João 9
Augustine of Hippo · Comentário Patrístico (catena)
João 9:1
[(as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)] (Tr. xliv. 1, 2) For the blind man here is the human race. Blindness came upon the first man by reason of sin: and from him we all derive it: i. e. man is blind from his birth. — Catena Aurea by Aquinas
João 9:1
All, certainly, that was done by our Lord Jesus Christ, both works and words, are worthy of our astonishment and admiration: His works, because they are facts; His words, because they are signs. If we reflect, then, on what is signified by the deed here done, that blind man is the human race; for this blindness had place in the first man through sin, from whom we all draw our origin, not only in respect of death, but also of unrighteousness. For if unbelief is blindness, and faith enlightenment, whom did Christ find a believer at His coming? seeing that the apostle, belonging himself to the family of the prophets, says: "And we also in times past were by nature the children of wrath, even as others." If "children of wrath," then children of vengeance, children of punishment, children of hell. For how is it "by nature," save that through the first man sinning moral evil rooted itself in us as a nature? If evil has so taken root within us, every man is born mentally blind. For if he sees, he has no need of a guide. If he does need one to guide and enlighten him, then is he blind from his birth. — Tractates on John 44
João 9:2
[(as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)] (Tr. xliv. 1, 2) Rabbi is Master. They call Him Master, because they wished to learn: they put their question to our Lord, as to a Master. — Catena Aurea by Aquinas
João 9:3
[(as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)] (Tr. xliv. 3) Was he then born without original sin, or had he never added to it by actual sin? Both this man and his parents had sinned, but that sin was not the reason why he was born blind. Our Lord gives the reason; viz. That the works of God should be made manifest in him. — Catena Aurea by Aquinas
João 9:4
[(as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)] (Tr. xliv. 4) By His saying, Who sent Me, He gives all the glory to Him from Whom He is. The Father hath a Son Who is from Him, but hath none from whom He Himself is. — Catena Aurea by Aquinas
João 9:4
"I must work the works of Him that sent me, while it is day." Recall to thy mind the way in which He gives universal glory to Him of whom He is: for that One has the Son who is of Him; He Himself has no One of whom He is. But wherefore, Lord, saidst Thou, "While it is day"? Hearken why He did so. "The night cometh when no man can work." Not even Thou, Lord. Will that night have such power that not even Thou, whose work the night is, wilt be able to work therein? — Tractates on John 44
João 9:5
[(as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)] (Tr. xliv. 5) But if we work now, now is the day time, now is Christ present; as He says, As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. This then is the day. The natural day is completed by the circuit of the sun, and contains only a few hours: the day of Christ's presence will last to the end of the world: for He Himself has said, Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. (Mat. 28:20) — Catena Aurea by Aquinas
João 9:5
What is that night wherein, when it comes, no one shall be able to work? Hear what the day is, and then thou wilt understand what the night is. But how shall we hear what the day is? Let Himself tell us: "As long as I am in this world, I am the light of the world." See, He Himself is the day. Let the blind man wash his eyes in the day, that he may behold the day. — Tractates on John 44
João 9:6
The Lord came: what did He do? He set forth a great mystery. "He spat on the ground," He made clay of His spittle; for the Word was made flesh. "And He anointed the eyes of the blind man." The anointing had taken place, and yet he saw not. — Tractates on John 44
João 9:6
[(as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)] Our Lord spat upon the ground, and made clay of the spittle, because He was the Word made flesh. The man did not see immediately as he was anointed; i. e. was, as it were, only made a catechumen. — Catena Aurea by Aquinas
João 9:7
He sent him to the pool which is called Siloam. But it was the evangelist's concern to call our attention to the name of this pool; and he adds, "Which is interpreted, Sent." You understand now who it is that was sent; for had He not been sent, none of us would have been set free from iniquity. Accordingly he washed his eyes in that pool which is interpreted, Sent-he was baptized in Christ. If, therefore, when He baptized him in a manner in Himself, He then enlightened him; when He anointed Him, perhaps He made him a catechumen. — Tractates on John 44
João 9:7
[(as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)] But he was sent to the pool which is called Siloam, i. e. he was baptized in Christ; and then he was enlightened. The Evangelist then explains to us the name of this pool: which is by interpretation, Sent: for, if He had not been sent, none of us would have been delivered from our sins. — Catena Aurea by Aquinas
João 9:8-9
"The neighbors therefore, and those who saw him previously, for he was a beggar, said, Is not this he who sat and begged? Some said, It is he: others, No; but he is like him." The opening of his eyes had altered his countenance. "He said, I am he." His voice utters its gratitude, that it might not be condemned as ungrateful. — Tractates on John 44
João 9:9
[(as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)] (Tr. xliv. 8) His eyes being opened had altered his look. But he said, I am he. He spoke gratefully; a denial would have convicted Him of ingratitude. — Catena Aurea by Aquinas
João 9:10-11
