Augustine of Hippo

But seeing, brethren, so long as "we are at home in this body, we are absent from the Lord;" [2 Corinthians 5:6] and "the corruptible body presseth down the soul, and the earthly tabernacle weigheth down the mind that museth on many things;" [Wisdom 9:15] even though we have some way or other dispersed the clouds, by walking as "longing" leads us on, and for a brief while have come within reach of that sound, so that by an effort we may catch something from that "house of God," yet through the burden, so to speak, of our infirmity, …

On the Psalms, Psalm 42 ↗

Ambrose of Milan

Troubled by the hazardous turnings of this world, David says, "Why are you sad, O soul, why do you trouble me? Hope in God, for I will give praise to him, the salvation of my countenance and my God." Therefore, when we are distressed and apprehensive, let hope strengthen us with the expectation of things that are to come. Look to each phrase individually. …

The Prayer Of Job And David 4:3.12-13 ↗

Thomas Aquinas

And because all these things exist imperfectly in the Church, he adds, "Why are you sad, O my soul?" Here he applies the remedy against the cause of sadness. And first he removes the feeling. Second he removes its effect. He says therefore, "Why are you sad, O my soul?" When you ought to rejoice, because you are in the tabernacle, and because I shall go to the house of the Lord. Why then are you sad? For small evils are not to be regarded in consideration of eternal goods. Sir. …

Exposition on the Psalms of David ↗