Fathers

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What the Fathers say

James 2:5

Eastern Fathers

Theophylact of Ohrid

Since for many it is hard even to hear about poverty, having said "the poor of this world," he immediately added: "rich." Rich in what? In faith. For the undisturbed peace of the poor, when they come to faith, makes them mightier than the rich. Therefore the Lord also chose such men as His disciples and showed them to be heirs of the Kingdom.

Commentary on James ↗

Oecumenius

Listen, my beloved brothers: has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He has promised to those who love Him? Since poverty is a serious matter for many, when James said, "the poor of this world," he immediately added, "rich." But in what way are they rich? In faith and concerning faith. For so it is. Indeed, when the poor are not distracted by worldly things, once they come to faith, they become more diligent and more devoted to labor than the rich. …

Commentary on James ↗

Western Saints

Bede

Has not God chosen the poor of this world, rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he promised to those who love him? He calls the poor, humble, and those who, through contempt of visible things, but faith in invisible riches, are despicable to this world. For such the Lord Jesus Christ has chosen by saying: Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. He has chosen such when he created poor parents for himself, whose service nourished him coming into the world. …

Commentary on the Catholic Epistles ↗

Bonaventure

Likewise, on that passage of James: Has not God chosen the poor; the Gloss says: "He chose poor parents, by whose service He would be raised"; but the destitution of Christ's parents was very great, according to that passage of Luke 2: She wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger: therefore Christ loved poverty not only in Himself, but also in others.

Disputed Questions on Evangelical Perfection, Question 2 ↗