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Explanation for:
Matthew
6
:
22
The light of thy body is thy eye. If thy eye be single, thy whole body shall be lightsome.
14
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{"arr":[{"author-name":"Roshdestwenski W.G.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":0,"exegesis-text":"If your eye is healthy... In Church Slavonic, the term healthy encompasses both purity and righteousness. Conversely, a negative eye signifies not just distortion but also malevolence and deceit. The eye serves as a vessel for focus; to direct the eye implies giving heed. What we choose to focus on ultimately reflects upon our inner selves and our souls. If we fixate solely on material wealth, particularly that which belongs to others, our souls become consumed by a craving for possessions. If our gaze is predominantly on the faults of others, we become burdened by those very sins and grow accustomed to recognizing only them. However, if we discern holiness and the divine image within others, our souls are enriched with reverence and sanctity. Pure influences cultivate the soul’s purity, while corrupt and sinful influences tarnish it. Some perceive a pile of refuse, while others notice the flowers thriving amidst it. One individual may focus solely on human transgressions, while another recognizes both the grave sins and the virtues of honesty, nobility, selflessness, and kindness present in others. One may be convinced that all are deceitful and wicked, while another believes that the majority are sincere and benevolent. The Lord Jesus Christ instructed: do not judge, lest you be judged; do not accumulate treasures here on earth, but instead gather treasures in heaven; when you provide charity, let your left hand be unaware of what your right hand is doing. This means one should strive to forget their acts of charity and good deeds, avoiding pride that may arise from self-righteousness. The Holy Fathers explained: refrain from scrutinizing your brother's faults; there are ample personal struggles to confront. By condemning another's sin, you risk becoming ensnared by it yourself. The Lord devoted His entire message to the kingdom of God, the heavenly realm that exists within us, pointing to the inner essence of humanity. The God-Man revealed the structure of our being and the manner in which we ought to live. As St. Theophanes the Hermit observed, one must live in accordance with their nature. To maintain purity in life, it is essential to govern one’s focus and safeguard the soul's sanctity."},{"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":"Eyes afflicted by festering often perceive many lights, while the untainted and innocent eye gazes upon what is genuinely pure. This will surely resonate with the senses as well. Just as a body is completely engulfed in darkness when the eye is not clear, the soul will cast all its senses into unyielding obscurity if it forfeits its innate brilliance."},{"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":"In elaborating on His message, He shifts from abstract concepts to tangible realities, stating, ‘The eye is the lamp of the body.’ The intent behind His words is clear: do not hide treasures like gold in the earth, as you are merely amassing wealth for decay, pests, and robbers. Even if you shield these riches from loss, your heart remains bound and attached to worldly possessions, for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Conversely, if your treasure resides in heaven, you will not only gain the honor of celestial riches, but you will also experience a reward here by setting your thoughts and affections on divine matters. It is evident that your mind will follow where you place your treasure; however, placing your treasure on earth leads to the opposite result. If this notion appears unclear, consider this: If therefore thine eye be pure, thy whole body shall be light. Thus, the Savior provides further clarity through relatable examples. Acknowledging the bondage of the mind, which many find difficult to grasp, He connects His teaching to physical objects that are visible, helping them comprehend the condition of their thoughts. It is as if the Savior is saying: if you do not understand the ramifications of a wounded mind, reflect on the nature of physical ailments. Just as the eye serves a vital role for the body, the mind serves the soul. Naturally, one would not choose to adorn themselves in fine gold and luxurious fabrics while remaining blind; instead, the health of your vision would take precedence over all other splendor. For losing one's sight eradicates joy in life, just as a crippled mind invites myriad troubles. Thus, just as we prioritize having clear vision for the body, so too should we prioritize the well-being of the mind for the soul."},{"author-name":"Macarius the Egyptian","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c894b8dd64f2df5bcb2030_Macarius%20the%20Egyptian.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Once again it is said: ‘The eye is the lamp of the body: if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light; but if your eye is unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!’ (Matthew 6:22-23). Just as the eyes serve as the source of light for the body, illuminating it when they are well, the whole body becomes shrouded in darkness if the eyes are clouded. In this way, the Apostles were chosen to be the eyes and the light for the entire world."},{"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":"This passage should be interpreted in a manner that emphasizes our actions as pure and pleasing to God when performed with a sincere heart, specifically with an aspiration for the ultimate aim of love, as love fulfills the law (Rom. 13:10). In this context, the \\"eye\\" signifies the very motivation behind all our endeavors. When this motivation is genuine and aligned with its rightful purpose, then every act performed with such intent is inherently virtuous. Christ referred to these actions collectively as the whole body, while the apostle denotes specific actions as members that he admonishes to be put to death, stating, Put to death therefore your earthly members: fornication, uncleanness, covetousness (Colossians 3:5), along with other similar deeds."