"Therefore said they unto him, How were thine eyes opened? He answered, The man who is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and saw." See, he is become the herald of grace; see, he preaches the gospel; endowed with sight, he becomes a confessor. That blind man makes confession, and the heart of the wicked was troubled; for they had not in their heart what he had now in his countenance. — Tractates on John 44
João 9:12
[(as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)] (Tr. xliv. s. 8) Lo, he is become a proclaimer of grace, an evangelist, and testifies to the Jews. That blind man testified, and the ungodly were vexed at the heart, because they had not in their heart what appeared upon his countenance. Then said they unto him, Where is He? (Tr. xliv. 8) Here he is like one anointed, but unable yet to see: he preaches, and knows not what he preaches. — Catena Aurea by Aquinas
João 9:13-16
"They brought to the Pharisees him who had been blind. And it was the Sabbath when Jesus made the clay, and opened his eyes. Then again the Pharisees also asked how he had received his sight. And he said unto them, He put clay upon mine eyes, and I washed, and do see. Therefore said some of the Pharisees;" not all, but some; for some were already anointed. What then said those who neither saw nor were anointed? "This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the Sabbath." He it was rather who kept it, who was without sin. For this is the spiritual Sabbath, to have no sin. In fact, brethren, it is of this that God admonishes us, when He commends the Sabbath to our notice: "Thou shalt do no servile work." These are God's words when commending the Sabbath, "Thou shalt do no servile work." Now ask the former lessons, what is meant by servile work; and listen to the Lord: "Every one that committeth sin is the servant of sin." But these men, neither seeing, as I said, nor anointed, kept the Sabbath carnally, and profaned it spiritually. "Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles?" These were the anointed ones. "And there was a division among them." The day had divided between the light and the darkness. — Tractates on John 44
João 9:14
[(as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)] (Tr. xliv. 4, 5) It was Christ, who divided the day into light and darkness. — Catena Aurea by Aquinas
João 9:16
[(as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)] (Tr. xliv. 9) Some, not all: for some were already anointed. But they, who neither saw, nor were anointed, said, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. Rather He kept it, in that He was without sin; for to observe the sabbath spiritually, is to have no sin. And this God admonishes us of, when He enjoins the sabbath, saying, In it thou shall do no servile work. (Exod. 20:10) What servile work is, our Lord tells us above, Whosoever committeth sin, is the servant of sin. (c. 8:34) They observed the sabbath carnally, transgressed it spiritually. — Catena Aurea by Aquinas
João 9:17
[(as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)] (Tr. xliv. 9) Or they sought how they could throw reproach upon the man, and cast him out of their synagogue. He declares however openly what he thinks: He said, He is a Prophet. Not being anointed yet in heart, he could not confess the Son of God; nevertheless, he is not wrong in what he says: for our Lord Himself says of Himself, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country. (Luke 4:24) — Catena Aurea by Aquinas
João 9:17
"They say then unto the blind man again, What sayest thou of him who hath opened thine eyes?" What is thy feeling about him? what is thine opinion? what is thy judgment? They sought how to revile the man, that he might be cast out of the synagogue, but be found by Christ. But he steadfastly expressed what he felt. For he said, "That he is a prophet." As yet, indeed, anointed only in heart, he does not thus far confess the Son of God, and yet he speaks not untruthfully. For the Lord saith of Himself, "A prophet is not without honor, save in his own country." — Tractates on John 44
João 9:18
[(as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)] (Tr. xliv. s. 10) i. e. had been blind, and now saw. — Catena Aurea by Aquinas
João 9:21
[(as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)] (Tr. xliv. 10) As f to say, We might justly be compelled to speak for an infant, that could not speak for itself: but he, though blind from his birth, has been always able to speak. — Catena Aurea by Aquinas
João 9:22
"But the Jews did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind, and received his sight, until they called the parents of him that had received his sight. And they asked them, saying, Is this your son, whom ye say was born blind? How then doth he now see? His parents answered and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind: but by what means he now seeth, we know not; or who hath opened his eyes, we know not: he is of age; ask him: he shall speak for himself. These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man should confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue. Therefore said his parents, He is of age; ask him." What is this: "They feared the Jews"? "They feared the Jews," that is, the Pharisees. As it is written elsewhere, "Many of the rulers also believed on Him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue." O evil fear! The Jews expel from the synagogue, and Christ receives into heaven. Nevertheless the love of human glory hindered many even who believed from confessing. — Tractates on John 44
João 9:22
[(as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)] (Tr. xliv. 10) It was no disadvantage to be put out of the synagogue: whom they cast out, Christ took in. — Catena Aurea by Aquinas
João 9:23
[(as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)] Therefore said his parents, He is of age, ask him. — Catena Aurea by Aquinas
João 9:24
