John 11:52 (WEB)
and not for the nation only, but that he might also gather together into one the children of God who are scattered abroad.
As quoted in the map (KJV)
John 11:52 (KJV)
And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.
Key words
- τὰ τέκνα τοῦ θεοῦ τὰ διεσκορπισμέναta tekna tou theou ta dieskorpismena · Greek
- 'the children of God that were scattered abroad' — the family that Jesus' death gathers.
- συναγάγῃ εἰς ἕνsynagagē eis hen · Greek
- 'gather together in one' — the Church is born from the death of Jesus.
Why it matters
Jesus dies to gather the scattered children of God into one. Pitre quotes John Paul II's use of the verse (p 156): the evangelist himself presents the Church's birth as the fruit of the cross, and Mary, uniting herself to her Son's sacrifice, contributes to it 'in the form of labour pains.' She is Mother of the Church not because she bore Jesus but because she shared his passion.
Catechism · 4
"Our Father Who Art in Heaven"
“Praying "our" Father opens to us the dimensions of his love revealed in Christ: praying with and for all who do not yet know him, so that Christ may "gather into one the children of God."” — Catechism footnote: Jn 11:52.
The Revelation of God
“Scripture thus expresses the heights of sanctity that can be reached by those who live according to the covenant of Noah, waiting for Christ to "gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad".” — Catechism footnote: Jn 11:52
“The people descended from Abraham would be the trustee of the promise made to the patriarchs, the chosen people, called to prepare for that day when God would gather all his children into the unity of the Church.” — Catechism footnote: Cf. Rom 11:28; Jn 11:52; 10:16.
The Church is One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic
“…the Catholic Church ceaselessly and efficaciously seeks for the return of all humanity and all its goods, under Christ the Head in the unity of his Spirit.” — Catechism footnote: LG 13 ## 1-2; cf. Jn 11:52.
Fathers and councils · 22
Hippolytus of Rome
“And He, who formerly was honoured by him as God, is contemned by Caiaphas.” — editor's note: ἱερατευόμενος, referring to John xi. 51, 52.
Read the whole comment“The Saviour gathered together the sheep that were scattered abroad, and he in like manner will bring together a people that is scattered abroad.” — editor's note: John xi. 52.
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John Chrysostom
“What meaneth, “That He might gather together those near and those afar off” ( ver. 52 )?” — the author cites it
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Catena Aurea on John
- Theophylact of OhridCatena Aurea on John
Such a miracle as this should have drawn forth wonder and praise. But they make it a reason of plotting against His life: Then gathered the chief priests and Pharisees a council, and said, What do we?
Read the whole comment - Augustine of HippoCatena Aurea on John
But they had no thought of believing. The miserable men only consulted how they might hurt and kill Him, not how themselves might be saved from death. What do we? for this Man doeth many miracles.
Read the whole comment - John ChrysostomCatena Aurea on John
Him of whose divinity they had received such certain proofs, they call only a man.
Read the whole comment - OrigenCatena Aurea on John
This speech is an evidence of their audacity and blindness: of their audacity, because they testified that He had done many miracles, and yet thought that they could contend successfully against Him, and that He…
Read the whole comment - John ChrysostomCatena Aurea on John
They say this to alarm the people; as if they were incurring the suspicion of setting up an usurper. If, say they, the Romans in crowds follow Him, they will suspect us of setting up a tyranny, and will destroy our…
Read the whole comment - Augustine of HippoCatena Aurea on John
Or, they were afraid that, if all believed in Christ, none would remain to defend the city of God and the temple against the Romans: since they thought that Christ’s teaching was directed against the temple, and…
Read the whole comment - OrigenCatena Aurea on John
Mystically: It was fit that the Gentiles should occupy the place of them of the circumcision; because by their fall salvation came to the Gentiles. (non occ.). The Romans represent the Gentiles, being the rulers of…
Read the whole comment - John ChrysostomCatena Aurea on John
When they hesitated, and asked, What do we? one of them gave most cruel and shameless advice, viz. Caiaphas, who was1 High Priest that same year.
Read the whole comment - Augustine of HippoCatena Aurea on John
How is it that he is called the High Priest of that year, when God appointed one hereditary High Priest? This was owing to the ambition and contention of parties amongst the Jews themselves, which had ended in the…
Read the whole comment - Alcuin of YorkCatena Aurea on John
Of this Caiaphas Josephus relates, that he bought the priesthood for a year, for a certain sum.
Read the whole comment - OrigenCatena Aurea on John
a The character of Caiaphas is shewn by his being called the High Priest of that same year; the year, viz. in which our Saviour suffered. Being the High Priest that same year, he said unto them, Ye know nothing at…
Read the whole comment - Theophylact of OhridCatena Aurea on John
He said this with a bad intention, yet the Holy Spirit used his mouth as the vehicle of a prophecy: And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation.
Read the whole comment - OrigenCatena Aurea on John
Not every one that prophesieth is a prophet; as not every one that does a just action is just, he, for example, that does one for vainglory. Caiaphas prophesied without being a prophet, as did Balaam. Perhaps some…
Read the whole comment - Augustine of HippoCatena Aurea on John
We learn hence that even bad men may foretell things to come by the spirit of prophecy, which power the Evangelist ascribes to a divine sacrament, he being Pontifex, i. e. High Priest.
Read the whole comment - John ChrysostomCatena Aurea on John
See the great virtue of the Holy Spirit, in drawing forth a prophecy from a wicked man. And see too the virtue of the pontifical office, which made him, though an unworthy High Priest, unconsciously prophesy. Divine…
Read the whole comment - Augustine of HippoCatena Aurea on John
Caiaphas prophesied of the Jewish nation alone; in which nation were the sheep, of which our Lord says, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. (Matt. 15:34) But the Evangelist knew that there…
Read the whole comment - Gregory the GreatCatena Aurea on John
His persecutors accomplished this wicked purpose, and put Him to death, thinking to extinguish the devotion of His followers; but faith grew from the very thing which these cruel and unbelieving men thought would…
Read the whole comment - OrigenCatena Aurea on John
Inflamed by the speech of Caiaphas, they determined on killing our Lord: Then from that day forth they took counsel together to put Him to death. Was this then the work of the Holy Spirit, as well as the former, or…
Read the whole comment - John ChrysostomCatena Aurea on John
They sought before to kill Him; now their resolution was confirmed.
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Cross-references · 13
Cited together in Catechism §60.
Cited together in Catechism §60.
Cited together in Catechism §60.
Cited together in Catechism §60.
Cited together in Catechism §58.
Cited together in Catechism §58.
Cited together in Catechism §58.
Cited together in Catechism §58.
Cited together in Augustine of Hippo on John 11:47–53 (5) (Catena Aurea).
Cited together in Catechism §831.
Cited together in Origen on John 11:47–53 (4) (Catena Aurea).
Cited together in Catechism §58.
Cited together in Catechism §60.