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Explanation for:
Matthew
6
:
3
But when thou dost alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doth.
15
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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":"Moreover, it is not just acts of charity that require discretion; in performing any virtuous actions, your left hand should remain unaware. If it becomes aware, the righteousness of your right hand's deeds is quickly compromised."},{"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":"Let not the desires of the flesh be aware of the guidance offered by the Holy Spirit. However, can a charitable giver truly give without their hands engaging in the act of generosity? It is essential that both hands work together in the service of charity. When the left hand holds the funds or purse, the right hand plants a precious seed in the fertile ground of the beggar's heart, not to gain a meager harvest of straw, but to nurture eternal life secured on the cross. The Only Begotten desires that the carnal mind remains unaware of the actions of the Holy Spirit's right hand, so that it does not obstruct the noble intention and bounteous will by suggesting: ‘for many years we could have food for ourselves, money for necessities, varied garments, clean homes, tableware, servants, and properties for profit.’ The Holy Spirit's right hand is not preoccupied with such concerns and does not long for these things, taking heed of the Master’s teaching: Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added unto you (Matt. 6:33). In this way, let the flesh be oblivious to the deeds of the right hand. When the mind is steadfast and determined to please God, diligently striving to adhere to its obligations and acting righteously, it does not entertain thoughts of anything outside of what is beneficial for its purpose, much like an artist focusing intently on a single tool. Furthermore, if faith embodies no grounds for skepticism, if light by its nature does not produce darkness, and if the devil cannot dare appear alongside Christ, then it is clear that that which opposes reason stands at odds with it. Hence, if what contradicts reason cannot be harmonized with it, one who has risen to the mindset of virtue does not acknowledge conditions contrary to that mindset, but recognizes a singular virtue. Thus, they are unaware of excess in the right hand or deficiency in the flesh, as both scenarios reveal what opposes reason."},{"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":"After rebuking the hypocrites and aiming to bring shame to the listeners, Christ once again heals the soul burdened by pride, first explaining how not to give alms and then demonstrating the correct manner of doing so. How should one give? Let your left hand remain unaware of what your right hand is doing. In this instance, He is not referring to the hands literally; rather, He enhances His message: if it is possible, He suggests, to remain oblivious to your own actions, and if it is feasible to conceal your deeds even from the hands that serve you, strive to achieve this. Therefore, those who interpret His words as a command to conceal actions from the most wicked among men do not fully grasp the depth of His instruction. Here, He instructs us to conceal our acts from everyone."},{"author-name":"Basil the Great","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c889927158e4af30595484_Basil%20the%20Great.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"What actions does the right hand perform that the left hand is unaware of? ...? The response is this: When the mind, focused and filled with a deep longing for God's favor, diligently seeks to fulfill its righteous purpose, it does so with unwavering commitment, giving no attention to anything apart from what serves its divine goal. In this way, just as an artist dedicates his attention solely to the tool that aids him in his craft, the mind is solely occupied with that which aligns with its intended mission."},{"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":"The divine command, “Let not thy hand take away what thy right hand doeth,” is not obscure or hidden, dear friends; rather, it is illuminated and evident to those who genuinely seek understanding. In the aftermath of performing a righteous act, we often experience pride and a longing for recognition. Thus, the Lord instructs us: let your good works be done without fervor stemming from self-importance, and do not accompany your triumphs with lofty thoughts. If you perform a virtuous deed, keep it from public display, avoid seeking glory, and refrain from pursuing the applause of this world; instead, look forward to the rewards that are yet to come."},{"author-name":"Chromatius of Aquileia","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88a3df6d7a747a33b4f4a_Chromatius%20of%20Aquileia.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":5,"exegesis-text":"In this context, the Lord is not referring to the physical hands of the human body, which lack the ability to see or speak. Instead, the reference to the right and left hands symbolizes specific individuals or their actions. The Scriptures illustrate that the term \\"hand\\" can represent a person, as seen in the account from the book of Kings where it states, “Have I not ten hands in Israel” (2 Kings 19:43), indicating the ten tribes of Israel. Thus, it is evident that the right hand symbolizes the righteous, while the left hand pertains to the wicked. As Solomon noted, \\"The Lord knows the upright, but the wicked He knows not\\" (cf. Ecclesiastes 10:2; Proverbs 4:27). This distinction between right and left is prominently affirmed by the Lord in the Gospel, where He declares that the righteous will be placed on His right side and the unrighteous on His left (cf. Matt. 25:33). Consequently, those on the right, who act in accordance with the Lord's will, are encouraged not to take pride in their righteous deeds before sinners and unbelievers, effectively ignoring their left hand in matters of boasting about their faith and godliness."},{"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":"It has been stated in an exaggerated manner that if possible, you should shield yourself from it. Indeed, the left hand embodies vanity while the right hand represents compassion. Therefore, let your generosity be free from the taint of pride."