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Explanation for:
Matthew
6
:
25
Therefore I say to you, be not solicitous for your life, what you shall eat, nor for your body, what you shall put on. Is not the life more than the meat: and the body more than the raiment?
13
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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":"In certain sacred texts, it is stated: And what you shall drink. Thus, we are largely relieved from worrying about the necessities that all of creation shares, including wild creatures and humanity. However, we are instructed not to dwell on our provisions, for through our diligent efforts we secure our sustenance: we must engage in work, yet we should refrain from excessive worry. The Lord's admonitions pertain to our physical nourishment and attire. Conversely, we must always be mindful of our spiritual nourishment and garment. Is not the soul of greater value than food, and the body more significant than clothing? These words suggest that one who cares for what is of greater importance will naturally attend to what is lesser."},{"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":"The spirit is of greater value than sustenance because it embodies the essence of life, while food is a temporary and perishable substance. Similarly, the body holds more significance than apparel, as it is crafted by God’s own hands, whereas clothing originates from the fleece of a voiceless creature. Many are taken aback by the remarkable assertion that the spirit can taste, especially as they observe the hand delivering nourishment to the mouth. Yet, dear ones, do not be astonished by the notion that the spirit experiences taste; it is indeed so in truth, not otherwise. The spirit engages with what is presented to it, for it is intrinsically warm, as noted in Wisdom: the spirit is fervent like a blazing fire (Sir 23:21). Thus, just as fire heats what is placed in a pot, the ardent spirit processes and consumes the food that enters the stomach. Although referred to as ψυχή, it is important to clarify that this term does not imply a cold nature (ψυχρά), which some uninformed might suppose, but rather signifies that its intense heat can dry up moisture (τὰ ὑγρὰ); this can be evidenced by the sun's actions, which, being hot and fiery, evaporates dampness and dries the ground. The truth of the spirit’s warm nature becomes evident when one considers the state of the body at the time of death. When the spirit departs from the body, all limbs become rigid and cold, akin to ice or snow in winter. Moreover, you can verify this understanding through the experience of famine: as long as the spirit is nourished, the body thrives and becomes robust; however, in the absence of sustenance, the body weakens and perishes. Without food, the body struggles against the warmth of the spirit, just as a copper vessel cannot endure the heat of a fire without water, ultimately succumbing to destruction. Similarly, the physical body, deprived of nourishment, is entirely vanquished, consumed by the fiery spirit that animates it. Importantly, we heed the Lord’s words: \\"Do not be anxious for your soul what you shall eat, nor for your body what you shall put on,\\" for the soul is greater than food and the body more significant than clothing. Therefore, if we are blessed by the grace of the Most Gracious with what is vital and essential, how much more should we anticipate an abundance of the lesser and more trivial things."},{"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":"The Savior, having previously demonstrated that disdain for wealth brings advantages—specifically, that it safeguards the wealth itself and brings joy to the spirit, encourages the pursuit of wisdom, and fosters devotion—now illustrates that His directive can indeed be realized. The true essence of excellent legislation lies not only in indicating what is beneficial but also in ensuring that it is achievable. Thus, the Savior reiterates, “Be not anxious for your souls what ye shall eat.” Some might raise the concern, “Must we then relinquish everything? How are we supposed to survive?” The Savior preemptively addresses these doubts. Had He told them at the outset, “You shall not feast,” His directive would have seemed burdensome. However, once He outlined the dangers of greed, His current encouragement became more palatable. Consequently, He did not merely say, “You shall not eat,” but supplemented the command with a rationale. After stating, “You cannot serve God and Mammon,” He explains, “For this cause I say unto you, you shall not feast,” indicating the significant harm involved. The concern for acquiring wealth is detrimental to you, and even excessive worry about the essentials can jeopardize your salvation; it alienates you from God, your Creator, who loves and cares for you. Therefore, I tell you, do not continue to be anxious! After revealing the grave dangers of attachment to wealth, Christ broadens His directive. He not only instructs us to disregard riches but also prohibits anxiety over our sustenance, saying, “Do not let your soul be burdened by what you eat.” Christ did not imply that the soul needs food—being incorporeal—but rather employed a familiar expression. Although the soul does not require nourishment, it cannot remain in the body unless the body is sustained. This teaching of Christ is not left vague; He provides further clarification, drawing upon our human experience and other illustrations. For instance, consider our nature: is not the soul more vital than food, and the body more substantial than clothing? If God provides for the greater need, will He not also provide for the lesser? The One who fashioned the flesh, which requires nourishment, will surely supply it. Hence, He did not merely state, “Do not be concerned about what you shall eat or wear,” but added, “With body and soul,” wanting to strengthen His arguments through comparison."},{"author-name":"John Damascene","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88f1652142a026a0c6d53_John%20Damascene.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":8,"exegesis-text":"This implies that the One who created our bodies and souls will provide us with nourishment and garments, just as He feeds the birds of the air and adorns the flowers of the field with remarkable splendor."},{"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":"Consequently, why is this so? It is because material possessions can create a separation between humanity and God. The soul, being immaterial, does not partake in eating, yet the Lord spoke this in accordance with common understanding, as it appears that the soul cannot dwell in the body unless the flesh is sustained. The Lord does not prohibit work, but He cautions against surrendering ourselves completely to our concerns and neglecting our relationship with God. While we should engage in agricultural labor, we must also attend to the well-being of our souls. Isn’t the soul more significant than food, and the body more important than clothing? In other words, the One who has provided for us by creating both soul and body, will He not also provide nourishment and garments?"