Fathers

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What the Fathers say

Matthew 25:34

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

Then, in order that thou mayest see in another way also the justice of the sentence, He first praises them that have done right, and saith, "Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you before the foundation of the world. For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat," and all that follows. …

Homily on the Gospel of Matthew 79 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

He does not give honor or punishment until He has first judged. For He loves mankind and teaches us to do the same as well, not to punish until we have made a careful examination. In this way those who are punished after the judgement will have no cause for complaint. He calls the saints "blessed" as they have been accepted by the Father. He considers them to be inheritors of the kingdom to show that God makes them participants in His own glory as His sons. …

Commentary on Matthew ↗

Cosmas Indicopleustes

He beheld Adam sinning, but He foresaw his posterity acting righteously; He saw him being cast out from Paradise, but He foresaw that a kingdom had been prepared for him. And what is wonderful is this, that even before Paradise the kingdom had been made. …

The Christian Topography, Book 10 ↗

Western Saints

Augustine of Hippo

But one will say, I desire not to reign, it is enough for me that I be saved. Wherein they are deceived, first, because there is no salvation for those whose iniquity abounds; and, secondly, because if there be any difference between those that reign, and those that do not reign, yet must all be within the same kingdom, lest they be esteemed for foes or aliens, and perish while the others reign. Thus all the Romans inherit the kingdom of Rome, though all do not reign in it.

Catena Aurea by Aquinas ↗

Jerome

Come, you blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.' Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see you as a guest, and welcome you? Or naked, and clothe you? …

Commentary on Matthew ↗

Thomas Aquinas

Then the king shall say to those who shall be on his right hand etc. Here he treats of the judgment. And first the sentence is promulgated regarding the good; second, regarding the wicked; third, the fulfillment is set forth. Concerning the first he does three things. First, the sentence is set forth; second, the wonder of those to be saved; third, the satisfaction. The second is at then shall the just answer him; the third at the king answering shall say to them. Concerning the first he does two things. …

Commentary on Matthew ↗