},{"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":"After explaining what should not be done, He proceeds to instruct on the proper course of action. By referring to the left hand, He symbolizes those who are close and cherished, as nothing is more intimate than one's hand. He emphasizes that even they should remain unaware of the kindness shown by your right hand. Alternatively, this could be understood as an exaggerated manner of speaking: let the right hand’s actions remain concealed even from the left hand, highlighting the importance of great discretion in this matter. Furthermore, the right hand represents righteousness, while the left hand signifies wrongdoing. Therefore, let wrongdoing be oblivious to the deeds of righteousness, and let good actions be performed without the influence of wrongdoing."},{"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":"The essence of the initial verses of Matthew 6, specifically verses 1 through 6, along with 16 to 18, conveys that acts of charity and duties of worship, such as prayer and fasting, should not be performed for the sake of outward appearance or to attain human recognition. If one seeks accolades from others, that is the sole reward they will receive. It is truly fortunate for the one who aims solely to exalt the Father in heaven, allowing their righteous actions to illuminate the lives of others, in accordance with the Lord's instructions to His disciples. However, for those whose hearts grapple with pride, it is preferable to engage in fasting, prayer, and acts of kindness toward others in a manner that remains concealed, known only to God. In turn, your Father will reward you privately, referring to the final judgment where all angels and humanity will witness the outcome."},{"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":"You are to give to those in need with such discretion that even your left hand remains unaware of what your right hand is doing. But what do these teachings of our Savior signify? Is there truly a distinction between giving with one hand as opposed to the other? Aren’t both hands equally close to us? It becomes apparent that Christ is not referring literally to the hands but rather to the attitude of the heart. He instructs us to conceal our acts of charity not only from others, which is contrary to the ways of the hypocritical, but also from ourselves, as St. Chrysostom sheds light on this passage. This guidance is crucial for maintaining the purity of our love for God and our neighbors, protecting it from the harmful influence of self-love—a byproduct of our sinful nature—that can insidiously mingle with our charitable deeds. Without onlookers to observe our actions, our hearts may still proclaim these deeds and lead us to take pride in them.\\n\\nIndeed, there are those who, out of pride, shun human acclaim, yet they attribute the glory of their virtues to themselves rather than to God, who alone deserves it. However, one might wonder how it is even possible for us to remain unaware of our good deeds. It is not only achievable but is a matter of truth; upon deep and honest self-reflection, we recognize that we possess nothing save for our own emptiness, and even worse than that, our sin. This is our true inheritance; all else we possess is a gracious gift from the Lord, our Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer. Therefore, if His generosity enables us to assist our neighbor, can we truly claim this as our own without infringing on justice? The most noble intentions within us to aid others originate solely from God's grace and mercy, prompting us to find no satisfaction in our own goodness apart from Him. As Scripture states, we are to find our confidence only in God (2 Corinthians 3:5), as articulated by St. Paul. \\n\\nIn light of this, it is more appropriate and just to question how we might perceive anything virtuous in our own nothingness and sinful nature. This is precisely why Christ instructed His followers, saying, “If you do all that you are commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants’” (Luke 17:10). Grounded in these words from the eternal Truth, when you give abundantly, maintain a humble disposition, acknowledging that you have yet to accomplish anything for God. While bestowing the gifts of His grace upon others, let yourself remain acutely aware of your own insignificance and the magnitude of God’s kindness towards you, which equips you to assist your fellow man. Then fulfill the command of Christ, ensuring that your self-love does not overshadow your genuine love for God and your neighbor as you give. In this manner, your charity will be genuine—not performed for human eyes but for the gaze of God. As the Savior further reminds us: “But when you give to the needy, do so in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you” (Matthew 6:4)."},{"author-name":"Ivanov A.V.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88db13197efab881aa332_Ivanov%20A.V..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Do not allow your right hand to interfere with the actions of your left hand. Among the Jews, the right hand was esteemed over the left, with many significant actions accomplished solely by the right hand. Maimonides notes that during the Temple period, the offering of the sacrificial blood to the altar was performed using the right hand, never the left. Even today, the tradition of pouring and consuming the Sabbath cup of wine is carried out with the right hand alone, as per Jewish custom. This practice symbolizes a focused attention and, in a sense, reverence for the act being performed. When applied to the giving of alms, the reference to the right and left hand emphasizes the importance of genuine care from the giver, ensuring that no selfish or self-serving intentions are mingled with the righteous act of charity."},{"author-name":"Michail (Gribanowski)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89544b6742cb4acf9d64e_Michail%20(Gribanowski).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"\\"Beware of performing your acts of charity in front of others to gain their admiration, for if you do, you will forfeit the reward from your Father in heaven. Therefore, when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in synagogues and public places to receive praise from others. Truly, I tell you, they have received their reward in full. However, when you give to the needy, do it in such a way that your left hand does not know what your right hand is doing, so that your acts of charity may remain hidden; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you openly.” Matthew 6:1-4\\n\\nIn this passage from the Gospel, the Lord defines the sacred purpose of almsgiving, emphasizing that it is an act directed solely towards God and conducted under His gaze as an offering for His glory. In contemporary society, we often perceive charity as a purely human endeavor, closely tied to individual welfare or social benefit. When we donate, we typically view it as a service rendered to humanity or as a means of aiding our fellow man. Our focus may gravitate more toward societal acknowledgment than toward divine recognition. This tendency leads us to seek affirmation and gratitude from those we assist; we expect appreciation when we place a coin in a beggar's hand or when we contribute to a public cause. Gratification of our generosity, whether through discussions or public acknowledgment, seems natural when our motivations are human-centric.