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MARK 9:22 — KING JAMES VERSION 0
Mark 9:21Mark 9:23
“And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us.”
It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us — the spirit's attempts to kill the boy (fire, water) communicate the destructive intent of the demonic — not merely to possess but to destroy. If you can do anything: the father's faith is conditional — he has just watched the disciples fail, and his confidence has been shaken. The if you can is the chapter's theological moment, which Jesus will immediately reframe. Take pity on us — the father identifies with his son's suffering: us, not merely him.

Church Fathers on Mark 9:22

After He had shewn His glory in the mount to the three disciples, He returns to the other disciples, who had not come up with Him into the mount; wherefore it is said, 'And when He came to His disciples, He saw a great multitude about them, and the Scribes questioning with them.'

Theophylact · 11th century

But there is no peace for man under the sun; envy is ever slaying the little ones, and lightnings strike the tops of the great mountains. Of all those who run to the Church, some as the multitudes come in faith to learn, others, as the Scribes, with envy and pride.

Pseudo-Jerome · 5th century

In all cases, the difference between the mind of the Scribes and of the people ought to be observed; for the Scribes are never said to have shewn any devotion, faith, humility, and reverence, but as soon as the Lord was come, the whole multitude was greatly amazed and feared, and ran up to Him, and saluted Him; wherefore there follows, 'And running to Him, saluted Him.'

Bede · 8th century · in Marc., 3, 38
Read all 26 entries in the readerCatena Aurea · St. Thomas Aquinas, tr. J. H. Newman · public domain
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Mark 9:22 — Community Reflections | HolyStudy