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Explanation for:
Matthew
6
:
20
But lay up to yourselves treasures in heaven: where neither the rust nor moth doth consume, and where thieves do not break through, nor steal.
13
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{"arr":[{"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":"Those who listened to these words remarked, \\"The counsel is excellent, and the intention is commendable: it is wiser to store the true riches of life not on earth, but in the heavenly treasury. Yet, how can we deposit silver and gold in heaven? We lack the means to do so. Heaven is far above us, and our hands cannot reach it. We do not even see the ladder that Jacob beheld, which would allow us to ascend and offer what we possess to heaven. However, the Lord instructs us that, although heaven is lofty, you can indeed accumulate the invaluable treasure of righteousness there. By giving to the poor and the needy according to their needs, you will discover that what you give will be preserved in heaven, untouched and pure. You also possess a means of ascent from earth to heaven—the cross of salvation—and there are steps to climb: the teachings of the true Gospels. So ascend these steps to the heavenly abodes, that you may be glorified eternally. Also, take heed of my words.\\""},{"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":"If the detachment from evil can be achieved purely through the efforts of reason, then the message of the Gospel imposes no insurmountable tasks upon us. Work is not tied strictly to mental exertion; rather, through our desires, we can effortlessly be present wherever we choose. Therefore, for anyone wishing to lead a heavenly life even while on earth, it becomes feasible to do so once we nurture divine wisdom and store the wealth of virtue, for it is said, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth,” but rather “lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven,” where “neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in and steal” (Matthew 6:19-20). These words illustrate that life in the heavenly realm is devoid of any corrupting forces to spoil that joy. If such negativity does not swiftly get expelled from one aspect of the soul, it might extend to adjacent areas, leaving marks of its destructive influence wherever it goes. Conversely, if one’s inner being remains steadfast, this negativity will attempt to manifest itself through external situations; it can breach the heart's treasury or drain the soul's storehouse, as passions like anger and sorrow can taint the mind. Accordingly, in the celestial storehouses, as the Lord declares, there are no moths, pests, or malicious threats. Based on the teachings we have discussed, our efforts ought to be directed toward that realm, where accumulated treasures are protected from theft and decay, where they not only endure eternally but also yield varied fruits like seeds. The reward must be substantial, reflecting the nature of the one safeguarding the treasure. As beings acting in accordance with our nature, we offer small gifts, which is consistent with our essence; hence, it is only appropriate that He who possesses all should repay the modest contributions with His boundless generosity. Therefore, let no one be disheartened when contributing to the Divine storehouses according to their ability, but rather hold fast to the hope of the promises from Him who has assured that He will transform the small into the abundant, and the heavenly in exchange for the earthly, the eternal for the temporal. These blessings transcend human understanding and articulation, as the divinely inspired scriptures convey: “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":"Ephraem the Syrian","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88b589fc3e99eb7bb1839_Ephraem%20the%20Syrian.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"The one who cherishes quietude in love accumulates riches for himself in the heavenly realm."},{"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":"When referring to heaven, it should not be interpreted as the physical realm, as the term signifies the earth. However, one who accumulates treasure in the heavenly realm, that is, the spiritual domain spoken of as 'Heaven is heaven to the Lord' (Psalm 113:24), must turn away from worldly pursuits. Our treasures and hearts should not rest on things that are fleeting (See Matthew 6:21), but rather on what lasts eternally, for both heaven and earth will eventually fade away (Matthew 24:35)."},{"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":"After dispelling the affliction of pride, the Lord proceeds to address the topic of celibacy. He notes that individuals often seek to amass material possessions driven by their vanity. He illustrates the futility of worldly wealth, as moths and rust can destroy garments and food, while thieves can take away gold and silver. To counter the argument that not everyone engages in theft, He emphasizes that being ensnared by the worry of wealth is in itself a significant misfortune. Thus, the Lord declares, 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":"Recognizing the challenge of conveying the teaching on the importance of disregarding material wealth, He wisely chose to break this topic into segments. He began with the declaration, Blessed are the merciful (Matthew 5:7); then He urged, Make peace with your adversary promptly (Matthew 5:25); next, He