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Explanation for:
Matthew
5
:
28
But I say to you, that whosoever shall look on a woman to lust after her, hath already committed adultery with her in his heart.
14
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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":"The distinction between the terms πάθος and προπάθεια, representing passion and mental desire respectively, lies in the interpretation of passion as a moral failing, while mental desire, although it seeds the initial guilt of that failing, does not equate to the full offense. When a man gazes upon a woman and feels a stirring within his soul, that constitutes mental desire. However, if he moves from mere contemplation to a passionate response, as noted in the words of David: Passed to the thoughts of the heart (Psalm 72:7), he transitions from mental inclination to passion, at which point he is merely awaiting the right moment to sin. Consequently, one who gazes at a woman with lascivious intent, aiming to gratify his lust and lead her into sin, is rightly deemed to have committed adultery within his heart."},{"author-name":"Athanasius the Great","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c889457b66f7fc274d1066_Athanasius%20the%20Great.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"The individual who harbors adultery in his heart is inclined to act on it, yet may be restrained by circumstances such as location, timing, or apprehension of legal consequences. It is evident that many face punishment as adulterers, despite not having committed actual offenses, as illustrated by the case of Holofernes. Eager to commit a reprehensible act, he was confronted by Judith, who, embodying righteousness, unsheathed her sword and severed his head, invoking God as the giver of the law and the guardian of virtue for assistance and protection. Similarly, the two elders, when they told Susanna, \\"We are in thy lust\\" (Dan. 13:20), though they acted deceitfully without physical transgression, faced death as adulterers. Therefore, anyone who embodies such lustfulness today—being uncontrolled and desiring the wives of others—engages in mental adultery. In contrast, the individual who masters his desires and remains untainted from moral failure is not an adulterer, but rather in command of his passions. He curbs the onslaught of lustful temptation through the reverence of God, much like a steadfast and solid rock halts the rushing waves of the sea."},{"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":"Beginning with our primary emotions, namely anger and desire, which hold greater influence over us than other feelings, the Saviour, exercising His rightful authority as a Teacher, clarified their nature and corrected misunderstandings. He did not simply state that only the adulterer faces punishment; rather, His teachings concerning murder encompass the implications of desire as well, demonstrating His wisdom above that of the scribes. He warns that “Whoever looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” This indicates that those who frequently gaze upon physical beauty and derive pleasure from such views are, in essence, committing adultery.\\n\\nChrist came not only for the salvation of the body from sinful acts but, even more importantly, for the redemption of the soul. The initial act of grace from the Holy Spirit begins with cleansing our hearts. The inquiry then arises: how can one be liberated from desire? With determination and deliberate effort, it is indeed possible to extinguish it. However, Christ does not prohibit all forms of desire, but specifically condemns those that arise from looking at others’ spouses. A person who delights in viewing beautiful faces stirs up passionate feelings within and risks entrapping their soul in that passion, leading them towards the fulfillment of those desires.\\n\\nThat is why Christ stated, “He that looketh to lust,” indicating that it is the act of looking that ignites desire, bringing the heart to be influenced not by instinct but by carelessness. Such desire is likewise denounced in the Old Testament, where it is admonished, “Do not despise the goodness of strangers.” Furthermore, Christ warns against the consequences of merely looking, urging that even the act of gazing—if done carelessly—could lead to sin. It may seem trivial, one might argue, to look with desire without acting upon it, but one places themselves on equal footing with those who act out. This is the determination of our Lawgiver, advising us to refrain from scrutiny.\\n\\nWhen one gazes repeatedly, they may initially resist the pull of desire, yet if they constantly invite it, they will inevitably succumb, for they are not exempt from human vulnerability. Just as we would prevent a child from handling a knife, even if they have not harmed themselves, God commands us to avoid lustful looks to deter the risk of falling into grievous sin. When someone has ignited the flame of desire, even in the absence of the individual they have looked upon, they often conjure deceitful images in their thoughts, which can lead to sinful action. Therefore, Christ forbids the stirring of the heart toward lust.