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Explanation for:
Matthew
5
:
12
Be glad and rejoice, for your reward is very great in heaven. For so they persecuted the prophets that were before you.
11
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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":"I am unsure who among us can accomplish this, so that when our glory is tarnished by criticism, we can still find joy in the Lord. Therefore, we ought to celebrate and take delight, for we shall receive a reward in heaven. In one particular scripture, we find this beautifully expressed: \\"Seek not glory, neither grieve when you are gloryless.\\""},{"author-name":"Ephraem the Syrian","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88b589fc3e99eb7bb1839_Ephraem%20the%20Syrian.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"The beatitudes are not extended merely as a commendable title to mask wrongdoing, but rather as assurances for those who fully embody their essence. Anyone can adopt a title for themselves regardless of the justification, yet the actions represented by that title are unique to those who do not seek to claim the virtue they lack. Therefore, unique blessings are granted for specific actions, and distinct gifts are given to those whose deeds earn them their reward. The promise of recompense for righteous acts and the warning of retribution for transgressions are also indicated (Luke 6:24-25)."},{"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":"Reflect on the contrast between the disgrace of this world and the splendor of the heavenly realm, and consider whether your trials on earth are not significantly lighter than the glory to come. Someone might argue, \\"When wronged, who can genuinely say rejoice; at least one can endure with fortitude.\\" It’s true that one who does not indulge in pride remains steadfast. A person yearning for heaven does not tremble at the slander faced on earth; their concern lies not in the opinions of others but in how they will be evaluated by God. Conversely, those who take pleasure in human accolades experience joy and sorrow in equal measure—elation from praise and sadness from criticism. However, the individual who is not uplifted by earthly honors is likewise unaffected by criticism. Those who pursue glory in any form are plagued by a fear of disgrace. Those who seek recognition on this earth dread the shame associated with it. Yet, one who seeks only the glory that comes from God has no fear of shame except in the sight of God. If a soldier faces the perils of battle, hoping for a reward after achieving victory, then surely, you should not be apprehensive about the world's reproach, as you anticipate the rewards of the kingdom of heaven."},{"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":"The Lord refrained from promising significant rewards for various virtues, yet here He highlights the exceptional and challenging nature of enduring insults, as many individuals have tragically chosen to end their lives. Job, who faced numerous trials, was particularly aggrieved by the scorn of his friends, who accused him of wrongdoing as the cause of his suffering. To reassure the apostles that their persecution would not stem from preaching a message contrary to the teachings of Christ, the Lord reminds them that even the holy prophets before them faced persecution for their righteousness; thus, they can find solace in their own tribulations."},{"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":"Rejoice and be filled with joy, for your reward is abundant in heaven. Exult in spirit, all those who are scorned and persecuted, as it is written. To proclaim, “Your reward is abundant in heaven,” offers another form of encouragement. Bearing insults is a significant and challenging trial. Job, having faced numerous hardships, felt particularly distressed when his friends accused him of suffering due to his sins. The words in Matthew 5:11 are addressed to the disciples and, by extension, to all who seek to follow their example. So did the prophets who went before you experience rejection. In what way? Certainly through being insulted, expelled, and maligned for the sake of God. Just as I send you to declare My words, they too were sent by God. Referring to the prophets who came before you indicates that they also were called to prophesy. If it was not inappropriate for them to endure suffering for God, it is even less so for you. By comparing them to the prophets, He uplifts their spirits. Notice how many commandments He has laid out following the blessings of being cast out for righteousness and the blessings of being insulted, persecuted, and slandered, revealing that anyone who engages in such a struggle must draw strength from the preceding commandments. Thus, in a purposeful sequence, He has crafted for us a golden chain. The one who is humble in spirit will grieve over personal shortcomings; the one who mourns will show gentleness; the gentle will certainly act justly; the just will demonstrate mercy; the one who practices these qualities will also have a pure heart; and such an individual will be a peacemaker. Though one may face perils, perseverance through trials will yield abundant fruit. After reminding them of what is to come, He again uplifts them with praise."