Thomas Aquinas · Catena Aurea · Chapter 9
Passages · 75
John 9:1–7
- John Chrysostom on John 9:1–7 — The Jews having rejected Christ’s words, because of their depth, He went out of the temple, and healed the blind man; that His absence might appease their fury, and the miracle soften their hard hearts, and convince…vatican.va
- Bede on John 9:1–7 — Mystically, our Lord, after being banished from the minds of the Jews, passed over to the Gentiles. (non occ.). The passage or journey here is His descent from heaven to earth, where He saw the blind man, i. e.…vatican.va
- Augustine of Hippo on John 9:1–7 — For the blind man here is the human race. Blindness came upon the first man by reason of sin: and from him we all derive it: i. e. man is blind from his birth.vatican.va
- Augustine of Hippo on John 9:1–7 (2) — Rabbi is Master. They call Him Master, because they wished to learn: they put their question to our Lord, as to a Master.vatican.va
- Theophylact of Ohrid on John 9:1–7 — This question does not seem a proper one. For the Apostles had not been taught the fond notion of the Gentiles, that the soul has sinned in a previous state of existence. It is difficult to account for their putting it.vatican.va
- John Chrysostom on John 9:1–7 (2) — They were led to ask this question, by our Lord having said above, on healing the man sick of the palsy, Lo, thou art made whole; sin no more. Thinking from this that the man had been struck with the palsy for his…vatican.va
- Augustine of Hippo on John 9:1–7 (3) — Was he then born without original sin, or had he never added to it by actual sin? Both this man and his parents had sinned, but that sin was not the reason why he was born blind. Our Lord gives the reason; viz. That…vatican.va
- John Chrysostom on John 9:1–7 (3) — He is not to be understood as meaning that others had become blind, in consequence of their parents’ sins: for one man cannot be punished for the sin of another. But had the man therefore suffered unjustly? Rather I…vatican.va
- Gregory the Great on John 9:1–7 — One stroke falls on the sinner, for punishment only, not conversion; another for correction; another not for correction of past sins, but prevention of future; another neither for correcting past, nor preventing…vatican.va
- John Chrysostom on John 9:1–7 (4) — That the glory of God should be made manifest, He saith of Himself, not of the Father; the Father’s glory was manifest already. I must work the works of Him that sent Me: i. e. I must manifest Myself, and shew that I…vatican.va
- Bede on John 9:1–7 (2) — For when the Son declared that He worked the works of the Father, He proved that His and His Father’s works were the same: which are to heal the sick, to strengthen the weak, and enlighten man.vatican.va
- Augustine of Hippo on John 9:1–7 (4) — By His saying, Who sent Me, He gives all the glory to Him from Whom He is. The Father hath a Son Who is from Him, but hath none from whom He Himself is.vatican.va
- John Chrysostom on John 9:1–7 (5) — While it is day, He adds; i. e. while men have the opportunity of believing in Me; while this life lasts; The night cometh, when none can work. Night here means that spoken of in Matthew, Cast him into outer…vatican.va
- Augustine of Hippo on John 9:1–7 (5) — But if we work now, now is the day time, now is Christ present; as He says, As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. This then is the day. The natural day is completed by the circuit of the sun, and…vatican.va
- John Chrysostom on John 9:1–7 (6) — He then confirms His words by deeds: When He had thus spoken, He spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay. He who had brought greater substances into…vatican.va
- Theophylact of Ohrid on John 9:1–7 (2) — Some think that the clay was not laid upon the eyes, but made into eyes.vatican.va
- Augustine of Hippo on John 9:1–7 (6) — Our Lord spat upon the ground, and made clay of the spittle, because He was the Word made flesh. The man did not see immediately as he was anointed; i. e. was, as it were, only made a catechumen. But he was sent to…vatican.va
- Gregory the Great on John 9:1–7 (2) — Or thus: By His spittle understand the savour of inward contemplation. It runs down from the head into the mouth, and gives us the taste of revelation from the Divine splendour even in this life. The mixture of His…vatican.va
John 9:8–17
