Fathers

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What the Fathers say

Mark 9:43

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

He says not this of our limbs, but of our intimate friends, whom as being necessary to us we look upon as our limbs; for nothing is so hurtful as mischievous society.

Catena Aurea by Aquinas ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

Having uttered such a threat against those who cause others to stumble—that it would be better for them to be cast into the sea—the Lord now instructs those who are tempted to beware of people ready to lead them astray and divert them from the path of truth. …

Commentary on Mark ↗

Western Saints

Augustine of Hippo

But those who hold that both of these, namely, the fire and the worm, belong to the pains of the soul, and not of the body, say also that those who are separated from the kingdom of God are tortured, as with fire, by the pangs of a soul, repenting too late, and hopelessly; and they not unfitly contend that fire may be put for that burning grief, as says the Apostle, Who is offended, and I burn not? (2 Cor. …

Catena Aurea by Aquinas ↗

Bede

And if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, into the unquenchable fire. Because he had previously taught not to cause those who believe in him to stumble, he now consequently admonishes us how much we should avoid those who cause us to stumble, that is, who strive by word or example to drive us to the ruin of sin. Indeed, he calls our necessary friend our hand, whose work and daily assistance we need. …

On the Gospel of Mark ↗

Glossa Ordinaria

By maimed He means, deprived of the help of some friend, for it is better to enter into life without a friend, than to go with him into hell.

Catena Aurea by Aquinas ↗