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VRSZ
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Translation
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What the Fathers say
Eastern Fathers
Cyril of Alexandria
The arm enigmatically signifies the Word that was born of her: and by the proud, Mary means the wicked demons who with their prince fell through pride: and the Greek sages, who refused to receive the folly, as it seemed, of what was preached: and the Jews who would not believe, and were scattered for their unworthy imaginations about the Word of God. And by the mighty she means the Scribes and Pharisees, who sought the chief seats. …
Cyril of Jerusalem
But these words may be more appropriately taken to refer to the hostile ranks of the evil spirits. For they were raging on the earth, when our Lord's coming put them to flight, and restored those whom they had bound, to His obedience.
Theophylact of Ohrid
Or by this she means that they who fear shall obtain mercy, both in that generation, (that is, the present world,) and the generation which is to come, (i. e. the life everlasting.) For now they receive a hundred-fold, but hereafter far more. (Matt. 19:29.) For in His arm, that is, His incarnate Son, He hath showed strength, seeing that nature was vanquished, a virgin bringing forth, and God becoming man. This might also be understood of the Jews whom He scattered into all lands as they are now scattered.
Western Saints
Bede
Because the venerable mother of God taught that his mercy would come to be present for all those who feared him throughout the world, it remained for her to also suggest what those who were proud and who despised the warnings of truth would deserve. "He has shown … might in his arm. …
Bonaventure
Second, she praises him in this work, insofar as it is manifestative of power in the casting down of proud demons and wicked rich. On account of the first she says: He has shown might in his arm, he has scattered the proud in the conceit of their heart. …
Translation