- John Chrysostom on John 9:8–17 — The suddenness of the miracle made men incredulous: The neighbours therefore, and they which had seen him that he was blind, said, Is not this he that sat and begged? Wonderful clemency and condescension of God! Even…vatican.va
- Augustine of Hippo on John 9:8–17 — His eyes being opened had altered his look. But he said, I am he. He spoke gratefully; a denial would have convicted Him of ingratitude.vatican.va
- John Chrysostom on John 9:8–17 (2) — He was not ashamed of his former blindness, nor afraid of the fury of the people, nor averse to shew himself, and proclaim his Benefactor. Therefore said they unto him, How were thine eyes opened? How they were,…vatican.va
- Augustine of Hippo on John 9:8–17 (2) — Lo, he is become a proclaimer of grace, an evangelist, and testifies to the Jews. That blind man testified, and the ungodly were vexed at the heart, because they had not in their heart what appeared upon his…vatican.va
- John Chrysostom on John 9:8–17 (3) — This they said, because they were meditating His death, having already begun to conspire against Him. Christ did not appear in company with those whom He cured; having no desire for glory, or display. He always…vatican.va
- Augustine of Hippo on John 9:8–17 (3) — Here he is like one anointed, but unable yet to see: he preaches, and knows not what he preaches.vatican.va
- Bede on John 9:8–17 — Thus he represents the state of the catechumen, who believes in Jesus, but does not, strictly speaking, know Him, not being yet washed. It fell to the Pharisees to confirm or deny the miracle.vatican.va
- John Chrysostom on John 9:8–17 (4) — The Jews, whom they asked, Where is He? were desirous of finding Him, in order to bring Him to the Pharisees; but, as they could not find Him, they bring the blind man. They brought to the Pharisees him that…vatican.va
- Augustine of Hippo on John 9:8–17 (4) — Some, not all: for some were already anointed. But they, who neither saw, nor were anointed, said, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. Rather He kept it, in that He was without sin; for to…vatican.va
- John Chrysostom on John 9:8–17 (5) — Passing over the miracle in silence, they give all the prominence they can to the supposed transgression; not charging Him with healing on the sabbath, but with not keeping the sabbath. Others said, How can a man…vatican.va
- Augustine of Hippo on John 9:8–17 (5) — It was Christ, who divided the day into light and darkness.vatican.va
- John Chrysostom on John 9:8–17 (6) — Those who said, Can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? wishing to stop the others’ mouths, make the object of our Lord’s goodness again come forward; but without appearing to take part with Him themselves: They…vatican.va
- Theophylact of Ohrid on John 9:8–17 — See with what good intent they put the question. They do not say, What sayest thou of Him that keepeth not the sabbath, but mention the miracle, that He hath opened thine eyes; meaning it would seem, to draw out the…vatican.va
- Augustine of Hippo on John 9:8–17 (6) — Or they sought how they could throw reproach upon the man, and cast him out of their synagogue. He declares however openly what he thinks: He said, He is a Prophet. Not being anointed yet in heart, he could not…vatican.va
John 9:18–23
- John Chrysostom on John 9:18–23 — The Pharisees being unable, by intimidation, to deter the blind man from publicly proclaiming his Benefactor, try to nullify the miracle through the parents: But the Jews did not believe concerning him, that he had…vatican.va
- Augustine of Hippo on John 9:18–23 — i. e. had been blind, and now saw.vatican.va
- John Chrysostom on John 9:18–23 (2) — But it is the nature of truth, to be strengthened by the very snares that are laid against it. A lie is its own antagonist, and by its attempts to injure the truth, sets it off to greater advantage: as is the case…vatican.va
- Theophylact of Ohrid on John 9:18–23 — Either, say they, it is not true that he now sees, or it is untrue that he was blind before: but it is evident that he now sees; therefore it is not true that he was born blind.vatican.va
- John Chrysostom on John 9:18–23 (3) — Three things then being asked,—if he were their son, if he had been blind and how he saw,—they acknowledge two of them: His parents answered them and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind.…vatican.va
