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| 3 <title>Aquinas: John, Ch. 9</title> | 7 <title>Aquinas: John, Ch. 9</title> |
| 4 </head> | 8 </head> |
| 5 <body style=text-align:justify><blockquote> | 9 <body style="text-align:justify"> |
| 6 <p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 60pt">9</span> | 10 <blockquote> |
| 7 <p align=center><B>LECTURE I</B> | 11 <p style="text-align: center"><span style= |
| 8 <BLOCKQUOTE><p>1 As he passed by, he saw a | 12 "font-size: 60pt">9</span></p> |
| 9 man blind from his birth. 2 And his disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, | 13 <p align="center"><b>LECTURE I</b></p> |
| 10 this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" 3 Jesus answered, "It was not | 14 <blockquote> |
| 11 that this man sinned, or his parent, but that the works of God might be made | 15 <p>1 As he passed by, he saw a man blind from his birth. 2 And his |
| 12 manifest in him. 4 We must work the works of him who sent me, while it is day; | 16 disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, |
| 13 night comes, when no one can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the | 17 that he was born blind?" 3 Jesus answered, "It was not that this |
| 14 light of the world." 6 As he said this, he spat on the ground and made clay of | 18 man sinned, or his parent, but that the works of God might be made |
| 15 the spittle and anointed the man's eyes with the clay, 7 saying to him, "Go, | 19 manifest in him. 4 We must work the works of him who sent me, while |
| 16 wash in the pool of Siloam" (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came | 20 it is day; night comes, when no one can work. 5 As long as I am in |
| 17 back seeing.<a href="#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1"><b>[1]</b></a></BLOCKQUOTE> | 21 the world, I am the light of the world." 6 As he said this, he spat |
| 18 | 22 on the ground and made clay of the spittle and anointed the man's |
| 19 <p>1293 After showing the | 23 eyes with the clay, 7 saying to him, "Go, wash in the pool of |
| 20 enlightening power of his teaching by his own words [cf. 1 118], our Lord | 24 Siloam" (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back |
| 21 confirms this by his action, when he gives sight to one physically blind. In | 25 seeing.<a href="#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" id= |
| 22 regard to this three things are presented: first, the man's infirmity; | 26 "_ftnref1"><b>[1]</b></a></p> |
| 23 secondly, his healing (v 6); thirdly, a discussion among the Jews about this | 27 </blockquote> |
| 24 health (v 8). In regard to the first he does two things: first, the man's | 28 <p>1293 After showing the enlightening power of his teaching by his |
| 25 infirmity is mentioned; secondly, we see an inquiry about its cause (v 2). | 29 own words [cf. 1 118], our Lord confirms this by his action, when |
| 26 | 30 he gives sight to one physically blind. In regard to this three |
| 27 <p>1294 It should be noted in | 31 things are presented: first, the man's infirmity; secondly, his |
| 28 regard to the first that Jesus hid himself and left the temple, and while | 32 healing (v 6); thirdly, a discussion among the Jews about this |
| 29 passing by he saw this blind man, as he passed by, he saw a man blind from his | 33 health (v 8). In regard to the first he does two things: first, the |
| 30 birth. Three things are considered here. First, he passed by to avoid the anger | 34 man's infirmity is mentioned; secondly, we see an inquiry about its |
| 31 of the Jews: "Do not kindle the coals of a sinner lest you be burned in his | 35 cause (v 2).</p> |
| 32 flaming fire" (Sir 8:10). Secondly, he wanted to try and soften their hardness | 36 <p>1294 It should be noted in regard to the first that Jesus hid |
| 33 of heart by working a miracle: "If I had not done among them the works which no | 37 himself and left the temple, and while passing by he saw this blind |
| 34 one else did, they would not have sin" (15:24). Thirdly, he went on his way in | 38 man, as he passed by, he saw a man blind from his birth. Three |
| 35 order to confirm his words by working a sign; for our Lord's works produce | 39 things are considered here. First, he passed by to avoid the anger |
| 36 faith in the things that he says: "He confirmed the message by the sign that | 40 of the Jews: "Do not kindle the coals of a sinner lest you be |
| 37 attended it" (Mk 16:20). | 41 burned in his flaming fire" (Sir 8:10). Secondly, he wanted to try |
| 38 | 42 and soften their hardness of heart by working a miracle: "If I had |
| 39 <p>In | 43 not done among them the works which no one else did, they would not |
| 40 the mystical sense, according to Augustine, this blind man is the human race.<a | 44 have sin" (15:24). Thirdly, he went on his way in order to confirm |
| 41 href="#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2">[2]</a> | 45 his words by working a sign; for our Lord's works produce faith in |
| 42 Sin is a spiritual blindness: "Their wickedness blinded them" (Wis 2:21). The human race is blind from birth, because it contracted sin from his its | 46 the things that he says: "He confirmed the message by the sign that |
| 43 origin, for the blindness occurs through sin in the first man, from whom all of | 47 attended it" (Mk 16:20).</p> |
| 44 us draw our origin. We read, "We were by nature," by natural origin, "children | 48 <p>In the mystical sense, according to Augustine, this blind man is |
| 45 of wrath" (Eph 2:3). | 49 the human race.<a href="#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" id= |
| 46 | 50 "_ftnref2">[2]</a> Sin is a spiritual blindness: "Their wickedness |
| 47 <p>1295 Then (v2), the cause of | 51 blinded them" (Wis 2:21). The human race is blind from birth, |
| 48 this man's infirmity is discussed: first, the disciples ask about its cause; | 52 because it contracted sin from his its origin, for the blindness |
| 49 secondly, Christ explains it. | 53 occurs through sin in the first man, from whom all of us draw our |
| 50 | 54 origin. We read, "We were by nature," by natural origin, "children |
| 51 <p>1296 In regard to the first, | 55 of wrath" (Eph 2:3).</p> |
| 52 three things are to be considered. The first is the reason for the disciples | 56 <p>1295 Then (v2), the cause of this man's infirmity is discussed: |
| 53 questioning Christ. According to Chrysostom, this was because Jesus, leaving | 57 first, the disciples ask about its cause; secondly, Christ explains |
| 54 the temple and seeing this blind man, looked at him intently, as though seeing | 58 it.</p> |
| 55 in him an opportunity to manifest his power. And so the disciples seeing him | 59 <p>1296 In regard to the first, three things are to be considered. |
| 56 look so intently at the blind man were impelled to question him.<a href="#_ftn3" | 60 The first is the reason for the disciples questioning Christ. |
| 57 name="_ftnref3">[3]</a> | 61 According to Chrysostom, this was because Jesus, leaving the temple |
| 58 | 62 and seeing this blind man, looked at him intently, as though seeing |
| 59 <p>Secondly, | 63 in him an opportunity to manifest his power. And so the disciples |
| 60 we see the seriousness of the disciples, because they say, <b>Rabbi</b>, | 64 seeing him look so intently at the blind man were impelled to |
| 61 calling him Teacher, to indicate that they are questioning him in order to | 65 question him.<a href="#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" id= |
| 62 learn. Thirdly, we see why they asked, <b>who sinned?</b> when they inquire | 66 "_ftnref3">[3]</a></p> |
| 63 into the reason for the man's blindness. | 67 <p>Secondly, we see the seriousness of the disciples, because they |
| 64 | 68 say, <b>Rabbi</b>, calling him Teacher, to indicate that they are |
| 65 <p>It | 69 questioning him in order to learn. Thirdly, we see why they asked, |
| 66 must be said, according to Chrysostom, that because the Lord said to the | 70 <b>who sinned?</b> when they inquire into the reason for the man's |
| 67 paralytic, when he healed him, "See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing | 71 blindness.</p> |
| 68 worse befall you," the disciples thought that his infirmity was due to sin.<a | 72 <p>It must be said, according to Chrysostom, that because the Lord |
| 69 href="#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4">[4]</a> | 73 said to the paralytic, when he healed him, "See, you are well! Sin |
| 70 They also thought that every human illness arose from sin, as Eliphaz said: | 74 no more, that nothing worse befall you," the disciples thought that |
| 71 "Think now, who that was innocent ever perished?" (Jb 4:7). Therefore, they | 75 his infirmity was due to sin.<a href="#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" id= |
| 72 asked whether he had been born blind on account of his own sin or that of his | 76 "_ftnref4">[4]</a> They also thought that every human illness arose |
| 73 parents. It does not seem to have been on account of his own sin, because no | 77 from sin, as Eliphaz said: "Think now, who that was innocent ever |
| 74 one sins before he is born, since souls do not exist before their bodies, nor | 78 perished?" (Jb 4:7). Therefore, they asked whether he had been born |
| 75 do they sin, as some mistakenly think: "Though they were not yet born and had | 79 blind on account of his own sin or that of his parents. It does not |
| 76 done nothing, either good or bad … not because of works but because of his | 80 seem to have been on account of his own sin, because no one sins |
| 77 call, she was told 'The elder will served the younger'" (Rom 9:11). Nor does it | 81 before he is born, since souls do not exist before their bodies, |
| 78 seem that he suffered on account of a sin of his parents, for we read: "The | 82 nor do they sin, as some mistakenly think: "Though they were not |
| 79 fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor shall the children be | 83 yet born and had done nothing, either good or bad … not |
| 80 put to death for the fathers" (Deut 24:16). | 84 because of works but because of his call, she was told 'The elder |
| 81 | 85 will served the younger'" (Rom 9:11). Nor does it seem that he |
| 82 <p>Note | 86 suffered on account of a sin of his parents, for we read: "The |
| 83 that people are punished with two kinds of punishment. One is spiritual and | 87 fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor shall the |
| 84 concerns the soul; the other is bodily and concerns the body. A child is never | 88 children be put to death for the fathers" (Deut 24:16).</p> |
| 85 punished on account of his father with a spiritual punishment, because the soul | 89 <p>Note that people are punished with two kinds of punishment. One |
| 86 of a child is not from his father but from God: "All souls are mine," that is, | 90 is spiritual and concerns the soul; the other is bodily and |
| 87 by creation, "the soul of the father as well as the soul of the child is mine: | 91 concerns the body. A child is never punished on account of his |
| 88 the soul that sins shall be punished" [Ez 18:4]. Augustine also says this in | 92 father with a spiritual punishment, because the soul of a child is |
| 89 one of his letters.<a href="#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5">[5]</a> | 93 not from his father but from God: "All souls are mine," that is, by |
| 90 But a child is punished on account of his father with a bodily punishment, | 94 creation, "the soul of the father as well as the soul of the child |
| 91 since he is of his father as far as his body is concerned. This is expressly | 95 is mine: the soul that sins shall be punished" [Ez 18:4]. Augustine |
| 92 shown in Genesis (c 19) where when Sodom was destroyed the children of the | 96 also says this in one of his letters.<a href="#_ftn5" name= |
| 93 inhabitants of Sodom were killed on account of the sins of their parents. | 97 "_ftnref5" id="_ftnref5">[5]</a> But a child is punished on account |
| 94 Again, the Lord very often threatened to destroy the children of the Jews on | 98 of his father with a bodily punishment, since he is of his father |
| 95 account of the sins of their parents. | 99 as far as his body is concerned. This is expressly shown in Genesis |
| 96 | 100 (c 19) where when Sodom was destroyed the children of the |
| 97 <p>1297 To understand why one | 101 inhabitants of Sodom were killed on account of the sins of their |
| 98 person is punished on account of the sins of another, we must realize that a | 102 parents. Again, the Lord very often threatened to destroy the |
| 99 punishment has two aspects: it is an injury and a remedy. Sometimes a part of | 103 children of the Jews on account of the sins of their parents.</p> |
| 100 the body is cut off to save the entire body. And a punishment of this kind | 104 <p>1297 To understand why one person is punished on account of the |
| 101 causes an injury insofar as a part is cut off, but it is a remedy insofar as it | 105 sins of another, we must realize that a punishment has two aspects: |
| 102 saves the body itself. Still, a doctor never cuts off a superior member to save | 106 it is an injury and a remedy. Sometimes a part of the body is cut |
| 103 one which is inferior, but the other way around. Now in human matters, the soul | 107 off to save the entire body. And a punishment of this kind causes |
| 104 is superior to the body, and the body is superior to external possessions. And | 108 an injury insofar as a part is cut off, but it is a remedy insofar |
| 105 so it never happens that someone is punished in his soul for the sake of his | 109 as it saves the body itself. Still, a doctor never cuts off a |
| 106 body, but rather he is punished in his body as a curing remedy for his soul. | 110 superior member to save one which is inferior, but the other way |
| 107 Therefore, God sometimes imposes physical punishments, or difficulties in | 111 around. Now in human matters, the soul is superior to the body, and |
| 108 external concerns, as a beneficial remedy for the soul. And then punishments of | 112 the body is superior to external possessions. And so it never |
| 109 this kind are not given just as injuries, but as healing remedies. Thus, the | 113 happens that someone is punished in his soul for the sake of his |
| 110 killing of the children of Sodom was for the good of their souls: not because | 114 body, but rather he is punished in his body as a curing remedy for |
| 111 they deserved it, but so they would not be punished more severely for | 115 his soul. Therefore, God sometimes imposes physical punishments, or |
| 112 increasing their sins in a life spent in imitating their parents. And in this | 116 difficulties in external concerns, as a beneficial remedy for the |
| 113 way some are often punished for the sins of their parents.<a href="#_ftn6" | 117 soul. And then punishments of this kind are not given just as |
| 114 name="_ftnref6">[6]</a> | 118 injuries, but as healing remedies. Thus, the killing of the |
| 115 | 119 children of Sodom was for the good of their souls: not because they |
| 116 <p>1298 Then when he says, <b>Jesus | 120 deserved it, but so they would not be punished more severely for |
| 117 answered</b>, our Lord reveals the reason for the man's infirmity: first, he | 121 increasing their sins in a life spent in imitating their parents. |
| 118 excludes the reason they assumed; secondly, he mentions the real reason; and | 122 And in this way some are often punished for the sins of their |
| 119 thirdly, he explains it. | 123 parents.<a href="#_ftn6" name="_ftnref6" id="_ftnref6">[6]</a></p> |
| 120 | 124 <p>1298 Then when he says, <b>Jesus answered</b>, our Lord reveals |
| 121 <p>1299 He excludes the reason | 125 the reason for the man's infirmity: first, he excludes the reason |
| 122 they assumed when he says, <b>it was not that this man sinned, or his parents</b>: | 126 they assumed; secondly, he mentions the real reason; and thirdly, |
| 123 for the disciples had assumed that this was the reason for his infirmity, as | 127 he explains it.</p> |
| 124 was said. But a contrary statement is found in Romans [3:23]: "All have sinned | 128 <p>1299 He excludes the reason they assumed when he says, <b>it was |
| 125 and are in need of God's glory." And again we read that sin has passed into all | 129 not that this man sinned, or his parents</b>: for the disciples had |
| 126 men from Adam. I answer to this that both the blind man and his parents did | 130 assumed that this was the reason for his infirmity, as was said. |
| 127 contract original sin and even added other actual sins during their live, for | 131 But a contrary statement is found in Romans [3:23]: "All have |
| 128 we read: "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not | 132 sinned and are in need of God's glory." And again we read that sin |
| 129 in us" (1 Jn 1:8). But when the Lord says, <b>it was not that this man sinned, | 133 has passed into all men from Adam. I answer to this that both the |
| 130 or his parents</b>, he means that his blindness did not come as a result of | 134 blind man and his parents did contract original sin and even added |
| 131 their sins. | 135 other actual sins during their live, for we read: "If we say we |
| 132 | 136 have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us" (1 Jn |
| 133 <p>1300 He mentions the real | 137 1:8). But when the Lord says, <b>it was not that this man sinned, |
| 134 reason when he says, <b>but that the works of God might be made manifest in him</b>, | 138 or his parents</b>, he means that his blindness did not come as a |
| 135 for through the works of God we are led to a knowledge of him: "his invisible | 139 result of their sins.</p> |
| 136 nature has been clearly perceived in the things that have been made" (Rom | 140 <p>1300 He mentions the real reason when he says, <b>but that the |
| 137 1:20); "The very works which my Father has given me to perform…they bear | 141 works of God might be made manifest in him</b>, for through the |
| 138 witness to me" (5:36). But the knowledge of God is man's greatest good, since | 142 works of God we are led to a knowledge of him: "his invisible |
| 139 his happiness consists in this: "This is eternal life, that they know thee the | 143 nature has been clearly perceived in the things that have been |
| 140 only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou has sent" (17:3); "Let him who | 144 made" (Rom 1:20); "The very works which my Father has given me to |
| 141 glories glory in this, that he understands and knows me" (Jer 9:24). If, | 145 perform…they bear witness to me" (5:36). But the knowledge |
| 142 therefore, an infirmity occurs in order that God's works be manifested, and God | 146 of God is man's greatest good, since his happiness consists in |
| 143 is made known through this manifestation, it is clear that such bodily | 147 this: "This is eternal life, that they know thee the only true God, |
| 144 infirmities occur for a good purpose. | 148 and Jesus Christ whom thou has sent" (17:3); "Let him who glories |
| 145 | 149 glory in this, that he understands and knows me" (Jer 9:24). If, |
| 146 <p>1301 It might seem that the | 150 therefore, an infirmity occurs in order that God's works be |
| 147 manifestation of God's works is not a sufficient reason for such an infirmity, | 151 manifested, and God is made known through this manifestation, it is |
| 148 especially since neither he nor his parents sinned. Therefore, some say that | 152 clear that such bodily infirmities occur for a good purpose.</p> |
| 149 the words <b>but that </b>do not indicate the reason but merely the sequence of | 153 <p>1301 It might seem that the manifestation of God's works is not |
| 150 events. The sense then being: the man was blind, and the works of God were | 154 a sufficient reason for such an infirmity, especially since neither |
| 151 manifested in his cure. But this does not seem to be reasonable; and so it is | 155 he nor his parents sinned. Therefore, some say that the words |
| 152 better to say that the reason is being given. For evil is twofold: the evil of | 156 <b>but that</b> do not indicate the reason but merely the sequence |
| 153 fault and the evil of punishment. Now God does not cause the evil of fault, but | 157 of events. The sense then being: the man was blind, and the works |
| 154 permits it; yet he would not permit it unless he intended some good from it. So | 158 of God were manifested in his cure. But this does not seem to be |
| 155 Augustine says in his <i>Enchiridion</i>: "God is so good that he would never | 159 reasonable; and so it is better to say that the reason is being |
| 156 permit any evil to occur, unless he was so powerful as to draw some good from | 160 given. For evil is twofold: the evil of fault and the evil of |
| 157 every evil."<a href="#_ftn7" name="_ftnref7">[7]</a> | 161 punishment. Now God does not cause the evil of fault, but permits |
| 158 Therefore, he allows certain sins to be committed because he intends some good; | 162 it; yet he would not permit it unless he intended some good from |
| 159 in this way, he allows the rage of tyrants so that martyrs may be crowned. Much | 163 it. So Augustine says in his <i>Enchiridion</i>: "God is so good |
| 160 more, therefore, should it be said that the evil of punishment, which he causes | 164 that he would never permit any evil to occur, unless he was so |
| 161 - as Amos (3:6) says: "Does evil befall a city, unless the Lord has done it?" - | 165 powerful as to draw some good from every evil."<a href="#_ftn7" |
| 162 is never applied except for the good he intends. And among these goods the best | 166 name="_ftnref7" id="_ftnref7">[7]</a> Therefore, he allows certain |
| 163 is that the works of God be manifested, and from them that God be known. | 167 sins to be committed because he intends some good; in this way, he |
| 164 Therefore, it is not unfitting if he sends afflictions or allows sins to be | 168 allows the rage of tyrants so that martyrs may be crowned. Much |
| 169 more, therefore, should it be said that the evil of punishment, | |
| 170 which he causes - as Amos (3:6) says: "Does evil befall a city, | |
| 171 unless the Lord has done it?" - is never applied except for the | |
| 172 good he intends. And among these goods the best is that the works | |
| 173 of God be manifested, and from them that God be known. Therefore, | |
