I am as a wonder unto many; but you are my strong refuge.
Read Chapter 71
Augustine of Hippo
AD 430
8. "As it were a monster I have become unto many" (ver. 7). Here in time of hope, in time of groaning, in time of humiliation, in time of sorrow, in time of infirmity, in time of the voice from the fetters-here then what? "As it were a monster I have become unto many." Why, "As it were a monster"? Why do they insult me that think me a monster? Because I believe that which I see not. For they being happy in those things which they see, exult in drink, in wantonness, in chamberings, in covetousness, in riches, in robberies, in secular dignities, in the whitening of a mud wall, in these things they exult: but I walk in a different way, contemning those things which are present, and fearing even the prosperous things of the world, and secure in no other thing but the promises of God. And they, "Let us eat and drink, for to-morrow we die." What sayest thou? Repeat it: "let us eat," he saith, "and drink." Come now, what hast thou said afterwards? "for to-morrow we die." Thou hast terrified, ...
Wonder. My exaltation, (Calmet) and present misery, (Worthington; Menochius) fill all with astonishment. (Haydock) (Isaias viii. 18., and xi. 10.)
God often made his prophets bear about the signs of his vengeance on others, Isaias xix. 20. (Calmet)
Christ was a sign, which shall be contradicted, Luke ii. 34. (Haydock)
He was looked upon as a prodigy. (Eusebius; St. Augustine)
Helper. He gives all the glory to God. (Calmet)
None can persevere without his grace. (Worthington)