- Augustine of Hippo on John 9:18–23 (2) — As f to say, We might justly be compelled to speak for an infant, that could not speak for itself: but he, though blind from his birth, has been always able to speak.vatican.va
- John Chrysostom on John 9:18–23 (4) — What sort of gratitude is this in the parents; concealing what they knew, from fear of the Jews? as we are next told; These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews. And then the Evangelist mentions…vatican.va
- Augustine of Hippo on John 9:18–23 (3) — It was no disadvantage to be put out of the synagogue: whom they cast out, Christ took in. Therefore said his parents, He is of age, ask him.vatican.va
- Alcuin of York on John 9:18–23 — The Evangelist shews that it was not from ignorance, but fear, that they gave this answer.vatican.va
- Theophylact of Ohrid on John 9:18–23 (2) — For they were fainthearted; not like their son, that intrepid witness to the truth, the eyes of whose understanding had been enlightened by God.vatican.va
John 9:24–34
- John Chrysostom on John 9:24–34 — The parents having referred the Pharisees to the healed man himself, they summon him a second time: Then again called they the man that was blind. They do not openly say now, Deny that Christ has healed thee, but…vatican.va
- Augustine of Hippo on John 9:24–34 — Deny that thou hast received the benefit. This is not to give God the glory, but rather to blaspheme Him.vatican.va
- Alcuin of York on John 9:24–34 — They wished him to give glory to God, by calling Christ a sinner, as they did: We know that this man is a sinner.vatican.va
- John Chrysostom on John 9:24–34 (2) — Why then did ye not convict Him, when He said above, Which of you convinceth Me of sin? (c. 8:46)vatican.va
- Alcuin of York on John 9:24–34 (2) — The man, that he might neither expose himself to calumny, nor at the same time conceal the truth, answers not that he knew Him to be righteous, but, Whether He be a sinner or no, I know not.vatican.va
- John Chrysostom on John 9:24–34 (3) — But how comes this, whether He be a sinner, I know not, from one who had said, He is a Prophet? did the blind fear? far from it: he only thought that our Lord’s defence lay in the witness of the fact, more than in…vatican.va
- Augustine of Hippo on John 9:24–34 (2) — Will ye also? i. e. I am already, do ye wish to be? I see now, but do not envy (video, non invideo). He says this in indignation at the obstinacy of the Jews; not tolerating blindness, now that he is no longer blind…vatican.va
- John Chrysostom on John 9:24–34 (4) — As then truth is strength, so falsehood is weakness: truth elevates and ennobles whomever it takes up, however mean before: falsehood brings even the strong to weakness and contempt. Then they reviled him, and said,…vatican.va
- Augustine of Hippo on John 9:24–34 (3) — A malediction only in the intention of the speakers, not in the words themselves. May such a malediction (ἐλοιδόρησαν, maledixerunt, Vulg.) be upon us, and upon our children! It follows: But we are Moses’ disciples.…vatican.va
- John Chrysostom on John 9:24–34 (5) — Ye think sight less evidence than hearing; for what ye say, ye know, is what ye have heard from your fathers. But is not He more worthy of belief, who has certified that He comes from God, by miracles which ye have…vatican.va
- Augustine of Hippo on John 9:24–34 (4) — As yet however He speaks as one but just anointed1, for God hears sinners too. Else in vain would the publican cry, God be merciful to me a sinner. (Luke 18:13) By that confession he obtained2 justification, as the…vatican.va
- Theophylact of Ohrid on John 9:24–34 — Or, that God heareth not sinners, means, that God does not enable sinners to work miracles. When sinners however implore pardon for their offences, they are translated from the rank of sinners to that of penitents.vatican.va
- John Chrysostom on John 9:24–34 (6) — Observe then, when he said above, Whether He be a sinner, I know not, it was not that he spoke in doubt; for here he not only acquits him of all sin, but holds him up as one well pleasing to God: But if any man be a…vatican.va
- Augustine of Hippo on John 9:24–34 (5) — Freely, stedfastly, truly. For how could what our Lord did, be done by any other than God, or by disciples even, except when their Lord dwelt in them?vatican.va
- John Chrysostom on John 9:24–34 (7) — So then because speaking the truth he was in nothing confounded, when they should most have admired, they condemned him: Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us?vatican.va
