As cold water is to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.
Read Chapter 25
Cyril of Alexandria
AD 444
Just as “waters are pleasant to the thirsty soul,” as Scripture says, so to the mind that loves instruction is the lifegiving knowledge of the mysteries of our Savior. Let us, therefore, draw from the sacred springs the living and lifegiving waters, even those that are rational and spiritual. Let us take our fill, and weary not in the drinking; for in these things more than enough is still for edification, and greediness is great praise. Commentary on Luke, Homily
We have learned from the story in sacred Scripture how pleasing to a man is “good news from a far country.” And what other better news could we expect than the love of Christ, than the spotless profession and propagation of the catholic church, than the pure lives, successful work, and faithful doctrine of the friends of God and the bishops and priests of Christ? These, most blessed father, we confess that we vehemently yearn for and thirstily desire to learn.
Tidings. Hebrew and Septuagint. The Vulgate seems rather to speak of a "good messenger. "Homer said that a good messenger honoured the business most. (Pindar, Pyth. viii.) (Calmet)