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Explanation for:
Matthew
6
:
19
Lay not up to yourselves treasures on earth: where the rust, and moth consume, and where thieves break through and steal.
12
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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":"Once the Savior had healed the affliction of pride, He turned to the issue of insatiable greed. Indeed, vanity often encourages an excessive love for wealth. Many ministers, castrated servants, lavishly adorned horses, resplendent silverware, and other such absurdities are crafted by people not to fulfill need or pursue pleasure, but simply to display themselves to others. Thus, while our Lord primarily spoke of acts of mercy, in His admonition against storing up treasures, He illustrated the depth of mercy needed. Recognizing that greed can grip individuals with immense force, He approached the subject of renouncing riches gradually, liberating them over time, and ultimately rendering the teaching of detachment from wealth palatable to the hearts of His listeners. This is why He initially proclaims: Blessed are the merciful (Matt. 5:7); next, He encourages reconciliation with an adversary (Matt. 5:25); then He teaches to relinquish one’s cloak to a litigant (Matt. 5:40); and here He raises the bar even higher. He advises that if you find yourself in the midst of conflict, it is preferable to forfeit your possessions than to engage in animosity over them. Yet here, He instructs His followers to regard material possessions with indifference, without addressing the contending parties directly. His command is directed more towards the giver of charity than the recipient, fostering a mindset of disdain towards wealth, prompting us to share with the needy, even when no grievances arise. However, He has yet to unveil the full truth. Though He demonstrated remarkable acts emphasizing the virtue of generosity in the wilderness, He refrains from full revelation, as the time was not yet right for such enlightenment. At this stage, He aims to clarify the common considerations of mankind, presenting His counsel more as a guide than a lawgiver. He warns, Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break in and steal. This illustrates both the perils associated with earthly riches and the worthiness of heavenly treasures, underscoring their true nature. He continues with another reflection. First, He motivates His audience toward virtue by referencing their greatest fear. What troubles you, He asks? Are you concerned that giving alms will deplete your resources? On the contrary, He encourages generosity, asserting that far from exhausting your wealth, it will flourish. While He does not elaborate at this point, He will later affirm this promise. Having indicated that their treasure will know no end, He simultaneously fosters a spirit of charity. He does not claim that almsgiving will preserve their wealth, but rather warns that failing to give will lead to its demise. Be astonished at His profound wisdom! He does not suggest they will merely leave their riches to others, a notion that might bring some comfort; instead, to their dismay, He reveals that they cannot escape this fate either, for it is not just people who threaten their treasures—moths and rust perpetually endanger them. While it may appear straightforward to safeguard against such losses, in reality, it proves challenging to counteract or avert them. Regardless of one’s efforts, the decay is inevitable. Is gold vulnerable to moths? If not destroyed by moths, theft looms large. But do thieves target everyone? Perhaps not all, yet far too many fall prey."},{"author-name":"Gregory of Nyssa","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88c197597540c9caa3754_Gregory%20of%20Nyssa.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Alienation from evil is inherently achieved through the efforts of reason alone, thus the Gospel does not demand difficult actions from us. Even labor isn't tied solely to mental striving; we can, with little effort, position ourselves anywhere our hearts desire. Therefore, anyone wishing to live a heavenly lifestyle on earth can easily do so by seeking heavenly wisdom and storing the riches of virtue in the divine treasuries. The Lord instructs, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth… but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:19-20), where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in and steal. These verses illustrate that within the life of the Spirit, no corrupting force can reside. If such a force is not swiftly cast out from one part of the soul, it inevitably spreads, leaving a damaging trace wherever it moves. Yet, if the heart remains steadfast, this force may still generate malice through external influences, breaking past the defenses of the soul’s treasury or emptying it of its virtues, as anger, sadness, or any other similar passion taints the mind. Since, as the Lord assures us, the heavenly treasures are untouched by moth, rust, or malicious theft, we should direct our efforts towards accumulating those treasures that are forever secure from loss and decay, yielding a bountiful harvest like sown seeds. The reward must reflect the nature of the one safeguarding the treasure. We can only offer so much in line with our own nature, which is modest; thus, it is just that the One who possesses abundance should compensate even our small contributions with His infinite riches. Therefore, let no one be disheartened in offering to the Divine storehouse according to their abilities, but rather let them maintain hope in the promise of the One who vowed to grant vast rewards in exchange for the little we offer, exchanging the heavenly for the earthly and the eternal for the temporal. Such rewards transcend human understanding and words. The Holy Scripture testifies to this, stating, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him” (1 Cor. 2:9)."