- Augustine of Hippo on John 9:24–34 (6) — What meaneth altogether? That he was quite blind. Yet He who opened his eyes, also saves him altogether.vatican.va
- John Chrysostom on John 9:24–34 (8) — Or, altogether, that is to say, from thy birth thou art in sins. They reproach his blindness, and pronounce his sins to be the cause of it; most unreasonably. So long as they expected him to deny the miracle, they…vatican.va
- Augustine of Hippo on John 9:24–34 (7) — It was they themselves who had made him teacher; themselves, who had asked him so many questions; and now they ungratefully cast him out for teaching.vatican.va
- Bede on John 9:24–34 — It is commonly the way with great persons to disdain learning any thing from their inferiors.vatican.va
John 9:35–41
- John Chrysostom on John 9:35–41 — Those who suffer for the truth’s sake, and confession of Christ, come to greatest honour; as we see in the instance of the blind man. For the Jews cast him out of the temple, and the Lord of the temple found him; and…vatican.va
- Hilary of Poitiers on John 9:35–41 — If any mere confession whatsoever of Christ were the perfection of faith, it would have been said, Dost thou believe in Christ? But inasmuch as all heretics would have had this name in their mouths, confessing…vatican.va
- John Chrysostom on John 9:35–41 (2) — But the blind man did not yet know Christ, for before he went to Christ he was blind, and after his cure, he was taken hold of by the Jews: He answered and said, Who is He, Lord, that I might believe on Him? The…vatican.va
- Theophylact of Ohrid on John 9:35–41 — This He says to remind him of his cure, which had given him the power to see. And observe, He that speaks is born of Mary, and the Son is the Son of God, not two different Persons, according to the error of…vatican.va
- Augustine of Hippo on John 9:35–41 — First, He washes the face of his heart. Then, his heart’s face being washed, and his conscience cleansed, he acknowledges Him as not only the Son of man, which he believed before, but as the Son of God, Who had taken…vatican.va
- Bede on John 9:35–41 — An example to us, not to pray to God with uplifted neck, but prostrate upon earth, suppliantly to implore His mercy.vatican.va
- John Chrysostom on John 9:35–41 (3) — He adds the deed to the word, as a clear acknowledgment of His divine power. The Lord replies in a way to confirm His faith, and at the same time stirs up the minds of His followers: And Jesus said, For judgment have…vatican.va
- Augustine of Hippo on John 9:35–41 (2) — The day then was divided between light and darkness. So it is rightly added, that they which see not, may see; for He relieved men from darkness. But what is that which follows: And that they which see might he made…vatican.va
- John Chrysostom on John 9:35–41 (4) — Or, for judgment, He saith; i. e. for greater punishment, shewing that they who condemned Him, were the very ones who were condemned. Respecting what He says, that they which see not might see, and that they which…vatican.va
- Theophylact of Ohrid on John 9:35–41 (2) — As if to say, Lo, he that saw not from his birth, now sees both in body and soul; whereas they who seem to see, have had their understanding darkened.vatican.va
- John Chrysostom on John 9:35–41 (5) — For there is a twofold vision, and a twofold blindness; viz. that of sense, and that of the understanding. But they were intent only on sensible things, and were ashamed only of sensible blindness: wherefore He shews…vatican.va
- Theophylact of Ohrid on John 9:35–41 (3) — Overlooking the miracle wrought on the blind man, ye deserve no pardon; since even visible miracles make no impression on you.vatican.va
- John Chrysostom on John 9:35–41 (6) — What then they thought their great praise, He shews would turn to their punishment; and at the same time consoles him who had been afflicted with bodily blindness from his birth. For it is not without reason that the…vatican.va
- Theophylact of Ohrid on John 9:35–41 (4) — Or, if ye were blind, i. e. ignorant of the Scriptures, your offence would be by no means so heavy a one, as erring out of ignorance: but now, seeing ye call yourselves wise and understanding in the law, your own…vatican.va
Scripture cited · 8 verses
Exodus 20:10 · Matthew 22:13 · Matthew 28:20 · Luke 4:24 · Luke 18:13 · Romans 5:20 · Romans 9:30 · 1 Corinthians 10:14