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Explanation for:
Matthew
5
:
11
Blessed are ye when they shall revile you, and persecute you, and speak all that is evil against you, untruly, for my sake:
12
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{"arr":[{"author-name":"Jerome of Stridon","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88dcd3432c6dd41375498_Jerome%20of%20Stridon.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Backbiting that brings about joy should be disregarded or looked down upon, particularly when it flows from the deceitful words of the critic. Consequently, Christ specifically indicates the type of slander that renders the one slandered blessed, declaring, “Every backbiting against you which they utter is false because of Me.” Thus, when Christ is the reason for the malicious talk, that talk should be desired."},{"author-name":"John Chrysostom","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ea76859f9f8e2ffd3ee_John%20Chrysostom.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"It is as if Christ were to declare, “Even if you are labeled deceivers, flatterers, wrongdoers, or by any other name, you are indeed blessed. What could be more perplexing than such a teaching, which calls desirable what many believe should be shunned—such as poverty, sorrow, persecution, and slander? Nevertheless, He not only proclaimed these truths but also ignited faith in them, convincing not just a few, but the entirety of creation. The crowds were astonished to hear such challenging, complex, and countercultural messages. The authority of the words of our heavenly Teacher was remarkable! However, to clarify, it is not simply any insult that makes one blessed. Christ specifies these insults in two contexts: when we bear them for His sake, and when they are unfounded. If neither applies, the person being insulted is not blessed; in fact, they are unhappy. Refer also to the commentary on Luke 6:22."},{"author-name":"Anonymous Commentary (Opus Imperfectum)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":4,"exegesis-text":"After declaring that suffering for the faith must be faced, it seems as though a response was made to God, asking, “Lord, what if we endure not the suffering of persecution for Your glory or for Your righteousness, but rather insult and slander from the wicked?” He declares, “Blessed are you” not only when they pursue you with persecution, but also when they insult you (Lk. 6:12). Consider that many individuals have turned against us because of our commitment to God, though they may not openly pursue us; instead, they circulate negative words and make slanderous remarks about us. “Blessed are you” when they defame you and speak all manner of wrongful evil against you for my sake. Just as it is true that anyone who offers even a cup of water will be rewarded (Matthew 10:42), it is equally true that if anyone offends us with even the slightest remark, our souls will not go unrewarded."},{"author-name":"Isidore of Pelusium","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88d94130e668938c9ae9d_Isidore%20of%20Pelusium.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":5,"exegesis-text":"Often, we are not scorned for the sake of Christ. Sometimes, we may provoke such reactions ourselves through our actions or words. On other occasions, even when we do face insults in the name of Christ, it may be that these criticisms are justified rather than unfounded. Consequently, the ultimate honor involves two essential elements: the insults must be both untrue and for the sake of Christ. If either condition is absent, while it won't negate the value of the experience, it won't lead to the highest joy. Should we be ridiculed for Christ, but the criticism is legitimate, then our reward is diminished. Conversely, if the accusations are false but not related to Christ, the reward is still not the greatest. In both scenarios, some acknowledgment is given, but it pales in comparison to the reward we would receive if both conditions were met. When Christ mentions ‘For my sake,’ He encourages us toward humility, reminding us to view ourselves modestly, in harmony with our created nature. It is prideful to act as though our endeavors exist for our own glory rather than for God's purpose, as if we are worthy of the most significant challenges and risks. \\n\\nThe Lord Jesus delights in those who endure slander for His name, whether openly or subtly, so long as those who insult us are false. Thus, it is vital to understand that to achieve the greatest blessedness, both elements must exist: suffering for Christ’s name and that the slanders against us are fabricated. Should either element be lacking, the other loses its full impact; it may still yield some benefit but not to the highest degree. When we suffer for Christ and face true accusations, it becomes necessary to feel shame, as we may be affirmed in one aspect while censured in another. However, if we suffer not in service to Christ but endure falsehoods directed at us, we will receive a reward for our patience yet will miss the utmost happiness that would be granted if both conditions were fulfilled."