Fathers

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What the Fathers say

Mark 9:49

Eastern Fathers

Theophylact of Ohrid

"Everyone," He says, "shall be salted with fire," that is, shall be tested, as Paul also says that everything will be tested by fire (1 Cor. 3:13). "And every sacrifice shall be salted with salt"—these words Jesus cited from the book of Leviticus (Lev. 2:13). Therefore, we must salt our sacrifices with the salt of God, that is, offer sacrifices that are not sickly and weak, but strong and healthy.

Commentary on Mark ↗

Western Saints

Bede

But because the Lord had three times made mention of the worm and the fire, that we might be able to avoid this torment, He subjoins, For every one shall be salted with fire. For the stink of worms always arises from the corruption of flesh and blood, and therefore fresh meat is seasoned with salt, that the moisture of the blood may be dried off, and so it may not breed worms. …

Catena Aurea by Aquinas ↗