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Explanation for:
Matthew
6
:
4
That thy alms may be in secret, and thy Father who seeth in secret will repay thee.
9
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{"arr":[{"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":"Consider what reward has been promised. After discussing the penalties designated for the hypocrites, the Savior reveals the glory that awaits those who give in secret, intending to motivate His listeners towards greater teachings. He indicates that God is omnipresent, and our actions extend beyond this life; after our earthly journey, we will stand before a fearsome judgment, account for all our deeds, and receive either honor or punishment. In that moment, neither minor nor major acts can be concealed, even if they seem hidden from humanity during our time on earth. The Savior hinted at this when He expressed, “Thy Father, who seeth in secret, will reward thee openly.” He will reward you when He presents you with a magnificent and sacred vision, granting you abundantly what you now yearn for. What is it that you seek? Is it not to have someone witness your actions? Your audience is the God of all creation Himself, surpassing even angels and archangels. If you desire humans to witness your deeds, He will fulfill this longing in due time, fully satisfying that desire. Should you choose to reveal yourself now, your visibility would be limited to a handful of individuals; however, if you strive to keep a low profile, it is God Himself who will elevate you before all existence. Thus, if you genuinely wish for humans to acknowledge your virtues, it is wise to conceal them now, ensuring they are seen with greater honor when God ultimately unveils them. Those who witness you now may accuse you of vanity; yet, when they see you adorned with glory, not only will they refrain from accusations, but all will be filled with awe. Therefore, if you can receive the greatest reward from God and astound everyone, all for the sake of enduring a brief period of humility, consider the folly it would be to forgo both, seeking the recognition of people while God observes your deeds. If you must reveal yourself, let it be to the Father, especially since He holds the authority to crown and condemn. Even were God not to punish vanity, it would still be unseemly for a glory-seeker to exchange divine acknowledgment for the attention of mortals. Who would be so unfortunate as to disregard the king, eager to witness his grand achievements, in favor of being seen only by the poor and the beggar? Thus, the Savior instructs us not only to refrain from self-promotion but also to earnestly seek to minimize our visibility to others; the desire to display oneself and the desire to remain hidden are not equivalent."},{"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":"Behold, He speaks of the enigma of the heart rather than a physical location. For the Lord dwells within the depths of our hearts, not in some hidden space. Reflect on the fact that God desires our actions to be performed quietly, not that they remain unrecognized. After all, He instructs us to let our light shine before others, so they may observe our good deeds and give glory to our Father who is in heaven (Matt. 5:16). This is so that He may reveal it Himself. Every act of goodness shines brighter when it is concealed by us but made evident by God. Therefore, if you reveal yourself, few will commend you—only those who may not grasp that you could have acted discreetly. Those who do perceive this will likely criticize rather than celebrate. However, when you are made known by God, no one will cast judgment upon you except perhaps an unrighteous person, for a good person is often resented by the wicked. It is certain that a good act performed in secrecy will not be abandoned by God; in this present age, He brings it to light, and in the age to come, He will glorify it, for the glory belongs to God."},{"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 naturally pointed out that God will serve as your witness, rejoicing like a father in the virtuous deeds of His children. You will not be deprived of what you offer; rather, from Him, you will attain the complete reward for your generosity. He did not need to specify from where alms should originate, as this was understood by all. He also satisfied those who yearn for righteousness."},{"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 one who observes your deeds in private will reward you publicly. The purpose of performing acts of charity discreetly is that it pleases God; He is aware of all our deeds, no matter how hidden they are, and will reward them in a visible manner. This fulfillment can occur in this lifetime, where the giver not only experiences an abundance but is also visibly enriched; however, it will be most apparent at the Final Judgment of Christ, when the rewards for every action will be revealed. (Matthew 25:31ff.)"},{"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":"\\"Be cautious not to practice your acts of charity in front of others in order to be seen by them, for if you do, you will forfeit your reward from your Father in heaven. Therefore, when you give to those in need, do not announce it with trumpets as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets so that others may honor them. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do so in secret, letting your left hand remain unaware of what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be discreet; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you openly.\\" Matthew 6:1-4\\n\\nIn these teachings from the Gospel, the Lord delineates the purely spiritual significance of charitable giving, emphasizing that it is directed solely toward God, to be performed in His sight as an offering of worship. In contemporary terms, there tends to be a prevailing notion that charity pertains primarily to human relations, focusing on the individual's role in society. When we engage in charitable actions, we often view them as merely beneficial to others. Our donations to public causes are seen as contributions to the greater good of society, with the idea of God’s acknowledgment taking a secondary role—if it is considered at all. Thus, it is natural for us to seek recognition for our good deeds; when we help someone in need, we look for expressions of gratitude, and when we support a cause, we desire acknowledgment from the community. Conversations about our generosity and the press coverage of our charitable actions often become a necessary component of our altruistic endeavors, especially if we are motivated by human commendation. We expect tangible results—a reflection of our efforts, a sign that our contributions have borne fruit. \\n\\nHowever, God's perspective on our actions is markedly different. In the act of giving, our relationship with God should be central. Our charitable efforts become a sacrifice offered to Him, with the person receiving the aid serving as a living altar through which we can express our devotion. It is crucial to recognize that the acknowledgment from others does not determine the value of our gift. What matters is whether our offering is pleasing to God. The purity of our intentions—free from self-serving motives and desires for human recognition—enhances the likelihood that our sacrifice will be accepted. \\n\\nIn sacred narratives, the sacrifices of Cain and Abel illustrate this concept. Observers saw that Abel's offering ascended directly to heaven, while Cain's dissipated over the earth, signifying God's acceptance of one and rejection of the other. Such a principle can be applied to our charitable deeds. It is unfavorable if our acts of kindness become a spectacle, spread widely by the media. Conversely, it is commendable if they rise to God in the quietude of our sincere hearts, much like Abel's offering. \\n\\nIf we approach almsgiving and charity with this understanding, it follows that we would avoid making our deeds known to others and instead strive to keep them hidden, just as we keep our most sacred prayers private. We would refrain from self-congratulation for what we have done and avoid attributing significance to our actions based on external accolades. In reality, our charitable acts are made solely for the glory of God. \\n\\nWhen we light a candle before an icon or offer incense, the act itself, whether grand or modest, holds minimal value in the eyes of God compared to the faith and love that motivate it. The size or quality of our offerings is inconsequential to Him. Thus, the true benefactor understands that their contributions, regardless of magnitude, are insignificant from a divine perspective; all belongs to God, and our gifts reflect our opportunity to demonstrate love and reverence toward Him. \\n\\nThe benefactor gives without dwelling on the importance of the act, simply grateful for the chance to honor God and unburdened by thoughts of prior deeds, which are transient like the fragrance of incense. Those who seek human acknowledgment or public approval for their good works, leveraging their generosity in social circles, must realize that such actions are merely human in nature—unreflective of true Christian practice. Their efforts will yield no lasting spiritual impact and will vanish along with worldly recognition, as they neglect to fulfill Christ's commandment.\\n\\nPublic awareness of charitable works, akin to boasting about one's devoutness in prayer or the manner in which one worships, should remain a deeply personal affair, shielded from the scrutiny of others. Every act of kindness should ultimately be a manifestation of our communion with God, our offering of praise, and our expression of gratitude."},{"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":"Act with kindness and swiftly move to forget the deed, so that it may remain hidden from all. Recognize that you have simply carried out God’s command as an unblemished servant: what reason do you have for pride? Have you accomplished all that God has instructed? The act of charity is not your creation but God’s, entrusted to you. By fulfilling God’s work, let Him receive the glory, not us, O Lord, not us, but allow Your name to be exalted (Psalm 113:9). However, you will not miss out on glory: God observes all, His presence encompassing everything; at His Final Judgment, no deed, regardless of its size, can be concealed, no matter your attempts at disguise. Thus, be assured that your heavenly Father, who perceives the unseen, knows that nothing can be hidden from Him, and He will reward you openly. This reward may sometimes manifest in this life, where the