\\n\\nNevertheless, this perspective diverges from God's command regarding how we should regard our charitable acts. The relationship should be between God and ourselves; giving to others should be regarded as a sacrifice made to Him. The recipient is merely a living altar upon which we express our love for God, and we should feel gratitude for the opportunity to demonstrate that love through our philanthropic offerings. The response of the recipient, whether gratitude or indifference, holds no significance for us, much like the substance of the altar does not determine the worth of our sacrifice. Our only desire should be for our offerings to be pleasing to God, and this is more likely when our intentions are pure, devoid of selfish motives or desires for recognition, directed wholly to Him.\\n\\nScripture provides illustrations of sacrifices made by Cain and Abel; Cain's smoke wanders across the earth, while Abel's ascends straight to heaven. This difference perhaps indicated God's acceptance of Abel's offering over Cain's. Such imagery serves as a reminder for our charitable actions. If the news of our generosity spreads far and wide, like gossip across the land, it is a sign of failure. More desirable is a situation where our benefactions rise to God in the tranquil, sincere space of our hearts, much like Abel's sacrifice. If we adopt this perspective towards charity, it follows that we will not boast about our deeds, but rather, we will seek to keep them hidden, just as we guard our most cherished and intimate moments with God.\\n\\nThus, our actions will reflect a state in which our left hand remains unaware of what our right hand has done, indicating that we will not dwell on our deeds with pride or seek external validation. Our charitable contributions become mere moments of sacrifice rendered to God, praising Him in the process. Whatever the nature of our offerings holds little weight before God, who values such acts by the degree of our faith and love towards Him. Consider placing incense within a censer or lighting a candle before an icon; regardless of its size or grandeur, once it is consumed, the specifics do not matter to God, who oversees the vast cosmos. For Him, only our faith holds value, and our love is precious.\\n\\nWe should not linger in self-satisfaction over the size of our offerings, for in the eternal scheme, both large and small bear equal insignificance. The true benefactor recognizes that regardless of the quantity given, it remains inconsequential to God, who possesses the entirety of creation. Thus, such a giver will refrain from reflecting on the worth of their act, instead praising God for the opportunity to express their love and glorify Him. The desire to honor God anew soon replaces any contemplation of past deeds, much like the fleeting aroma of incense once released. Should one reduce their acts to mere human sentiment, seeking the applause of others, chasing praise or boasting, this person must understand they engage in a worldly pursuit, rather than a divine one, akin to actions of a well-meaning nonbeliever. Such deeds, devoid of heavenly intent, will not endure through eternity, but will dissipate along with the vanities of this world, failing to reach God and disregarding the fulfillment of Christ's command.\\n\\nReports in newspapers about charitable efforts are as relevant as boasting about how fervently one prays or how diligently one observes rituals in worship. Each act of kindness should be regarded as an intrinsic dialogue with God, a testament to His glory, and a demonstration of our gratitude towards Him."},{"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":"Christ instructs us that when you engage in prayer, allow your left hand to remain unaware of what your right hand is accomplishing. Conceal your actions not only from others, even those who are closest to you, but also strive to keep your good deeds hidden from your own awareness. Remember that within you dwells the old, sinful nature, which operates through your wrongful thoughts and cravings. Therefore, shield the old self from the workings of your renewed self—your conscience, illuminated by the truth of the Gospel and empowered by the Holy Spirit."},{"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":"Let not your left hand be aware of what your right hand is doing. This appears to be a popular saying, suggesting that acts of kindness should be performed discreetly so as not to draw attention from others, remaining as concealed as possible. Here, the reference is not to the hands literally, but rather emphasizes the idea that if it is feasible to be oblivious to your own actions and to conceal them even from the hands that assist you, then endeavor to achieve that. It is evident that there is no prohibition against openly giving to those in need, provided there is no self-serving intention to seek admiration from others; the act of giving is only restricted when driven by such self-centered ambitions."},{"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":"At times, an individual who performs acts of kindness purely out of love for others, without seeking recognition or earthly rewards, may begin to elevate himself and dwell on his own virtues. Such arrogance and pride represent a far greater transgression than mere vanity; this is the very sin that Christ cautions against, instructing us to carry out good deeds as if they were concealed from our own awareness: \\"Let thy left hand not know what thy right hand is doing.\\" This means that after performing a good act, one should strive to forget it entirely, refraining from speaking of it or even recalling it. The purpose is to avoid being puffed up by the admiration of others and to prevent pride from taking root in our hearts. Rather, we should always bear in mind that in selflessly engaging in good works, we are not achieving something extraordinary that warrants accolades; instead, we are merely fulfilling our responsibilities and acting in accordance with God's will."}]}
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