},{"author-name":"Augustine of Hippo","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88950a5c988a4fc06c7ae_Augustine%20of%20Hippo.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":5,"exegesis-text":"If the heart is focused on earthly matters, meaning when individuals pursue actions solely for worldly gain, how can that which is grounded in the earth be considered pure? However, when the heart is oriented toward the heavens, it attains purity, for all that is heavenly is inherently pure. Anything becomes tainted when combined with a lower nature, even if it is not profane by its very essence; for instance, gold can become contaminated when mixed with pure silver. In a similar manner, our souls become stained by the allure of worldly desires, despite the earth itself being pure in its origin and proper design."},{"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":"Having eradicated the affliction of pride, the Lord continues His discourse on chastity, revealing that individuals are often preoccupied with amassing material wealth due to their selfishness. He highlights the futility of earthly possessions, noting that decay and pests consume food and garments, while robbers take away gold and silver. Furthermore, to counter any claims of honesty, He emphasizes that even if one does not personally steal, the very concern for material wealth constitutes a significant misfortune. Thus, the Lord proclaims, For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Matthew 6:21)."},{"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":"The worm and the aphid represent the internal thoughts that silently consume all the goodness within the soul. Meanwhile, the external thieves symbolize the superficial praises from outside that disrupt trivial aspirations and rob the soul of its concealed virtues. Once the affliction of vanity has been expelled, it is important to establish a standard against wastefulness, as nothing fosters an obsession with wealth quite like vanity. Consequently, individuals have created numerous servants, many eunuchs, and horses adorned with gold, silver dishes, and various forms of ostentation, not out of necessity, but rather to display their grandeur."},{"author-name":"Nicephoros (Theotokis)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8958407451968d9c204fb_Nicephoros%20(Theotokis).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":18,"exegesis-text":"The Lawgiver permitted acts of charity in another context, stating, \\"Both of you shall give alms from those who exist. Sell your possessions, and you will give alms\\" (Luke 11:41; Luke 12:33). In a different passage, the Teacher explained the salvific nature of almsgiving by saying, \\"To you, who do alms, let not your hand take away what your hand does\\" (Matthew 6:3). Here, the Counsellor provides motivations for charity, drawing wisdom from the essence of reality and the circumstances around us. He emphasizes that people should not store up their treasures on earth but in heaven. There are two realms where treasures can be stored: earthly and heavenly. The treasures of this world are fleeting and temporary, while those of heaven are eternal and incorruptible. Many who amass wealth on earth find even their temporal gains lack fulfillment, whereas those who treasure in heaven consistently enjoy the everlasting rewards that come from their generosity. The disparity between earthly and heavenly treasures is as vast as the distance between heaven and earth. Therefore, if one desires to accumulate treasure, it is wise to do so only in heaven. What constitutes earthly treasures? They include food, clothing, silver, gold, and precious stones. However, food perishes, clothing is consumed by moths and decay, and silver, gold, and jewels are susceptible to theft. This captures the essence of earthly treasures. In contrast, heavenly treasures are characterized by eternal glory, boundless joy, and an everlasting kingdom. This defines the essence of heavenly treasures. When you invest your treasure in heaven, you detach your mind from transient concerns and focus your desires and efforts on the eternal and imperishable; you shift your attention from worldly matters to heavenly pursuits, becoming a person of the heavenly realm. You coexist on earth with humanity while your spirit resides with God in heaven, preparing yourself for an everlasting kingdom. The God-Man did not elaborate on how to secure treasures in heaven in this instance, as He had taught this principle repeatedly. Yet, one clear method is known to all: by providing the needy with food, clothing, and financial support, which Jesus Himself receives, as He states, \\"For unto one of these least of these My brethren you have done unto Me\\" (Matthew 25:40). This treasure will remain with Him, safeguarded until the day of judgment, when He will grant us a reward in His eternal kingdom, saying, \\"Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world\\" (Matthew 25:34)."},{"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":"Earthly riches. The treasures held by the Jews, similar to those of all people, were comprised of various garments, ranging from simple to elaborate, as well as gold, silver, and other precious items. Such possessions can be at risk from moths, corrosion, or theft. The text encompasses all forms of destruction that can befall luxuries and wealth, implying that one should not excessively focus on the accumulation of worldly treasures, as they are inherently vulnerable. They may exist today but could be gone tomorrow, resulting in the owner's loss."},{"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":"The passage reflects on the transient nature of material possessions and the vanity of concerns over daily necessities. At the same time, it presents a splendid illustration of God's Providence, which attends to even the smallest details of creation, as well as to its most significant aspects, caring for both the flowers of the field and humanity, the pinnacle of His creation."