[(as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)] (Tr. xliv. s. 11) Deny that thou hast received the benefit. This is not to give God the glory, but rather to blaspheme Him. — Catena Aurea by Aquinas
João 9:24-25
"Then again called they the man who had been blind, and said unto him, Give God the glory." What is that, "Give God the glory"? Deny what thou hast received. Such conduct is manifestly not to give God the glory, but rather to blaspheme Him. "Give God," they say, "the glory: we know that this man is a sinner. Then said he, If he is a sinner, I know not: one thing I know, that whereas I was blind, now I see." — Tractates on John 44
João 9:26-27
"Then said they to him again, What did he to thee? how opened he thine eyes? He answered them, I have told you already, and ye did not hear: wherefore would ye hear it again?" See how bold one becomes who is filled with light; see how the blind was not afraid of the Jews his parents fear. To wit, they interrogated him as to what good they might gain from his answers; not, of course, that they might themselves receive sight, but that they might draw him to say something that might furnish them with the means of accusing him, namely Christ, because he made clay and anointed the blind man's eyes. "Will ye also be his disciples?" What means this "also," save as if he said, Already I am: will ye also be? Contumely to them, health to the man. — Tractates on John 44
João 9:27
[(as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)] (Tr. xliv. s. 11) Will ye also? i. e. I am already, do ye wish to be? I see now, but do not envy (video, non invideo). He says this in indignation at the obstinacy of the Jews; not tolerating blindness, now that he is no longer blind himself. — Catena Aurea by Aquinas
João 9:28
[(as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)] (Tr. xliv. 12) A malediction only in the intention of the speakers, not in the words themselves. May such a malediction (ἐλοιδόρησαν, maledixerunt, Vulg.) be upon us, and upon our children! It follows: But we are Moses' disciples. But ye should have known, that our Lord was prophesied of by Moses, after hearing what He said, Had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed Me, for he wrote of Me. (c. 5:46) Do ye follow then a servant, and turn your back on the Lord? — Catena Aurea by Aquinas
João 9:28-29
"They reviled him, and said, Be thou his disciple: we are Moses' disciples. We know that God spake unto Moses: as for this fellow, we know not whence he is." "We know that God spake unto Moses." And whence know ye that? Because Moses wrote of Me, as the Lord Himself said; and Moses, did I believe, ye would believe Me also: for Moses wrote of me. Thus, then, the servant was believed, the Lord despised; and yet, in truth, the Lord was believed from whom this same servant was believed. — Tractates on John 44
João 9:29
[(as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)] (Tr. xliv. 12) We know that God spake unto Moses. As for this fellow, we know not whence He is. — Catena Aurea by Aquinas
João 9:30-33
"The man answered and said unto them, Herein is a marvellous thing, that ye know not from whence he is, and yet he hath opened mine eyes. Now we know that God heareth not sinners; but if any man is a worshipper of God, and doeth His will, him He heareth." He speaks still as one only anointed. For God heareth even sinners. For if God heard not sinners, in vain would the publican, casting his eyes on the ground, and smiting on his breast, have said, "Lord, be merciful to me a sinner." And that confession merited justification, as this blind man enlightenment. "Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind. If this man were not of God, he could do nothing." With frankness, constancy, and truthfulness [he spoke]. For these things that were done by the Lord, by whom were they done but by God? Or when would such things be done by disciples, were not the Lord dwelling in them? — Tractates on John 44
João 9:31
[(as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)] (Tr. xliv. s. 13) As yet however He speaks as one but just anointed, for God hears sinners too. Else in vain would the publican cry, God be merciful to me a sinner. (Luke 18:13) By that confession he obtained justification, as the blind man had his sight. — Catena Aurea by Aquinas
João 9:32-33
[(as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)] (Tr. xliv. 13) Freely, stedfastly, truly. For how could what our Lord did, be done by any other than God, or by disciples even, except when their Lord dwelt in them? — Catena Aurea by Aquinas
João 9:34
"They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out." What was their casting him out but driving him from their society? What cared he for that? They who expelled him could make him no consul: they expelled him; Christ received him. In fact, then, brethren, it was their anger to which his blessing was due. — Tractates on John 44
João 9:34
[(as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)] (Tr. xliv. 14) What meaneth altogether? That he was quite blind. Yet He who opened his eyes, also saves him altogether. (Tr. xliv. 14) It was they themselves who had made him teacher; themselves, who had asked him so many questions; and now they ungratefully cast him out for teaching. — Catena Aurea by Aquinas
João 9:35
But, as I have already said before, brethren, when they expel, the Lord receiveth; for the rather that he was expelled, was he made a Christian. "Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when He had found him, He said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God?" Now He washes the face of his heart. "He answered and said," as one still only anointed, "Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him? And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen Him, and it is He that talketh with thee." The One is He that is sent; the other is one washing his face in Siloam, which is interpreted, Sent. And now at last, with the face of his heart washed, and a conscience purified, acknowledging Him not only as the son of man, which he had believed before, but now as the Son of God, who had assumed our flesh, "he said, Lord, I believe." It is but little to say, "I believe:" wouldst thou also see what he believes Him? "He fell down and worshipped Him." — Tractates on John 44
