for the sick to come to Him, of Himself hastened unto them, bearing them two of the greatest blessings; one, the gospel of the kingdom; another, the perfect cure of all their diseases. And not a city did He overlook, not a village did He hasten by, but visited every place. ... And contemplate Him here too beginning from love to man, not with any requital. …
Theophylact of Ohrid
"But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion on them because they grew faint and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd." They did not have a shepherd. For their rulers not only failed to correct them, but even harmed them. The mark of the true shepherd is to have compassion for his flock.
Western Saints
Jerome
But seeing the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples. The persecution of the flock and sheep and the disturbance of the crowds is the fault of the shepherds and the vice of the leaders. Hence it follows.
Hilary of Poitiers
Figuratively; When salvation was given to the Gentiles, then all cities and towns were enlightened by the power and entrance of Christ, and escaped every former sickness and infirmity. The Lord pities the people troubled with the violence of the unclean Spirit, and sick under the burden of the Law, and having no shepherd at hand to bestow on them the guardianship of the Holy Spirit. …
Thomas Aquinas
When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them. Here he shows how Jesus showed affection toward some. This is contrary to those who held that no affection was sufficient, but that effects were required; but here he says, When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them. First, he mentions how he had compassion; secondly, he presents an example. Then he mentions Christ's mercy; secondly, the cause. …
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