instructed, And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, give him your coat as well (Matthew 5:40); and ultimately, He presented a concept that surpasses all these. In these examples, He addressed compassion towards the needy, the adversary, and those who seek to challenge you legally. Yet in this final teaching, He highlighted the inherent worthlessness of riches themselves, demonstrating that the call to disregard wealth is not merely for the sake of others but rooted in its intrinsic lack of value. Even if one is not actively consumed by greed, one should still treat riches with disdain and share with the impoverished. To further encourage this perspective, He pointed out the futility of hoarding treasures on earth versus the eternal reward found in heaven. The term worm refers mainly to the pests found in clothing, while decay or moth signifies deterioration, rust, and all forms of corruption. So what happens? Will the worm also consume gold? If not through decay, then through theft. Are not all treasures vulnerable to being stolen? Perhaps not all, but many; it is uncertain which will remain safe from theft. However, those resources given to the poor are preserved in heaven. How so? In the manner that the honors and rewards assigned to them are protected: gathered and secured, they are safeguarded in that eternal realm. Then He introduces another thought, which further strengthens this argument."},{"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 the act of giving to the needy 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 another instance, the Teacher clarified what renders almsgiving redemptive: \\"But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing\\" (Matthew 6:3). The Counsellor offers compelling arguments to encourage almsgiving, drawing, like the wise man, from the nature of circumstances and reality. He urges individuals not to store their treasures on earth, but in heaven. This highlights two realms in which one can accumulate riches: the earthly and the heavenly. Treasures of this world are corruptible and fleeting, while treasures of heaven are incorruptible and everlasting. Those who amass earthly wealth often derive no real benefit from it, but those whose treasures lie in heaven consistently enjoy the enduring rewards of their generosity. As the distance between earth and heaven is vast, so too is the disparity between earthly and heavenly treasures. Therefore, if one seeks to preserve treasure, one should conceal it in heaven. What constitutes earthly treasures? These include food, clothing, silver, gold, and precious stones. Yet food decays, garments fall victim to moths and rot, and silver, gold, and precious gems can be taken by thieves. This defines the nature of earthly riches. In contrast, what are the treasures of heaven? They are everlasting glory, boundless joy, and the eternal kingdom. This defines the essence of heavenly treasures! By accumulating your treasure in heaven, you shift your focus away from trivial pursuits and dedicate your desires and efforts to what is imperishable and eternal; rather than focusing on worldly matters, you turn your attention to heavenly ones, becoming a true citizen of heaven while residing on earth and preparing for your everlasting kingdom. However, the God-Man did not elaborate here on how one can store treasures in heaven, having already taught this lesson on numerous occasions. There is only one universally understood method: by providing the needy with food, clothing, and resources, for in serving those in need, we are indeed serving Him: \\"for inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me\\" (Matthew 25:40). This treasure remains safeguarded in His hands until the day of judgment. On that day, He will reward us with the 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":"Tichon of Zadonsk","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989ff6b5b4c943e70095_Tichon%20of%20Zadonsk.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":18,"exegesis-text":"A traveler often sends or transports valuables, such as money and possessions, back to his native land. For a genuine follower of Christ, the true treasures of this world that he can bring with him into the next are the virtues: love, mercy, patience, kindness, chastity, and others. He endeavors to gather these qualities during his time on Earth, much like a diligent merchant, with the intention of presenting them in the life to come and standing before his heavenly Father. In this context, Christ encourages us, saying: brethren! ‘lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in and steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also’ (Matthew 6:20-21)."},{"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":"Focus on the treasures stored in heaven. Prioritize what is related to Eternal Life; do not expend your energy or time pursuing what is fleeting and solely necessary for this earthly existence. Instead, concentrate on what will assist you in achieving Eternal Life. In that realm, nothing is lost or damaged; everything is enduring and steadfast. Cultivate virtues that cannot be taken from you and that will lead you to Heaven, the Eternal Kingdom. For instance, ‘give to the poor and beggar what he needs, and you will find that all of it intact, not defiled, not corrupted will be kept in Heaven’ (Athanasius the Great)."