João 9:35
Surely God hears sinners. But the one who spoke these words had not yet washed the face of his heart with the waters of Siloam. The sacrament had preceded in his eyes; but the effect of grace had not yet occurred in his heart. When did this blind man wash the face of his heart? When the Lord, having sent him out by the Jews, brought him to Himself. For He found him and said to him, as we have heard: "Do you believe in the Son of God?" And he replied, "Who is He, Lord, that I might believe in Him?" Surely he already saw with his eyes, but with his heart? Not yet. Wait: he would soon see. Jesus answered him, "I am He, who speaks with you." Did he doubt? Immediately he washed his face. For He spoke with him, Siloam, which is interpreted as "Sent." Who is sent but Christ, who often testified, saying: "I do the will of my Father who sent me." Therefore, He was Siloam. The blind man approached with his heart, heard, believed, worshipped: he washed his face, he saw. — Sermon 136
João 9:38
[(as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)] (Tr. xliv. 15) First, He washes the face of his heart. Then, his heart's face being washed, and his conscience cleansed, he acknowledges Him as not only the Son of man, which he believed before, but as the Son of God, Who had taken flesh upon Him: And he said, Lord, I believe. I believe, is a small thing. Wouldest thou see what he believes of Him? And falling down, he worshipped Him. (Vulgate) — Catena Aurea by Aquinas
João 9:39-41
[(as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)] (Tr. xliv. 16, 17) The day then was divided between light and darkness. So it is rightly added, that they which see not, may see; for He relieved men from darkness. But what is that which follows: And that they which see might he made blind. Hear what comes next. Some of the Pharisees were moved by these words: And some of the Pharisees which were with Him heard these words, and said unto Him, Are we blind also? What had moved them were the words, And that they which see might be made blind. It follows; Jesus saith unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin; i. e. If ye called yourselves blind, and ran to the physician. But now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth: for in that saying, We see, ye seek not a physician, ye shall remain in your blindness. This then which He has just before said, I came, that they that see not might see; i. e. they who confess they cannot see, and seek a physician, in order that they may see: and that they which see not may be made blind; i. e. they which think they can see, and seek not a physician, may remain in their blindness. This act of division He calls judgment, saying, For judgment have I come into this world: not that judgment by which He will judge quick and dead at the end of the world. — Catena Aurea by Aquinas
João 9:40-41
"And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world." But didst not Thou say, Lord, "I judge no man;" and, "I am not come to judge the world, but to save the world"? We are making inquiry about Thy words: Thou saidst Thyself, "I judge no man;" Thou saidst Thyself, "I am not come to judge the world, but to save the world;" and now we hear, "For judgment I am come into this world." Distinguish the senses; do not confound the words. Judgment for condemnation is one kind; judgment for examination, another. Attending, therefore, to the nature of His coming, in what sense is it that He says, "For judgment I am come into this world"? He explains what He says: "That they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind." On Him, therefore, who came to enlighten, it is the duty of him who lies in darkness to fix his eyes, in order that he may see. And such as are not humbly in subjection to Him whom they behold not, in order to be healed to beholding, think that they see by themselves, and from this presumption of their own sight are made blind. "And some of the Pharisees who were with Him heard these words, and said unto Him, Are we also blind?" And what said the Lord? "If ye were blind, ye would have no sin." Why? Because ye would come to the physician, and apply for a remedy. But now, since ye say, "We see," your sin remaineth. Why? Because, in saying, "We see," ye seek not the physician, and remain in your blindness. This, as best I was able, I have explained, in speaking now to those who have already been enlightened, and remember what they were, and are not ungrateful to Him who hath enlightened them. For where were they who have been enlightened, but in their sins-in their blindness? But the Enlightener was beside them. Let them hear and believe; let them draw near to Him and be enlightened. — Tractates on John 44
João 9:40-41
That is why, when the Pharisees who were listening to what he was saying, themselves said, "We are not blind too, are we?" They were obviously like the one who had gone up to the temple and was telling God, "I thank you, because I am not like other people, unjust, adulterers, rapacious," as though to say, "I thank you that I am not blind but can see, unlike other people of the same sort as this tax collector." What did those ones say? "We are not blind too, are we?" And the Lord answered them, "If you were blind, you would not have any sin. Now however, because you say 'We can see,' your sins remain." He did not say "your sin occurs" but remains. You see, it was already there; because when you do not confess it, it is not taken away but "remains." — SERMON 136B.2