},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"He addresses the apostles gathered there, highlighting that it is typical for teachers to face scorn. To clarify that not all who endure reviling are truly blessed, He added two conditions: the insults must be untrue and endured for the sake of Christ; otherwise, the one who reproaches is rather unfortunate. How remarkable are these encouragements, where what is generally shunned becomes sought after due to the greatness of the rewards promised? The One who proposed such harsh and uncommon truths, contrary to the practices of humanity up to that point, has nevertheless convinced and drawn nearly the entire world to His message."},{"author-name":"Theophylact of Bulgaria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989296bafed9104677d7_Theophylact%20of%20Bulgaria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":11,"exegesis-text":"In conclusion, the Lord addresses His disciples, emphasizing that it is typical for educators to endure scorn. One who faces insult is not truly blessed; rather, it is only those who suffer for the sake of Christ and under false accusations who find true blessing. In contrast, those who do not bear such a burden are wretched, as they become a stumbling block to many."},{"author-name":"Peter of Kiev","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c896ddde144a394c69d270_Peter%20of%20Kiev.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":17,"exegesis-text":"What is the ninth beatitude? The response is: “Blessed are you when they insult you, persecute you, and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely for my sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for your reward is great in heaven” (Matt. 5:11-12). \\n\\nWhat is the essence of this beatitude? This joy is experienced by the Apostles, the Martyrs, and all who are oppressed for the true Catholic Faith. They endure false accusations, torture, deprivation of their property, honor, and means of livelihood. Some are exiled from their homeland and ultimately endure violent death, shedding their blood for their beliefs. \\n\\nWhat understanding should we have regarding the actions for which Christ offers a promise of blessedness? Firstly, these virtuous deeds are interconnected; possessing one genuine virtue entails having all others as well, whereas lacking any virtue means being deprived of all. Secondly, we should recognize that performing good works leads to eternal joy in heaven, and those engaged in them are already blessed in this life, receiving temporal blessings through God’s grace. As Christ stated: “And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my name’s sake will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life” (Matt. 19:29). In another passage, He said: “Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake and for the sake of the Gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time—houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and fields, along with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life” (Mk. 10:29-30)."},{"author-name":"Michail (Lusin)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89550c567e172d15b3055_Michail%20(Lusin).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"To endure derision. For remaining faithful and devoted to Christ entails being scorned, ridiculed, and derided. Christ Himself faced such contempt, being labeled a Samaritan and possessed by a demon; He was also mocked by the scribes, chief priests, and Pharisees while He was crucified for humanity's redemption. To face persecution involves speaking ill in every conceivable manner, doing or saying anything that tarnishes one’s reputation. This occurs unjustly, based on false pretenses and undeservedly for the one being slandered. For My sake signifies in the name of Christ, for having faith in Him and acknowledging Him. It is stated that “Not everyone who is reviled is blessed; but only he who suffers reviling for Christ's sake and falsely. But if a man, when he is reviled, has neither, he is miserable.”"},{"author-name":"Philaret of Moscow (Drosdow)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c896ffb7a2ebaf99e46539_Philaret%20of%20Moscow%20(Drosdow).png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":19,"exegesis-text":"WHAT IS THE NINTH COMMANDMENT OF THE LORD REGARDING THE PURSUIT OF BLESSING? Individuals seeking true joy must willingly embrace insults, persecution, suffering, and even death for the sake of Christ and in defense of the faithful Orthodox beliefs. WHAT IS THE TERM FOR THE ACTION DEMANDED BY THE NINTH COMMANDMENT? The act associated with this commandment is known as martyrdom."},{"author-name":"Gladkow B.I.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88bf0ceef8c96e09a6521_Gladkow%20B.I..