| 174 it is not unfitting if he sends afflictions or allows sins to be | |
| 165 committed in order that some good come from them.<a href="#_ftn8" | 175 committed in order that some good come from them.<a href="#_ftn8" |
| 166 name="_ftnref8">[8]</a> | 176 name="_ftnref8" id="_ftnref8">[8]</a></p> |
| 167 | 177 <p>1302 It should be noted, as Gregory says in <i>I Morals</i>, |
| 168 <p>1302 It should be noted, as | 178 that God sends afflictions to men in five ways.<a href="#_ftn9" |
| 169 Gregory says in <i>I Morals</i>, that God sends afflictions to men in five | 179 name="_ftnref9" id="_ftnref9">[9]</a> Sometimes they are the |
| 170 ways.<a href="#_ftn9" name="_ftnref9">[9]</a> | 180 beginning of damnation, according to Jeremiah: "Strike them with a |
| 171 Sometimes they are the beginning of damnation, according to Jeremiah: "Strike | 181 double punishment." A sinner is struck with this kind of punishment |
| 172 them with a double punishment." A sinner is struck with this kind of punishment | 182 in this life so that without interruption or end he might be |
| 173 in this life so that without interruption or end he might be punished in the | 183 punished in the other life. For example, Herod, who killed James, |
| 174 other life. For example, Herod, who killed James, was punished in this life and | 184 was punished in this life and also in hell (Acts 12:23). Sometimes |
| 175 also in hell (Acts 12:23). Sometimes afflictions are sent as a correction, as | 185 afflictions are sent as a correction, as we read: "Your discipline |
| 176 we read: "Your discipline will teach me" [Ps 17:36]. And sometimes a person is | 186 will teach me" [Ps 17:36]. And sometimes a person is afflicted not |
| 177 afflicted not to correct past wrongs, but to preserve him from future ones, as | 187 to correct past wrongs, but to preserve him from future ones, as we |
| 178 we read of Paul: "And to keep me from being too elated by the abundance of revelations, | 188 read of Paul: "And to keep me from being too elated by the |
| 179 a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, to harass me, to keep | 189 abundance of revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a |
| 180 me from being too elated" (2 Cor 12:7). Again, sometimes it is done to | 190 messenger of Satan, to harass me, to keep me from being too elated" |
| 181 encourage virtue: as when a person's past sins are not being corrected, nor | 191 (2 Cor 12:7). Again, sometimes it is done to encourage virtue: as |
| 182 future ones hindered, but he is led to a stronger love by knowing the power of | 192 when a person's past sins are not being corrected, nor future ones |
| 183 the one who unexpectedly delivered him from some difficulty: "Virtue is made | 193 hindered, but he is led to a stronger love by knowing the power of |
| 184 perfect in infirmity" [2 Cor 12:9]; "Patience has a perfect work" [Jas 1:4]. | 194 the one who unexpectedly delivered him from some difficulty: |
| 185 And finally, sometimes afflictions are sent to manifest the divine glory; thus | 195 "Virtue is made perfect in infirmity" [2 Cor 12:9]; "Patience has a |
| 186 we read here, <b>that the works of God might be made manifest in him</b>. | 196 perfect work" [Jas 1:4]. And finally, sometimes afflictions are |
| 187 | 197 sent to manifest the divine glory; thus we read here, <b>that the |
| 188 <p>1303 Next he explains the | 198 works of God might be made manifest in him</b>.</p> |
| 189 true reason. And because he had mentioned God's works, first he states the | 199 <p>1303 Next he explains the true reason. And because he had |
| 190 opportunity for manifesting God's works; secondly, the reason for this | 200 mentioned God's works, first he states the opportunity for |
| 191 opportunity or need, <b>night comes</b>; and thirdly, he explains this (v 5). | 201 manifesting God's works; secondly, the reason for this opportunity |
| 192 | 202 or need, <b>night comes</b>; and thirdly, he explains this (v |
| 193 <p>1304 He says, therefore, this | 203 5).</p> |
| 194 man was born blind <b>that the works of God might be made manifest in him</b>. | 204 <p>1304 He says, therefore, this man was born blind <b>that the |
| 195 And it was necessary that they be manifested, for <b>we must work the works of | 205 works of God might be made manifest in him</b>. And it was |
| 196 him who sent me</b>, that is, the works entrusted to me by my Father: "I have | 206 necessary that they be manifested, for <b>we must work the works of |
| 197 come to do the will of him who sent me" (6:38). And below he says: "Father, I | 207 him who sent me</b>, that is, the works entrusted to me by my |
| 198 have accomplished the work you gave me to do" (17:4). Or, these words can refer | 208 Father: "I have come to do the will of him who sent me" (6:38). And |
| 199 to Christ insofar as he is God; and then they indicate the equality of his | 209 below he says: "Father, I have accomplished the work you gave me to |
| 200 power with that of the Father. Then the meaning is, <b>we must work the works | 210 do" (17:4). Or, these words can refer to Christ insofar as he is |
| 201 of him who sent me</b>, that is, the works which I have from the Father. For | 211 God; and then they indicate the equality of his power with that of |
| 202 everything that the Son does, even according to his divine nature, he has from | 212 the Father. Then the meaning is, <b>we must work the works of him |
| 203 his Father: "The Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees | 213 who sent me</b>, that is, the works which I have from the Father. |
| 204 the Father doing" (5:19). | 214 For everything that the Son does, even according to his divine |
| 205 | 215 nature, he has from his Father: "The Son can do nothing of his own |
| 206 <p>1305 I say we must work <b>while | 216 accord, but only what he sees the Father doing" (5:19).</p> |
| 207 it is day</b>. Our natural day is produced by the presence of the sun to the | 217 <p>1305 I say we must work <b>while it is day</b>. Our natural day |
| 208 earth. But the Sun of Justice or Righteousness is Christ, our God: "But for you | 218 is produced by the presence of the sun to the earth. But the Sun of |
| 209 who fear my name the sun of righteousness shall rise" (Mal 4:2). Therefore, as | 219 Justice or Righteousness is Christ, our God: "But for you who fear |
| 210 long as this Sun is present to us, the works of God can be done in us, for us, | 220 my name the sun of righteousness shall rise" (Mal 4:2). Therefore, |
| 211 and by us. At one time this Sun was physically present to us; and then it was | 221 as long as this Sun is present to us, the works of God can be done |
| 212 day: "This is the day which the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in | 222 in us, for us, and by us. At one time this Sun was physically |
| 213 it" (Ps 118:24). Therefore, it was fitting to do the works of God. He is also | 223 present to us; and then it was day: "This is the day which the Lord |
| 214 present us by grace; and then it is the day of grace, when it is fitting to do | 224 has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it" (Ps 118:24). Therefore, |
| 215 the works of God, <b>while it is day</b>; "The night is far gone, the day is at | 225 it was fitting to do the works of God. He is also present us by |
| 216 hand. Let us then cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light" | 226 grace; and then it is the day of grace, when it is fitting to do |
| 217 (Rom 13:12); "Those who sleep, sleep at night" (1 Thess 5:7). | 227 the works of God, <b>while it is day</b>; "The night is far gone, |
| 218 | 228 the day is at hand. Let us then cast off the works of darkness and |
| 219 <p>1306 If the presence of the | 229 put on the armor of light" (Rom 13:12); "Those who sleep, sleep at |
| 220 sun produces day, and its absence night, then, since the sun is always present | 230 night" (1 Thess 5:7).</p> |
| 221 to itself, it is always day for the sun; and so for the sun, it is always the | 231 <p>1306 If the presence of the sun produces day, and its absence |
| 222 time for acting and illuminating. But with regard to ourselves, to whom it is | 232 night, then, since the sun is always present to itself, it is |
| 223 sometimes present and at other times absent, it is not always acting and | 233 always day for the sun; and so for the sun, it is always the time |
| 224 illuminating. In the same way for Christ, the Sun of Justice, it is always day | 234 for acting and illuminating. But with regard to ourselves, to whom |
| 225 and the time for acting; but not with respect to us, because we are not always | 235 it is sometimes present and at other times absent, it is not always |
| 226 able to receive his grace due to some obstacle on our part. | 236 acting and illuminating. In the same way for Christ, the Sun of |
| 227 | 237 Justice, it is always day and the time for acting; but not with |
| 228 <p>1307 He mentions why this is | 238 respect to us, because we are not always able to receive his grace |
| 229 our opportunity when he says, <b>night comes, when no one can work</b>. Just as | 239 due to some obstacle on our part.</p> |
| 230 there are two kinds of day, so there are two kinds of night. One is by the | 240 <p>1307 He mentions why this is our opportunity when he says, |
| 231 physical departure of the Sun of Justice, which is what the Apostles | 241 <b>night comes, when no one can work</b>. Just as there are two |
| 232 experienced when they were demoralized at the time of the passion, when Christ | 242 kinds of day, so there are two kinds of night. One is by the |
| 233 was physically taken from them: "you will all fall away because of me this | 243 physical departure of the Sun of Justice, which is what the |
| 234 night" (Mt 26:31). Then it was not the time for acting, but for suffering. | 244 Apostles experienced when they were demoralized at the time of the |
| 235 | 245 passion, when Christ was physically taken from them: "you will all |
| 236 <p>But | 246 fall away because of me this night" (Mt 26:31). Then it was not the |
| 237 it is better to say that even when Christ was physically absent because of his | 247 time for acting, but for suffering.</p> |
| 238 ascension, it was still day for the Apostles insofar as the Sun of Justice | 248 <p>But it is better to say that even when Christ was physically |
| 239 shone on them, and it was a time for working. And so night in this passage | 249 absent because of his ascension, it was still day for the Apostles |
| 240 refers to that night which comes from the spiritual separation from the Sun of | 250 insofar as the Sun of Justice shone on them, and it was a time for |
| 241 Justice, that is, by the separation from grace. This night is of two kinds. One | 251 working. And so night in this passage refers to that night which |
| 242 is by the loss of actual grace through mortal sin: "Those who sleep, sleep at | 252 comes from the spiritual separation from the Sun of Justice, that |
| 243 night" (1 Thess 5:7). When this night comes, no one can perform works that | 253 is, by the separation from grace. This night is of two kinds. One |
| 244 merit eternal life. The other night is total, when one is deprived not only of | 254 is by the loss of actual grace through mortal sin: "Those who |
| 245 actual grace by mortal sin, but even of the ability of obtaining grace because | 255 sleep, sleep at night" (1 Thess 5:7). When this night comes, no one |
| 246 of an eternal damnation in hell. Here there is a vast night for those to whom | 256 can perform works that merit eternal life. The other night is |
| 247 it will be said: "Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire" (Mt | 257 total, when one is deprived not only of actual grace by mortal sin, |
| 248 24:41). During this night no one can work, because it is not the time for | 258 but even of the ability of obtaining grace because of an eternal |
| 249 meriting, but for receiving according to one's merits. Therefore, while you are | 259 damnation in hell. Here there is a vast night for those to whom it |
| 250 living, do now what you will want to have done then: "Whatever your hand finds | 260 will be said: "Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire" |
| 251 to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or thought of knowledge or | 261 (Mt 24:41). During this night no one can work, because it is not |
| 252 wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going" (Eccl 9:10). | 262 the time for meriting, but for receiving according to one's merits. |
| 253 | 263 Therefore, while you are living, do now what you will want to have |
| 254 <p>1308 He gives the reason for | 264 done then: "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; |
| 255 what he has just said, saying, <b>as long as I am in the world, I am the light | 265 for there is no work or thought of knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to |
| 256 of the world</b>. This is like saying: If you want to know what is that day and | 266 which you are going" (Eccl 9:10).</p> |
| 257 what is that night of which I speak, I say that <b>I am the light of the world</b>, | 267 <p>1308 He gives the reason for what he has just said, saying, |
| 258 for my presence makes day, and my absence night; "I am the light of the world" | 268 <b>as long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world</b>. |
| 259 (8:12). <b>As long as I am in the world</b> by my bodily presence - "I came | 269 This is like saying: If you want to know what is that day and what |
| 260 forth from the Father and have come into the world; again, I am leaving the | 270 is that night of which I speak, I say that <b>I am the light of the |
| 261 world and going to the Father" (16:28) - <b>I am the light of the world</b>. | 271 world</b>, for my presence makes day, and my absence night; "I am |
| 262 And thus this day lasted until the ascension of Christ. Or again, <b>as long as | 272 the light of the world" (8:12). <b>As long as I am in the world</b> |
| 263 I am in</b> <b>the world </b>spiritually by grace - "I am with you until the | 273 by my bodily presence - "I came forth from the Father and have come |
| 264 consummation of the world" [Mt 28:20] - <b>I am the light of the world</b>. And | 274 into the world; again, I am leaving the world and going to the |
| 265 this day will last until the consummation of the world. | 275 Father" (16:28) - <b>I am the light of the world</b>. And thus this |
| 266 | 276 day lasted until the ascension of Christ. Or again, <b>as long as I |
| 267 <p>1309 Next, when the | 277 am in</b> <b>the world</b> spiritually by grace - "I am with you |
| 268 Evangelist says, <b>as he said this, he spat on the ground</b>, he describes | 278 until the consummation of the world" [Mt 28:20] - <b>I am the light |
| 269 the healing of the blind man. Here five things were done by Christ. First, he | 279 of the world</b>. And this day will last until the consummation of |
| 270 moistens the earth, <b>he spat on the ground</b>. Secondly, he made the clay, | 280 the world.</p> |
| 271 as we read, he <b>made clay of the spittle</b>. Thirdly, Christ smeared the | 281 <p>1309 Next, when the Evangelist says, <b>as he said this, he spat |
| 272 man's eyes <b>and anointed the man's eyes</b>. Fourthly, he commands the man to | 282 on the ground</b>, he describes the healing of the blind man. Here |
| 273 wash, with <b>go, wash in the pool of Siloam</b>. And fifthly, the man's sight | 283 five things were done by Christ. First, he moistens the earth, |
| 274 is restored, <b>and he came back seeing</b>. Each of these has both a literal | 284 <b>he spat on the ground</b>. Secondly, he made the clay, as we |
| 275 and a mystical explanation. | 285 read, he <b>made clay of the spittle</b>. Thirdly, Christ smeared |
| 276 | 286 the man's eyes <b>and anointed the man's eyes</b>. Fourthly, he |
| 277 <p>1310 The literal meaning is | 287 commands the man to wash, with <b>go, wash in the pool of |
| 278 explained by Chrysostom in this way.<a href="#_ftn10" name="_ftnref10">[10]</a> | 288 Siloam</b>. And fifthly, the man's sight is restored, <b>and he |
| 289 came back seeing</b>. Each of these has both a literal and a | |
| 290 mystical explanation.</p> | |
| 291 <p>1310 The literal meaning is explained by Chrysostom in this | |
| 292 way.<a href="#_ftn10" name="_ftnref10" id="_ftnref10">[10]</a> | |
| 279 Christ restored the man's sight by spittle in order to show that he | 293 Christ restored the man's sight by spittle in order to show that he |
| 280 accomplished this by a power coming from himself, and that the miracle should | 294 accomplished this by a power coming from himself, and that the |
| 281 not be attributed to anything else: "Power came forth from him" (Lk 6:19). | 295 miracle should not be attributed to anything else: "Power came |
| 282 Although our Lord could have performed all his miracles by his mere word, | 296 forth from him" (Lk 6:19). Although our Lord could have performed |
| 283 because "he commanded and they were created" (Ps 148:5), he frequently used his | 297 all his miracles by his mere word, because "he commanded and they |
| 284 body in them to show that as an instrument of his divinity it held a definite | 298 were created" (Ps 148:5), he frequently used his body in them to |
| 285 healing power. He made clay from his spittle to show that he who had formed the | 299 show that as an instrument of his divinity it held a definite |
| 286 entire first man can reshape the deficient members of a man. Thus, just as he | 300 healing power. He made clay from his spittle to show that he who |
| 287 formed the first man from clay, so he made clay to re-form the eyes of the one | 301 had formed the entire first man can reshape the deficient members |
| 288 born blind. | 302 of a man. Thus, just as he formed the first man from clay, so he |
| 289 | 303 made clay to re-form the eyes of the one born blind.</p> |
| 290 <p>He | 304 <p>He rubbed the clay on the eyes of the one born blind to show, by |
| 291 rubbed the clay on the eyes of the one born blind to show, by healing what is | 305 healing what is most important in bodies, that he was the creator |
| 292 most important in bodies, that he was the creator of bodies. For man is more | 306 of bodies. For man is more excellent than all other bodily |
| 293 excellent than all other bodily substances; and among his members, the head is | 307 substances; and among his members, the head is the more excellent; |
| 294 the more excellent; and among the organs of the head, the eye is more excellent | 308 and among the organs of the head, the eye is more excellent than |
| 295 than the others: "The eye is the lamp of the body" (Mt 6:22). Therefore, by | 309 the others: "The eye is the lamp of the body" (Mt 6:22). Therefore, |
| 296 repairing the eye, which is more excellent than the other bodily members, he | 310 by repairing the eye, which is more excellent than the other bodily |
| 297 showed that he was the creator of the entire man and of all corporeal nature. | 311 members, he showed that he was the creator of the entire man and of |
| 298 He said, <b>go, wash in the pool of Siloam</b>, so that it would not seem that | 312 all corporeal nature. He said, <b>go, wash in the pool of |
| 299 the clay he rubbed on the eyes had the power to heal them. Thus, as long as he | 313 Siloam</b>, so that it would not seem that the clay he rubbed on |
| 300 had the clay on his eyes, the man did not see, but saw only after he washed. | 314 the eyes had the power to heal them. Thus, as long as he had the |
| 301 | 315 clay on his eyes, the man did not see, but saw only after he |
| 302 <p>He | 316 washed.</p> |
| 303 sent him some distance to wash, to the pool of Siloam, first, to overcome the | 317 <p>He sent him some distance to wash, to the pool of Siloam, first, |
| 304 obstinacy of the Jews. For he had to cross the city, and so all would see the | 318 to overcome the obstinacy of the Jews. For he had to cross the |
| 305 blind man going with the clay on his eyes, and then returning with his sight | 319 city, and so all would see the blind man going with the clay on his |
| 306 restored. Secondly, he did this to acclaim the obedience and faith of the blind | 320 eyes, and then returning with his sight restored. Secondly, he did |
| 307 man; for perhaps he had frequently had clay put on his face, and had often | 321 this to acclaim the obedience and faith of the blind man; for |
| 308 washed in the pool of Siloam, and yet had not seen. So he could have said: "Clay | 322 perhaps he had frequently had clay put on his face, and had often |
| 309 usually makes me worse, and I have often washed in the pool but was never | 323 washed in the pool of Siloam, and yet had not seen. So he could |
| 310 helped," as we read of Naaman in 2 Kings (5:10). Yet he did not argue, but | 324 have said: "Clay usually makes me worse, and I have often washed in |
| 311 simply obeyed. Thus it follows, <b>so he went and washed</b>. The reason why he | 325 the pool but was never helped," as we read of Naaman in 2 Kings |
| 312 sent him to the pool of Siloam was because the Jewish people were signified by | 326 (5:10). Yet he did not argue, but simply obeyed. Thus it follows, |
| 313 that water: "Because this people have refused the waters of Shiloah that flow | 327 <b>so he went and washed</b>. The reason why he sent him to the |
| 314 gently" (Is 8:6) Therefore, he sent him to Siloam to show that he still loved | 328 pool of Siloam was because the Jewish people were signified by that |
| 315 the Jewish people. | 329 water: "Because this people have refused the waters of Shiloah that |
| 316 | 330 flow gently" (Is 8:6) Therefore, he sent him to Siloam to show that |
| 317 <p>The | 331 he still loved the Jewish people.</p> |
| 318 effect follows, because <b>he came back seeing</b>. This was predicted in | 332 <p>The effect follows, because <b>he came back seeing</b>. This was |
| 319 Isaiah (35:5): "Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened." | 333 predicted in Isaiah (35:5): "Then the eyes of the blind shall be |
| 320 | 334 opened."</p> |
| 321 <p>1311 Augustine gives the | 335 <p>1311 Augustine gives the mystical and allegorical explanation. |
| 322 mystical and allegorical explanation. He says that the spittle, which is saliva | 336 He says that the spittle, which is saliva that descends from the |