},{"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":"A beacon, or one who brings illumination. After discussing the unworthy bondage of the intellect, which serves as the eye of the spirit, he seeks to emphasize even more profoundly that this mental enslavement is detrimental to the soul. He uses the physical eye as an analogy for us to draw parallels. It is important to note that He refers to a healthy eye as being single and a sick eye as being wicked. Thus, He declares, “If thine eye be healthy, thy whole body shall be light,” deriving illumination from its own lamp; “but if thine eye be diseased, thy whole body shall be in darkness,” lacking that illumination. Likewise, the intellect, the eye of the soul, when fixated on the care of earthly treasures, becomes ill, and this very fixation constitutes its ailment; as a result, the soul becomes obscured."},{"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 states: If your thoughts are consumed by greed for material wealth, you have snuffed out your lamp and shrouded your spirit in darkness. Just as a healthy eye brings light to the body, while an unhealthy one leaves it in shadow, so too does an anxious mind lead to blindness. When the mind is engulfed in darkness, the spirit becomes overshadowed as well, even more so the body."},{"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 eye serves as the light for the body. When your eye is clear and healthy, your entire being is filled with illumination; every action you take, every part of your body moves with purpose and clarity, as if surrounded by brightness. You reach out your hands with dignity, whether you're grasping, approaching, touching, carrying, or running; each limb moves as required and desired, allowing you to fully express your intentions while standing, sitting, kneeling, lying down, or standing up again."},{"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 eye serves as the light for the body. Through a straightforward and illuminating illustration, the Savior clarifies and supports the teaching found in the previous verses regarding the pursuit of the genuine treasure in Heaven. The eye functions as the body's light: when it is healthy and pure, the entire body is illuminated through it, enabling one to perceive all things in their authentic essence. Conversely, if the eye is weak or impure, one struggles to see and discern objects, even the parts of their own body. A person with a clear vision can truly appreciate the worth of things, while one with impaired sight struggles to recognize them effectively. This analogy also applies to the soul's connection with spiritual matters. The mind acts as the lamp of the soul; when the mind is radiant and clearly comprehends spiritual truths, it illuminates all aspects of the soul and guides their actions toward acquiring what is truly valuable for the soul."},{"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":"In this context, the eye symbolizes the mind, while the body refers to the entirety of the soul's composition. When the mind is pure, the soul experiences clarity; conversely, when the mind is wicked, the soul is enveloped in darkness. What constitutes a pure mind versus an evil mind? A pure mind is one that accepts all that is proclaimed in the Scriptures with complete assurance, believing firmly in the truth of God's Word, without suspicion or doubt. On the other hand, the wicked mind approaches the Scriptures with deceit, engaging in sly questioning and scrutinizing. This mind struggles to believe directly and attempts to interpret God's Word through human reasoning. It does not come as a learner but rather as a critic and judge, seeking to dissect its meaning, subsequently either ridiculing it or dismissively acknowledging it. Such a mind lacks conviction, as it does not truly believe in the authority of God's Word, resulting in an unstable thought process that shifts from one idea to another. Consequently, it experiences only uncertainty, confusion, and unresolved questions; nothing holds its rightful place, and it wanders in darkness, uncertain of its path. In contrast, the pure mind perceives everything with clarity: each thing possesses a distinct character as defined by God's Word, ensuring that everything has its appropriate place. Therefore, it navigates with confidence along visible paths that lead to the ultimate goal."},{"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 eye serves as the lamp of the body, symbolizing the most luminous aspect of our being. This analogy draws on the way the eye functions similarly to a lamp illuminating a space, as well as its vital role in both our physical and spiritual existence."},{"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":"The Redeemer seeks to illustrate the significant damage inflicted upon humanity when one's heart is bound to worldly distractions. He offers this analogy: THE EYE IS THE LIGHT OF THE BODY. Therefore, IF YOUR EYE IS CLEAR, if your eye is pure and sound, YOUR ENTIRE BODY WILL BE FILLED WITH LIGHT, meaning your eye will perceive your body accurately. St. Chrysostom elucidates, \\"Just as the eye serves the body, the mind performs a similar role for the soul.\\""},{"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 your eye is healthy, your entire body will be filled with light; however, if your eye is corrupt, your whole body will be in darkness. If the light within you is darkness, how severe is that darkness (Matthew 6:22, 23)? Just as the eye serves as the lamp for our body, the mind functions similarly for our soul. In the exquisite design of the human body, the eye is meant to illuminate, ensuring that all parts move properly by its guidance. When the eye is pure and vibrant, all the members of our body—arms, legs, and other components—operate harmoniously."