},{"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? Blessed are you when others insult you, deny your worth, and speak falsely against you on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven (Matt. 5:11-12). What does this beatitude signify? This joy is granted to the Apostles, Martyrs, and all who endure persecution for the True Catholic Faith—those who face false accusations, torture, loss of property, dignity, and livelihood, those who are exiled from their homeland, and ultimately, those who endure a violent death for their faith. How should we perceive the good deeds for which Christ extends this promise of beatitude? Firstly, these virtues are so interconnected that possessing one genuine virtue implies that one possesses them all, while lacking any virtue results in the absence of the others. Secondly, consider this understanding of good works: those who engage in them will not only receive eternal joy in heaven, but they are also blessed in this life, enjoying temporal blessings through God's grace. As Christ said: \\"And whosoever shall leave house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands for my name's sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and shall inherit eternal life\\" (Matt. 19:29). In another instance, He stated: \\"There is no one who has left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands for my sake, and for the Gospel's, who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and father, and mother, and children, and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life\\" (Mk. 10:29-30)."},{"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":"Explanation of the Ninth Beatitude: “Blessed are you when others insult you and falsely accuse you of all kinds of evil for my sake. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great.” Here we arrive at the concluding, ninth beatitude! Those who aspire to the blessings of the beatitudes must be prepared to joyfully endure slander, persecution, hardship, and even death for the sake of Christ and our Orthodox faith. \\n\\nThe virtue emphasized by this beatitude is known as martyrdom. This represents an extraordinary challenge for our frail humanity. It is indeed a daunting task, yet the reward promised is immense in heaven, representing a distinguished and exceptional level of joy. Despite the severity of the martyrdom experience, a genuine belief in our Lord Jesus Christ and a deep love for Him have inspired countless witnesses to faith, or as John Chrysostom describes: “A vast multitude of martyrs.” The great ascetics of the Orthodox Church have endured unimaginable tortures and deaths. Martyrs suffered by being placed on grills, over hot coals, thrown into boiling water, or immersed in seas and rivers. Some were tormented with iron instruments, while others were tied to wheels; some were cast into abysses, and others were fed to savage beasts. Can we even enumerate the countless forms of suffering that martyrs faced? It seems that the depths of hell devised numerous means of torment. As we read the accounts of the holy martyrs, we are left in awe: should we marvel at the creativity of the torturers or the steadfastness of the martyrs who withstood their trials? Among the myriad stories of martyrdom, let me share one that vividly illustrates the bravery of Christians. \\n\\nIn the year 257 after Christ's birth, a brutal persecution of Christians was initiated by Emperor Valerian, which particularly affected the church leaders. Among those persecuted was St. Lawrence, a deacon of the Roman Church, who found himself brought before the tribunal. Valerian inquired, “Where are the treasures of your temple?” St. Lawrence replied, “Come, my lord, I will show you,” and he gestured towards the beggars, widows, orphans, the blind, and the lame, saying: “Here are the treasures, more precious than anything in the world, which even the fiercest tyrants cannot seize.” Later condemned to be burned, St. Lawrence astonished those around him with his courage, and continues to inspire generations to this day. \\n\\nA fire was prepared before him, and an iron grate was heated for his torment. Bound in chains upon the grate, the flames intensified his agony. However, his face radiated extraordinary dignity; he did not utter a single complaint or groan. As the fire consumed one side of his body, he calmly addressed the guard, saying, “It is done; turn it around!” Such remarkable patience! This is what true faith and passionate love for the Savior can achieve! \\n\\nYet, men were not the only ones who faced such sufferings. Women, young women, and even children, bolstered by their faith in Christ, endured horrific tortures. The trials faced by St. Catherine the Great Martyr, Holy Martyr Sophia and her three daughters Faith, Hope, and Love, and Holy Martyr Kirik and Ulitta are remarkable reminders for us, who often feel weak and faithless. Despite the horror of the tortures, those with steadfast faith in Christ embraced their suffering with joy. Today, these holy martyrs experience and will continue to experience eternal and unfathomable rewards that surpass what our eyes have seen and our ears have heard (1 Cor. 2:9). \\n\\nMy