But let no one who hears these things be astonished, when after this he sees the brother [Jacob] becoming a wanderer because he was afraid of [Esau]; and, [when he sees Jacob] being urged on to another place, let him not, when he attends to the beginning, think that the prediction fails.

For whenever the Master promises something, even if we see things coming about that are opposed to the promises in the beginning, let’s not be disturbed. For it is not as if he fails just before the end. But this happens so that, when in everything the righteous (οἱ δίκαιοι) are demonstrated more illustrious, it prepares us for the abundance of God’s power to be made clear.

And you will find this in the case of all the righteous (ἐφ’ ἑκάστου τῶν δικαίων), if you want to get to know all the histories with accuracy - St John Chrysostom, Homily on Genesis 53:5

#Patristics #Providence

When someone is exulting and happy he passes beyond words that can be spoken and understood, and bursts forth into a wordless cry of exultation. Such a person is clearly rejoicing vocally, but he is so full of intense joy that he is unable to explain what makes him happy. Notice that the same thing happens even to people who sing disreputable songs.

But our joyful shouting will not be like theirs, for we must be jubilant about our justification, whereas they shout about their iniquity; and therefore we shout in confession, they in confusion. - St Augustine, Exposition on Psalm 99

#Patristics #Liturgy

My heart is stricken and dried up like grass, because I forgot to eat my bread. Eat it now, the bread you had forgotten.

But the true bread has come, he in whose body you can recall your forgetful condition, and cry to him now from your poverty, that you may receive his riches. Eat now, for you are within the body of him who said, I am the living bread which has come down from heaven (Jn 6:41). You had forgotten to eat your bread, but now that he has been crucified all the ends of the earth will be reminded and will turn to the Lord.

Let remembrance succeed forgetfulness, let the bread from heaven be our food that we may live, not the manna which the ancients ate, only to die. Let us eat the bread of which the gospel says, Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (Mt 5:6). - St Augustine, Exposition I of Psalm 101

#Patristics #Eucharist #Soteriology

"I am a sinner already. Already I am on the wrong side of the law and under condemnation. There is no hope of forgiveness for me. Why shouldn't I indulge all my desires, as far as possible? Afterall, there is nothing beyond to look forward to, except torment."

Would you not take this line, and deteriorate even further in your very despair?

But if God promises to forgive you; if he says, "Return to your hearts, you transgressors. I do not will the death of a sinner, but that he come back, and live (Is 46:8: Ezk 33: 1 1 )"

It is more likely to lead to your correction. If that harbor is pointed out to you, you will undoubtedly haul down the sail of sin, put your helm about, and set sail for righteousness. Hoping for life, you will not neglect your medicine. - St Augustine, ibid.

#Patristics #Soteriology #Penance