},{"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":"Vanity gives rise to greed. To demonstrate their status before others, individuals often feel compelled to accumulate wealth. This is why the Savior addresses the issue of greed after healing vanity, urging: \\"DO NOT LAY UP FOR YOURSELVES TREASURES ON EARTH,\\" where wealth includes gold, silver, luxurious garments, and precious stones. Such treasures are perishable and misleading, for here on earth, one labors in vain, and where thieves infiltrate their work. Today, you may have your riches, yet they can be taken away tomorrow. St. John Chrysostom marvels at the profound wisdom of Christ, who did not merely state that you would leave your possessions to others after your passing—a thought many find comforting—but instead reveals the unsettling truth that such legacies are often unattainable. Even if individuals guard their riches, they are still susceptible to decay and theft. Does moths consume gold? If moths leave it unharmed, thieves will take it. While not everyone is robbed, many certainly are. Therefore, do not fix your heart on temporal riches, even when they appear abundant. Recognize that they are not truly yours but belong to God; be a faithful steward in the Lord's house. Listen to the words of the heavenly host."},{"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":"If, dear friends, this clear and straightforward commandment had not been imparted to us by the Lord—a truth evident to every discerning Christian—the fleeting nature and unreliability of worldly possessions should have removed the desire for greed from our hearts, from which our Savior seeks to safeguard our souls. Who among us is not aware that the fine ornaments and luxurious garments we use to beautify our perishable bodies are subject to moths, and that gold and silver corrode with rust, while all earthly wealth can be uncovered and taken away? Yet even if we could somehow protect our fragile treasures from the onslaught of moths, rust, and thieves, would not death—this common robber, against whom no human strength or wisdom can shield us, and who approaches unexpectedly—strip away all our worldly belongings? And will we not be carried away from our grand estates as well as our humble abodes to a somber grave? Will not the very bodies that we nourish and adorn with such diligence succumb to decomposition until they return to dust? The wealthy man described in the Gospel certainly believed he had ample cause to say to his soul: ’O soul, you have many goods stored up for many years; take it easy, eat, drink, and be merry.’ Yet, what does God say to him? ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’ Thus, you gather riches for yourself, but are not rich toward God (Luke 12:19-21). This, however, is not the treasure of heaven that our Savior urges us to desire, seek, and cherish as our sole jewel—the treasure of eternal life, acquired at the cost of His Divine blood. This true treasure cannot be destroyed by decay, nor taken by thieves, nor can it be diminished by death, hell, or anything else. \\n\\nWhy then, dear Christians, does the yearning for worldly treasures infiltrate our hearts when their transience and fragility are so evident? Why do we show such apathy toward seeking the treasure of heaven, which is, by its very nature, incorruptible, unstealable, unalienable, and eternal? It is likely because we have yet to cultivate a living and steadfast faith in the promises of our Lord Jesus Christ. He wishes to offer us not the visible, yet fleeting treasures of this world, but we are often misled by that which is tangible and temporary. We are so misled that we forget the dignity and worth of our immortal souls, which, due to the very nature of their being, cannot find true joy, peace, or bliss in anything other than God Himself. We forget to the degree that, instead of longing for and searching after the heavenly riches, we attempt to satisfy the thirst of our souls—created and redeemed by Christ’s blood for eternal life—with the scarce and murky waters of earthly wealth. This is how the desire for greed grips our hearts, blinds our understanding, and enslaves our very souls. The love of the Savior, who descended to earth to restore the heavenly treasure lost through sin—and which we can reclaim through genuine faith in Him, along with a virtuous and holy existence—seeks to protect the faithful from this passion by revealing the vanity and transitory nature of earthly possessions, thereby exposing the perilous and deadly consequences they hold for our souls. Initially, the desire for greed separates our hearts from God our Father in heaven while binding them to the earthly realm."},{"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 Lord instructed His closest disciples and followers to be generous. “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth” (Matthew 6:19). “Sell your possessions and give to the needy. Make for yourselves a treasure that does not wear out, a treasure in heaven that cannot be stolen, nor will moth destroy it; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Luke 12:33-34). To cultivate a love for spiritual and heavenly matters, one must forsake affection for worldly things; to love one’s homeland, it is essential to let go of the painful attachment to this earthly exile."},{"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":"In verse 19, the Lord encourages us to prioritize the kingdom of God, as expressed in Matthew 6:10, and to avoid allowing other concerns to divert our focus from this pursuit. In verses 19-20, He advises against accumulating earthly treasures and urges us not to worry about gathering and stockpiling material wealth such as bread, expensive clothing, gold, silver, or precious stones, since all of these are vulnerable to decay and destruction. Instead, we should store up for ourselves treasures in heaven, meaning to prepare for heavenly rewards that cannot be damaged by moths, which ruin garments, rust, which deteriorates metals, or thieves who can steal."}]}
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