“Through a sequence of questions and answers, even if ten just are found in the city [Sodom], God promises not to punish the entire populace thanks to the rectitude of a few. From this we should understand what a powerful bulwark a just person can be for the country and how we should not be jealous of saintly persons or criticize them with temerity. In fact their faith saves us; their rectitude preserves us from destruction. Even Sodom, if it had had ten just men, would have been able to save itself.” (St. Ambrose)
“The Lord’s goodness is immense, and frequently He finds his way to grant the salvation of the majority on account of a few just people. Why do I say on account of a few just people? Frequently, when a just person cannot be found in the present life, He takes pity on the living on account of the virtue of the departed and cries aloud in the words, “I will protect this city for my own sake and the sake of my servant David” [2Kg 19:34]. Even if they do not deserve to be saved, He is saving.” (St. John Chrysostom)
“For the sake of the merest handful of godly men and women, God often restrains the destructive edge of His judgment. He spares us because love, compassion, and restoration are foremost in His nature. “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned” (Jn 3:17-18).” (Dynamis 2/27/2022)