giver’s hand is filled generously; yet, it will be especially clear on the Day of Christ's Judgment, when the recompense for your actions and intentions will be revealed. ‘What do you desire? - St. Chrysostom comments. - Is it not that your deeds be witnessed? Look, you have not merely angels or archangels as witnesses, but the Almighty God Himself. If you long for human witnesses, He will grant your request: if you seek to display yourself now, you may show yourself to a few, yet if you try to hide, God Himself will proclaim you to the entire world. Those who observe you now may charge you with pride, but on that day, all will marvel at you. Even if God refrains from punishing your desire for glory, it remains unbecoming for one seeking reputation to trade God for humanity by parading their good works. The King of Heaven desires to behold your actions; why do you turn away from Him in seeking human admiration?’ Your heavenly Father gazes upon you; strive to be worthy of such a Father. This was the way the saints of God extended mercy to their neighbors. Their lives are filled with poignant accounts of discreet charity. Recall how St. Nicholas the Wonderworker of Christ surreptitiously cast gold into the window of a destitute man’s home to help him marry off his three daughters. Remember how our Saint Tikhon of Zadonsk generously yet secretly provided for the poor through his helper. Even in our sinful times, by God’s grace, there exist such benevolent souls, known only to Him. They understand that true poverty feels ashamed to seek charity; it pains the needy to acknowledge their reliance on others, to subsist on the leftovers of others. Therefore, why expose the unfortunate to this embarrassment? Instead, offer charity in a manner that spares them shame, and you will have no grounds for vanity. How sweet the joy of your soul will be when you do good in secrecy! Your heart will sense that God’s blessing has showered upon it like dew from heaven, descending from above through the prayer of the poor whom you have uplifted with your kindness. Your unseen act of goodness will nourish your soul like heavenly manna and bring joy to your heart like oil of gladness, revealing to you the profound happiness that one act of Christian love can bestow. Let not your hand boast of what it accomplishes!"},{"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":"Allow your charitable acts to remain concealed, rooted in deep humility, constantly aware of your own unworthiness and sin. The heavenly Father, who attentively gazes upon the humble, the quiet, and those who tremble at His words (Is. 66:2), observes all hidden matters and will reward you visibly. With such a sacred attitude, one who shows compassion to the needy is, in essence, giving to God (Proverbs 19:17), for Scripture assures us that those who exercise mercy are often rewarded generously in this earthly life, receiving abundant blessings for themselves and their families. Yet, the true reward for their compassion will be unveiled when the Savior and Judge declares, before all the angels and saints, on the day of reckoning, “Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. I was hungry, and you provided for Me; I was thirsty, and you offered Me drink; I was a stranger, and you welcomed Me; I was naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me. As you have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, so you have done it unto Me” (Matthew 25:34-36, 40)."},{"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 essential message conveyed in the initial six verses of chapter 6 in Matthew, as well as in verses 16 to 18, emphasizes that acts of kindness and devotions intended to honor God, such as prayer and fasting, should not be performed for mere display or for the sake of gaining human admiration. Instead, those actions should be conducted with the intention of glorifying the Heavenly Father, allowing the light of one's good deeds to illuminate the lives of others, in line with the instructions given to the apostles. One who is not consumed by vanity will benefit more by engaging in fasting, prayer, and service to others in such a way that only God witnesses these deeds. In turn, your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will bestow rewards at the final judgment, before all angels and humanity."},{"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 accolades or worldly rewards, may inadvertently elevate themselves and dwell on their own righteousness. This form of vanity and arrogance is indeed a more significant transgression than mere superficial pride; it is this fault that Christ cautions us against, instructing us to engage in good works as though in secrecy: Let not your left hand know what your right hand is doing. This means that when you have done good, you should strive to forget it completely and refrain from discussing it or even recalling it; do not speak of it to avoid the temptation of being admired by others, and do not remember it so that pride does not take root. Instead, keep in mind that in performing unselfish deeds, we are not accomplishing anything extraordinary deserving of commendation; we simply fulfill our obligations and carry out God's will. For further insight on verse 4, refer back to verses 1 and 2."}]}
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