He indicates the dispositions of each, calling the one kids, the other sheep, that He might indicate the unfruitfulness of the one, for no fruit will come from kids; and the great profit from the other, for indeed from sheep great is the profit, as well from the milk, as from the wool, and from the young, of all which things the kid is destitute.
-St. John Chrysostom, Homily on Matt. XXV, 4th Century


For when one has pity on the poor, he lends to God; and he who gives to the least gives to God--sacrifices spiritually to God an odour of a sweet smell.
-St. Cyprian of Carthage, The Lord's Prayer, 33. B#41, p.102, 3rd century