\\n\\nWhat then applies to those who have maidens as companions? By the very standards of the law, they are liable for numerous acts of adultery, continually gazing upon them with desire. For this reason, the holy Job established a personal command never to allow himself such a look. It becomes increasingly difficult to refrain from desiring someone one admires once the gaze has been cast. The joy we might find in looking pales in comparison to the harm incurred from escalating desire; through it, we empower our adversary, granting greater liberty to the devil, thus rendering ourselves incapable of resisting his presence in our hearts.\\n\\nThat is why the Saviour advises, “Do not commit adultery with your eyes,” for if we avoid this, we will not transgress in our hearts. There exists a manner of looking that is honorable—one that the pure-hearted may practice. Therefore, Christ does not forbid looking at women altogether; He only forbids looking with lustful intent. Had His intention been otherwise, He would have phrased it differently, stating simply, “Whoever looks upon a woman”; instead, He specified “Who looks upon her to lust,” highlighting the intention behind the gaze.\\n\\nGod designed our eyes not to become instruments of adultery but to foster reverence for His creation. Similarly, just as it is possible to anger in vain, looking in vain refers to gazing with lust. If one desires to look and derive joy from their gaze, let it be directed towards one’s own spouse, for no law prohibits such affection. However, to admire another man's beauty is to offend one’s spouse by diverting one’s attention elsewhere, effectively transgressing the sacred bond. The act of gazing, even without physical contact, constitutes a form of touching and is recognized as a form of adultery, bringing not only present consequences but also contributing to the torment that follows.\\n\\nThe inner turmoil created by such actions incites anxiety and turmoil, resulting in a condition not unlike that of captives in chains. It is common for the one who looses the arrow to flee from their target, yet the wound remains long after; it is crucial to understand that the true harm is self-inflicted through desireful gazes. This statement serves to vindicate women of virtue. Conversely, if any woman adorns herself solely to catch the attention of men, though she may not have yet wrought harm with her beauty, she has already set forth a destructive influence and is subject to severe consequences.\\n\\nChrist’s teaching does not target only women; it exists as a universal principle. Despite seeming to address men solely, His teachings apply to all, recognizing the unity of husband and wife. The Saviour refrains from distinguishing between the sexes, emphasizing that His guidance applies equally. For more explicit rebuke of women, one may refer to the words of Isaiah, who critiques women for their external adornment and demeanor, as well as the Apostle Paul who provides ample counsel regarding their conduct and attire. Even Christ, in further discourse, reinforces these principles privately."},{"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":"One who is indifferent toward his own soul fails to scrutinize his heart; he who harbors unjust anger against his neighbors does not recognize it as sin, nor does he see a problem in craving another man’s wife merely because he restrains himself from immoral actions. However, for those who revere God and examine their inner selves, such desires are considered serious transgressions. Furthermore, this is a significant offense in the sight of God, who observes not merely the actions of individuals but their hearts. This commandment does not nullify the law; rather, it fulfills it, as without this understanding, the law’s commandments would falter. All acts of adultery arise from lust. How can we eradicate adultery as per the law’s command unless we first eliminate lust in accordance with Christ’s teachings? Just as anger gives rise to murder, lust gives rise to adultery. Consequently, if anyone unjustly harbors anger towards his brother, he commits murder in his heart, despite not acting on it due to fear of consequences or a lack of strength. This is seen as murder before God, who focuses not just on actions but on the heart's intentions. Likewise, one who covets another man's wife is, in his heart, committing adultery, even if he fails to act due to external hindrances. In God’s perspective, this person is an adulterer because, although the right circumstances for physical adultery may be missing, the desire remains intact. \\n\\nTo ensure that those who may not grasp the complexities of human nature do not assume that carnal desires dominate all individuals—including the saints—and to avoid arguments against Christ’s commands, we will briefly address the distinction between the soul's will and the flesh's will. Within us exist two natures: the soul and the body; hence, there are two wills—one belonging to the soul and the other to the flesh. This results in two kinds of anger and two kinds of lust: those of the soul and those of the flesh. The nature of the flesh cannot be entirely detached from these passions. Thus, even involuntarily, the flesh experiences both anger and lust because it was created without its own will, existing now under the law of sin, as it is \\"sold to sin.