dear brethren! How can we demonstrate our faith and love for Christ? Thankfully, we live in a time when such tortures are no longer present; the era of persecution has passed. Still, a true Christian can manifest their belief and devotion. As our great Saint John Chrysostom instructs us, “The martyrs disregarded their lives; we are called to disregard comforts and luxuries. They endured flames, while you can share your wealth with the needy. They walked on burning coals; you must extinguish the flames of desire within you. Is it difficult? Yes, but beneficial. Do not focus solely on the challenges ahead, but rather on the rewards that await; look not at the struggles, but at the crowns - not at the trials, but at the recompense. If you find yourself resting on a soft bed, and rising feels burdensome, remember the glorified martyrs; they lay not on soft pillows but on heated iron. This serves as a foundation for us to pursue virtues fitting for our Christian walk, as taught by St. John Chrysostom. \\n\\nLet us, dear ones, strive to replace our comforts with acts of Christian virtue that are attainable for us. If we face insult or scorn, let us endure it joyfully. Let us draw strength from the conviction of those Christians who bravely faced death, who now enjoy a high degree of bliss in heaven and intercede for our salvation. With their intercessions, may we also continually resist our adversaries: the world and those who live outside of faith, our own sinful flesh, and the devil, who prowls like a roaring lion in search of those to devour (1 Pet. 5:8) - seeking to lead them astray from the true path and make them prey to hell. \\n\\nMay the Lord God enable us to fulfill the commitments befitting the honorable title of Christians, and through the intercessions of the revered holy martyrs, may He grant us mercy and salvation, for He is compassionate and gracious. Amen."},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"REJOICE AND BE GLAD, FOR GREAT IS YOUR REWARD IN HEAVEN! The apostles truly found joy even when the Jewish leaders dishonored them for Christ's sake. AND SO THEY PERSECUTED THE PROPHETS WHO WERE BEFORE YOU. They subjected the Divine Teacher, our Lord Jesus Christ, to persecution and scorn. In drawing a parallel between the apostles and the prophets, the Savior praises them. You are not alone in your suffering, implying that this fate is shared by all the righteous, including the prophets, with whom you will dwell in the heavenly kingdom. As St. John Chrysostom remarks, ‘Christ promises reward’ not solely for peril but also for insults, slanders, and malice, which can wound more deeply than physical threats. Job endured numerous hardships with fortitude; however, when his companions slandered him, asserting that he was suffering due to his transgressions, this steadfast and noble individual was disturbed and lamented, ‘Have mercy on me, have mercy on me, O my friends!’ (Job 19:21). St. Chrysostom adds, ‘Take note of how many commandments preceded the final one; He intended to demonstrate that one unprepared by these teachings cannot fully embrace the calling of martyrdom. With the first commandment as a foundation, Christ fashioned for us a golden chain leading to the next. The humble will grieve for their sin; those who mourn for their shortcomings will grow meek, gentle, and compassionate; the merciful will surely attain a pure heart; and the pure of heart will become peacemakers; and those who accomplish this will be ready for trials, unafraid of slander, and shielded from great misfortunes. To seek happiness alongside the martyrs, St. Athanasius advises, ‘Endure the pangs of conscience, renounce sin, sever sinful cravings, and you will willingly be a martyr. Martyrs contended against tormentors, kings, and nobles; similarly, your adversary is the devil, the ruler of sin; the persecutors are the demons. Renounce relentless desires—here lies the detestable goddess of lust; anger and fury—here resides the idol of war. If you can keep yourself from these vices and sinful urges, it indicates you've overcome these idols and have become a martyr.’ This is the divine teaching of the beatitudes. The Lord deems favorable those states which people generally shy away from, such as poverty, sorrow, perseverance, and tribulation. Yet He promises a reward for all these in the kingdom of heaven."},{"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 blessings does the Lord assure for those who suffer martyrdom? The Lord guarantees a significant reward in the heavenly realm for such an act, specifically a special and elevated level of joy."},{"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":"The promise of reward lies in the heavenly realm. For those who endure persecution, the blessing is substantial. Those who face trials and tribulations for the sake of Christ will receive abundant rewards in Heaven, and so they should not allow the difficulties of this world to dishearten them; rather, they ought to rejoice and take heart in the anticipation of this divine reward. The apostles expressed joy for being deemed worthy to suffer for the name of the Lord when they were beaten by the Jewish authorities (Acts 5:40-41). This mirrors how martyrs willingly faced death, filled with joy at the opportunity to bear witness to Christ. The prophets, too, experienced persecution. They were the ones tasked by God to convey His message to the Jewish people. Frequently, these divinely appointed messengers were met with hostility from the unrighteous kings of Israel and the populace, who subjected them to torture and even death—history is replete with such accounts (cf. Heb. 11)."