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VRSZ
This sets the art on your cards and whose commentary you read on each verse. You can change it later in settings.
Translation
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What the Fathers say
Eastern Fathers
Oecumenius
I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, that you may be rich. But what is this gold refined by the spiritual fire? The prophet teaches, saying "the words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined and tested seven times on the earth" (Ps. 11:7), symbolizing the Gospel proclamation. Therefore, ask from me the one who can make you wise and bring you into harmony with God. For by acquiring this, one will shine forth in virtue and both soul and body will be purified. For this is the new and white garment. …
Dionysius bar Salibi
I urge you to buy from me proven gold—He calls gold the divine nature; he urges that we give what we possess to the poor. And for the alms he will give you the precious glory of his divinity: in this world, indeed, wisdom and knowledge, and in the future the splendor of the angels. And white garments for being clothed—He names white garments good works: faith, fasting, and prayer, with the rest of the virtues. …
Western Saints
Alcuin of York
I counsel thee to buy gold fire-tried, that thou mayest be made rich. Gold in this passage is taken to mean God's wisdom incarnate, concerning which it is said elsewhere, Take wisdom as gold. [Variant of Prov. 16:16] It is right for this gold to be called fire-tried, because our Redeemer was tested by the fire of the Passion. The meaning is: If you want to be rich in virtues, take me as an example, so that you too may become gold melted by fire. …
Victorinus of Pettau
But because there is time of repentance, He says:- "I persuade thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire." That is, that in whatever manner you can, you should suffer for the Lord's name tribulations and passions. "And anoint thine eyes with eye-salve." That what you gladly know by the Scripture, you should strive also to do the work of the same.
Translation