\\" The apostle indicates this by stating that \\"carnal thoughts are enmity against God; for they do not obey the law of God, neither can they\\" (Rom. 8:7). \\n\\nIn contrast, the soul is endowed with free will, aligned with God's righteous law; therefore, it is not compelled to anger or lust unless it chooses to. Whenever we find ourselves feeling anger or lust but feel discontent with these emotions and strive to suppress them, it becomes evident that it is solely our flesh that reacts, not the soul. However, when we feel justified in giving in to anger or lust, our soul aligns with these sentiments as well. Thus, God—understanding that the fleshly nature is resistant to Him—issues commands that pertain to the flesh. Is it truly fair to command something that cannot comply even if it desired to? God addresses the soul, granting it commandments that empower it to obey Him in all aspects, allowing it—despite the flesh's inclinations—to remain free from anger and lust."},{"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":"Since affection springs from perception, Christ declares that one who indulges the eyes without sustenance is like an adulterer, thereby cautioning against both the act and the intention. Concerning homicide, the law punishes the killer, but Christ holds accountable even the one who harbors anger, for He sets forth a decree for the soul, whereas the law only addresses the physical action. This approach prevents the proliferation of sinful behavior by addressing the very source of temptation. Therefore, one must guard both sight and temper: restrain the former to avoid leading to adultery, and the latter to prevent the path to murder.\\n\\nIf the contamination were confined only to the outer realms, it might be healable. However, if it reaches the very essence of the soul, no one should be misled. Should anyone, in misleading others, claim that \\"No one receives a crown unless he contends lawfully\\" (2 Tim. 2:5), and thus believes that the struggle is honorable if he manages to refrain from the act itself, let him recognize that the Master and Judge of all contests affirmed that \\"Whoever looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.\\" Therefore, the valid struggle is not shaped by personal laziness or bias but is defined by the incorruptible Judge. \\n\\nThoroughly investigate, O honorable individual, and you will discover that He embodies truth. The scripture does not state that simply seeing a woman and cultivating desire will lead one to punishment as an adulterer; such a claim would be unreasonable and unfounded. Rather, it specifies that he who gazes at a woman in order to harbor lust—who intentionally invites passion to take root, who continuously engages with this thought and serves those passions through persistent gazing—is already guilty of adultery in his heart (Matthew 5:29). The message is evident to those with even modest understanding that this pertains to those who are pursuing the impossible. If she is married, virtuous, and protected by many, how could he who loves her ever truly possess her? Thus, the label of \\"adulterer\\" rightly applies to him who lacks restraint from the action itself, should the opportunity arise. If all the faculties of the soul were not consumed by desire, the body would not be burdened or seek out encounters or lustful scenes to gratify its cravings, as many avoid gazing at those they cherish out of shame. Yet if the love of honor tempers the eyes more than lust for the flesh, then this also is heightened by the fear of God. If anyone questions, \\"What if a man refrains when temptation arises?\\" I respond: This represents a true and divine act, a genuine testimony of chastity. Such a person, if only glancing in passing and feeling vulnerable, will not endeavor to gaze frequently; on the contrary, he will distance himself, ensuring that repeated sight does not serve as kindling for desire. He who seeks to gaze is essentially affirming his own passions. And if he boasts that constant looking does not invite danger, he will be corrected by Job, who, having been praised, declared, \\"I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a young woman\\" (Job 31:1). Should one fail to recognize their own inadequacy in this struggle against evil, it is only right to question the validity of their claims that they continuously gaze without consequence. Even if one boldly speaks the truth, they face rebuke for misinterpreting the Divine message. The Lord did not say \\"Look but do not lust,\\" nor \\"Lust but remain patient.