George Leo Haydock, on Luke 1:79

“To enlighten them that sit in darkness, and in the shadow of death: to direct our feet into the way of peace.”

“The Gentiles were in darkness, and given to the adoration of idols, till the light arose and dispelled the darkness, spreading on all sides the splendour of truth. (St. Basil on Isai.) — With reason it is said in this place, who sit in darkness; for we did not walk in darkness, but sat down, as if destitute of all hopes of being delivered. (St. Chrysostom, hom. xiv. on S. Matt.) — Then our steps are directed in the paths of peace, when in our every action we act conformably to the grace of the Almighty. (St. Gregory, hom. xxxii.)”

Imported from an open dataset — not yet checked against the printed edition.