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Blessed are those in the kingdom of heaven who face persecution for the sake of truth. Since Christ brought this truth into the world, those who oppose it will also persecute His followers, who acknowledge Him as the risen Son of God, equal to the Father. The Lord promises eternal joy to those who stand firm in their faith amid various trials in His name. He declared, “Blessed are you when they revile you and persecute you and say all kinds of evil against you for My sake. Rejoice and be glad, for great is your reward in heaven.” The Lord’s prophecy regarding the persecution of His followers came to fruition during Nero's reign, as Christians faced brutal punishments. They were crucified in large numbers, thrown to wild beasts in the arenas, consumed by lions, burned alive, and even used as living torches to illuminate Nero's gardens. All Christians were offered a chance for freedom if they would renounce Christ and sacrifice to pagan deities. While some cowardly chose to deny Christ, often later repenting, the vast majority faced execution with unwavering courage. An exemplary figure of steadfastness is St. Ignatius of Antioch, who was ordained a bishop by the Apostles in 67 A.D. \\n\\nEmperor Trajan required all his subjects, including Christians, to offer sacrifices in gratitude for his victories. Those who refused faced inhumane executions. Upon arriving in Antioch, Trajan was brought before Bishop Ignatius, demanding he sacrifice to the pagan gods and renounce Christ. Ignatius resolutely declined, leading to his sentence of death; he was ordered to Rome, where he would face the lions in the circus. Word of this judgment spread swiftly through Antioch, prompting some of St. Ignatius' admirers to rush to Rome to seek his release. Ignatius learned of these efforts and sent a message to the Roman Christians, urging them to refrain from intervening on his behalf. He wrote, \\"I beseech you, do not give me untimely love. I am afraid lest it should do me harm; for it is easy for you to fulfill what you desire, but it is difficult for me to reach God if you pity me. Forgive me: I know what is good for me. Nothing will keep me from coming to Jesus Christ! Fire and the cross, a multitude of beasts, cuttings, crushing of bones, disintegration of members, the fierce torments of the devil, let them come upon me—only to reach me to Jesus Christ. The whole world will not profit me, nor the kingdoms of this age. It is better for me to die for Jesus Christ than to reign over the whole universe. I seek Him who died for us! I desire Him who rose again for us. Do not prevent me from entering into life! Do not wish me to die! I want to be God's. Don't give me to the world. Let me go to the pure Light!\\"\\n\\nThis is the fervent plea of St. Ignatius, demonstrating the remarkable strength of faith that serves as the foundation of the Church of Christ. With such unwavering belief forming its cornerstone, the gates of hell cannot withstand it. On December 20, 107 A.D., Trajan’s sentence was executed; St. Ignatius was brought to Rome and cast into the arena to face the lions. This is but one account of righteous martyrdom for Christ’s name, with countless others following. To all who endure for His name, Christ promises eternal joy: “Blessed are ye when they shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you for My sake. Rejoice and be glad, for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you” (Matthew 5:11-12). \\n\\n“Persecution for the faith in Christ exists now and will continue until the end of time; yet today, it often manifests not through torture or execution, but through disbelief, blatant denial of faith, derision, mockery, slander, or disdainful neglect. Righteous individuals are derided as prudes or out of touch, Christian faith is dismissed as the belief of the masses, and acts of compassion are labeled as mere weakness. In contrast, indulgence in immoral behavior is celebrated as modern progress, while devotion to prayer and living in accordance with faith is seen as antiquated. It is certainly distressing for anyone who holds onto their faith to navigate among such people, and blessed is the one who does not. Those who do find themselves persecuted, ridiculed, and scorned; yet, let them not be silent, but rather be prepared to testify regarding their faith and trust, so that wickedness might be brought to shame.”"},{"author-name":"Kochomski S.W.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Blessed are those who endure exile for the sake of truth, face reproach and slander for the name of Christ, for they shall be rewarded abundantly in heaven. This exemplifies the nature of a genuine child of the kingdom of God. The qualities that define this nature are intricately linked; each trait complements the others. For instance, spiritual poverty is connected to mourning for God, as well as a deep yearning for righteousness. Furthermore, meekness is inherently tied to purity of heart, mercy, and a commitment to promoting peace among one’s neighbors. Ultimately, the apex of all these virtues is the bravery to suffer for the truth and for the name of Christ. Likewise, the promised rewards are closely intertwined; nearly every reward is linked to another. Therefore, in the message directed to the people found in the Gospel of Luke, the Lord conveys only four beatitudes. Though articulated with less clarity, they share an inner completeness similar to the nine beatitudes presented by St. Matthew, capturing the essence of a true child of the kingdom of Christ. When Jesus speaks specifically to the Apostles and His closest disciples, He clarifies their fundamental responsibility to embody the overarching character of the members of the kingdom of God as previously described."