\\" Yet if he shows no shame regarding his actions, he ought to be humbled by the one who proclaimed, \\"I live, yet not I, but Christ lives in me\\" (Galatians 2:20). This speaker, who articulated words surpassing all wisdom while carrying them in a fragile vessel, did not cease from that struggle, affirming, \\"I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should be disqualified\\" (1 Corinthians 9:27). Thus, if such a one contained the desires of the flesh, let everyone strive for safety through the avoidance of sight and by staying far from that which ignites temptation. \\n\\nI am greatly impressed by your straightforward recognition of the Gospel's teaching as one of profound respect. However, you ask, \\"What impact does this have on the one who is seen if the observer is susceptible?\\" You must understand that if she conducts herself with virtue and dignity, avoiding snares for those who encounter her, nothing will occur. But should she indulge in elaboration, lay traps of pleasure, and disseminate poison, she renders herself deserving of condemnation. I underscore this because you perceive the Lord's words to pertain solely to men, failing to recognize their application to women as well. The universal principles are stated for both genders, except those guidelines meant specifically for one or the other. Therefore, if women do not surrender to carnal desires, the Lord's teachings do not apply; yet when they become ensnared in such passions, the teachings extend to them as well. The admonition \\"Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked\\" (Psalm 1:1) and \\"Blessed is the man who fears the Lord\\" (Psalm 111:1), and all similar insights, apply not just to husbands, but also to wives, being spoken in relation to authority and subordination. Likewise, the decree to refrain from lust due to frequent sight applies to both genders. \\n\\nWe must not misconstrue the essence of the words, just as some strive to insist that \\"Death is rest for man\\" (Job 3:23) means that death serves only the brave and noble. In truth, for the valiant and esteemed, death is a reprieve, marking the conclusion of struggles and the dawn of rewards. Hence it is noted, \\"Who can find a virtuous wife?\\" (Proverbs 31:10). So that none may interpret this as implying the impossibility of such a wife’s existence, it is stated in another context: \\"A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband\\" (Proverbs 12:4). The term \\"husband\\" often denotes strength. Yet here Job does not refer exclusively to the noble but considers every person surrounded by relentless strife. If anyone remains skeptical, they might recognize this from the context of the discourse. The complete declaration is as follows: \\"Why is light given to those in misery, and life to the bitter of soul? To those who long for death that does not come, who search for it more than for hidden treasures\\" (Job 3:20-23). That is, when overwhelmed by temptations arising from every side, which feel insurmountable, death becomes an appealing prospect. If they reject this interpretation due to the mention of a husband, let it be said that \\"husband\\" can refer not only to men but to women as well. For someone who kills a husband is equally capable of killing a wife; in the Greek language, a singular term refers to both male and female figures. Nevertheless, leaving this argument aside, let us seek to uphold all views through Divine principles. \\n\\nThus, what shall they say if they encounter the notion \\"A wicked man walks in perverse ways\\" (Proverbs 6:12)? What shall be their response to the declaration that \\"the foolish shall not understand\\" (Psalm 91:7)? And what will be said when it is stated: \\"He shall be likened to a foolish man\\" (Matthew 7:26)? If the term \\"husband\\" does not denote man in general but rather those of courage and nobility, then why is the wayward, foolish man labeled as a husband here? \\n\\nNow, turning back to my original intent, since both the commandments of the law and the sayings of the Gospel, which explicate sins and illuminate blessings, pertain to both husbands and wives, it follows that wives must also exercise caution and curb their vision to avoid facing punishment akin to that of adulterers. For while the desire for carnal connection exists within both genders (some argue that a husband’s desire is more commanding while others suggest the wife’s desire is stronger), each serves a unique role: one sows, the other receives; one conceives, the other bears; one is akin to the farmer, the other to the caretaker of the field. Thus, while there are particulars that differentiate the roles of men and women, the commandments are common and inseparable. Each is charged with the warning: \\"Thou shalt not commit adultery\\" (Exodus 20:14); if either husband or wife is found guilty, both shall be held accountable. Therefore, it is also stated that \\"Everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with the woman in his heart,\\" and it is evident that anyone, whether husband or wife, who gazes with lust at another has already committed adultery in their heart."