| 323 that descends from the head, signifies the Word of God, who proceeds from the | 337 head, signifies the Word of God, who proceeds from the Father, the |
| 324 Father, the head of all things: "I came forth from the mouth of the Most High" | 338 head of all things: "I came forth from the mouth of the Most High" |
| 325 (Sir 24:3). Therefore, the Lord made clay from spittle and the earth when the | 339 (Sir 24:3). Therefore, the Lord made clay from spittle and the |
| 326 Word was made flesh. <a href="#_ftn11" | 340 earth when the Word was made flesh. <a href="#_ftn11" name= |
| 327 name="_ftnref11">[11]</a> | 341 "_ftnref11" id="_ftnref11">[11]</a> He anointed the eyes of the |
| 328 He anointed the eyes of the blind man, that is, of the human race. And the eyes | 342 blind man, that is, of the human race. And the eyes are the eyes of |
| 329 are the eyes of the heart, anointed by faith in the incarnation of Christ. But | 343 the heart, anointed by faith in the incarnation of Christ. But the |
| 330 the blind man did not yet see, because the anointing produced a catechumen, who | 344 blind man did not yet see, because the anointing produced a |
| 331 has faith but has not yet been baptized. So he sends him to the pool of Siloam | 345 catechumen, who has faith but has not yet been baptized. So he |
| 332 to wash and receive his sight, i.e., to be baptized, and in baptism to receive | 346 sends him to the pool of Siloam to wash and receive his sight, |
| 333 full enlightenment. Thus, according to Dionysius, baptism is an enlightenment: | 347 i.e., to be baptized, and in baptism to receive full enlightenment. |
| 334 "I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and you shall be clean from all your | 348 Thus, according to Dionysius, baptism is an enlightenment: "I will |
| 335 uncleanness" (Ezek 36:25).<a href="#_ftn12" name="_ftnref12">[12]</a> | 349 sprinkle clean water upon you, and you shall be clean from all your |
| 336 And so this Gospel is appropriately read in Lent, on Holy Saturday, when those | 350 uncleanness" (Ezek 36:25).<a href="#_ftn12" name="_ftnref12" id= |
| 337 about to be baptized are examined. Nor is it without reason that the Evangelist | 351 "_ftnref12">[12]</a> And so this Gospel is appropriately read in |
| 338 adds the meaning of the pool, saying, <b>which means Sent</b>, because whoever | 352 Lent, on Holy Saturday, when those about to be baptized are |
| 339 is baptized must be baptized in Christ, who was sent by the Father: "As many of | 353 examined. Nor is it without reason that the Evangelist adds the |
| 340 you as were baptized in Christ have put on Christ" (Gal 3:27). For if Christ | 354 meaning of the pool, saying, <b>which means Sent</b>, because |
| 341 had not been sent, none of us would have been freed from sin. | 355 whoever is baptized must be baptized in Christ, who was sent by the |
| 342 | 356 Father: "As many of you as were baptized in Christ have put on |
| 343 <p>According | 357 Christ" (Gal 3:27). For if Christ had not been sent, none of us |
| 344 to Gregory, however, the spittle signifies the savor of intimate contemplation, | 358 would have been freed from sin.</p> |
| 345 which flows from the head into the mouth, because due to the love of our | 359 <p>According to Gregory, however, the spittle signifies the savor |
| 346 Creator we have been touched even in this life with the savor of revelation.<a | 360 of intimate contemplation, which flows from the head into the |
| 347 href="#_ftn13" name="_ftnref13">[13]</a> | 361 mouth, because due to the love of our Creator we have been touched |
| 348 Thus the Lord mixed spittle with earth and restored sight to the man born with | 362 even in this life with the savor of revelation.<a href="#_ftn13" |
| 349 his contemplation, and heals our understanding from its original blindness. | 363 name="_ftnref13" id="_ftnref13">[13]</a> Thus the Lord mixed |
| 350 | 364 spittle with earth and restored sight to the man born with his |
| 351 <p align=center><B>LECTURE 2</B> | 365 contemplation, and heals our understanding from its original |
| 352 | 366 blindness.</p> |
| 353 <BLOCKQUOTE><p>8 The neighbors and those | 367 <p align="center"><b>LECTURE 2</b></p> |
| 354 who had seen him before as a beggar, said, "Is not this the man who used to sit | 368 <blockquote> |
| 355 and beg?" 9 Some said, "It is he"; others said, "No, but he is like him." He | 369 <p>8 The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar, |
| 356 said, "I am the man." 10 They said to him, "Then how were your eyes opened?" 11 | 370 said, "Is not this the man who used to sit and beg?" 9 Some said, |
| 357 He answered, "The man called Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes an said to | 371 "It is he"; others said, "No, but he is like him." He said, "I am |
| 358 me, 'Go to Siloam and wash'; so I went and washed and received my sight." 12 | 372 the man." 10 They said to him, "Then how were your eyes opened?" 11 |
| 359 They said to him, "Where is he?" He said, "I do not know." 13 They brought to | 373 He answered, "The man called Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes |
| 360 the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind. 14 Now it was a Sabbath day | 374 an said to me, 'Go to Siloam and wash'; so I went and washed and |
| 361 when Jesus made the clay and opened his eyes. 15 The Pharisees again asked him | 375 received my sight." 12 They said to him, "Where is he?" He said, "I |
| 362 how he had received his sight. And he said to them, "He put clay on my eyes, | 376 do not know." 13 They brought to the Pharisees the man who had |
| 363 and I washed, and I see." 16 Some of the Pharisees said, "This man is not from | 377 formerly been blind. 14 Now it was a Sabbath day when Jesus made |
| 364 God, for he does not keep the Sabbath." But others said, "How can a man who is | 378 the clay and opened his eyes. 15 The Pharisees again asked him how |
| 365 a sinner do such signs?" There was a division among them. 17 So they again said | 379 he had received his sight. And he said to them, "He put clay on my |
| 366 to the blind man, "What do you say about him, since he has opened your eyes?" | 380 eyes, and I washed, and I see." 16 Some of the Pharisees said, |
| 367 He said, "He is a prophet." 18 The Jews did not believe that he had been blind | 381 "This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath." But |
| 368 and had received his sight, until they called the parents of the man who had | 382 others said, "How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?" There |
| 369 received his sight, 19 and asked them, "Is this your son, who you say was born | 383 was a division among them. 17 So they again said to the blind man, |
| 370 blind? How then does he now see?" 20 His parents answered, "We know that this | 384 "What do you say about him, since he has opened your eyes?" He |
| 371 is our son, and that he was born blind; 21 but how he now sees we do not know, | 385 said, "He is a prophet." 18 The Jews did not believe that he had |
| 372 nor do we know who opened his eyes. Ask him; he is of age, he will speak for | 386 been blind and had received his sight, until they called the |
| 373 himself." 22 His parents said this because they feared the Jews, for the Jews | 387 parents of the man who had received his sight, 19 and asked them, |
| 374 had already agreed that if any one should confess him to be Christ, he was to | 388 "Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now |
| 375 be put out of the synagogue. 23 Therefore his parents said, "He is of age, ask | 389 see?" 20 His parents answered, "We know that this is our son, and |
| 376 him."<a href="#_ftn14" name="_ftnref14"><b>[14]</b></a></BLOCKQUOTE> | 390 that he was born blind; 21 but how he now sees we do not know, nor |
| 377 | 391 do we know who opened his eyes. Ask him; he is of age, he will |
| 378 <p>1312 After the description of | 392 speak for himself." 22 His parents said this because they feared |
| 379 the miraculous healing of the blind man, the Evangelist tells of the miracle | 393 the Jews, for the Jews had already agreed that if any one should |
| 380 being examined. First, the miracle is examined by the people; secondly, by the | 394 confess him to be Christ, he was to be put out of the synagogue. 23 |
| 381 Pharisees (v 13); and thirdly, on account of his confession the blind man is | 395 Therefore his parents said, "He is of age, ask him."<a href= |
| 382 instructed and commended by Christ (v 35). In regard to the first, the | 396 "#_ftn14" name="_ftnref14" id="_ftnref14"><b>[14]</b></a></p> |
| 383 Evangelist mentions three things: first, we see an inquiry about the person who | 397 </blockquote> |
| 384 received his sight; secondly, about the restoration itself (v 10); and thirdly | 398 <p>1312 After the description of the miraculous healing of the |
| 385 about the one who restored his sight (v 1). In regard to the first he does | 399 blind man, the Evangelist tells of the miracle being examined. |
| 386 three things: first, we have a question about the one who received his sight; | 400 First, the miracle is examined by the people; secondly, by the |
| 387 secondly, the different opinions about this are given; thirdly, the question is | 401 Pharisees (v 13); and thirdly, on account of his confession the |
| 388 settled. | 402 blind man is instructed and commended by Christ (v 35). In regard |
| 389 | 403 to the first, the Evangelist mentions three things: first, we see |
| 390 <p>1313 The question is asked by | 404 an inquiry about the person who received his sight; secondly, about |
| 391 the people. He says, <b>the neighbors and those who had seen him before as a | 405 the restoration itself (v 10); and thirdly about the one who |
| 392 beggar said: Is not this the man who used to sit and beg? </b>Here two things | 406 restored his sight (v 1). In regard to the first he does three |
| 393 are to be considered. One is that due to the greatness of the miracle, it was | 407 things: first, we have a question about the one who received his |
| 394 considered incredible. So we read below: "Never since the world began has it | 408 sight; secondly, the different opinions about this are given; |
| 395 been heard that any one opened the eyes of a man born blind" (9:32). This | 409 thirdly, the question is settled.</p> |
| 396 fulfills for them what is said in Habakkuk (1:5), "I am doing a work in your | 410 <p>1313 The question is asked by the people. He says, <b>the |
| 397 days that you would not believe if told." Secondly, we should note the | 411 neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar said: Is |
| 398 wonderful compassion of God, because our Lord performs miracles not only for | 412 not this the man who used to sit and beg?</b> Here two things are |
| 399 the powerful, but also for outcasts, since he healed, with great pity, those | 413 to be considered. One is that due to the greatness of the miracle, |
| 400 who begged. This shows that he who came for our salvation rejected no one | 414 it was considered incredible. So we read below: "Never since the |
| 401 because of their poverty: "Has not God chosen those who are poor in the world | 415 world began has it been heard that any one opened the eyes of a man |
| 402 to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom?" (Jas 2:5). Thus they explicitly | 416 born blind" (9:32). This fulfills for them what is said in Habakkuk |
| 403 say, <b>Is not this the man who used to sit and beg? </b>This is like saying: | 417 (1:5), "I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe |
| 404 He is an outcast and does not deserve to be cured. But Baruch says the | 418 if told." Secondly, we should note the wonderful compassion of God, |
| 405 opposite: "The giants who were born there…God did not choose them" (3:26). | 419 because our Lord performs miracles not only for the powerful, but |
| 406 | 420 also for outcasts, since he healed, with great pity, those who |
| 407 <p>1314 The opinions of the | 421 begged. This shows that he who came for our salvation rejected no |
| 408 people are presented when he says, <b>Some said</b>: It is he, the beggar, | 422 one because of their poverty: "Has not God chosen those who are |
| 409 because they had often seen him begging, and later hurrying through the town | 423 poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom?" |
| 410 when he went to the pool with the clay on his eyes. Thus they could not deny | 424 (Jas 2:5). Thus they explicitly say, <b>Is not this the man who |
| 411 that it was he. But others were on the contrary opinion, so they said, <b>No, | 425 used to sit and beg?</b> This is like saying: He is an outcast and |
| 412 but it is like him</b>. The reason for this, as Augustine says, is that the | 426 does not deserve to be cured. But Baruch says the opposite: "The |
| 413 man's appearance changed when he regained his sight, for nothing is so | 427 giants who were born there…God did not choose them" |
| 414 characteristic as the expression a person gets from his eyes: "A sensible man | 428 (3:26).</p> |
| 415 is known by his face" (Sir 19:29).<a href="#_ftn15" name="_ftnref15">[15]</a> | 429 <p>1314 The opinions of the people are presented when he says, |
| 416 | 430 <b>Some said</b>: It is he, the beggar, because they had often seen |
| 417 <p>1315 The question is settled | 431 him begging, and later hurrying through the town when he went to |
| 418 by the blind man because <b>he said</b>, the blind man, <b>I am the man</b>, | 432 the pool with the clay on his eyes. Thus they could not deny that |
| 419 the one who used to beg. His voice was grateful. For since he could not be | 433 it was he. But others were on the contrary opinion, so they said, |
| 420 ungrateful for such a great favor and was unable to show any other sign of | 434 <b>No, but it is like him</b>. The reason for this, as Augustine |
| 421 gratitude than to constantly declare that he had been cured by Christ, he said, | 435 says, is that the man's appearance changed when he regained his |
| 422 <b>I am the man</b>, the one who was blind and begged; and now I see: "Praise | 436 sight, for nothing is so characteristic as the expression a person |
| 423 God and give thanks to him…for what he has done for you" (Tob 12:6). | 437 gets from his eyes: "A sensible man is known by his face" (Sir |
| 424 | 438 19:29).<a href="#_ftn15" name="_ftnref15" id= |
| 425 <p>1316 Then (v 10), we see the | 439 "_ftnref15">[15]</a></p> |
| 426 investigation of the act, which was the restoration of the man's sight. First, | 440 <p>1315 The question is settled by the blind man because <b>he |
| 427 we have the question asked by the Jews; secondly, the answer of the blind man | 441 said</b>, the blind man, <b>I am the man</b>, the one who used to |
| 428 (v 11). | 442 beg. His voice was grateful. For since he could not be ungrateful |
| 429 | 443 for such a great favor and was unable to show any other sign of |
| 430 <p>1317 They continue: If you | 444 gratitude than to constantly declare that he had been cured by |
| 431 are the blind man who used to beg, then tell us, <b>how were your eyes opened? </b>This | 445 Christ, he said, <b>I am the man</b>, the one who was blind and |
| 432 question came from their vain curiosity because neither the one who was cured | 446 begged; and now I see: "Praise God and give thanks to |
| 433 nor we ourselves know how it was done: "Do not meddle in what is beyond your | 447 him…for what he has done for you" (Tob 12:6).</p> |
| 434 tasks" (Sir 3:23). | 448 <p>1316 Then (v 10), we see the investigation of the act, which was |
| 435 | 449 the restoration of the man's sight. First, we have the question |
| 436 <p>1318 The blind man's answer | 450 asked by the Jews; secondly, the answer of the blind man (v |
| 437 was remarkable; he says, <b>the man called Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes</b>…In | 451 11).</p> |
| 438 his answer he first points out the person who gave him his sight, saying <b>the | 452 <p>1317 They continue: If you are the blind man who used to beg, |
| 439 man called Jesus</b>. He was right in calling him a man; he knew that he was a | 453 then tell us, <b>how were your eyes opened?</b> This question came |
| 440 man, and he was a true man: "Born in the likeness of man" (Phil 2:7). For | 454 from their vain curiosity because neither the one who was cured nor |
| 441 although he had not seen Jesus, because he had left while still blind to go to | 455 we ourselves know how it was done: "Do not meddle in what is beyond |
| 442 Siloam, he knew him from his voice and from the conversations of others about | 456 your tasks" (Sir 3:23).</p> |
| 443 him. | 457 <p>1318 The blind man's answer was remarkable; he says, <b>the man |
| 444 | 458 called Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes</b>…In his |
| 445 <p>Secondly, | 459 answer he first points out the person who gave him his sight, |
| 446 he tells what was done, saying, <b>he made clay and anointed my eyes</b>. Here | 460 saying <b>the man called Jesus</b>. He was right in calling him a |
| 447 he shows that he is truthful, not asserting what is not certain. For our Lord | 461 man; he knew that he was a man, and he was a true man: "Born in the |
| 448 had made clay from spittle, but he did not know this; yet through his sense of | 462 likeness of man" (Phil 2:7). For although he had not seen Jesus, |
| 449 touch he recognized the clay which was made and placed over his eyes. So he did | 463 because he had left while still blind to go to Siloam, he knew him |
| 450 not say, "He made clay from spittle," but only, he <b>made clay and anointed my | 464 from his voice and from the conversations of others about him.</p> |
| 451 eyes</b>: "That which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we | 465 <p>Secondly, he tells what was done, saying, <b>he made clay and |
| 452 have looked upon and touched with our hands…we proclaim also to you" (1 Jn | 466 anointed my eyes</b>. Here he shows that he is truthful, not |
| 453 1:1). | 467 asserting what is not certain. For our Lord had made clay from |
| 454 | 468 spittle, but he did not know this; yet through his sense of touch |
| 455 <p>Thirdly, | 469 he recognized the clay which was made and placed over his eyes. So |
| 456 he mentions the command, saying, <b>and he said to me, Go to Siloam and wash</b>. | 470 he did not say, "He made clay from spittle," but only, he <b>made |
| 457 This was also necessary for us, for if we wish to be cleansed from our | 471 clay and anointed my eyes</b>: "That which we have heard, which we |
| 458 blindness of heart, it is necessary that we be spiritually washed; "Wash | 472 have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon and touched with |
| 459 yourselves; make yourselves clean" (Is 1:16). | 473 our hands…we proclaim also to you" (1 Jn 1:1).</p> |
| 460 | 474 <p>Thirdly, he mentions the command, saying, <b>and he said to me, |
| 461 <p>Fourthly, | 475 Go to Siloam and wash</b>. This was also necessary for us, for if |
| 462 he shows his obedience, saying, <b>so I went and washed</b>. He is saying in | 476 we wish to be cleansed from our blindness of heart, it is necessary |
| 463 effect: Because I heard this command and desired to see, I obeyed. And it is no | 477 that we be spiritually washed; "Wash yourselves; make yourselves |
| 464 wonder, because we read: "For the commandment," that is, when obeyed, "is a | 478 clean" (Is 1:16).</p> |
| 465 lamp and the teaching a light" (Prov 6:23). | 479 <p>Fourthly, he shows his obedience, saying, <b>so I went and |
| 466 | 480 washed</b>. He is saying in effect: Because I heard this command |
| 467 <p>Fifthly, | 481 and desired to see, I obeyed. And it is no wonder, because we read: |
| 468 he mentions the good effect, saying, <b>and I received my sight</b>. It was | 482 "For the commandment," that is, when obeyed, "is a lamp and the |
| 469 fitting that he be enlightened after obeying, because as it says in Acts | 483 teaching a light" (Prov 6:23).</p> |
| 470 (5:32): "It is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him." | 484 <p>Fifthly, he mentions the good effect, saying, <b>and I received |
| 471 Notice the perseverance of the blind man. As Augustine says: "Look at him! He | 485 my sight</b>. It was fitting that he be enlightened after obeying, |
| 472 became a preacher of grace. See him! He preaches and testifies to the Jews. | 486 because as it says in Acts (5:32): "It is the Holy Spirit whom God |
| 473 This blind man testified, and the hearts of the wicked were vexed, because they | 487 has given to those who obey him." Notice the perseverance of the |
| 474 did not have the light in their hearts which he had in his face."<a | 488 blind man. As Augustine says: "Look at him! He became a preacher of |
| 475 href="#_ftn16" name="_ftnref16">[16]</a> | 489 grace. See him! He preaches and testifies to the Jews. This blind |
| 476 | 490 man testified, and the hearts of the wicked were vexed, because |
| 477 <p>1319 Next, we have the | 491 they did not have the light in their hearts which he had in his |
| 478 inquiry about the person who restored his sight (v 12). First, there is the | 492 face."<a href="#_ftn16" name="_ftnref16" id= |
| 479 question asked by the Jews, <b>Where is he? </b>They asked this maliciously, as | 493 "_ftnref16">[16]</a></p> |
| 480 they were thinking of killing him; for they had already formed a conspiracy | 494 <p>1319 Next, we have the inquiry about the person who restored his |
| 481 against Christ: "But now you seek to kill me" (8:40). | 495 sight (v 12). First, there is the question asked by the Jews, |
| 482 | 496 <b>Where is he?</b> They asked this maliciously, as they were |
| 483 <p>Secondly, | 497 thinking of killing him; for they had already formed a conspiracy |
| 484 we have the answer of the blind man, <b>I do not know</b>. As Augustine says, | 498 against Christ: "But now you seek to kill me" (8:40).</p> |
| 485 from these words it is clear that what was accomplished in him physically | 499 <p>Secondly, we have the answer of the blind man, <b>I do not |
| 486 represents what is accomplished spiritually at different stages.<a | 500 know</b>. As Augustine says, from these words it is clear that what |
| 487 href="#_ftn17" name="_ftnref17">[17]</a> | 501 was accomplished in him physically represents what is accomplished |
| 488 For at first, the blind man is anointed, and then sees after his washing. The | 502 spiritually at different stages.<a href="#_ftn17" name="_ftnref17" |
