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Saint John Chrysostom (mosaic), Byzantine mosaicist

Catena Aurea on Matthew 8:28–34: John Chrysostom

Byzantine mosaicist, Saint John Chrysostom (mosaic), 9th century · Hagia Sophia, Constantinople · Public domainByzantine mosaicist, Saint John Chrysostom (mosaic), 9th century, Hagia Sophia, Constantinople

CommentJohn ChrysostomPublic domainMatthew 8:28–34

Jesus did not say this, as though persuaded by the daemons, but with many designs therein. One, that He might shew the mighty power to hurt of these daemons, who were in possession of the two men; another, that all might see that they had no power against the swine unless by His sufferance; thirdly, to shew that they would have done more grievous hurt to the men, had they not even in their calamities been aided by Divine Providence, for they hate men more than irrational animals. By this it is manifest that there is no man who is not supported by Divine Providence; and if all are not equally supported by it, neither after one manner, this is the highest characteristic of Providence, that it is extended to each man according to his need.

Besides the above-mentioned things, we learn also that He cares not only for the whole together, but for each one in particular; which one may see clearly in these daemoniacs, who would have been long before choked in the deep, had not Divine care preserved them. He also permitted them to go into the herd of swine, that they that dwelt in those parts might know His power. For where He was known to none, there He makes His miracles to shine forth, that He may bring them to a confession of His divinity.

Reproduced in full. Translation: Oxford 1841 (Newman), public domain (Public domain).

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