},{"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":"He who halts and, with his gaze, incites longing, and looks again with fervent desire, has already sinned in his heart through adultery. If he did not perform the act, what follows? Merely that he was incapable, and had he been able, he would have committed the wickedness without hesitation. However, understand that if we wish for something but face an obstacle that prevents us from acting upon that desire, it is evident that we are under the shelter of grace. Furthermore, women who adorn themselves to attract favor, sin, even if they do not receive it. For they have prepared a drink, although it goes untasted."},{"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":"When you encounter references to the eye and the hand, do not assume these pertain solely to physical body parts; the emphasis on 'the right' and 'the right hand' suggests a deeper meaning. This passage addresses those who appear to be our allies yet cause us harm. For instance, a young man may associate with reckless companions and endure suffering as a result. The Lord advises to part ways with them. In doing so, you may potentially lead them to repentance; if they do not come to their senses, at least you will safeguard your own well-being. Clinging to your affection for them could lead to mutual destruction."},{"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":"In the same manner as the earlier commandment, where a distinction was made regarding timely and untimely wrath, in this commandment, when it is stated: with lust, a differentiation is made between gazes that are driven by uncontrolled desire and those that stem from passionate yearning. It is not simply stated: he who gazes, but rather: he who gazes with lust, meaning he who observes intently and with longing, thereby awakening the desire for intimacy. Such a person has already filled their heart with passion and has committed adultery in their heart. Alternatively, he who gazes to incite desire is actively seeking after passion, rushing toward lust, and yielding to it, even if he has not physically engaged with his wife, he has done so in thought. However, he who glances at her in passing or due to necessity bears no culpability. The term \\"wife\\" here encompasses a married woman, one who has been released by her husband, and a maiden. It is essential to understand that although these teachings seem to be aimed at husbands, they equally apply to wives. The husband is the head of the wife (Eph. 5:23), and the members are connected to the head. He has prohibited the watchful gaze because from it arises passion in the heart; a heart filled with passion also drives the body toward actions of intimacy. Therefore, He severed the source, ensuring that when it produced a branch, it would not yield fruit."},{"author-name":"Ignatij (Briantchaninow)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ce37597540c9caa5df5_Ignatij%20(Briantchaninow).png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The Mosaic Law prohibited adultery, as the Lord condemned sinful desires (Matthew 5:27, 28). The impact of this commandment on our sinful nature is profound. If you seek to turn away from impure sights, thoughts, and fantasies, recall the words of the Lord: Anyone who gazes at a woman with lustful intent in his heart is already guilty of desire for her."},{"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":"Behold. One either sees with physical eyes or mentally indulges in the allure of temptation. With desire. Therefore, if a man experiences desire against his will and actively strives to resist it, he cannot be held accountable by the Savior. ‘Jesus Christ does not prohibit all desires, but specifically the desires that arise from gazing upon others’ spouses, for those who take pleasure in admiring attractive individuals often ignite within themselves a blaze of passion, ensnaring their souls, which can quickly lead to the fulfillment of such desires. Hence, the Savior did not entirely forbid looking at others’ spouses; rather, He cautioned against viewing them with lust’ (Chrysostom). In your heart. The heart serves as the core of life, the source of emotions and longings (cf. Matthew 15:19)."},{"author-name":"Theophan the Recluse","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8983a6e0f4c3aecaae3fc_Theophan%20the%20Recluse.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":19,"exegesis-text":"How can we navigate life in community without gazing upon our wives? Yet, it is not solely the act of looking at one's wife that constitutes adultery, but rather the gaze infused with desire. Observe the world around you, but keep your heart anchored. View women through the innocent eyes of children, seeing them with purity, devoid of wicked thoughts. Women are to be cherished, for the commandment to love one’s neighbor encompasses everyone, and this love must be sincere, grounded in the spirit and enriched by virtuous intentions. In Christianity, before God, there is no distinction between male and female, reflecting the nature of relationships among believers. You may argue that this is challenging. Indeed, there is no victory without struggle; however, this struggle arises from the desire to resist wrongdoing. The desire to refrain is attributed to the purity bestowed by our compassionate Lord."