| 489 anointing represents the beginning of his physical health, and the washing | 503 id="_ftnref17">[17]</a> For at first, the blind man is anointed, |
| 490 leads to complete health. In particular, an anointing produces a catechumen; | 504 and then sees after his washing. The anointing represents the |
| 491 and the washing, that is, baptism, perfects and enlightens him. Thus we have a | 505 beginning of his physical health, and the washing leads to complete |
| 492 representation of the difference in faith found at different stages. For when | 506 health. In particular, an anointing produces a catechumen; and the |
| 493 he says, <b>I do not know</b>, this represents the imperfect faith of | 507 washing, that is, baptism, perfects and enlightens him. Thus we |
| 494 catechumens: "You worship what you do not know" (4:22). This can also signify | 508 have a representation of the difference in faith found at different |
| 495 our faith: "For our knowledge is imperfect and our prophesying is imperfect" (1 | 509 stages. For when he says, <b>I do not know</b>, this represents the |
| 496 Cor 13:9). | 510 imperfect faith of catechumens: "You worship what you do not know" |
| 497 | 511 (4:22). This can also signify our faith: "For our knowledge is |
| 498 <p>1320 Then when he says, <b>they | 512 imperfect and our prophesying is imperfect" (1 Cor 13:9).</p> |
| 499 brought to the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind</b>, we see his | 513 <p>1320 Then when he says, <b>they brought to the Pharisees the man |
| 500 examination by the Pharisees. First, they question the man born blind; | 514 who had formerly been blind</b>, we see his examination by the |
| 501 secondly, his parents (v 18). He does three things with the first. First, we | 515 Pharisees. First, they question the man born blind; secondly, his |
| 502 see the person to be examined; secondly, he mentions the intention of the | 516 parents (v 18). He does three things with the first. First, we see |
| 503 examiners; and thirdly we have the interrogation itself. | 517 the person to be examined; secondly, he mentions the intention of |
| 504 | 518 the examiners; and thirdly we have the interrogation itself.</p> |
| 505 <p>1321 The one to be examined, | 519 <p>1321 The one to be examined, the blind man, is led to the |
| 506 the blind man, is led to the Pharisees by the people. <b>They brought</b>, that | 520 Pharisees by the people. <b>They brought</b>, that is, the crowd, |
| 507 is, the crowd, <b>to the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind</b>. | 521 <b>to the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind</b>. They |
| 508 They did this because the crowd was trying to find out from him where Jesus | 522 did this because the crowd was trying to find out from him where |
| 509 was, so that if they found him they could bring him to the Pharisees and accuse | 523 Jesus was, so that if they found him they could bring him to the |
| 510 him of breaking the Sabbath. So because they did not have Christ they took the | 524 Pharisees and accuse him of breaking the Sabbath. So because they |
| 511 blind man, so that by questioning him more roughly they might force him by fear | 525 did not have Christ they took the blind man, so that by questioning |
| 512 to make up something false about Christ: "I will go to the great, and will | 526 him more roughly they might force him by fear to make up something |
| 513 speak to them; for they know the way of the Lord, the law of their God. But | 527 false about Christ: "I will go to the great, and will speak to |
| 514 they all alike had broken the yoke, they had burst the bonds" (Jer 5:5). | 528 them; for they know the way of the Lord, the law of their God. But |
| 515 | 529 they all alike had broken the yoke, they had burst the bonds" (Jer |
| 516 <p>1322 The Evangelist shows | 530 5:5).</p> |
| 517 that their intention was perverse, saying, <b>it was a Sabbath day when Jesus | 531 <p>1322 The Evangelist shows that their intention was perverse, |
| 518 made the clay</b>. He says this to show their evil intention and the reason why | 532 saying, <b>it was a Sabbath day when Jesus made the clay</b>. He |
| 519 they sought Jesus, that is, to find a charge against him and detract from his | 533 says this to show their evil intention and the reason why they |
| 520 miracle by his supposed violation of the law. Nevertheless, it should be said | 534 sought Jesus, that is, to find a charge against him and detract |
| 521 that "The Son of man is Lord of the Sabbath" (Mt 12:8). | 535 from his miracle by his supposed violation of the law. |
| 522 | 536 Nevertheless, it should be said that "The Son of man is Lord of the |
| 523 <p>1323 His examination is | 537 Sabbath" (Mt 12:8).</p> |
| 524 conducted by the Pharisees, since it is said, <b>The Pharisees again asked him</b>. | 538 <p>1323 His examination is conducted by the Pharisees, since it is |
| 525 First, they question him about what was done; secondly, about the person who | 539 said, <b>The Pharisees again asked him</b>. First, they question |
| 526 did it (v 16). | 540 him about what was done; secondly, about the person who did it (v |
| 527 | 541 16).</p> |
| 528 <p>1324 The Evangelist does two | 542 <p>1324 The Evangelist does two things about the first: first, he |
| 529 things about the first: first, he presents their interrogation; secondly, the | 543 presents their interrogation; secondly, the blind man's answer. |
| 530 blind man's answer. They ask him about the sign he received, <b>the Pharisees | 544 They ask him about the sign he received, <b>the Pharisees again |
| 531 again asked him</b>, not in order to learn, but to find a reason to accuse him | 545 asked him</b>, not in order to learn, but to find a reason to |
| 532 of lying. The blind man answers them, not contradicting what he said before, | 546 accuse him of lying. The blind man answers them, not contradicting |
| 533 nor deviating from the truth. <b>He</b>, that is, the blind man, <b>said to | 547 what he said before, nor deviating from the truth. <b>He</b>, that |
| 534 them, He put clay on my eyes</b>. We must, first, admire the perseverance of | 548 is, the blind man, <b>said to them, He put clay on my eyes</b>. We |
| 535 this blind man, for although it may not seem such a great thing to have spoken | 549 must, first, admire the perseverance of this blind man, for |
| 536 the truth when he, without danger, was questioned by the crowd, he showed | 550 although it may not seem such a great thing to have spoken the |
| 537 remarkable perseverance when in greater danger before the Pharisees he neither | 551 truth when he, without danger, was questioned by the crowd, he |
| 538 denied what he had said before nor changed his account: "I will also speak of | 552 showed remarkable perseverance when in greater danger before the |
| 539 thy testimonies before kings, and shall not be put to shame" (Ps 119:46). | 553 Pharisees he neither denied what he had said before nor changed his |
| 540 Secondly, we should admire his skill, for it is good practice to first relate | 554 account: "I will also speak of thy testimonies before kings, and |
| 541 an event in detail and with all its circumstances, and then if it has to be | 555 shall not be put to shame" (Ps 119:46). Secondly, we should admire |
| 542 repeated, to speak more concisely. So here, he does not repeat the name of the | 556 his skill, for it is good practice to first relate an event in |
| 543 one who spoke to him, nor that he was told to go and wash. But without | 557 detail and with all its circumstances, and then if it has to be |
| 544 hesitation he relays only the essential, and says, <b>He put clay on my eyes</b>. | 558 repeated, to speak more concisely. So here, he does not repeat the |
| 545 | 559 name of the one who spoke to him, nor that he was told to go and |
| 546 <p>1325 Next (v 16), an inquiry | 560 wash. But without hesitation he relays only the essential, and |
| 547 is made about the one who restored the man's sight. First, the different | 561 says, <b>He put clay on my eyes</b>.</p> |
| 548 opinions of the Pharisees concerning Christ are given; secondly, the opinion of | 562 <p>1325 Next (v 16), an inquiry is made about the one who restored |
| 549 the blind man is sought (v 17). In regard to the first he does three things: | 563 the man's sight. First, the different opinions of the Pharisees |
| 550 first, he presents the opinion of those who were blaspheming Christ; then, the | 564 concerning Christ are given; secondly, the opinion of the blind man |
| 551 opinion of those who were commending him; thirdly, he concludes with the fact | 565 is sought (v 17). In regard to the first he does three things: |
| 552 that they were arguing and disagreeing among themselves. | 566 first, he presents the opinion of those who were blaspheming |
| 553 | 567 Christ; then, the opinion of those who were commending him; |
| 554 <p>1326 We should note, | 568 thirdly, he concludes with the fact that they were arguing and |
| 555 concerning the first, that those who act maliciously against someone keep | 569 disagreeing among themselves.</p> |
| 556 silent if they see anything good in his work, and they reveal the evil, if any | 570 <p>1326 We should note, concerning the first, that those who act |
| 557 is seen, even turning what is good into evil, according to "Beware of a | 571 maliciously against someone keep silent if they see anything good |
| 558 scoundrel, for he devises evil, lest he give you a lasting blemish" (Sir | 572 in his work, and they reveal the evil, if any is seen, even turning |
| 559 11:33). This is what they are doing here: for they do not mention what seemed | 573 what is good into evil, according to "Beware of a scoundrel, for he |
| 560 good, that is, the restoration of the blind man's sight, but stress what they | 574 devises evil, lest he give you a lasting blemish" (Sir 11:33). This |
| 561 can against Christ, that is, his breaking of the Sabbath. Thus <b>some of the | 575 is what they are doing here: for they do not mention what seemed |
| 562 Pharisees said</b>, that is, those who were malicious and corrupt, <b>this man | 576 good, that is, the restoration of the blind man's sight, but stress |
| 563 is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath</b>. But Christ did keep the | 577 what they can against Christ, that is, his breaking of the Sabbath. |
| 564 Sabbath, for when the Lord forbade work on the Sabbath he had in mind servile | 578 Thus <b>some of the Pharisees said</b>, that is, those who were |
| 565 work, which is a sin: "Every one who does sinful works on the Sabbath breaks | 579 malicious and corrupt, <b>this man is not from God, for he does not |
| 566 the Sabbath. So Christ, who was without sin, rather than they, kept the | 580 keep the Sabbath</b>. But Christ did keep the Sabbath, for when the |
| 567 Sabbath. | 581 Lord forbade work on the Sabbath he had in mind servile work, which |
| 568 | 582 is a sin: "Every one who does sinful works on the Sabbath breaks |
| 569 <p>1327 The opinion of those | 583 the Sabbath. So Christ, who was without sin, rather than they, kept |
| 570 commending him is presented when he reports them as saying, <b>How can a man | 584 the Sabbath.</p> |
| 571 who is a sinner do such signs? </b>These others had some faith due to the signs | 585 <p>1327 The opinion of those commending him is presented when he |
| 572 that Christ worked, but were still weak and imperfect; it was out of fear of | 586 reports them as saying, <b>How can a man who is a sinner do such |
| 573 the Pharisees and the elders that they asked with hesitation, <b>How can a man | 587 signs?</b> These others had some faith due to the signs that Christ |
| 574 who</b> <b>is a sinner do such signs? </b>We read below that "Many even of the | 588 worked, but were still weak and imperfect; it was out of fear of |
| 575 authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess | 589 the Pharisees and the elders that they asked with hesitation, |
| 576 it" (12:42). They should have shown how our Lord had not broken the Sabbath, | 590 <b>How can a man who</b> <b>is a sinner do such signs?</b> We read |
| 577 and have appropriately replied in defense of Jesus. | 591 below that "Many even of the authorities believed in him, but for |
| 578 | 592 fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it" (12:42). They should |
| 579 <p>1328 The difference of | 593 have shown how our Lord had not broken the Sabbath, and have |
| 580 opinion among them is mentioned when he says, <b>there was a division among | 594 appropriately replied in defense of Jesus.</p> |
| 581 them</b>; and this division was also found in the people. This was a sign of | 595 <p>1328 The difference of opinion among them is mentioned when he |
| 582 their destruction: "Their heart is false; now they must bear their guilt" (Hos | 596 says, <b>there was a division among them</b>; and this division was |
| 583 10:2); "Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste" (Mt 12:25). | 597 also found in the people. This was a sign of their destruction: |
| 584 | 598 "Their heart is false; now they must bear their guilt" (Hos 10:2); |
| 585 <p>1329 Next (v 17), they ask | 599 "Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste" (Mt |
| 586 the blind man for his opinion. And first we have the question the Pharisees | 600 12:25).</p> |
| 587 asked; secondly, the blind man's answer. | 601 <p>1329 Next (v 17), they ask the blind man for his opinion. And |
| 588 | 602 first we have the question the Pharisees asked; secondly, the blind |
| 589 <p>They | 603 man's answer.</p> |
| 590 question him, saying, <b>what do you say about him? </b>According to | 604 <p>They question him, saying, <b>what do you say about him?</b> |
| 591 Chrysostom, this question was not asked by those who were blaspheming Christ, | 605 According to Chrysostom, this question was not asked by those who |
| 592 but by those favorably disposed.<a href="#_ftn18" name="_ftnref18">[18]</a> | 606 were blaspheming Christ, but by those favorably disposed.<a href= |
| 593 This is clear from the way they questioned him; for they call his attention to | 607 "#_ftn18" name="_ftnref18" id="_ftnref18">[18]</a> This is clear |
| 594 the gift he received, saying, <b>since he has opened your eyes</b>. If the | 608 from the way they questioned him; for they call his attention to |
| 595 others had been doing the questioning, they would not have said this, but would | 609 the gift he received, saying, <b>since he has opened your eyes</b>. |
| 596 rather recall that Christ broke the Sabbath. But these remind him of the | 610 If the others had been doing the questioning, they would not have |
| 597 benefit that he received to make him grateful and lead him to testify to | 611 said this, but would rather recall that Christ broke the Sabbath. |
| 598 Christ. | 612 But these remind him of the benefit that he received to make him |
| 599 | 613 grateful and lead him to testify to Christ.</p> |
| 600 <p class=MsoBodyTextIndent2>But according to | 614 <p class="MsoBodyTextIndent2">But according to Augustine, this |
| 601 Augustine, this question was asked by Christ's enemies, who wanted to deprecate | 615 question was asked by Christ's enemies, who wanted to deprecate |
| 602 this man who constantly professed the truth; or they were trying to get him to | 616 this man who constantly professed the truth; or they were trying to |
| 603 change his opinion out of fear; or at least were attempting to exclude him from | 617 get him to change his opinion out of fear; or at least were |
| 604 the synagogue.<a href="#_ftn19" name="_ftnref19">[19]</a> | 618 attempting to exclude him from the synagogue.<a href="#_ftn19" |
| 605 | 619 name="_ftnref19" id="_ftnref19">[19]</a></p> |
| 606 <p>The | 620 <p>The answer of the blind man remained the same, <b>he said, He is |
| 607 answer of the blind man remained the same, <b>he said, He is a prophet</b>. | 621 a prophet</b>. Although up to this time, as though unanointed in |
| 608 Although up to this time, as though unanointed in heart, he did not yet profess | 622 heart, he did not yet profess that Christ was the Son of God, he |
| 609 that Christ was the Son of God, he firmly expressed what he thought and did not | 623 firmly expressed what he thought and did not lie. For our Lord said |
| 610 lie. For our Lord said of himself: "A prophet is not without honor except in | 624 of himself: "A prophet is not without honor except in his own |
| 611 his own country" (Mt 13:57); "The Lord your God will raise up for you a | 625 country" (Mt 13:57); "The Lord your God will raise up for you a |
| 612 prophet…him shall you heed" (Dt 18:15). | 626 prophet…him shall you heed" (Dt 18:15).</p> |
| 613 | 627 <p>1330 Next (v 18), we see his parents questioned. First, we have |
| 614 <p>1330 Next (v 18), we see his | 628 the reason why they were questioned; secondly, the question itself |
| 615 parents questioned. First, we have the reason why they were questioned; | 629 (v 19); thirdly their answer (v 20); and fourthly, the reason for |
| 616 secondly, the question itself (v 19); thirdly their answer (v 20); and | 630 this answer (v 22).</p> |
| 617 fourthly, the reason for this answer (v 22). | 631 <p>1331 The reason for this second questioning was the unbelief of |
| 618 | 632 the Pharisees. He says, <b>the Jews</b>, that is, the Pharisees, |
| 619 <p>1331 The reason for this | 633 <b>did not believe that he had been blind and had received his |
| 620 second questioning was the unbelief of the Pharisees. He says, <b>the Jews</b>, | 634 sight, until they called the parents of the man</b>. They did this |
| 621 that is, the Pharisees, <b>did not believe that he had been blind and had | 635 in an attempt to nullify the miracle of Christ and to preserve |
| 622 received his sight, until they called the parents of the man</b>. They did this | 636 their own glory: "How can you believe, who receive glory from one |
| 623 in an attempt to nullify the miracle of Christ and to preserve their own glory: | 637 another?" (Jn 5:44).</p> |
| 624 "How can you believe, who receive glory from one another?" (Jn 5:44). | 638 <p>1332 The Pharisees now question his parents. Here they ask about |
| 625 | 639 three things. First, about their son, saying <b>Is this your |
| 626 <p>1332 The Pharisees now | 640 son?</b> Secondly, about his blindness; and so they add, <b>who you |
| 627 question his parents. Here they ask about three things. First, about their son, | 641 say was born blind</b>. They did not say, "who at one time was |
| 628 saying <b>Is this your son? </b>Secondly, about his blindness; and so they add, | 642 blind," but <b>who you say</b>, implying that they made this up. |
| 629 <b>who you say was born blind</b>. They did not say, "who at one time was | 643 What father would lie in such a way about his son? Yet they were |
| 630 blind," but <b>who you say</b>, implying that they made this up. What father | 644 trying to make him say he did.</p> |
| 631 would lie in such a way about his son? Yet they were trying to make him say he | 645 <p>Thirdly, they ask how he had obtained his sight, <b>How then |
| 632 did. | 646 does he now see?</b> This was like saying: Either it is false that |
| 633 | 647 he now sees, or that he was once blind; but obviously the truth is |
| 634 <p>Thirdly, | 648 that he sees; therefore it was false to say that he had been blind: |
| 635 they ask how he had obtained his sight,<b> How then does he now see? </b>This | 649 "The powerful man will test you through much talking, and while he |
| 636 was like saying: Either it is false that he now sees, or that he was once | 650 smiles he will be examining you" (Sir 13:11).</p> |
| 637 blind; but obviously the truth is that he sees; therefore it was false to say | 651 <p>1333 Then, the answer of his parents is given (v 20). The |
| 638 that he had been blind: "The powerful man will test you through much talking, | 652 Pharisees had asked about three things; they answer firmly about |
| 639 and while he smiles he will be examining you" (Sir 13:11). | 653 two and in regard to the third they refer them to their son. First, |
| 640 | 654 they admit the first, namely, that he is their son; so they say, |
| 641 <p>1333 Then, the answer of his | 655 <b>we know that this is our son</b>. They also admit the second |
| 642 parents is given (v 20). The Pharisees had asked about three things; they | 656 when they add, <b>and that he was born blind</b>. This shows that |
| 643 answer firmly about two and in regard to the third they refer them to their | 657 the truth always conquers what is false, as we read in the |
| 644 son. First, they admit the first, namely, that he is their son; so they say, <b>we | 658 apocryphal 3 Esdras (3:13): "Truth conquers all." Yet as to the |
| 645 know that this is our son</b>. They also admit the second when they add, <b>and | 659 third question, how their son sees, they <b>answer, but how he now |
| 646 that he was born blind</b>. This shows that the truth always conquers what is | 660 sees we do not know</b>.</p> |
| 647 false, as we read in the apocryphal 3 Esdras (3:13): "Truth conquers all." Yet | 661 <p>They reply, secondly, about the person who gave him his sight, |
| 648 as to the third question, how their son sees, they <b>answer, but how he now | 662 <b>now do we know who opened his eyes</b>. They answer this way |
| 649 sees we do not know</b>. | 663 because the question was directed against the one who gave sight to |
| 650 | 664 their son, and so they refer this to their son, saying, <b>Ask him, |
| 651 <p>They | 665 he is of age</b>. This was like saying: He was born blind, not |
| 652 reply, secondly, about the person who gave him his sight, <b>now do we know who | 666 mute; thus he can speak for himself in this matter. The testimony |
| 653 opened his eyes</b>. They answer this way because the question was directed | 667 about this miracle was from several sources so as to make it more |
| 654 against the one who gave sight to their son, and so they refer this to their | 668 believable: the parents told what they knew, and their blind son |
| 655 son, saying, <b>Ask him, he is of age</b>. This was like saying: He was born | 669 confirmed that he had been cured.</p> |
| 656 blind, not mute; thus he can speak for himself in this matter. The testimony | 670 <p>1334 The reason for their answer is given when he says, <b>his |
