Fathers

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What the Fathers say

Jeremiah 1:6

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

Therefore, you see, they had power either to speak or to refrain from speaking. For they were not bound by necessity, but were honored with a privilege. For this cause Jonah fled; for this cause Ezekiel delayed; for this cause Jeremiah excused himself. And God thrusts them not on by compulsion, but advising, exhorting, threatening; not darkening their mind; for to cause distraction and madness and great darkness, is the proper work of a demon: but it is God's work to illuminate and with consideration to teach things needful.

Homilies On 1 Corinthians 29:2 ↗

Western Saints

Ambrose of Milan

Both Moses and Jeremiah, chosen by the Lord to declare the words of God to the people, avoided through modesty that which through grace they could do.

On the Duties of the Clergy 1.17.66 ↗

Jerome

But what is sanctified in the womb, we should understand according to the words of the Apostle: But when it pleased him, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, to reveal his Son in me; that I might preach him among the Gentiles (Galatians 1:15). John the Baptist is also sanctified in the womb, and receives the Holy Spirit, and is stirred in the womb, and speaks through the mouth of his mother (Luke 1). (Verse 6.) And I said: Ah, ah, ah, Lord God, behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am a child. …

Commentary on Jeremiah ↗