},{"author-name":"Gregorij Djatchenko","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Understanding the Ninth Beatitude: \\"Blessed are you when they revile you and utter all kinds of falsehoods against you for my sake. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.\\" This is the final beatitude. Those who seek the blessings of the beatitudes must be prepared to embrace mockery, persecution, suffering, and even death in the name of Christ and our orthodox faith. \\n\\nThe act called for by this commandment is known as martyrdom, a formidable challenge for our frail human nature. Despite its difficulty, the promise of a magnificent reward in heaven—a preferential and elevated level of joy—awaits those who endure. Despite the harshness of martyrdom, sincere faith in our Savior, Jesus Christ, coupled with deep love for Him, has inspired countless martyrs, aptly described by John Chrysostom as “a great multitude of martyrs.” What immense tortures did the steadfast ascetics of the Orthodox faith not endure! Martyrs were subjected to frying pans, burning coals, boiling cauldrons, and drowned in seas or rivers. Some suffered under iron claws, while others were bound to wheels; some were hurled into chasms, and others were thrown to wild beasts. Can we even enumerate the different forms of torment inflicted upon the martyrs? It seems that hell itself devised diverse and cruel methods of punishment. As we read the accounts of these holy martyrs, we are left in awe of either the inventiveness of their tormentors or the steadfastness of the martyrs in their suffering.\\n\\nAmong the many instances of martyrdom, let me share a story that illustrates the bravery of Christians. In the year 257 following Christ’s birth, Emperor Valerian initiated a severe persecution against Christians, targeting particularly those in the ministry. St. Lawrence, a deacon of the Roman Church, was brought before his tribunal. When the emperor inquired, “Where are the treasures of your temple?” St. Lawrence replied, “Come, my lord, I will show them to you,” and pointed to the poor, the widows, the orphans, the blind, and the lame, exclaiming, “These are the treasures, more precious than anything else, which even the most tyrannical cannot take from us.” Later condemned to be burned, St. Lawrence astounded his contemporaries with his steadfastness and continues to amaze us today. As flames were prepared, an iron grill was heated beneath him. The slow fire amplified his pain, yet his countenance radiated remarkable dignity—his sufferings elicited neither complaint nor groan. When one side of his body was consumed by the flames, he calmly said to the guards, “It is done; turn it around!” Such incredible endurance! This is the power of genuine faith and profound love for the Savior!\\n\\nMoreover, it wasn’t just men who faced these trials. Women, maidens, and even children, emboldened by their faith in Christ, endured unimaginable anguish. The torments of St. Catherine the Great Martyr, the Holy Martyr Sophia and her daughters Faith, Hope, and Love, as well as the Holy Martyrs Kirik and Ulitta, serve as powerful reminders of the strength of believers. Regardless of the severity of the tortures, those with unwavering faith in Christ and fervent love for Him faced them joyfully. Today, these holy martyrs are rewarded with eternal and indescribable blessings beyond human comprehension.\\n\\nBeloved brethren and children, how can we demonstrate our faith and love for Christ? Thankfully, we do not face such trials today—the era of persecution is behind us—yet true Christians can still prove their devotion. Our great St. John Chrysostom advises: “The martyrs disregarded life; we must disregard pleasure and indulgence. They cast their bodies into the flames; we should share our possessions with the needy. They trod on burning coals; we must extinguish the fire of lust within us. Is this difficult? Yes, but it is beneficial. Do not focus on the hardships ahead but on the rewards to come; not on the struggles but on the crowns; not on the sacrifices but on the blessings. If you find it hard to rise from your comfortable bed, remember the glorified martyrs who lay upon heated iron, not soft featherbeds, but burning coals.\\"\\n\\nThus, according to St. John Chrysostom's teachings, let us strive to replace martyrs’ trials with acts of Christian virtue feasible for us. If we experience insults or mockery, let us accept it joyfully. Inspired by the zeal of those early Christians who willingly faced death, we acknowledge their high joy in heaven, from which they intercede for our salvation. Through their prayers, let us continually resist our adversaries—the world, those who live contrary to Christian values and tempt others to sin, our own flesh with its desires, and the devil, who like a roaring lion prowls about seeking to devour Christians, leading them away from the true path and into perdition.\\n\\nMay the Lord God empower us to fulfill the duties worthy of the noble title of Christians. Through the intercession of the revered holy martyrs, may He show us mercy and grant us salvation, for He is good and merciful to humanity. Amen."}]}
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