| 657 about this miracle was from several sources so as to make it more believable: | 671 parents said this because they feared the Jews</b>; for they were |
| 658 the parents told what they knew, and their blind son confirmed that he had been | 672 still imperfect and did not dare do what our Lord says: "Do not |
| 659 cured. | 673 fear those who kill the body" (Mt 10:28). The reason for their fear |
| 660 | 674 was <b>that the Jews had already agreed that if any one should |
| 661 <p>1334 The reason for their | 675 confess him to be Christ, he was to be put out of the |
| 662 answer is given when he says, <b>his parents said this because they feared the | 676 synagogue</b>. "I have said all this to you to keep you from |
| 663 Jews</b>; for they were still imperfect and did not dare do what our Lord says: | 677 falling away. They will put you out of the synagogues" (Jn 16:11). |
| 664 "Do not fear those who kill the body" (Mt 10:28). The reason for their fear was | 678 As Augustine says, it was no longer an evil to be cast out of the |
| 665 <b>that the Jews had already agreed that if any one should confess him to be | 679 synagogue, for the ones they rejected Christ welcomed.<a href= |
| 666 Christ, he was to be put out of the synagogue</b>. "I have said all this to you | 680 "#_ftn20" name="_ftnref20" id="_ftnref20">[20]</a></p> |
| 667 to keep you from falling away. They will put you out of the synagogues" (Jn | 681 <p align="center"><b>LECTURE 3</b></p> |
| 668 16:11). As Augustine says, it was no longer an evil to be cast out of the | 682 <blockquote> |
| 669 synagogue, for the ones they rejected Christ welcomed.<a href="#_ftn20" | 683 <p>24 So for the second time they called the man who had been |
| 670 name="_ftnref20">[20]</a> | 684 blind, and said to him, "Give God the praise; we know that this man |
| 671 | 685 is a sinner." 25 he answered, "Whether he is a sinner, I do not |
| 672 <p align=center><B>LECTURE 3</B> | 686 know; one thing I know, that though I was blind, I now see." 26 |
| 673 | 687 They said to him, "What did he do to you? How did he open your |
| 674 <BLOCKQUOTE><p>24 So for the second time | 688 eyes?" 27 He answered them, "I have told you already, and you would |
| 675 they called the man who had been blind, and said to him, "Give God the praise; | 689 not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you too want to |
| 676 we know that this man is a sinner." 25 he answered, "Whether he is a sinner, I | 690 become his disciples?" 28 And they reviled him, saying, "You are |
| 677 do not know; one thing I know, that though I was blind, I now see." 26 They | 691 his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. 29 We know that God |
| 678 said to him, "What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?" 27 He answered | 692 has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where he |
| 679 them, "I have told you already, and you would not listen. Why do you want to | 693 comes from." 30 The man answered, "Why, this is a marvel! You do |
| 680 hear it again? Do you too want to become his disciples?" 28 And they reviled | 694 not know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes. 31 We know |
| 681 him, saying, "You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. 29 We know | 695 that God does not listen to sinners, but if any one is a worshipper |
| 682 that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where he | 696 of God and does his will, God listens to him. 32 Never since the |
| 683 comes from." 30 The man answered, "Why, this is a marvel! You do not know where | 697 world began has it been heard that any one opened the eyes of a man |
| 684 he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes. 31 We know that God does not listen | 698 born blind. 33 If this man were not from God, he could do nothing." |
| 685 to sinners, but if any one is a worshipper of God and does his will, God | 699 34 They answered him, "You were born in utter sin, and would you |
| 686 listens to him. 32 Never since the world began has it been heard that any one | 700 teach us?" And they cast him out.<a href="#_ftn21" name="_ftnref21" |
| 687 opened the eyes of a man born blind. 33 If this man were not from God, he could | 701 id="_ftnref21"><b>[21]</b></a></p> |
| 688 do nothing." 34 They answered him, "You were born in utter sin, and would you | 702 </blockquote> |
| 689 teach us?" And they cast him out.<a href="#_ftn21" name="_ftnref21"><b>[21]</b></a></BLOCKQUOTE> | 703 <p>1335 After the questioning of the blind man and his parents, an |
| 690 | 704 attempt is made to make him deny the truth and affirm what is |
| 691 <p>1335 After the questioning of | 705 false. First, they attempt to make him deny the truth; secondly, |
| 692 the blind man and his parents, an attempt is made to make him deny the truth | 706 they revile him (v 28); and thirdly, they condemn him (v 34). The |
| 693 and affirm what is false. First, they attempt to make him deny the truth; | 707 Evangelist does two things about the first. First, he shows how |
| 694 secondly, they revile him (v 28); and thirdly, they condemn him (v 34). The | 708 they tried to get the man born blind to deny the truth; secondly, |
| 695 Evangelist does two things about the first. First, he shows how they tried to | 709 how they continued to question him in order to malign him (v 26). |
| 696 get the man born blind to deny the truth; secondly, how they continued to | 710 In regard to the first he does two things: first, he shows their |
| 697 question him in order to malign him (v 26). In regard to the first he does two | 711 malice; and secondly, the steadfastness of the man born blind (v |
| 698 things: first, he shows their malice; and secondly, the steadfastness of the | 712 25). The malice of the Pharisees is shown by their attempt to have |
| 699 man born blind (v 25). The malice of the Pharisees is shown by their attempt to | 713 him deny the truth, while the steadfastness of the blind man |
| 700 have him deny the truth, while the steadfastness of the blind man appears by | 714 appears by his resolute profession of the truth.</p> |
| 701 his resolute profession of the truth. | 715 <p>1336 In regard to the first he says, <b>for the second time they |
| 702 | 716 called the man who had been blind</b>, for his parents had referred |
| 703 <p>1336 In regard to the first | 717 them to the blind man, <b>and said to him: Give God the praise</b>. |
| 704 he says, <b>for the second time they called the man who had been blind</b>, for | 718 They say one thing but mean another. For they wish to force him to |
| 705 his parents had referred them to the blind man, <b>and said to him: Give God | 719 say that his sight was not restored by Christ, or if they are |
| 706 the praise</b>. They say one thing but mean another. For they wish to force him | 720 unable to do this, to force him to admit that he was cured by him |
| 707 to say that his sight was not restored by Christ, or if they are unable to do | 721 through sorcery. They do not say this openly, but implicitly, with |
| 708 this, to force him to admit that he was cured by him through sorcery. They do | 722 an appearance of devotion. They attempt this by saying, <b>Give God |
| 709 not say this openly, but implicitly, with an appearance of devotion. They attempt | 723 the praise</b>. As if to say: Your sight has been given to you. But |
| 710 this by saying, <b>Give God the praise</b>. As if to say: Your sight has been | 724 only God can do this. Therefore, you should not attribute this to |
| 711 given to you. But only God can do this. Therefore, you should not attribute | 725 anyone but God, and not to this man, that is, Christ, because if |
| 712 this to anyone but God, and not to this man, that is, Christ, because if you do | 726 you do this you are indicating that you have not received the gift |
| 713 this you are indicating that you have not received the gift of your healing | 727 of your healing from God, for the reason that God does not perform |
| 714 from God, for the reason that God does not perform miracles through sinners. | 728 miracles through sinners. Thus they add, <b>we know that this man |
| 715 Thus they add, <b>we know that this man is a sinner</b>. But, as Augustine | 729 is a sinner</b>. But, as Augustine says, if he had done this, he |
| 716 says, if he had done this, he would not be giving glory to God but rather, | 730 would not be giving glory to God but rather, being ungrateful, |
| 717 being ungrateful, would be blaspheming.<a href="#_ftn22" name="_ftnref22" | 731 would be blaspheming.<a href="#_ftn22" name="_ftnref22" title="" |
| 718 title="">[22]</a> | 732 id="_ftnref22">[22]</a> But in truth, the Pharisees were lying when |
| 719 But in truth, the Pharisees were lying when they said, <b>we know that this man | 733 they said, <b>we know that this man is a sinner</b>; for above |
| 720 is a sinner</b>; for above (8:46), they could not convict him of sin, and he | 734 (8:46), they could not convict him of sin, and he said: "which of |
| 721 said: "which of you convicts me of sin?" And no wonder, because "He committed | 735 you convicts me of sin?" And no wonder, because "He committed no |
| 722 no sin; no guile was found on his lips" (1 Pet 2:22). | 736 sin; no guile was found on his lips" (1 Pet 2:22).</p> |
| 723 | 737 <p>1337 Here we see the steadfastness of the blind man. For amazed |
| 724 <p>1337 Here we see the | 738 at the hardness of the Pharisees, and impatient with what they were |
| 725 steadfastness of the blind man. For amazed at the hardness of the Pharisees, | 739 saying, he says, in all truth, <b>Whether he is a sinner, I do not |
| 726 and impatient with what they were saying, he says, in all truth, <b>Whether he | 740 know.</b></p> |
| 727 is a sinner, I do not know.</b> | 741 <p>Yet because he had said before that "He is a prophet," is he not |
| 728 | 742 now saying, <b>Whether he is a sinner I do not know</b>, out of |
| 729 <p>Yet | 743 fear, as if he were doubtful? Not at all! Rather, he is angry and |
| 730 because he had said before that "He is a prophet," is he not now saying, <b>Whether | 744 mocking the Pharisees. He is saying in effect: You say that he is a |
| 731 he is a sinner I do not know</b>, out of fear, as if he were doubtful? Not at | 745 sinner; but I do not know that he is a sinner, and I am amazed that |
| 732 all! Rather, he is angry and mocking the Pharisees. He is saying in effect: You | 746 you say this, because he accomplished a work which does not seem to |
| 733 say that he is a sinner; but I do not know that he is a sinner, and I am amazed | 747 be the work of a sinner, because <b>though I was blind, now I |
| 734 that you say this, because he accomplished a work which does not seem to be the | 748 see</b>, by his kindness. According to Augustine, he said this in |
| 735 work of a sinner, because <b>though I was blind, now I see</b>, by his | 749 order not to be maligned nor to conceal the truth. For perhaps if |
| 736 kindness. According to Augustine, he said this in order not to be maligned nor | 750 he had said, "I know that he is a just man," which was true, they |
| 737 to conceal the truth. For perhaps if he had said, "I know that he is a just | 751 would have maligned him.<a href="#_ftn23" name="_ftnref23" id= |
| 738 man," which was true, they would have maligned him.<a href="#_ftn23" | 752 "_ftnref23">[23]</a> But according to Chrysostom, he said this to |
| 739 name="_ftnref23">[23]</a> | 753 give them a more impressive testimony to the miracle, and to make |
| 740 But according to Chrysostom, he said this to give them a more impressive | 754 his answer believable by calling attention to the gift itself he |
| 741 testimony to the miracle, and to make his answer believable by calling | 755 received.<a href="#_ftn24" name="_ftnref24" title="" id= |
| 742 attention to the gift itself he received.<a href="#_ftn24" name="_ftnref24" | 756 "_ftnref24">[24]</a></p> |
| 743 title="">[24]</a> | 757 <p>1338 They again question the man born blind in order to malign |
| 744 | 758 him. First, we have the cunning interrogation of the Pharisees; and |
| 745 <p>1338 They again question the | 759 secondly, the contemptuous reply of the blind man (v 27).</p> |
| 746 man born blind in order to malign him. First, we have the cunning interrogation | 760 <p>1339 He says, with respect to the first, <b>They said to him: |
| 747 of the Pharisees; and secondly, the contemptuous reply of the blind man (v 27). | 761 What did he do to you?</b> The blind man had said that he had |
| 748 | 762 received his sight from Christ, which the Pharisees had not asked |
| 749 <p>1339 He says, with respect to | 763 about. It was their intention to malign Christ, so they now ask |
| 750 the first, <b>They said to him: What did he do to you? </b>The blind man had | 764 rather how he did it. So they did not ask "How is it that you see?" |
| 751 said that he had received his sight from Christ, which the Pharisees had not | 765 but <b>How did he open your eyes?</b> It was like saying: "He did |
| 752 asked about. It was their intention to malign Christ, so they now ask rather | 766 this by some trick or sorcery, didn't he?" "Those who seek my hurt |
| 753 how he did it. So they did not ask "How is it that you see?" but <b>How did he | 767 speak of ruin, and meditate treachery all the day long" (Ps |
| 754 open your eyes? </b>It was like saying: "He did this by some trick or sorcery, | 768 38:12).</p> |
| 755 didn't he?" "Those who seek my hurt speak of ruin, and meditate treachery all | 769 <p>1340 Now the man's answer is given. The man born blind, because |
| 756 the day long" (Ps 38:12). | 770 he really had received his sight, answers them further, not |
| 757 | 771 timidly, but with boldness. He first belittles the repeated |
| 758 <p>1340 Now the man's answer is | 772 questioning of the Pharisees, saying, <b>I have told you already |
| 759 given. The man born blind, because he really had received his sight, answers | 773 and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again?</b> |
| 760 them further, not timidly, but with boldness. He first belittles the repeated | 774 This was like saying: I told you once. Why do you want to hear it |
| 761 questioning of the Pharisees, saying, <b>I have told you already and you would | 775 again? That's foolish! It looks like you are not paying attention |
| 762 not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? </b>This was like saying: I told | 776 to what I am saying. So, I have nothing further to say to you |
| 763 you once. Why do you want to hear it again? That's foolish! It looks like you | 777 because your questioning is useless, and you want to cavil rather |
| 764 are not paying attention to what I am saying. So, I have nothing further to say | 778 than learn. "He who tells a story to a fool tells it to a drowsy |
| 765 to you because your questioning is useless, and you want to cavil rather than | 779 man; and at the end he will say: 'What is it'" (Sir 22:8).</p> |
| 766 learn. "He who tells a story to a fool tells it to a drowsy man; and at the end | 780 <p>Secondly, he mocks the presumptuous intention of the Pharisees, |
| 767 he will say: 'What is it'" (Sir 22:8). | 781 saying, <b>Do you too want to become his disciples?</b> When |
| 768 | 782 someone carefully investigates a matter, he does so either with a |
| 769 <p>Secondly, | 783 good intention, to accept it, or with an evil intention, to condemn |
| 770 he mocks the presumptuous intention of the Pharisees, saying, <b>Do you too | 784 it. Now because the Pharisees were carefully investigating this, |
| 771 want to become his disciples? </b>When someone carefully investigates a matter, | 785 and because the man born blind did not dare impute an evil |
| 772 he does so either with a good intention, to accept it, or with an evil | 786 intention to them, he takes the alternative, saying, <b>Do you too |
| 773 intention, to condemn it. Now because the Pharisees were carefully | 787 want to become his disciples?</b> He means by this: If you are not |
| 774 investigating this, and because the man born blind did not dare impute an evil | 788 investigating this maliciously, you therefore wish to join him: |
| 775 intention to them, he takes the alternative, saying, <b>Do you too want to | 789 "Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard his spots? Then |
| 776 become his disciples? </b>He means by this: If you are not investigating this | 790 also you can do good who are accustomed to do evil" (Jer 13:23). As |
| 777 maliciously, you therefore wish to join him: "Can the Ethiopian change his skin | 791 Augustine says: The one who had received his sight gladly desired |
| 778 or the leopard his spots? Then also you can do good who are accustomed to do | 792 to give them light.<a href="#_ftn25" name="_ftnref25" id= |
| 779 evil" (Jer 13:23). As Augustine says: The one who had received his sight gladly | 793 "_ftnref25">[25]</a> Thus, he significantly says, <b>you too</b>, |
| 780 desired to give them light.<a href="#_ftn25" name="_ftnref25">[25]</a> | 794 implying that he himself was a disciple. He is saying in effect: |
| 781 Thus, he significantly says, <b>you too</b>, implying that he himself was a | 795 <b>Do you want to become his disciples</b> as I am? I already see, |
| 782 disciple. He is saying in effect: <b>Do you want to become his disciples </b>as | 796 and do not envy your coming to the light. And as Chrysostom says, |
| 783 I am? I already see, and do not envy your coming to the light. And as | 797 from the steadfastness of the blind man we can see how strong truth |
| 784 Chrysostom says, from the steadfastness of the blind man we can see how strong | 798 really is, for when it convinces the lowly, it makes them noble and |
| 785 truth really is, for when it convinces the lowly, it makes them noble and | 799 strong. And we can see how weak is a lie, which even if it is |
| 786 strong. And we can see how weak is a lie, which even if it is maintained by the | 800 maintained by the powerful, shows and makes them weak.<a href= |
| 787 powerful, shows and makes them weak.<a href="#_ftn26" name="_ftnref26">[26]</a> | 801 "#_ftn26" name="_ftnref26" id="_ftnref26">[26]</a></p> |
| 788 | 802 <p>1341 Next, the Pharisees revile the man born blind. First, we |
| 789 <p>1341 Next, the Pharisees | 803 see them revile him; then, secondly, the defense of the blind man |
| 790 revile the man born blind. First, we see them revile him; then, secondly, the | 804 (v 30). He does two things concerning the first: first, he presents |
| 791 defense of the blind man (v 30). He does two things concerning the first: | 805 the revilement of the Pharisees; secondly, the reason behind it (v |
| 792 first, he presents the revilement of the Pharisees; secondly, the reason behind | 806 28b).</p> |
| 793 it (v 28b). | 807 <p>1342 With respect to the first he says, <b>and they reviled him, |
| 794 | 808 saying, You are his disciple</b>. This is, indeed, scornful, if you |
| 795 <p>1342 With respect to the | 809 consider their vicious hearts. But if you consider their words, it |
| 796 first he says, <b>and they reviled him, saying, You are his disciple</b>. This | 810 is the greatest blessing. May we and our children be treated with |
| 797 is, indeed, scornful, if you consider their vicious hearts. But if you consider | 811 such scorn! "If you continue in my word, you are truly my |
| 798 their words, it is the greatest blessing. May we and our children be treated | 812 disciples" (Jn 8:31). Still, the Evangelist stated that they |
| 799 with such scorn! "If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples" (Jn | 813 reviled him by saying this because what they said came from their |
| 800 8:31). Still, the Evangelist stated that they reviled him by saying this | 814 evil hearts: "Like the glaze covering an earthen vessel are smooth |
| 801 because what they said came from their evil hearts: "Like the glaze covering an | 815 lips with an evil heart" (Prov 26:23). We read about this |
| 802 earthen vessel are smooth lips with an evil heart" (Prov 26:23). We read about | 816 revilement in the Psalm 109 (v 28): "let them curse, but do thou |
| 803 this revilement in the Psalm 109 (v 28): "let them curse, but do thou bless"; | 817 bless"; and in Matthew (5:11): "Blessed are you when men revile |
| 804 and in Matthew (5:11): "Blessed are you when men revile you." | 818 you."</p> |
| 805 | 819 <p>1343 He next adds the reason for their reviling when he says, |
| 806 <p>1343 He next adds the reason | 820 <b>we are disciples of Moses</b>. They were thinking of how they |
| 807 for their reviling when he says,<b> we are disciples of Moses</b>.<b> </b>They | 821 were ridiculed by the man born blind when he asked if they wanted |
| 808 were thinking of how they were ridiculed by the man born blind when he asked if | 822 to become Christ's disciples; for they took pride in being |
| 809 they wanted to become Christ's disciples; for they took pride in being | 823 disciples of Moses, whom they thought was greater. First, they set |
| 810 disciples of Moses, whom they thought was greater. First, they set forth their | 824 forth their own situation, saying, <b>we are disciples of |
| 811 own situation, saying, <b>we are disciples of Moses</b>. But this pride of | 825 Moses</b>. But this pride of theirs is false, because they neither |
| 812 theirs is false, because they neither followed Moses nor fulfilled his | 826 followed Moses nor fulfilled his commands: "If you believed Moses, |
| 813 commands: "If you believed Moses, you would believe me" (Jn 5:46); this was | 827 you would believe me" (Jn 5:46); this was like saying: You do not |
| 814 like saying: You do not follow the servant [Moses], and later go against his | 828 follow the servant [Moses], and later go against his Lord.</p> |
| 815 Lord. | 829 <p>Secondly, they praise the dignity of Moses when they say, <b>we |
| 816 | 830 know that God has spoken to Moses</b>. Here they are telling the |
| 817 <p>Secondly, | 831 truth, for as we read: "The Lord used to speak to Moses face to |
| 818 they praise the dignity of Moses when they say, <b>we know that God has spoken | 832 face, as a man speaks to his friend" (Ex 33:11); and "If there is a |
| 819 to Moses</b>. Here they are telling the truth, for as we read: "The Lord used | 833 prophet among you, I, the Lord, make myself known to him in a |
