Remember me, and look at me. Don’t take vengeance on me for my sins and my ignorances, and the sins of my fathers who sinned before you.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 3. Parents, so as to punish me on their account. Menochius.—The Scripture frequently seems to indicate that this is the case; (Exodus 20:5) and the Church still prays, Remember not, O Lord, our offences, nor those of our parents. Calmet.—But children are only punished when they imitate the wicked conduct of their ancestors: they may be afflicted, though innocent, as their virtue will thus be tried, and shine more gloriously. Bible.—The pagans, being convinced that God can be guilty of no injustice, and perceiving that people who appeared to be free from sin were yet unhappy, concluded that they were explaining the sins committed in another world. Plotin. ii. 13. Origen, prin. iii. Calmet.—This might arise from a confused notion of original sin. Pascal’s Thoughts. Bible.