Fathers

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What the Fathers say

Isaiah 32:20

Eastern Fathers

Clement of Alexandria

The prophet says, "Blessed is he that sows into all waters, whose ox and donkey tread," [that is] the people, from the law and from the Gentiles, gathered into one faith.

The Stromata Book 6 ↗

Western Saints

Ambrose of Milan

Accordingly, like a perfect man learned in the law and made firm in the gospel, accept the faith of both Testaments, for, as we read today, "Blessed is he who sows upon every water, where the ox and the donkey tread," that is, who sows upon the people who follow the teaching of both Testaments. This is the ploughman's ox, wearing the yoke of the law, of which the law says, "You shall not muzzle the ox that treads out your corn," for this ox has the horns of holy Scripture. …

Letter 63.88 ↗

Jerome

Let them take as much pleasure as they please in their Gallican geldings; we will be satisfied with the simple "donkey" of Zechariah, loosed from its halter and made ready for the Savior's service, which received the Lord on its back and so fulfilled Isaiah's prediction: "Blessed is he that sows beside all waters, where the ox and the donkey tread under foot."

Letter 27.3 ↗

Gregory the Dialogist

By water peoples are denoted, as it is said by John, "Now the waters are peoples." By water likewise not only the tide of peoples drifting away, but also the minds of good men that follow the preachings of faith, are denoted, as the Prophet saith, "Blessed are ye that sow upon all waters." And it is said by the Psalmist; "The voice of the Lord is upon the waters."

Morals on the Book of Job, Book 19 ↗