| 820 to speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend" (Ex 33:11); and | 834 vision, I speak with him in a dream. Not so with my servant Moses; |
| 821 "If there is a prophet among you, I, the Lord, make myself known to him in a | 835 he is entrusted with all my house. With him I speak mouth to mouth" |
| 822 vision, I speak with him in a dream. Not so with my servant Moses; he is | 836 (Num 12:6). Thus God spoke to Moses in a more excellent way than to |
| 823 entrusted with all my house. With him I speak mouth to mouth" (Num 12:6). Thus | 837 the other prophets. And it is about this that they are speaking. |
| 824 God spoke to Moses in a more excellent way than to the other prophets. And it | 838 However, it is clear that since God spoke his Word to Moses, the |
| 825 is about this that they are speaking. However, it is clear that since God spoke | 839 dignity of Moses came from the Word of God. And so the Word of God |
| 826 his Word to Moses, the dignity of Moses came from the Word of God. And so the | 840 is of greater dignity than Moses: "Yet Jesus has been counted |
| 827 Word of God is of greater dignity than Moses: "Yet Jesus has been counted | 841 worthy of as much more glory than Moses as the builder of a house |
| 828 worthy of as much more glory than Moses as the builder of a house has more | 842 has more honor than the house" (Heb 3:3).</p> |
| 829 honor than the house" (Heb 3:3). | 843 <p>Thirdly, they hint at the dignity of Christ in a veiled manner |
| 830 | 844 when they say, <b>as for this man</b>, Christ, <b>we do not know |
| 831 <p>Thirdly, | 845 where he comes from</b>. This is true, but not the way they |
| 832 they hint at the dignity of Christ in a veiled manner when they say, <b>as for | 846 understood it: for they did not know the Father, and Christ was |
| 833 this man</b>, Christ, <b>we do not know where he comes from</b>. This is true, | 847 from the Father: "you know neither me nor my Father" (8:19). But |
| 834 but not the way they understood it: for they did not know the Father, and | 848 their statement is false as they understood it, for when they said, |
| 835 Christ was from the Father: "you know neither me nor my Father" (8:19). But | 849 we do <b>not know where he comes from</b>, they meant he had no |
| 836 their statement is false as they understood it, for when they said, we do <b>not | 850 authority and was unverified, so that is was not clear whether or |
| 837 know where he comes from</b>, they meant he had no authority and was | 851 not he came from God. They seem to be applying to him the words of |
| 838 unverified, so that is was not clear whether or not he came from God. They seem | 852 Jeremiah: "I did not send you prophets, yet they ran" (23:21).</p> |
| 839 to be applying to him the words of Jeremiah: "I did not send you prophets, yet | 853 <p>1344 Now, the blind man's argument against the Pharisees is |
| 840 they ran" (23:21). | 854 presented. First, he is amazed at their harness of heart; secondly, |
| 841 | 855 he refutes their false opinion (v 31).</p> |
| 842 <p>1344 Now, the blind man's | 856 <p>1345 Concerning the first, we must recall that we are not amazed |
| 843 argument against the Pharisees is presented. First, he is amazed at their | 857 at what happens frequently, and in the usual way; but we are amazed |
| 844 harness of heart; secondly, he refutes their false opinion (v 31). | 858 at what is unusual and great, whether this be good or evil. We are |
| 845 | 859 struck by unusual and great good: "you are wonderful, my Lord, and |
| 846 <p>1345 Concerning the first, we | 860 your countenance is full of grace," as we read in Esther [15:17]. |
| 847 must recall that we are not amazed at what happens frequently, and in the usual | 861 We are also amazed at great evil: "Be appalled, O heavens, at |
| 848 way; but we are amazed at what is unusual and great, whether this be good or | 862 this…for my people have committed two evils" (Jer 2:12). In |
| 849 evil. We are struck by unusual and great good: "you are wonderful, my Lord, and | 863 line with this, the blind man says in answer, <b>Why this is a |
| 850 your countenance is full of grace," as we read in Esther [15:17]. We are also amazed | 864 marvel! You do not know where he comes from</b>. He is saying in |
| 851 at great evil: "Be appalled, O heavens, at this…for my people have committed | 865 effect: It would not be remarkable if you regarded someone |
| 852 two evils" (Jer 2:12). In line with this, the blind man says in answer, <b>Why | 866 insignificant and like me as having no authority. But it is |
| 853 this is a marvel! You do not know where he comes from</b>. He is saying in | 867 extremely amazing that you can see an explicit and evident sign of |
| 854 effect: It would not be remarkable if you regarded someone insignificant and | 868 divine power in Christ and say that you do not know where he comes |
| 855 like me as having no authority. But it is extremely amazing that you can see an | 869 from, especially because he did open my eyes.</p> |
| 856 explicit and evident sign of divine power in Christ and say that you do not | 870 <p>1346 The man born blind refutes their false opinion by saying, |
| 857 know where he comes from, especially because he did open my eyes. | 871 <b>we know that God does not listen to sinners</b>. He is reasoning |
| 858 | 872 this way: Whomever God hears is from God; but God heard Christ; |
| 859 <p>1346 The man born blind | 873 therefore, Christ is from God. He first states his main premise; |
| 860 refutes their false opinion by saying, <b>we know that God does not listen to | 874 then the minor premise (v 32); and thirdly, he draws his conclusion |
| 861 sinners</b>. He is reasoning this way: Whomever God hears is from God; but God | 875 (v 33). He does two things abut the first: first, he mentions those |
| 862 heard Christ; therefore, Christ is from God. He first states his main premise; | 876 whom God does not hear; secondly, those he does hear (v 31b).</p> |
| 863 then the minor premise (v 32); and thirdly, he draws his conclusion (v 33). He | 877 <p>1347 God does not hear sinners. In regard to this he says, <b>we |
| 864 does two things abut the first: first, he mentions those whom God does not | 878 know that God does not hear sinners</b>. He is saying: Both you and |
| 865 hear; secondly, those he does hear (v 31b). | 879 I agree that sinners are not heard by God. Thus a Psalm says, "They |
| 866 | 880 cried to the Lord and he did not hear them"; and again, "Then they |
| 867 <p>1347 God does not hear | 881 will call upon me, but I will not answer" (Prov 1:28). But there |
| 868 sinners. In regard to this he says, <b>we know that God does not hear sinners</b>. | 882 are statements which contradict this: "If they sin against thee - |
| 869 He is saying: Both you and I agree that sinners are not heard by God. Thus a | 883 for there is no man who does not sin - but later repent with all |
| 870 Psalm says, "They cried to the Lord and he did not hear them"; and again, "Then | 884 their heart, then hear thou from heaven and forgive thy people" [2 |
| 871 they will call upon me, but I will not answer" (Prov 1:28). But there are | 885 Chron 6:36-39]; and in Luke (18:14) we read that the tax collector |
| 872 statements which contradict this: "If they sin against thee - for there is no | 886 "went down to his house justified."</p> |
| 873 man who does not sin - but later repent with all their heart, then hear thou | 887 <p>Because of this Augustine says that this blind man is speaking |
| 874 from heaven and forgive thy people" [2 Chron 6:36-39]; and in Luke (18:14) we | 888 as one who has not been anointed, as one who does not yet have |
| 875 read that the tax collector "went down to his house justified." | 889 complete knowledge. For God does hear sinners, otherwise it would |
| 876 | 890 have been futile for the tax collector to have prayed: "God, be |
| 877 <p>Because | 891 merciful to me a sinner." Accordingly, if we wish to save the |
| 878 of this Augustine says that this blind man is speaking as one who has not been | 892 statement of the blind man we must say that God does not hear those |
| 879 anointed, as one who does not yet have complete knowledge. For God does hear | 893 sinners who persist in their sinning; but he does hear those |
| 880 sinners, otherwise it would have been futile for the tax collector to have | 894 sinners who are sorry for their sins, and who should be regarded |
| 881 prayed: "God, be merciful to me a sinner." Accordingly, if we wish to save the | 895 more as repentant than as sinners. <a href="#_ftn27" name= |
| 882 statement of the blind man we must say that God does not hear those sinners who | 896 "_ftnref27" id="_ftnref27">[27]</a></p> |
| 883 persist in their sinning; but he does hear those sinners who are sorry for | 897 <p>1348 Yet there is a difficulty here. It is clear that miracles |
| 884 their sins, and who should be regarded more as repentant than as sinners. <a href="#_ftn27" name="_ftnref27">[27]</a> | 898 are not accomplished by us due to our own power, but through |
| 885 | 899 prayer. But sinners often perform miracles: "Lord, Lord, did we not |
| 886 <p>1348 Yet there is a | 900 prophesy in your name…and do many might works in your name?" |
| 887 difficulty here. It is clear that miracles are not accomplished by us due to | 901 (Mt 7:22); and yet God did not know them. Thus, what the blind man |
| 888 our own power, but through prayer. But sinners often perform miracles: "Lord, | 902 said does not seems to be true, namely, <b>we know that God does |
| 889 Lord, did we not prophesy in your name…and do many might works in your name?" | 903 not listen to sinners</b>.</p> |
| 890 (Mt 7:22); and yet God did not know them. Thus, what the blind man said does | 904 <p>There are two answers to this. The first is general. Prayer has |
| 891 not seems to be true, namely, <b>we know that God does not listen to sinners</b>. | 905 two characteristics, that is, it can obtain [what it asks for] and |
| 892 | 906 it can merit. Thus, sometimes it obtains what it asks, and does not |
| 893 <p>There | 907 merit; at other times, it merits and does not obtain. And so |
| 894 are two answers to this. The first is general. Prayer has two characteristics, | 908 nothing prevents the prayer of a sinner from obtaining what it asks |
| 895 that is, it can obtain [what it asks for] and it can merit. Thus, sometimes it | 909 although it does not merit. This is the way that God hears sinners; |
| 896 obtains what it asks, and does not merit; at other times, it merits and does | 910 not as a matter of merit, but they obtain what they ask from the |
| 897 not obtain. And so nothing prevents the prayer of a sinner from obtaining what | 911 divine power, which they acknowledge. The other answer is special |
| 898 it asks although it does not merit. This is the way that God hears sinners; not | 912 and applies to this particular case, when the miracle that was done |
| 899 as a matter of merit, but they obtain what they ask from the divine power, | 913 makes known the person of Christ.</p> |
| 900 which they acknowledge. The other answer is special and applies to this | 914 <p> </p> |
| 901 particular case, when the miracle that was done makes known the person of | 915 <p>1349 It should be mentioned that every miracle is a sort of |
| 902 Christ. | 916 testimony. Sometimes, a miracle is accomplished as a testimony to |
| 903 | 917 the truth that is being preached; at other times, it is a testimony |
| 904 <p> | 918 to the person performing it. We must also realize that no true |
| 905 | 919 miracle happens except by the divine power, and that God is never a |
| 906 <p>1349 It should be mentioned | 920 witness to a lie. I say, therefore, that whenever a miracle is |
| 907 that every miracle is a sort of testimony. Sometimes, a miracle is accomplished | 921 performed in testimony to a doctrine that is being preached, that |
| 908 as a testimony to the truth that is being preached; at other times, it is a | 922 doctrine must be true, even if the person who is preaching it is |
| 909 testimony to the person performing it. We must also realize that no true | 923 not good. And when it is performed in testimony to the person, it |
| 910 miracle happens except by the divine power, and that God is never a witness to | 924 is also necessary that the person be good. Now it is evident that |
| 911 a lie. I say, therefore, that whenever a miracle is performed in testimony to a | 925 the miracles of Christ were performed in testimony to his person: |
| 912 doctrine that is being preached, that doctrine must be true, even if the person | 926 "The works which the Father has granted me to |
| 913 who is preaching it is not good. And when it is performed in testimony to the | 927 accomplish…bear me witness that the Father has sent me" |
| 914 person, it is also necessary that the person be good. Now it is evident that | 928 (5:36). It was with this meaning that the blind man said that |
| 915 the miracles of Christ were performed in testimony to his person: "The works | 929 <b>God does not listen to sinners</b>, that is, so that they could |
| 916 which the Father has granted me to accomplish…bear me witness that the Father | 930 perform miracles as a testimony to their supposed holiness. |
| 917 has sent me" (5:36). It was with this meaning that the blind man said that <b>God | 931 <a href="#_ftn28" name="_ftnref28" id="_ftnref28">[28]</a></p> |
| 918 does not listen to sinners</b>, that is, so that they could perform miracles as | 932 <p>1350 Then when he says, <b>but if any one is a worshiper of |
| 919 a testimony to their supposed holiness. <a | 933 God</b>…he shows that God hears the just through merit. We |
| 920 href="#_ftn28" name="_ftnref28">[28]</a> | 934 must realize that the performing of miracles is attributed to |
| 921 | 935 faith: "If you say to this mountain, 'Be taken up and cast into the |
| 922 <p>1350 Then when he says, <b>but | 936 sea,' it will be done" (Mt 21:21). The reason for this is that |
| 923 if any one is a worshiper of God</b>…he shows that God hears the just through | 937 miracles are accomplished by the omnipotence of God, on which faith |
| 924 merit. We must realize that the performing of miracles is attributed to faith: | 938 relies. Therefore, whoever wishes to obtain something from God has |
| 925 "If you say to this mountain, 'Be taken up and cast into the sea,' it will be | 939 to have faith: "Let him ask in faith" (Jas 1:6). However, if he |
| 926 done" (Mt 21:21). The reason for this is that miracles are accomplished by the | 940 wishes to obtain it through merit, he must do God's will. And these |
| 927 omnipotence of God, on which faith relies. Therefore, whoever wishes to obtain | 941 two conditions are mentioned here. As to the first, he says, <b>If |
| 928 something from God has to have faith: "Let him ask in faith" (Jas 1:6). | 942 any one is a worshipper of God</b> by sacrifices and offerings: |
| 929 However, if he wishes to obtain it through merit, he must do God's will. And | 943 "They will worship him with sacrifice and burnt offering" (Is |
| 930 these two conditions are mentioned here. As to the first, he says, <b>If any | 944 19:21). These belong to the worship of <i>latria</i>, which attests |
| 931 one is a worshipper of God</b> by sacrifices and offerings: "They will worship | 945 to one's faith. As to the second he says, <b>and does his will</b> |
| 932 him with sacrifice and burnt offering" (Is 19:21). These belong to the worship | 946 by obeying his commandments, <b>God listens to him</b>.</p> |
| 933 of <i>latria</i>, which attests to one's faith. As to the second he says, <b>and | 947 <p>1351 Here he takes the minor premise of his argument. He is |
| 934 does his will</b> by obeying his commandments, <b>God listens to him</b>. | 948 saying: Because of what Christ did, which no man has ever done, it |
| 935 | 949 is obvious that he did this by the action of God, and that he has |
| 936 <p>1351 Here he takes the minor | 950 been heard by God: "If I had not done among them the works which no |
| 937 premise of his argument. He is saying: Because of what Christ did, which no man | 951 one else did, they would not have sin" (Jn 15:24).</p> |
| 938 has ever done, it is obvious that he did this by the action of God, and that he | 952 <p>1352 Next, he draws his conclusion. He is saying, in effect: |
| 939 has been heard by God: "If I had not done among them the works which no one | 953 From the kind of works that Christ does, it is obvious that he is |
| 940 else did, they would not have sin" (Jn 15:24). | 954 from God. For <b>if this man were not from God, he could do |
| 941 | 955 nothing</b>, that is, freely, often and truly, because "apart from |
| 942 <p>1352 Next, he draws his | 956 me you can do nothing" (15:5).</p> |
| 943 conclusion. He is saying, in effect: From the kind of works that Christ does, | 957 <p>1353 Here the Pharisees condemn the blind man. In this |
| 944 it is obvious that he is from God. For <b>if this man were not from God, he | 958 condemnation they fall into three defects or sins, namely, untruth, |
| 945 could do nothing</b>, that is, freely, often and truly, because "apart from me | 959 pride, and injustice. They fall into untruth in reviling the blind |
| 946 you can do nothing" (15:5). | 960 man, <b>saying, you were born in utter sin</b>. Here it should be |
| 947 | 961 noted that the Jews were of the opinion that all infirmities and |
| 948 <p>1353 Here the Pharisees | 962 temporal adversities beset us on account of our previous sins. This |
| 949 condemn the blind man. In this condemnation they fall into three defects or | 963 was the opinion given by Eliphaz: "Think now, who that was innocent |
| 950 sins, namely, untruth, pride, and injustice. They fall into untruth in reviling | 964 ever perished? Or where were the upright cut off? As I have seen |
| 951 the blind man, <b>saying, you were born in utter sin</b>. Here it should be | 965 those who plow iniquity and sow trouble reap the same. By the |
| 952 noted that the Jews were of the opinion that all infirmities and temporal | 966 breath of God they perish" (Job 4:7). The reason for this opinion |
| 953 adversities beset us on account of our previous sins. This was the opinion | 967 is that in the Old Law temporal goods were promised to the good, |
| 954 given by Eliphaz: "Think now, who that was innocent ever perished? Or where | 968 and temporal punishment to the evil: "If you are willing and |
| 955 were the upright cut off? As I have seen those who plow iniquity and sow | 969 obedient, you shall eat the good of the land" (Is 1:19). Therefore, |
| 956 trouble reap the same. By the breath of God they perish" (Job 4:7). The reason | 970 seeing that this man had been born blind, they believed that this |
| 957 for this opinion is that in the Old Law temporal goods were promised to the | 971 happened on account of his sins, and so they say, <b>you were born |
| 958 good, and temporal punishment to the evil: "If you are willing and obedient, | 972 in utter sin</b>. But they were wrong, because the Lord said: "It |
| 959 you shall eat the good of the land" (Is 1:19). Therefore, seeing that this man | 973 was not that this man sinned, or his parents."</p> |
| 960 had been born blind, they believed that this happened on account of his sins, and | 974 <p>They say <b>in utter sin</b> to show that he is defiled by sins |
| 961 so they say, <b>you were born in utter sin</b>. But they were wrong, because | 975 not only in his soul, insofar as all of us are born sinners, but |
| 962 the Lord said: "It was not that this man sinned, or his parents." | 976 even as regards the traces of sin which appear in his body, as |
| 963 | 977 blindness. Or according to Chrysostom, <b>in utter sin</b> means |
| 964 <p>They | 978 that he was in sin all his life, from his earliest years.<a href= |
| 965 say <b>in utter sin </b>to show that he is defiled by sins not only in his | 979 "#_ftn29" name="_ftnref29" id="_ftnref29">[29]</a></p> |
| 966 soul, insofar as all of us are born sinners, but even as regards the traces of | 980 <p>They are guilty of pride by rejecting what the man born blind |
| 967 sin which appear in his body, as blindness. Or according to Chrysostom, <b>in | 981 was teaching, when they say, <b>Would you teach us?</b> This was |
| 968 utter sin</b> means that he was in sin all his life, from his earliest years.<a | 982 like saying: You are not worthy. This makes their pride clear: for |
| 969 href="#_ftn29" name="_ftnref29">[29]</a> | 983 no person, no matter however wise, ought to reject being taught by |
| 970 | 984 any inferior. Thus the Apostle teaches (1 Cor 14:30) that if |
| 971 <p>They | 985 something is revealed to one who is inferior, those who are greater |
| 972 are guilty of pride by rejecting what the man born blind was teaching, when | 986 should keep silent and listen. In Daniel we read that all the |
| 973 they say, <b>Would you teach us? </b>This was like saying: You are not worthy. | 987 people, and the elders, listened to the judgment of a young boy, |
| 974 This makes their pride clear: for no person, no matter however wise, ought to | 988 Daniel, whose spirit has been raised up by God.</p> |
| 975 reject being taught by any inferior. Thus the Apostle teaches (1 Cor 14:30) | 989 <p>They are guilty of injustice by unjustly casting him out. Thus |
| 976 that if something is revealed to one who is inferior, those who are greater | 990 we read, <b>and they cast him out</b>, that is, because he spoke |
| 977 should keep silent and listen. In Daniel we read that all the people, and the | 991 the truth. However, in this man born blind there is already |
| 978 elders, listened to the judgment of a young boy, Daniel, whose spirit has been | 992 fulfilled what our Lord had said: "Blessed are you when men hate |
| 979 raised up by God. | 993 you, and when they exclude you and revile you, and cast out your |
| 980 | 994 name as evil, on account of the Son of man!" (Lk 6:22).</p> |
| 981 <p>They | 995 <p align="center"><b>LECTURE 4</b></p> |
| 982 are guilty of injustice by unjustly casting him out. Thus we read, <b>and they | 996 <blockquote> |
| 983 cast him out</b>, that is, because he spoke the truth. However, in this man | 997 <p>35 Jesus heard that they had cast him out, and having found him |
| 984 born blind there is already fulfilled what our Lord had said: "Blessed are you | 998 he said, "Do you believe in the Son of God?" 36 He answered, "And |