},{"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":"Hoard and accumulate for yourselves the riches of good deeds in Heaven, where neither plague nor decay can harm, and where robbers cannot break in and steal. There, nothing is lost or ruined; everything is firm and eternal; therefore, send your fleeting earthly possessions there. \\"Lift up,\\" states Blessed Augustine, \\"your harvest into the 'upper,' heavenly storehouse, where it is safe from the inevitable dangers found in the 'lower,' earthly storehouse.\\" Do you have faith in God? Do you place your confidence in Him? If so, why not have faith and acknowledge that all you entrust to Him here will be waiting for you there? \\"Give,\\" teaches St. Athanasius the Great, \\"to the less fortunate what they need, and you will discover it all intact, pure, and unharmed in Heaven.\\" “What do you fear?” asks St. Chrysostom. “Will your wealth run out if you give to the needy? No, share generously, and your resources will not diminish but will increase, for you will gain the riches of Heaven in return.\\" “The worm and the aphid,” remarks an ancient commentator on the Holy Scriptures, “represent the futile thoughts that emerge from the heart, secretly consuming our spiritual treasures, while the thieves who weaken us are the empty praises of this world that rob us of the hidden virtues. Through human commendation, our adversary gains access to our hearts, tainted with the venom of sinful self-indulgence, stirring up the passions of vanity and then pride, the cause of his own fall from Heaven. A visionary recounted to Monk John the Venerable that while in the company of the brethren, the spirits of vanity and pride approached and sat beside him. The first nudged him, prodding him to share some of his visions or achievements from the desert. Yet, as he sought to resist, declaring, ‘Let all who seek the ruin of my soul be put to shame’ (Psalm 39:15), the one on his left whispered, ‘Well done, well done! You have achieved greatness by resisting my shameless mother.’ Turning to him, he responded in continuity with his previous declaration: ‘Let those who say to me, “Well done!” be confounded from their shame’ (Psalm 39:16). Reverend John inquired of this visionary, ‘Why is vanity the mother of pride?’ He replied, ‘Praise mocks the soul, and when the soul is exalted, pride surrounds it, lifting it to Heaven before casting it down into the abyss. Every earthly treasure is unstable and deceptive; yet even if such treasures were solid, the grave danger lies in the fact that people cling to them with all their hearts, forsaking God as a result. Why? ‘For in doing so, you become a slave to your earthly possessions,’ cautions St. Chrysostom."},{"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 lay up for yourselves treasures on earth\\" (Matthew 6:19). \\"Sell your possessions and give to the needy. Make for yourselves treasure that does not become obsolete, a treasure that is everlasting in heaven, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also\\" (Luke 12:33-34). To cultivate a love for spiritual and heavenly things, one must let go of attachment to earthly possessions; to truly cherish the homeland, one must release the burdensome affection for the land of 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 instructs us to prioritize the pursuit of the kingdom of God, as indicated in Matthew 6:10, and to avoid being sidetracked by other worries. In verses 19-20, we are advised against accumulating treasures on earth and urged not to be preoccupied with the gathering and hoarding of material wealth, such as food, fine clothing, gold, silver, and precious gems, since these are all vulnerable to decay and destruction. Instead, we should store up treasures in heaven, which means preparing for ourselves eternal rewards that cannot be damaged by moths, rust, or stolen by thieves."},{"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":"The purpose of human existence on earth is to achieve everlasting joy in the Heavenly Kingdom. Thus, individuals should focus solely on what leads to this objective: selfless love towards others, including enemies, performing acts of kindness, engaging in self-reflection, seeking forgiveness, and practicing fasting and prayer. These are the invaluable treasures necessary for entry into the Kingdom of Heaven, treasures that cannot be stolen or destroyed by time, unlike earthly possessions that are eventually diminished or taken away. Understanding the tendency of His listeners to desire material wealth and luxury, which can become a consuming passion that clouds judgment and numbs the heart to the needs of others, Christ cautioned against an attachment to transient earthly treasures. He urged them to seek only those treasures with eternal value in heaven, which are essential for gaining entry into the Kingdom of Heaven. “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” When one becomes overly attached to wealth, luxury, and all things earthly, focusing solely on these aspects, they neglect to seek the imperishable treasures that unlock the gates of the Kingdom of Heaven. Their treasure, an idol of the heart, resides on earth, binding their heart to earthly concerns; they perceive nothing beyond the material, remaining oblivious and uncomprehending, with hearts hardened, eyes dimmed, and minds obscured. Illustrating this concept, Christ stated, “If thine eye be pure, thy whole body shall be light; but if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be dark” (Matthew 6:22-23)."}]}
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