},{"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":"The Lord declared that anyone who gazes at a woman with lust has already engaged in adultery in his heart. Thus, just as there exists a form of adulterous desire within, there is also a corresponding virtue - the purity of the heart. To cultivate this purity, one must maintain a heart free from all fleshly desires and thoughts that contradict chastity. It is essential to resist the unwelcome intrusions of impure thoughts without entertaining them. To achieve this, one should vigilantly oversee the movements of their thoughts and inclinations, actively safeguarding both mind and heart. This can be accomplished by immersing oneself in the Word of God and engaging in focused, inner prayer."},{"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":"This is why Christ the Savior, as the ultimate Divine Lawgiver, elucidates and fulfills this commandment: “And I TELL YOU THAT EVERYONE WHO LOOKS AT A WOMAN with lust, whether through physical sight or in the imagination concerning a woman or a maiden, IS WITH Lust. By gazing at her beauty, he stirs within himself sinful desires and willingly invites this beast into his own heart; he has, in essence, already approached the woman—if not physically, then through his sinful gaze and longing—and has already experienced love for her in his heart. Indeed, he may not have acted upon the sin, but what difference does it make? If he had the opportunity, he would have committed the act immediately. ‘Similarly, women who adorn themselves to gain favor,’ as Blessed Theophylact points out, ‘also sin, even if no one admires them; they have concocted poison that remains unconsumed because no one partakes of it.’ St. John Chrysostom states, ‘When we observe a child playing with a sword, we discipline him and prevent him from touching it again; in the same manner, God forbids sinful gazes to guard us from ultimately falling into actual sin.’ Consequently, Job resolved never to permit himself such a glance. The Savior teaches, ‘Thou shalt not commit adultery with the eyes; therefore, thou shalt not commit adultery in thy heart.’ You may wonder why Jesus does not mention women in this context? Chrysostom answers that He establishes universal principles, addressing the husband for the building up of the household while simultaneously instructing the entire family unit, that is, the wife. For He understands that husband and wife are one; thus, He does not differentiate between the sexes."},{"author-name":"Philaret (Amphiteatrov)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c896e9b7a2ebaf99e4620a_Philaret%20(Amphiteatrov).png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Two powerful passions, dear listeners, as noted by the Holy Fathers, rage fiercely within the human heart tainted by sin. These emotions serve as sources of nearly all the tribulations that afflict the earthly descendants of fallen Adam: the passion of anger and the passion of lust. The first, if left unchecked from the outset, takes root in a heart created for love of neighbors, fostering a hatred that is detrimental to humanity. The second, if not extinguished at its initial spark, transforms the heart of a Christian—cleansed by baptism and sanctified by the Holy Spirit for pure devotion to God and virtue—into a host for various impure desires that ravage both soul and body. Thus, our Saviour Christ, who came to restore our souls damaged by sin through His life-giving teachings, earnestly instructs us to safeguard our hearts against these lethal passions. He commands us not only to refrain from actions but also to guard our words and thoughts of anger, which disrupt the bond of love with our neighbors. As we heard previously, He urges us to be vigilant against even the slightest inclination to passions that taint our love for God. According to His divine declaration, even a lustful glance at another's spouse constitutes an offense committed in the heart, visible to the all-knowing God. Such an offense, while concealed from human judgment, remains exposed before God's scrutiny, prompting Him to withdraw His favor from the wrongdoer—a gaze that will not return until genuine repentance is expressed. For as the Prophet states, the Lord’s eyes are so pure that He cannot behold any wickedness without profound indignation (Hab. 1:13). The Lord's withdrawal from the heart of the unfaithful serves as a profound punishment, one invisible yet more severe than any visible retribution. This consists of God removing His light and grace from a heart hardened in its unfaithfulness, allowing it to succumb to its own frailty, in accordance with His just and active judgment. What can be more destitute than a person left to their own devices and inherent corruption? In an effort to protect us from this imperceptible yet never unavoidable judgment of divine righteousness, our compassionate Saviour cautions us: But if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is better for thee to lose one of thy members, than for thy whole body to be cast into hell."}]}
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