| 985 when men hate you, and when they exclude you and revile you, and cast out your | 999 who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?" 37 Jesus said to him, |
| 986 name as evil, on account of the Son of man!" (Lk 6:22). | 1000 "You have seen him, and it is he who speaks to you." 38 He said, |
| 987 | 1001 "Lord, I believe"; and he worshiped him. 39 Jesus said, "For |
| 988 <p align=center><B>LECTURE 4</B> | 1002 judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, |
| 989 | 1003 and that those who see may become blind." 40 Some of the Pharisees |
| 990 <BLOCKQUOTE><p>35 Jesus heard that they | 1004 near him heard this, and they said to him, "Are we also blind?" 41 |
| 991 had cast him out, and having found him he said, "Do you believe in the Son of | 1005 Jesus said to them, "If you were blind, you would have no guilt; |
| 992 God?" 36 He answered, "And who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?" 37 Jesus | 1006 but now that you say, 'we see', your guilt remains."<a href= |
| 993 said to him, "You have seen him, and it is he who speaks to you." 38 He said, | 1007 "#_ftn30" name="_ftnref30" id="_ftnref30"><b>[30]</b></a></p> |
| 994 "Lord, I believe"; and he worshiped him. 39 Jesus said, "For judgment I came | 1008 </blockquote> |
| 995 into this world, that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may | 1009 <p>1354 After the Evangelist showed how the Jews cast out the man |
| 996 become blind." 40 Some of the Pharisees near him heard this, and they said to | 1010 born blind because he persisted in the truth, he here shows how |
| 997 him, "Are we also blind?" 41 Jesus said to them, "If you were blind, you would | 1011 Jesus received him and taught him. First, we see Christ teaching |
| 998 have no guilt; but now that you say, 'we see', your guilt remains."<a | 1012 him; secondly, the devotion of the man born blind (v 38); thirdly, |
| 999 href="#_ftn30" name="_ftnref30"><b>[30]</b></a></BLOCKQUOTE> | 1013 the approval of his devotion (v 39). He does three things about the |
| 1000 | 1014 first. First, he shows the eagerness of Christ to teach him; |
| 1001 <p>1354 After the Evangelist | 1015 secondly, we see the desire of the man born blind to believe (v |
| 1002 showed how the Jews cast out the man born blind because he persisted in the | 1016 36); and thirdly, the teaching of the faith is given to perfect him |
| 1003 truth, he here shows how Jesus received him and taught him. First, we see | 1017 (v 37).</p> |
| 1004 Christ teaching him; secondly, the devotion of the man born blind (v 38); | 1018 <p>1355 Christ's eagerness to teach is described in three ways. |
| 1005 thirdly, the approval of his devotion (v 39). He does three things about the | 1019 First, by his attentive consideration to what was done to the man |
| 1006 first. First, he shows the eagerness of Christ to teach him; secondly, we see | 1020 born blind. For just as a trainer carefully considers what his |
| 1007 the desire of the man born blind to believe (v 36); and thirdly, the teaching | 1021 athlete undergoes for his sake, so Christ attentively considered |
| 1008 of the faith is given to perfect him (v 37). | 1022 what the man born blind underwent for the sake of the truth and |
| 1009 | 1023 because of his assertions. And so he says that <b>Jesus heard</b>, |
| 1010 <p>1355 Christ's eagerness to | 1024 attentively considered, that the Pharisees <b>had cast him out</b>, |
| 1011 teach is described in three ways. First, by his attentive consideration to what | 1025 of the temple: "Give heed to me, O Lord, and to the voices of my |
| 1012 was done to the man born blind. For just as a trainer carefully considers what | 1026 adversaries" [Jer 18:19].</p> |
| 1013 his athlete undergoes for his sake, so Christ attentively considered what the | 1027 <p>Secondly, we see Christ's eagerness from his efforts in |
| 1014 man born blind underwent for the sake of the truth and because of his | 1028 searching for him, for the Evangelist says, <b>and having found |
| 1015 assertions. And so he says that <b>Jesus heard</b>, attentively considered, | 1029 him</b>; for we are said to find what we diligently seek: "She |
| 1016 that the Pharisees <b>had cast him out</b>, of the temple: "Give heed to me, O | 1030 seeks diligently, until she finds it" (Lk 15:8). It is clear from |
| 1017 Lord, and to the voices of my adversaries" [Jer 18:19]. | 1031 this that Christ was looking for him alone, because he found more |
| 1018 | 1032 faith in him alone that in all the others. And we can see from this |
| 1019 <p>Secondly, | 1033 that God loves one just person more than ten thousand sinners: "I |
| 1020 we see Christ's eagerness from his efforts in searching for him, for the | 1034 will make men more rare than fine gold, and mankind than the gold |
| 1021 Evangelist says, <b>and having found him</b>; for we are said to find what we | 1035 of Ophir" (Is 13:12). And in Genesis we read that God was willing |
| 1022 diligently seek: "She seeks diligently, until she finds it" (Lk 15:8). It is | 1036 to spare Sodom for the sake of ten just men.</p> |
| 1023 clear from this that Christ was looking for him alone, because he found more | 1037 <p>Thirdly, our Lord's eagerness is seen from the seriousness of |
| 1024 faith in him alone that in all the others. And we can see from this that God | 1038 his question; he said, <b>Do you believe in the Son of God?</b> The |
| 1025 loves one just person more than ten thousand sinners: "I will make men more | 1039 blind man was an image of those to be baptized. Thus the custom |
| 1026 rare than fine gold, and mankind than the gold of Ophir" (Is 13:12). And in | 1040 arose in the Church of questioning those to be baptized about their |
| 1027 Genesis we read that God was willing to spare Sodom for the sake of ten just | 1041 faith: "Baptism…now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from |
| 1028 men. | 1042 the body, but as an appeal to God for a clean conscience" (1 Pet |
| 1029 | 1043 3:21). When asked about his faith he does not say, "Do you believe |
| 1030 <p>Thirdly, | 1044 in Christ?" but <b>Do you believe in the Son of God?</b> He does |
| 1031 our Lord's eagerness is seen from the seriousness of his question; he said, <b>Do | 1045 this, as Hilary says, because it would develop that some would |
| 1032 you believe in the Son of God?</b> The blind man was an image of those to be | 1046 profess Christ, and yet deny that he was the Son of God and God, as |
| 1033 baptized. Thus the custom arose in the Church of questioning those to be | 1047 Arius erred.<a href="#_ftn31" name="_ftnref31" id= |
| 1034 baptized about their faith: "Baptism…now saves you, not as a removal of dirt | 1048 "_ftnref31">[31]</a> These words clearly exclude this error: for if |
| 1035 from the body, but as an appeal to God for a clean conscience" (1 Pet 3:21). When | 1049 Christ were not God, we would not have to believe in him, since God |
| 1036 asked about his faith he does not say, "Do you believe in Christ?" but <b>Do | 1050 alone is the object of faith, which rests on the first truth. Thus |
| 1037 you believe in the Son of God?</b> He does this, as Hilary says, because it | 1051 he significantly says, <b>in the Son</b> (<i>in Filium</i>); for I |
| 1038 would develop that some would profess Christ, and yet deny that he was the Son | 1052 am certainly able to believe some creature, such as Peter and Paul |
| 1039 of God and God, as Arius erred.<a href="#_ftn31" name="_ftnref31">[31]</a> | 1053 (<i>credere Petro et Paulo</i>), yet I do not believe in Peter |
| 1040 These words clearly exclude this error: for if Christ were not God, we would | 1054 (<i>credere in Petrum</i>), but in God (<i>in Deum</i>) alone as |
| 1041 not have to believe in him, since God alone is the object of faith, which rests | 1055 the object of faith [cf. no. 901]. Thus it is clear that the Son of |
| 1042 on the first truth. Thus he significantly says, <b>in the Son </b>(<i>in Filium</i>); | 1056 God is not a creature: "You believe in God, believe also in me" (Jn |
| 1043 for I am certainly able to believe some creature, such as Peter and Paul (<i>credere | 1057 14:1).</p> |
| 1044 Petro et Paulo</i>), yet I do not believe in Peter (<i>credere in Petrum</i>), | 1058 <p>1356 Next he mentions the desire of the man born blind to |
| 1045 but in God (<i>in Deum</i>) alone as the object of faith [cf. no. 901]. Thus it | 1059 believe. We have to recall that this man had not yet physically |
| 1046 is clear that the Son of God is not a creature: "You believe in God, believe | 1060 seen Christ: for he had not seen him when Christ anointed his eyes |
| 1047 also in me" (Jn 14:1). | 1061 and sent him to the pool of Siloam, and when he wanted to go back |
| 1048 | 1062 to him he was detained by the Pharisees and the Jews. However, |
| 1049 <p>1356 Next he mentions the | 1063 although he had not physically seen Jesus, he believed that the one |
| 1050 desire of the man born blind to believe. We have to recall that this man had | 1064 who opened his eyes was the Son of God. And so he breaks out in |
| 1051 not yet physically seen Christ: for he had not seen him when Christ anointed | 1065 words of desire and intense longing, and says, <b>And who is he, |
| 1052 his eyes and sent him to the pool of Siloam, and when he wanted to go back to | 1066 sir</b>, namely, the Son of God, who opened my eyes, <b>that I may |
| 1053 him he was detained by the Pharisees and the Jews. However, although he had not | 1067 believe in him?</b> It is clear from this that he knew something |
| 1054 physically seen Jesus, he believed that the one who opened his eyes was the Son | 1068 about Jesus, and did not know other things about him. For if he had |
| 1055 of God. And so he breaks out in words of desire and intense longing, and says, <b>And | 1069 not known him, he would not have argued so firmly on his behalf; |
| 1056 who is he, sir</b>, namely, the Son of God, who opened my eyes, <b>that I may | 1070 and if he had not been ignorant of other things, he certainly would |
| 1057 believe in him? </b>It is clear from this that he knew something about Jesus, | 1071 not have said, <b>Who is he, sir?</b> "My soul yearns for you in |
| 1058 and did not know other things about him. For if he had not known him, he would | 1072 the night," that is, the night of ignorance (Is 26:9).</p> |
| 1059 not have argued so firmly on his behalf; and if he had not been ignorant of | 1073 <p>1357 Because, as we read in Wisdom (6:16), "She," that is, |
| 1060 other things, he certainly would not have said, <b>Who is he, sir? </b>"My soul | 1074 Wisdom, "goes about seeking those worthy of her," Christ reveals |
| 1061 yearns for you in the night," that is, the night of ignorance (Is 26:9). | 1075 himself to the man born blind, who desired her, when he says, |
| 1062 | 1076 <b>You have seen him, and it is he who speaks to you</b>. Here |
| 1063 <p>1357 Because, as we read in | 1077 Christ is giving him a teaching of faith. First, he mentions the |
| 1064 Wisdom (6:16), "She," that is, Wisdom, "goes about seeking those worthy of | 1078 gift he received, saying <b>you have seen him</b>, that is, you, |
| 1065 her," Christ reveals himself to the man born blind, who desired her, when he | 1079 who did not see before, have now seen him. He is saying in effect |
| 1066 says, <b>You have seen him, and it is he who speaks to you</b>. Here Christ is | 1080 that the man born blind received the ability to see from him: |
| 1067 giving him a teaching of faith. First, he mentions the gift he received, saying | 1081 "Blessed are the eyes which see what you see" (Lk 10:23); "Lord, |
| 1068 <b>you have seen him</b>, that is, you, who did not see before, have now seen | 1082 now let your servant depart in peace…for my eyes have seen |
| 1069 him. He is saying in effect that the man born blind received the ability to see | 1083 your salvation" [Lk 2:29]. Secondly, the teaching itself is given |
| 1070 from him: "Blessed are the eyes which see what you see" (Lk 10:23); "Lord, now | 1084 when he says, <b>It is he who speaks to you</b>: "In these last |
| 1071 let your servant depart in peace…for my eyes have seen your salvation" [Lk | 1085 days he has spoken to us by a Son" (Heb 1:2).</p> |
| 1072 2:29]. Secondly, the teaching itself is given when he says, <b>It is he who | 1086 <p>These words refute the error of Nestorius, who said that in |
| 1073 speaks to you</b>: "In these last days he has spoken to us by a Son" (Heb 1:2). | 1087 Christ the <i>suppositum</i> [or person] of the Son of God is |
| 1074 | 1088 different from the <i>suppositum</i> of the Son of man. They refute |
| 1075 <p>These | 1089 it because the one who spoke these words was born from Mary and was |
| 1076 words refute the error of Nestorius, who said that in Christ the <i>suppositum </i>[or | 1090 the son of man, and the very same one is the Son of God, as our |
| 1077 person] of the Son of God is different from the <i>suppositum</i> of the Son of | 1091 Lord says. Therefore, there are two <i>supposita</i> [persons] in |
| 1078 man. They refute it because the one who spoke these words was born from Mary | 1092 Christ, although the natures [the divine and the human] are not the |
| 1079 and was the son of man, and the very same one is the Son of God, as our Lord | 1093 same.<a href="#_ftn32" name="_ftnref32" id="_ftnref32">[32]</a></p> |
| 1080 says. Therefore, there are two <i>supposita</i> [persons] in Christ, although | 1094 <p>1358 Then when the Evangelist says, <b>he said, Lord, I |
| 1081 the natures [the divine and the human] are not the same.<a href="#_ftn32" | 1095 believe</b>, we see the devout faith of the man born blind. And |
| 1082 name="_ftnref32">[32]</a> | 1096 first, he professes with his lips the faith in his heart, saying, |
| 1083 | 1097 <b>Lord, I believe</b>: "Man believes with his heart and so is |
| 1084 <p>1358 Then when the Evangelist | 1098 justified, and he confesses with his lips and so is saved" (Rom |
| 1085 says, <b>he said, Lord, I believe</b>, we see the devout faith of the man born | 1099 10:10). Secondly, he shows it in his conduct, <b>and he worshipped |
| 1086 blind. And first, he professes with his lips the faith in his heart, saying, <b>Lord, | 1100 him</b>. This shows that he believes in the divine nature of |
| 1087 I believe</b>: "Man believes with his heart and so is justified, and he | 1101 Christ, because those whose consciences have been cleansed know |
| 1088 confesses with his lips and so is saved" (Rom 10:10). Secondly, he shows it in | 1102 Christ not only as the son of man, which was externally obvious, |
| 1089 his conduct, <b>and he worshipped him</b>. This shows that he believes in the | 1103 but as the Son of God, who had taken flesh: for adoration is due to |
| 1090 divine nature of Christ, because those whose consciences have been cleansed | 1104 God alone: "You will adore the Lord, your God" [Dt 6:13].</p> |
| 1091 know Christ not only as the son of man, which was externally obvious, but as | 1105 <p>1359 Next (v 39), the devotion of the man born blind is |
| 1092 the Son of God, who had taken flesh: for adoration is due to God alone: "You | 1106 commended: first, his devotion is commended; secondly, we see the |
| 1093 will adore the Lord, your God" [Dt 6:13]. | 1107 grumbling of the Jews (v 40); and then they are answered (v |
| 1094 | 1108 41).</p> |
| 1095 <p>1359 Next (v 39), the | 1109 <p>1360 The man born blind is commended for his faith. We read, |
| 1096 devotion of the man born blind is commended: first, his devotion is commended; | 1110 <b>for judgment I came into this world</b>. But on the other hand, |
| 1097 secondly, we see the grumbling of the Jews (v 40); and then they are answered | 1111 we also read: "God sent the Son into the world, not to judge the |
| 1098 (v 41). | 1112 world" [Jn 3:17]. My answer is this: In the second statement [3:17] |
| 1099 | 1113 he is speaking of the judgment of condemnation, about which we |
| 1100 <p>1360 The man born blind is | 1114 read: "Those who have done evil [will rise] to the resurrection of |
| 1101 commended for his faith. We read,<b> for judgment I came into this world</b>. | 1115 judgment" (Jn 5:29), that is, to a judgment of condemnation. And |
| 1102 But on the other hand, we also read: "God sent the Son into the world, not to | 1116 God did not send his Son for this purpose at his first coming; he |
| 1103 judge the world" [Jn 3:17]. My answer is this: In the second statement [3:17] | 1117 was sent to save us. But here in the present statement [9:39], he |
| 1104 he is speaking of the judgment of condemnation, about which we read: "Those who | 1118 is speaking of the judgment of distinction, about which we read: |
| 1105 have done evil [will rise] to the resurrection of judgment" (Jn 5:29), that is, | 1119 "Vindicate me, O Lord, and distinguish my cause" [Ps 43:1]. For |
| 1106 to a judgment of condemnation. And God did not send his Son for this purpose at | 1120 Jesus came to distinguish the good from the evil. The words which |
| 1107 his first coming; he was sent to save us. But here in the present statement | 1121 follow show this: <b>that those who do not see may see, and that |
| 1108 [9:39], he is speaking of the judgment of distinction, about which we read: | 1122 those who see may become blind.</b></p> |
| 1109 "Vindicate me, O Lord, and distinguish my cause" [Ps 43:1]. For Jesus came to | 1123 <p>According to Augustine, those who think they see do not see, and |
| 1110 distinguish the good from the evil. The words which follow show this: <b>that | 1124 those who do not think they see, see. Now, we are said to be blind, |
| 1111 those who do not see may see, and that those who see may become blind.</b> | 1125 spiritually, insofar as we sin: "Their wickedness blinded them" |
| 1112 | 1126 (Wis 2:21).<a href="#_ftn33" name="_ftnref33" title="" id= |
| 1113 <p>According | 1127 "_ftnref33">[33]</a> Thus, the one who does not recognize his own |
| 1114 to Augustine, those who think they see do not see, and those who do not think | 1128 sins regards himself as seeing; while one who recognizes himself as |
| 1115 they see, see. Now, we are said to be blind, spiritually, insofar as we sin: | 1129 a sinner regards himself as not seeing. The first is characteristic |
| 1116 "Their wickedness blinded them" (Wis 2:21).<a href="#_ftn33" name="_ftnref33" | 1130 of the proud; the second, of the humble. So the meaning is this: I |
| 1117 title="">[33]</a> | 1131 have come to distinguish the humble from the proud, so that the |
| 1118 Thus, the one who does not recognize his own sins regards himself as seeing; | 1132 humble, <b>who do not see</b>, that is, who regard themselves as |
| 1119 while one who recognizes himself as a sinner regards himself as not seeing. The | 1133 sinners, <b>may see</b>, having been illuminated by faith, <b>and |
| 1120 first is characteristic of the proud; the second, of the humble. So the meaning | 1134 that those who see</b>, that is, the proud, <b>may become |
| 1121 is this: I have come to distinguish the humble from the proud, so that the | 1135 blind</b>, that is, may remain in the darkness.</p> |
| 1122 humble, <b>who do not see</b>, that is, who regard themselves as sinners, <b>may | 1136 <p>1361 Chrysostom understands this passage in terms of the |
| 1123 see</b>, having been illuminated by faith, <b>and that those who see</b>, that | 1137 judgment of condemnation, so that the statement, <b>for judgment I |
| 1124 is, the proud, <b>may become blind</b>, that is, may remain in the darkness. | 1138 came into this world</b> is not understood in a causal sense, but |
| 1125 | 1139 it indicates the sequence of events.<a href="#_ftn34" name= |
| 1126 <p>1361 Chrysostom understands | 1140 "_ftnref34" id="_ftnref34">[34]</a> It is like saying: After my |
| 1127 this passage in terms of the judgment of condemnation, so that the statement, <b>for | 1141 coming into the world, there follows for some the judgment of |
| 1128 judgment I came into this world</b> is not understood in a causal sense, but it | 1142 condemnation increases in them. In Luke (2:23) we find something |
| 1129 indicates the sequence of events.<a href="#_ftn34" name="_ftnref34">[34]</a> | 1143 similar: "This child is set for the falling and rising of many in |
| 1130 It is like saying: After my coming into the world, there follows for some the | 1144 Israel," not because Christ is the cause of their fall, but because |
| 1131 judgment of condemnation increases in them. In Luke (2:23) we find something | 1145 this follows his coming. He adds, <b>that those who do not see</b>, |
| 1132 similar: "This child is set for the falling and rising of many in Israel," not because Christ is the cause of their fall, but because this follows his | 1146 that is, the Gentiles, who lacked the light of divine knowledge, |
| 1133 coming. He adds, <b>that those who do not see</b>, that is, the Gentiles, who | 1147 <b>may see</b>, i.e., be admitted to the knowledge of God: "The |
| 1134 lacked the light of divine knowledge, <b>may see</b>, i.e., be admitted to the | 1148 people who walked in darkness have seen a great light" (Is 9:2); |
| 1135 knowledge of God: "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light" | 1149 <b>and that those who see</b>, the Jews, who did have a knowledge |
| 1136 (Is 9:2); <b>and that those who see</b>, the Jews, who did have a knowledge of | 1150 of God - "In Judah God is known" (Ps 76:1) - <b>may become |
| 1137 God - "In Judah God is known" (Ps 76:1) - <b>may become blind</b>, fall away | 1151 blind</b>, fall away from the knowledge of God. The Apostle |
| 1138 from the knowledge of God. The Apostle explicitly mentions this: "The Gentiles | 1152 explicitly mentions this: "The Gentiles who did not pursue |
| 1139 who did not pursue righteousness have attained it" (Rom 9:30). | 1153 righteousness have attained it" (Rom 9:30).</p> |
| 1140 | 1154 <p>1362 Now we see the grumbling of the Jews. They had understood |
| 1141 <p>1362 Now we see the grumbling | 1155 our Lord's words in a bodily sense because they had seen the man |
| 1142 of the Jews. They had understood our Lord's words in a bodily sense because | 1156 born blind physically restored to sight, and had thought that our |
| 1143 they had seen the man born blind physically restored to sight, and had thought | 1157 Lord was concerned only with the light in his eyes rather than in |
