Fathers

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What the Fathers say

Mark 3:10

Eastern Fathers

Theophylact of Ohrid

The evangelist calls diseases "plagues," for diseases truly contribute much to our correction, so that God punishes us with these plagues, as a father does his children.

Commentary on Mark ↗

Western Saints

Augustine of Hippo

What then is to touch, if not to believe? For we touch Christ by faith and it is better to touch by faith and not by the hand, than to palpate by hand and not touch by faith. It was not a great thing to touch Christ. The Jews touched Him when they apprehended Him, touched Him when they bound Him, touched Him when they hung Him, touched Him and by touching wickedly, they lost what they touched. Touch by faith, O Catholic Church, touch by faith. If you think Christ is only a man, you have touched Him on earth. …

Sermon 246 ↗

Bede

Both therefore fell down before the Lord, those who had the plagues of bodily diseases, and those who were vexed by unclean spirits. The sick did this simply with the intention of obtaining health, but the demoniacs, or rather the devils within them, because under the mastery of a fear of God they were compelled not only to fall down before Him, but also to praise His majesty; wherefore it goes on, And they cried out, saying, Thou art the Son of God. …

Catena Aurea by Aquinas ↗