},{"author-name":"Rodion Putiatin","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c897666859f9f8e2016743_Rodion%20Putiatin.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"As I commenced my teaching to you, beloved listeners, I made the sign of the cross and proclaimed, \\"In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.\\" What is the significance of this? What does this expression convey? It serves to reveal my intent as I speak to you. Indeed, we must undertake every action thoughtfully. The value of our deeds is determined by the mindset with which we perform them. If we engage in our actions with a pure and sacred intention, then our deeds are truly holy. Conversely, if we act with impure or sinful motivations, even the most outwardly virtuous actions can be tainted. For instance, attending the house of God is a sacred act; however, if one attends merely to be seen by others or for idle conversation, then even this act becomes sinful due to such impure intentions. Likewise, performing acts of kindness, contributing to the needs of the poor, or supporting churches and monasteries are commendable deeds when done selflessly. But if these actions are motivated by a desire for recognition or rewards, they degrade into mere pretenses, and such sacrifices become like a clanging gong or a crashing cymbal.\\n\\nWhat remains holy in our actions if they are accompanied by malevolent thoughts? The mind serves as a lamp to the body. There is a distinct difference between deeds and thoughts: it is our thoughts that sanctify our actions and imbue them with meaning. What thoughts should we cultivate in order to ensure our deeds are holy? Our foremost intention should be unwavering: to please God, to fulfill His divine will, and to glorify His name. The Holy Church instructs us to commence all our endeavors with this invocation: \\"Hallowed be Thy name, Thy will be done...\\" This is how our Lord Himself has taught us to orient our thoughts, desires, and prayers. \\"For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.\\" Or, we may conclude with expressions of praise such as \\"Glory be to Thee, O God!\\" In this way, we seek to fulfill the will of our Lord and glorify His name. This singular holy thought must guide all our actions: only that which we dedicate to God, done for His sake, is truly holy.\\n\\nWith this primary thought in mind, we may also entertain a complementary intention concerning our own welfare, peace, and ultimately, our eternal salvation. When we engage in good works, we should remember that we are performing acts that are essential, beneficial, and salvific for ourselves and for others. It is our God’s desire that we undertake actions that lead to our salvation, for in doing so, He reveals His glory. He wishes for us to be joyous, peaceful, and eternally blessed. He taught us to beseech Him for our daily needs, saying: \\"Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts… and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.\\" \\n\\nThus, when you enter the house of God, remember: I am going to pray, to praise, to give thanks, to hear His word, and to seek His mercy and grace for myself and my neighbors. When you offer gifts to the church, be it for candles, incense, or other needs, keep this thought in your heart: I am offering this to God, trusting that He will accept this sacrifice at His heavenly altar and bestow His grace upon me and remember all, both the living and the departed, in His eternal kingdom.\\n\\nWhen you engage in acts of charity or give alms, reflect: I am doing this for God’s sake, in His name, so that He may show mercy to me and to my neighbors, granting health and salvation to the former and forgiveness and rest to the latter alongside the saints. Approach every action with such intentions, and your works will remain pure, holy before God, and beneficial for your soul. It is indeed possible to be mindful of both our own salvation and that of those around us. However, our primary focus must always be on God—His will, His glory, His law, His name—so that we may dedicate ourselves, one another, and every aspect of our lives to Him, serving Him with our hearts and bodies, glorifying Him and seeking to please Him.\\n\\nWe ought to desire from God all grace and mercy, health, salvation, and forgiveness, and to have every good gift from above. This will enable us to fulfill His will with greater faithfulness and holiness, leading to the salvation of our souls and bodies as we glorify His name with confidence. Our longing for the eternal salvation of ourselves and others should stem from our wish to accomplish His perfect will eternally and to glorify His holy name without end. In glorifying His name and fulfilling His will lies the essence of our holiness, our salvation, and our joy.\\n\\nSo, dear listeners, before undertaking any task, pause to reflect: What is my purpose? Am I doing this for God? If the work is righteous, lawful, and pleasing to Him, direct your thoughts accordingly: I shall do this for God, to fulfill His will and glorify His name. This thought—a commitment to my Lord’s will and a dedication to His glory—will sanctify you, invigorate your spirit, and sustain you in your endeavors. Conversely, if your actions are not pleasing to God—if they are unkind or sinful—then the very inquiry of whether they are for God will cause you to hesitate. One cannot commit wrongdoings in service of God. How many transgressions could we avoid if we commenced every task with awareness of God and inquiries such as: What motivates me? What does God command? What outcomes will result? What glory can be returned to God as a result? When we keep God at the forefront of our minds, all wickedness and twisted desires will flee from us as if consumed by fire.\\n\\nThus, as our eye is the lamp for the body, let God—His will and His glory—be the guiding light in our actions, enabling us to carry out every endeavor in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, so that all our works may remain pure and holy in His sight. Amen."}]}
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