| 1144 that our Lord was concerned only with the light in his eyes rather than in his | 1158 his mind. And so they believed that he was warning and threatening |
| 1145 mind. And so they believed that he was warning and threatening them with | 1159 them with physical blindness when he said <b>may become blind</b>. |
| 1146 physical blindness when he said <b>may become blind</b>. Therefore, the | 1160 Therefore, the Evangelist says, <b>some of the Pharisees near him |
| 1147 Evangelist says, <b>some of the Pharisees near him heard this</b>, the above | 1161 heard this</b>, the above words. He says who were <b>near him</b>, |
| 1148 words. He says who were <b>near him</b>, to show their vacillation: for | 1162 to show their vacillation: for sometimes they were with him because |
| 1149 sometimes they were with him because of some miracles which they saw, and then | 1163 of some miracles which they saw, and then would leave when the |
| 1150 would leave when the truth was made known to them: "They believe for a while, | 1164 truth was made known to them: "They believe for a while, and in |
| 1151 and in time of tribulation fall away" (Lk 8:13). <b>And they said to him, Are | 1165 time of tribulation fall away" (Lk 8:13). <b>And they said to him, |
| 1152 we also blind</b>, i.e., physically? Yet they were spiritually blind: "Let them | 1166 Are we also blind</b>, i.e., physically? Yet they were spiritually |
| 1153 alone; they are blind guides" (Mt 15:14). | 1167 blind: "Let them alone; they are blind guides" (Mt 15:14).</p> |
| 1154 | 1168 <p>1363 Next, we see the Jews silenced. According to Augustine, |
| 1155 <p>1363 Next, we see the Jews | 1169 this shows the meaning of the previous passage, that is, that our |
| 1156 silenced. According to Augustine, this shows the meaning of the previous | 1170 Lord was referring to spiritual blindness.<a href="#_ftn35" name= |
| 1157 passage, that is, that our Lord was referring to spiritual blindness.<a | 1171 "_ftnref35" id="_ftnref35">[35]</a> He says, <b>If you were blind, |
| 1158 href="#_ftn35" name="_ftnref35">[35]</a> | 1172 you would have no guilt</b>, because you would be running to the |
| 1159 He says, <b>If you were blind, you would have no guilt</b>, because you would | 1173 remedy. For sin is taken away by grace, which is given only to the |
| 1160 be running to the remedy. For sin is taken away by grace, which is given only | 1174 humble: "God gives grace to the humble" (Jas 4:6). <b>But now that |
| 1161 to the humble: "God gives grace to the humble" (Jas 4:6). <b>But now that you | 1175 you say, We see</b>, i.e., proudly thinking that you do see, you do |
| 1162 say, We see</b>, i.e., proudly thinking that you do see, you do not recognize | 1176 not recognize that you are sinners, <b>your guilt remains</b>, |
| 1163 that you are sinners, <b>your guilt remains</b>, i.e., is not taken away: "God | 1177 i.e., is not taken away: "God opposes the proud" (Jas 4:6).</p> |
| 1164 opposes the proud" (Jas 4:6). | 1178 <p>Chrysostom understands this passage as referring to physical |
| 1165 | 1179 blindness.<a href="#_ftn36" name="_ftnref36" title="" id= |
| 1166 <p>Chrysostom understands this | 1180 "_ftnref36">[36]</a> The meaning is then: <b>If you were blind</b>, |
| 1167 passage as referring to physical blindness.<a href="#_ftn36" name="_ftnref36" | 1181 physically, you would have no guilt, because since blindness is a |
| 1168 title="">[36]</a> | 1182 physical defect, it does not have the nature of sin. <b>But now |
| 1169 The meaning is then: <b>If you were blind</b>,<b> </b>physically, you would | 1183 that you say, We see</b>, your sin is clear, because while seeing |
| 1170 have no guilt, because since blindness is a physical defect, it does not have | 1184 the miracles that I do, you do not believe me: "Blind the heart of |
| 1171 the nature of sin. <b>But now that you say, We see</b>, your sin is clear, | 1185 this people" [Is 6:10].</p> |
| 1172 because while seeing the miracles that I do, you do not believe me: "Blind the | 1186 <p>Here is another explanation. <b>If you were blind</b>, i.e., |
| 1173 heart of this people" [Is 6:10]. | 1187 ignorant of the judgments of God and of the sacraments of the law; |
| 1174 | 1188 <b>you would have no guilt</b>, i.e., so much. As if to say: If you |
| 1175 <p>Here | 1189 were sinning out of ignorance, your sin would not be so serious. |
| 1176 is another explanation. <b>If you were blind</b>,<b> </b>i.e.,<b> </b>ignorant | 1190 <b>But now that you say, We see</b>, i.e., arrogate to yourselves |
| 1177 of the judgments of God and of the sacraments of the law; <b>you would have no | 1191 an understanding of the law and a knowledge of God, and still sin, |
| 1178 guilt</b>, i.e., so much. As if to say: If you were sinning out of ignorance, | 1192 then <b>your guilt remains</b>, i.e., becomes greater: "That |
| 1179 your sin would not be so serious. <b>But now that you say, We see</b>, i.e., | 1193 servant who knew is master's will, but did not make ready or act |
| 1180 arrogate to yourselves an understanding of the law and a knowledge of God, and | 1194 according to his will, shall receive a severe beating" (Lk |
| 1181 still sin, then <b>your guilt remains</b>, i.e., becomes greater: "That servant | 1195 12:47).<br /> |
| 1182 who knew is master's will, but did not make ready or act according to his will, | 1196 <br /> |
| 1183 shall receive a severe beating" (Lk 12:47). | 1197 <br /></p> |
| 1184 <BR><BR><BR> | 1198 <hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" /> |
| 1185 <hr align=left size=1 width="33%"> | 1199 <div id="ftn1"> |
| 1186 | 1200 <p><a href="#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" id="_ftn1">[1]</a> <span>St. |
| 1187 <div id=ftn1> | 1201 Thomas refers to Jn 9:3 in the <i>Summa Theologiae</i>: I-II, q. |
| 1188 | 1202 87, a. 7, obj. 1; III, q. 40, a. 4, ad 1; Jn 9:4: <i>ST</i> III, q. |
| 1189 <p><a href="#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1">[1]</a> | 1203 35, a. 8, obj. 3; q. 83, a. 2, ad 4; Jn 5: <i>ST</i> III, q. 46, a. |
| 1190 <span>St. Thomas refers to Jn 9:3 in the <i>Summa Theologiae</i>: | 1204 9, obj. 4; q. 83, a. 2, ad 4; Jn 9:6: <i>ST</i> III, q. 44, a. 3, |
| 1191 I-II, q. 87, a. 7, obj. 1; III, q. 40, a. 4, ad 1; Jn 9:4: <i>ST</i> III, q. | 1205 ad 2.</span></p> |
| 1192 35, a. 8, obj. 3; q. 83, a. 2, ad 4; Jn 5: <i>ST</i> III, q. 46, a. 9, obj. 4; | 1206 </div> |
| 1193 q. 83, a. 2, ad 4; Jn 9:6: <i>ST</i> III, q. 44, a. 3, ad 2. | 1207 <div id="ftn2"> |
| 1194 | 1208 <p><span><a href="#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" id="_ftn2">[2]</a> |
| 1195 </div> | 1209 <i>Tract. in Io</i>., 44, ch. 1, col. 1713; cf. <i>Catena |
| 1196 | 1210 Aurea,</i> 9:1-7.</span></p> |
| 1197 <div id=ftn2> | 1211 </div> |
| 1198 | 1212 <div id="ftn3"> |
| 1199 <p><a href="#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2"> | 1213 <p><span><a href="#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" id="_ftn3">[3]</a> <i>In |
| 1200 [2]</a> <i>Tract. | 1214 Ioannem hom</i>., 56, ch. 1; PG 59, col. 305; cf. <i>Catena |
| 1201 in Io</i>., 44, ch. 1, col. 1713; cf. <i>Catena Aurea, </i>9:1-7. | 1215 Aurea,</i> 8:1-7.</span></p> |
| 1202 | 1216 </div> |
| 1203 </div> | 1217 <div id="ftn4"> |
| 1204 | 1218 <p><span><a href="#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" id="_ftn4">[4]</a> Ibid; |
| 1205 <div id=ftn3> | 1219 cf. <i>Catena Aurea,</i> 8:1-7.</span></p> |
| 1206 | 1220 </div> |
| 1207 <p><a href="#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3">[3]</a> <i>In | 1221 <div id="ftn5"> |
| 1208 Ioannem hom</i>., 56, ch. 1; PG 59, col. 305; cf. | 1222 <p><span><a href="#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" id="_ftn5">[5]</a> |
| 1209 <i>Catena Aurea, </i>8:1-7. | 1223 Augustine, <i>Epistola XLIV</i>, ch. V no. 12, PL 33, col. |
| 1210 | 1224 179.</span></p> |
| 1211 </div> | 1225 </div> |
| 1212 | 1226 <div id="ftn6"> |
| 1213 <div id=ftn4> | 1227 <p><span><a href="#_ftnref6" name="_ftn6" id="_ftn6">[6]</a> |
| 1214 | 1228 summa-punishment as a corrective.</span></p> |
| 1215 <p><a href="#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4"> | 1229 </div> |
| 1216 [4]</a> Ibid; | 1230 <div id="ftn7"> |
| 1217 cf. <i>Catena Aurea, </i>8:1-7. | 1231 <p><span><a href="#_ftnref7" name="_ftn7" id="_ftn7">[7]</a> cf. |
| 1218 | 1232 Augustine, <i>Epistola CLV</i>, ch. I, no. 3; PL 33, col. |
| 1219 </div> | 1233 668</span></p> |
| 1220 | 1234 </div> |
| 1221 <div id=ftn5> | 1235 <div id="ftn8"> |
| 1222 | 1236 <p><span><a href="#_ftnref8" name="_ftn8" id="_ftn8">[8]</a> |
| 1223 <p><a href="#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5">[5]</a> | 1237 Summa-evil of fault and evil of punishment</span></p> |
| 1224 Augustine, <i>Epistola XLIV</i>, ch. V no. 12, PL 33, | 1238 </div> |
| 1225 col. 179. | 1239 <div id="ftn9"> |
| 1226 | 1240 <p><span><a href="#_ftnref9" name="_ftn9" id="_ftn9">[9]</a> |
| 1227 </div> | 1241 <i>Moralia</i>, Praefatio, ch. 5 no. 12; PL 75, col. 523A, B; cf. |
| 1228 | 1242 <i>Catena Aurea,</i> 9:1-7.</span></p> |
| 1229 <div id=ftn6> | 1243 </div> |
| 1230 | 1244 <div id="ftn10"> |
| 1231 <p><a href="#_ftnref6" name="_ftn6"> | 1245 <p><span><a href="#_ftnref10" name="_ftn10" id="_ftn10">[10]</a> |
| 1232 [6]</a> | 1246 <i>In Ioannem hom</i>., 57, ch. 1; PG 59, col. 311; cf. <i>Catena |
| 1233 summa-punishment as a corrective. | 1247 Aurea,</i> 9:1-7.</span></p> |
| 1234 | 1248 </div> |
| 1235 </div> | 1249 <div id="ftn11"> |
| 1236 | 1250 <p><span><a href="#_ftnref11" name="_ftn11" id="_ftn11">[11]</a> |
| 1237 <div id=ftn7> | 1251 <i>Tract. in Io</i>., 44, ch. 2, col. 1714; cf. <i>Catena |
| 1238 | 1252 Aurea,</i> 9:1-7.</span></p> |
| 1239 <p><a href="#_ftnref7" name="_ftn7"> | 1253 </div> |
| 1240 [7]</a> cf. | 1254 <div id="ftn12"> |
| 1241 Augustine, <i>Epistola CLV</i>, ch. I, no. 3; PL 33, col. 668 | 1255 <p><span><a href="#_ftnref12" name="_ftn12" id="_ftn12">[12]</a> |
| 1242 | 1256 Dionysius.</span></p> |
| 1243 </div> | 1257 </div> |
| 1244 | 1258 <div id="ftn13"> |
| 1245 <div id=ftn8> | 1259 <p><span><a href="#_ftnref13" name="_ftn13" id="_ftn13">[13]</a> |
| 1246 | 1260 <i>Moralia</i>, Lib. 8, ch. 30, no. 49; PL 75. col. 832 C; cf. |
| 1247 <p><a href="#_ftnref8" name="_ftn8"> | 1261 <i>Catena Aurea,</i> 9:1-7.</span></p> |
| 1248 [8]</a> | 1262 </div> |
| 1249 Summa-evil of fault and evil of punishment | 1263 <div id="ftn14"> |
| 1250 | 1264 <p><span><a href="#_ftnref14" name="_ftn14" id="_ftn14">[14]</a> |
| 1251 </div> | 1265 <span>St. Thomas refers to Jn 9:16 in the <i>Summa Theologiae</i>: |
| 1252 | 1266 I-II, q. 107, a. 2, obj. 3; III, q. 40, a. 4, ad |
| 1253 <div id=ftn9> | 1267 1.</span></span></p> |
| 1254 | 1268 </div> |
| 1255 <p><a href="#_ftnref9" name="_ftn9"> | 1269 <div id="ftn15"> |
| 1256 [9]</a> <i>Moralia</i>, Praefatio, ch. 5 no. 12; PL 75, col. 523A, B; cf. <i>Catena Aurea, </i>9:1-7. | 1270 <p><span><a href="#_ftnref15" name="_ftn15" id= |
| 1257 | 1271 "_ftn15">[15]</a><i>Tract. in Io</i>., 44, ch. 8, col. 1716; cf. |
| 1258 </div> | 1272 <i>Catena Aurea,</i> 9:8-17.</span></p> |
| 1259 | 1273 </div> |
| 1260 <div id=ftn10> | 1274 <div id="ftn16"> |
| 1261 | 1275 <p><span><a href="#_ftnref16" name="_ftn16" id="_ftn16">[16]</a> |
| 1262 <p><a href="#_ftnref10" name="_ftn10"> | 1276 Ibid., 8; cf. <i>Catena Aurea,</i> 9:8-17.</span></p> |
| 1263 [10]</a> <i>In | 1277 </div> |
| 1264 Ioannem hom</i>., 57, ch. 1; PG 59, col. 311; cf. | 1278 <div id="ftn17"> |
| 1265 <i>Catena Aurea, </i>9:1-7. | 1279 <p><span><a href="#_ftnref17" name="_ftn17" id="_ftn17">[17]</a> |
| 1266 | 1280 See <i>Tract in Io</i>, 44, ch. 8, col. 1716-17.</span></p> |
| 1267 </div> | 1281 </div> |
| 1268 | 1282 <div id="ftn18"> |
| 1269 <div id=ftn11> | 1283 <p><span><a href="#_ftnref18" name="_ftn18" id= |
| 1270 | 1284 "_ftn18">[18]</a><i>In Ioannem hom</i>., 58, ch. 1; PG 59, col. 58; |
| 1271 <p><a href="#_ftnref11" name="_ftn11"> | 1285 cf. <i>Catena Aurea,</i> 9:8-17.</span></p> |
| 1272 [11]</a> <i>Tract. | 1286 </div> |
| 1273 in Io</i>., 44, ch. 2, col. 1714; cf. <i>Catena | 1287 <div id="ftn19"> |
| 1274 Aurea, </i>9:1-7. | 1288 <p><span><a href="#_ftnref19" name="_ftn19" id="_ftn19">[19]</a> |
| 1275 | 1289 <i>Tract. in Io</i>., 44, ch. 9, col. 1717; cf. <i>Catena |
| 1276 </div> | 1290 Aurea,</i> 9:8-17.</span></p> |
| 1277 | 1291 </div> |
| 1278 <div id=ftn12> | 1292 <div id="ftn20"> |
| 1279 | 1293 <p><span><a href="#_ftnref20" name="_ftn20" id="_ftn20">[20]</a> |
| 1280 <p><a href="#_ftnref12" name="_ftn12"> | 1294 <i>Tract. in Io</i>., 44, 10, col. 1717; cf. <i>Catena Aurea,</i> |
| 1281 [12]</a> | 1295 9:18-23.</span></p> |
| 1282 Dionysius. | 1296 </div> |
| 1283 | 1297 <div id="ftn21"> |
| 1284 </div> | 1298 <p><span><a href="#_ftnref21" name="_ftn21" id="_ftn21">[21]</a> |
| 1285 | 1299 <span>St. Thomas refers to Jn 9:31 in the <i>Summa Theologiae</i>: |
| 1286 <div id=ftn13> | 1300 II-II, q. 83, a. 16, obj. 1; q. 178, a. 2, obj. 1; III, q. 64, a. |
| 1287 | 1301 1, obj. 2; Jn 9:32: <i>ST</i> III, q. 43, a. 4. </span></span></p> |
| 1288 <p><a href="#_ftnref13" name="_ftn13"> | 1302 </div> |
| 1289 [13]</a> <i>Moralia</i>, | 1303 <div id="ftn22"> |
| 1290 Lib. 8, ch. 30, no. 49; PL 75. col. 832 C; cf. | 1304 <p><span><a href="#_ftnref22" name="_ftn22" id="_ftn22">[22]</a> |
| 1291 <i>Catena Aurea, </i>9:1-7. | 1305 <i>Tract. in Io</i>., 44, ch. 11, col. 1718; cf. <i>Catena |
| 1292 | 1306 Aurea,</i> 9:24-34.</span></p> |
| 1293 </div> | 1307 </div> |
| 1294 | 1308 <div id="ftn23"> |
| 1295 <div id=ftn14> | 1309 <p><span><a href="#_ftnref23" name="_ftn23" id="_ftn23">[23]</a> |
| 1296 | 1310 Augustine-this is not in <i>Tract in Io</i>. (so far as I could |
| 1297 <p><a href="#_ftnref14" name="_ftn14">[14]</a> | 1311 tell)</span></p> |
| 1298 <span>St. Thomas refers to Jn 9:16 in the <i>Summa | 1312 </div> |
| 1299 Theologiae</i>: I-II, q. 107, a. 2, obj. 3; III, q. 40, a. 4, ad 1. | 1313 <div id="ftn24"> |
| 1300 | 1314 <p><span><a href="#_ftnref24" name="_ftn24" id="_ftn24">[24]</a> |
| 1301 </div> | 1315 <i>In Ioannem hom</i>., 58, ch. 2; PG 59, col. 317; cf. <i>Catena |
| 1302 | 1316 Aurea,</i> 9:24-34.</span></p> |
| 1303 <div id=ftn15> | 1317 </div> |
| 1304 | 1318 <div id="ftn25"> |
| 1305 <p><a href="#_ftnref15" name="_ftn15"> | 1319 <p><span><a href="#_ftnref25" name="_ftn25" id="_ftn25">[25]</a> |
| 1306 [15]</a><i> | 1320 <i>Tract. in Io</i>, 44, ch. 11, col. 1718.</span></p> |
| 1307 Tract. in Io</i>., 44, ch. 8, col. 1716; cf. <i>Catena Aurea, </i>9:8-17. | 1321 </div> |
| 1308 | 1322 <div id="ftn26"> |
| 1309 </div> | 1323 <p><span><a href="#_ftnref26" name="_ftn26" id="_ftn26">[26]</a> |
| 1310 | 1324 <i>In Ioannem hom</i>., 58, ch. 2; PG 59, col. 318; cf. <i>Catena |
| 1311 <div id=ftn16> | 1325 Aurea</i>, <span style='color:#339966'>9:24-34.</span></span></p> |
| 1312 | 1326 </div> |
| 1313 <p><a href="#_ftnref16" name="_ftn16"> | 1327 <div id="ftn27"> |
| 1314 [16]</a> Ibid., | 1328 <p><span><a href="#_ftnref27" name="_ftn27" id="_ftn27">[27]</a> |
| 1315 8; cf. <i>Catena Aurea, </i>9:8-17. | 1329 <i>Tract. in Io</i>., 44, ch. 13, col. 1718; cf. <i>Catena |
| 1316 | 1330 Aurea,</i> 9:24-34.</span></p> |
| 1317 </div> | 1331 </div> |
| 1318 | 1332 <div id="ftn28"> |
| 1319 <div id=ftn17> | 1333 <p><span><a href="#_ftnref28" name="_ftn28" id="_ftn28">[28]</a> |
| 1320 | 1334 Summa-sc 138-139 way in which God hears the prayers of sinners; |
| 1321 <p><a href="#_ftnref17" name="_ftn17"> | 1335 miracles can testify to a doctrine or to a person.</span></p> |
| 1322 [17]</a> See <i>Tract | 1336 </div> |
| 1323 in Io</i>, 44, ch. 8, col. 1716-17. | 1337 <div id="ftn29"> |
| 1324 | 1338 <p><span><a href="#_ftnref29" name="_ftn29" id="_ftn29">[29]</a> |
| 1325 </div> | 1339 <i>In Ioannem hom</i>., 58, ch. 3; PG 59, col., 319; cf. <i>Catena |
| 1326 | 1340 Aurea,</i> 9:24-34.</span></p> |
| 1327 <div id=ftn18> | 1341 </div> |
| 1328 | 1342 <div id="ftn30"> |
| 1329 <p><a href="#_ftnref18" name="_ftn18"> | 1343 <p><span><a href="#_ftnref30" name="_ftn30" id="_ftn30">[30]</a> |
| 1330 [18]</a><i>In | 1344 <span>St. Thomas <span>refers to Jn 9:39 in the <i>Summa |
| 1331 Ioannem hom</i>., 58, ch. 1; PG 59, col. 58; | 1345 Theologiae</i>: III, q. 51, a. 2, obj. 2; Jn 9:41: <i>ST</i> II-II, |
| 1332 cf. <i>Catena Aurea, </i>9:8-17. | 1346 q. 15, a. 1, obj. 1.</span></span></span></p> |
| 1333 | 1347 </div> |
| 1334 </div> | 1348 <div id="ftn31"> |
| 1335 | 1349 <p><span><a href="#_ftnref31" name="_ftn31" id="_ftn31">[31]</a> |
| 1336 <div id=ftn19> | 1350 <i>De Trinitate</i>, 6 ch. 48; PL 10, col. 196B; cf. <i>Catena |
| 1337 | 1351 Aurea,</i> 9:35-41.</span></p> |
| 1338 <p><a href="#_ftnref19" name="_ftn19"> | 1352 </div> |
| 1339 [19]</a> <i>Tract. | 1353 <div id="ftn32"> |
| 1340 in Io</i>., 44, ch. 9, col. 1717; cf. <i>Catena | 1354 <p><span><a href="#_ftnref32" name="_ftn32" id="_ftn32">[32]</a> |
| 1341 Aurea, </i>9:8-17. | 1355 Ought this to be concluding that there are two persons in |
| 1342 | 1356 Christ?</span></p> |
| 1343 </div> | 1357 </div> |
| 1344 | 1358 <div id="ftn33"> |
| 1345 <div id=ftn20> | 1359 <p><span><a href="#_ftnref33" name="_ftn33" id="_ftn33">[33]</a> |
| 1346 | 1360 <i>Tract. in Io</i>., 44, 16, col. 1719; cf. <i>Catena Aurea,</i> |
| 1347 <p><a href="#_ftnref20" name="_ftn20"> | 1361 9:35-41.</span></p> |
| 1348 [20]</a> <i>Tract. | 1362 </div> |
| 1349 in Io</i>., 44, 10, col. 1717; cf. <i>Catena | 1363 <div id="ftn34"> |
| 1350 Aurea, </i>9:18-23. | 1364 <p><span><a href="#_ftnref34" name="_ftn34" id="_ftn34">[34]</a> |
| 1351 | 1365 <i>In Ioannem hom</i>., 59, ch. 1; PG 59, col. 323; cf. |
| 1352 </div> | 1366 <i>Catena</i> <i><span style= |
| 1353 | 1367 'color:#339966'>Aurea</span><span style='color:#339966'>, |
| 1354 <div id=ftn21> | 1368 9:35-41.</span></i></span></p> |
| 1355 | 1369 </div> |
| 1356 <p><a href="#_ftnref21" name="_ftn21">[21]</a> | 1370 <div id="ftn35"> |
| 1357 <span>St. Thomas refers to Jn 9:31 in the <i>Summa | 1371 <p><span><a href="#_ftnref35" name="_ftn35" id="_ftn35">[35]</a> |
| 1358 Theologiae</i>: II-II, q. 83, a. 16, obj. 1; q. 178, a. 2, obj. 1; III, q. 64, | 1372 <i>Tract. in Io</i>., 44, ch. 17, col. 1719; cf. <i>Catena |
| 1359 a. 1, obj. 2; Jn 9:32: <i>ST </i>III, q. 43, a. 4.<i> </i> | 1373 Aurea,</i> 9:35-41.</span></p> |
| 1360 | 1374 </div> |
| 1361 </div> | 1375 <div id="ftn36"> |
| 1362 | 1376 <p><span><a href="#_ftnref36" name="_ftn36" id="_ftn36">[36]</a> |
| 1363 <div id=ftn22> | 1377 <i>In Ioannem hom</i>., 59, ch. 1; PG 59, col. 323; cf. |
| 1364 | 1378 <i>Catena</i> <i><span style= |
| 1365 <p><a href="#_ftnref22" name="_ftn22">[22]</a> | 1379 'color:#339966'>Aurea</span><span style='color:#339966'>, |
| 1366 <i>Tract. in Io</i>., | 1380 9:35-41.</span></i></span></p> |
| 1367 44, ch. 11, col. 1718; cf. <i>Catena Aurea, </i>9:24-34. | 1381 </div> |
| 1368 | 1382 </blockquote> |
| 1369 </div> | 1383 </body> |
| 1370 | 1384 </html> |
| 1371 <div id=ftn23> | |
| 1372 | |
| 1373 <p><a href="#_ftnref23" name="_ftn23"> | |
| 1374 [23]</a> Augustine-this is not in <i>Tract in Io</i>. (so far as I | |
| 1375 could tell) | |
| 1376 | |
| 1377 </div> | |
| 1378 | |
| 1379 <div id=ftn24> | |
| 1380 | |
| 1381 <p><a href="#_ftnref24" name="_ftn24"> | |
| 1382 [24]</a> <i>In | |
| 1383 Ioannem hom</i>., 58, ch. 2; PG 59, col. 317; cf. | |
| 1384 <i>Catena Aurea,</i> 9:24-34. | |
| 1385 | |
| 1386 </div> | |
| 1387 | |
| 1388 <div id=ftn25> | |
| 1389 | |
| 1390 <p><a href="#_ftnref25" name="_ftn25"> | |
| 1391 [25]</a> <i>Tract. | |
| 1392 in Io</i>, 44, ch. 11, col. 1718. | |
| 1393 | |
| 1394 </div> | |
| 1395 | |
| 1396 <div id=ftn26> | |
| 1397 | |
| 1398 <p><a href="#_ftnref26" name="_ftn26"> | |
| 1399 [26]</a> <i>In | |
| 1400 Ioannem hom</i>., 58, ch. 2; PG 59, col. 318; cf. | |
| 1401 <i>Catena Aurea</i>, <span style='color:#339966'>9:24-34. | |
| 1402 | |
| 1403 </div> | |
| 1404 | |
| 1405 <div id=ftn27> | |
| 1406 | |
| 1407 <p><a href="#_ftnref27" name="_ftn27"> | |
| 1408 [27]</a> <i>Tract. | |
| 1409 in Io</i>., 44, ch. 13, col. 1718; cf. <i>Catena | |
| 1410 Aurea, </i>9:24-34. | |
| 1411 | |
| 1412 </div> | |
| 1413 | |
| 1414 <div id=ftn28> | |
| 1415 | |
| 1416 <p><a href="#_ftnref28" name="_ftn28"> | |
| 1417 [28]</a> | |
| 1418 Summa-sc 138-139 way in which God hears the prayers of sinners; miracles can | |
| 1419 testify to a doctrine or to a person. | |
| 1420 | |
| 1421 </div> | |
| 1422 | |
| 1423 <div id=ftn29> | |
| 1424 | |
| 1425 <p><a href="#_ftnref29" name="_ftn29">[29]</a> | |
| 1426 <i>In Ioannem hom</i>., | |
| 1427 58, ch. 3; PG 59, col., 319; cf. <i>Catena | |
| 1428 Aurea,</i> 9:24-34. | |
| 1429 | |
| 1430 </div> | |
| 1431 | |
| 1432 <div id=ftn30> | |
| 1433 | |
| 1434 <p><a href="#_ftnref30" name="_ftn30">[30]</a> | |
| 1435 <span>St. Thomas<span> refers to | |
| 1436 Jn 9:39 in the <i>Summa Theologiae</i>: III, q. 51, a. 2, obj. 2; Jn 9:41: <i>ST</i> | |
| 1437 II-II, q. 15, a. 1, obj. 1. | |
| 1438 | |
| 1439 </div> | |
| 1440 | |
| 1441 <div id=ftn31> | |
| 1442 | |
| 1443 <p><a href="#_ftnref31" name="_ftn31">[31]</a> <i>De Trinitate</i>, 6 ch. 48; PL 10, col. 196B; cf. <i>Catena Aurea, </i>9:35-41. | |
| 1444 | |
| 1445 </div> | |
| 1446 | |
| 1447 <div id=ftn32> | |
| 1448 | |
| 1449 <p><a href="#_ftnref32" name="_ftn32"> | |
| 1450 [32]</a> Ought | |
| 1451 this to be concluding that there are two persons in Christ? | |
| 1452 | |
| 1453 </div> | |
| 1454 | |
| 1455 <div id=ftn33> | |
| 1456 | |
| 1457 <p><a href="#_ftnref33" name="_ftn33"> | |
| 1458 [33]</a> <i>Tract. | |
| 1459 in Io</i>., 44, 16, col. 1719; cf. <i>Catena | |
| 1460 Aurea, </i>9:35-41. | |
| 1461 | |
| 1462 </div> | |
| 1463 | |
| 1464 <div id=ftn34> | |
| 1465 | |
| 1466 <p><a href="#_ftnref34" name="_ftn34"> | |
| 1467 [34]</a> <i>In | |
| 1468 Ioannem hom</i>., 59, ch. 1; PG 59, col. 323; cf. | |
| 1469 <i>Catena </i><i><span style='color:#339966'>Aurea</i><span style='color:#339966'>, 9:35-41. | |
| 1470 | |
| 1471 </div> | |
| 1472 | |
| 1473 <div id=ftn35> | |
| 1474 | |
| 1475 <p><a href="#_ftnref35" name="_ftn35"> | |
| 1476 [35]</a> <i>Tract. | |
| 1477 in Io</i>., 44, ch. 17, col. 1719; cf. <i>Catena | |
| 1478 Aurea, </i>9:35-41. | |
| 1479 | |
| 1480 </div> | |
| 1481 | |
| 1482 <div id=ftn36> | |
| 1483 | |
| 1484 <p><a href="#_ftnref36" name="_ftn36"> | |
| 1485 [36]</a><i> In | |
| 1486 Ioannem hom</i>., 59, ch. 1; PG 59, col. 323; | |
| 1487 cf. <i>Catena </i><i><span style='color:#339966'>Aurea</i><span style='color:#339966'>, 9:35-41. | |
| 1488 | |
| 1489 </body></html> |