},{"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 who endure persecution for the sake of righteousness in the kingdom of heaven. As Christ embodied this ultimate truth on earth, those who reject this truth will similarly oppress those who declare the resurrected Christ as the Son of God, coequal with the Father. Yet, the Lord assures eternal joy to those who steadfastly affirm Him amidst all forms of tribulation for His name. He proclaimed, “Blessed are you when they revile you and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven.” The Lord’s foretelling of suffering for His name was realized in history. During Nero’s reign, the early Christians faced intense persecution. Many were crucified, mauled by wild beasts in the arena, fed to lions, set ablaze like torches in Nero's gardens, illuminating his paths as he paraded with the Romans. Christians were tempted with complete freedom if they renounced Christ and offered sacrifices to the pagan deities. Some, in cowardice, outwardly denied their faith, only to repent in sorrowful prayers for forgiveness. However, the vast majority of Christians faced their deaths courageously, refusing to forsake Christ. A notable example of unwavering faith is St. Ignatius of Antioch, a bishop appointed by the Apostles in 67 A.D. The Roman Emperor Trajan demanded that all his subjects, Christians included, offer sacrifices to the pagan gods in gratitude for his military victories over the Scythians, threatening death for those who refused. While campaigning against the Parthians and Armenians, he reached Antioch, where Bishop Ignatius was highlighted as the leader of the Christian community. The emperor insisted that Ignatius sacrifice before him as a means to renounce Christ. Ignatius, however, resolutely declined and was sentenced to death. Trajan ordered him to be sent to Rome, where he would face the lions in the arena. As news of this sentence spread throughout Antioch, some of St. Ignatius’ followers hastened to Rome to plead for his release. Learning of their intentions, Ignatius sent a message to the Christians there, adamantly opposing their plans. He wrote, “I entreat you, do not bestow upon me the kindness of your untimely love. I fear it might harm me; for while it is easy for you to do what you wish, it is difficult for me to reach God if you pity me... Forgive me; I know what is best for me. Nothing shall hinder me from coming to Jesus Christ! Let fire, the cross, a multitude of beasts, the breaking of bones, the tearing apart of limbs, and the cruel torments of the devil come upon me—only to lead me to Jesus Christ. The whole world offers me no advantage, nor do the kingdoms of this age. It is far better for me to die for Jesus Christ than to reign over the entire cosmos. I seek Him who died for us! I long for Him who rose again for us. Do not keep me from entering into life! Do not wish for my demise! I desire to belong to God. Do not surrender me to the world. Allow me to go to the pure Light!” Thus, St. Ignatius implored his friends! This exemplifies the strength of faith! This is the foundation upon which the Church of Christ stands! One can readily see that if the Church is built on such resilient stones of faith, the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. On December 20, 107 A.D., Trajan's decree was executed: St. Ignatius was brought to Rome and thrown into the arena to be devoured by lions. This instance illustrates one of the many martyrdoms suffered for the name of Christ. To all who are persecuted for His sake, Christ extends the promise of eternal happiness: “Blessed are you when they revile you and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you for My sake. Rejoice and be glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so persecuted were the prophets before you” (Matthew 5:11-12). \\n\\nPersecution for the faith in Christ persists and will continue until the end of time; however, today it may not manifest as torture or execution, but through disbelief, public denial of faith, insults, mockery, blasphemy, slander, or contemptuous disregard. Righteous individuals are dubbed prudes, traditionalists, or narrow-minded; Christian faith is labeled a commoner’s belief; acts of compassion are dismissed as weakness; charitable giving is seen as wastefulness; public prayer is branded as hypocrisy. In contrast, the indulgence of sinful desires is celebrated as modern progress, while disregard for prayer and a life estranged from faith's obligations marks contemporary society. It is unfortunate for any believer to navigate life surrounded by such attitudes, and fortunate is he who is not among them; yet those who are must bear ridicule and scorn. Nevertheless, remain vocal and prepared to articulate your faith and trust, so that the wicked may be shamed!"}]}
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