},{"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":"By dismissing the accumulation of earthly riches and encouraging us to share our abundance with those in need, Christ also guides us to rise above concern for basic necessities. We should not consume for our spirit, meaning for our soul, what we partake of in terms of food and drink. While the soul does not physically consume, humans eat and drink out of necessity for their soul, for it cannot exist in a body that is devoid of nourishment until it reaches a state of incorruptibility. \\n\\nThere is another understanding of this teaching. Individuals may experience anxiety in their soul, particularly when preoccupied with thoughts, or in their body, when striving to obtain their desires. Thus, the Lord cautions us against worry in both aspects, declaring, “Do not be anxious in your soul or in your body about food, drink, or clothing. Is not the soul more than food, and the body more than clothing?” This statement emphasizes that the One who grants us the greater gifts will surely provide for the lesser needs, with the greater being of far more value."},{"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":"When God formed humanity, He also designated a purpose and a service for us. The Lord God took the individual He had created and brought him into a garden of delight to cultivate and take care of it (Gen. 2:15). Likewise, upon expelling him from the garden, He issued a command, stating that he would earn his sustenance by the sweat of his brow (Gen. 3:19). We can observe that the heavenly Apostle labored diligently, working with his own hands to meet his needs, while also providing for those accompanying him (1 Cor. 4:12; Acts 20:34). He admonished that in the name of Jesus Christ, we should eat from our labor but also cautioned against idleness by withholding sustenance: if someone is unwilling to work, let him not eat (2 Thess. 3:10). Thus, why does our Lord instruct us not to consume? He prohibits greed and excess, but not hard work and craft. The former signifies an obsession with food and clothing, while the latter represents the honest effort to secure them.\\n\\nTherefore, the Lord did not merely instruct us to refrain from worrying about food, drink, and clothing, but rather, He said, \\"Do not be anxious for your soul,\\" meaning we should not tether our entire being to the worries of what we will eat, drink, or wear. The term \\"what\\" denotes concern over the amount and quality of our provisions and garments. A temperate person finds satisfaction in just enough nourishment for life and garments that provide modesty, causing them to have little anxiety regarding these matters. In contrast, the extravagant and imprudent individual craves an abundance of diverse and luxurious foods, along with a multitude of colorful garments, revealing that their heart is entirely consumed by these concerns. Our Lord did not say, \\"Fold your hands and remain idle all day, and I will provide you with food, drink, and clothing,\\" but rather admonished, \\"Do not become a servant to your appetite, nor allow your thoughts to dwell solely on gratifying your flesh.\\" This is why I say to you: no one can serve two opposing masters; you cannot be enslaved by your desires and still be a servant of God and your Lord.\\n\\nOur Savior offers us multiple examples to encourage acceptance of this life-giving teaching. First, He draws upon the omnipotence of God. He reminds us that our soul is the most valuable nourishment and our body is more precious than clothing. Since God created both your soul and body, can He not, the One who bestowed upon you the greatest honor, provide you with the least of all, namely, food and clothing? Following this reasoning, He quickly presents another, based on the abundance of His Divine Providence."},{"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 be anxious about your life regarding sustenance. The term 'life' often equates with the soul, emphasizing that food should not become the central focus of our existence, just as our physical form should not serve merely as a showcase for attire. The triviality of such a pursuit is revealed when we compare human preoccupations with food and garments to the carefree existence of birds and the splendor of vegetation. The Lord does not prohibit concern for our necessities, nor does He advocate for laziness or dependency on others or even divinity for provision while neglecting our natural obligations. Rather, Jesus Christ calls us to prioritize the pursuit of God's kingdom. Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you, which means that the importance of our material needs will emerge naturally in light of our primary aim of attaining the kingdom of God. Consequently, this also clarifies the nature of our worries about tomorrow. While it might seem contrary to worldly wisdom—which advocates for future planning—upon closer inspection, the true principle returns to the pursuit of God’s kingdom and the overall purpose of our concerns. Planning for future needs, driven by experience and sound judgment, should be undertaken well in advance, rather than waiting until those needs arise. For instance, a farmer prepares the land and plants seeds long before the harvest, demonstrating a proactive approach. However, these preparations are not merely concerns of the future but essential activities during the periods of sowing and reaping. \\n\\nThe harmony between seeking the Kingdom of God and addressing worldly necessities can be illustrated by examining the lives of students, servants, or travelers. For some, the commitment to their studies, for others, the aims of their journeys, becomes their primary focus, yet they still attend to other essential aspects such as meals, rest, communication with loved ones, and even enjoyment. In the case of focused students and dedicated servants, their commitment to their tasks may lead them to neglect food, rest, and other obligations not directly tied to their primary goal. Conversely, concerns for the needs of others or fears related to travel can similarly result in forgetting to eat or rest. Nevertheless, some may find that these worries about external needs or travel difficulties lead them to abandon their studies, services, or journeys. Yet, the essence remains unchanged. Those who strive for the kingdom of God and His righteousness should not allow their focus on physical needs and worldly matters to obstruct their path to the Kingdom of Heaven."},{"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":"Therefore, I urge you not to be anxious about your soul, concerning what you will eat or drink, or about your body, regarding what you will wear. There have been those among the elect of God who have exemplified these teachings of Christ in their lives; they did not ponder today what they would consume tomorrow or where they would rest their heads. They subsisted on what God provided, residing wherever they found themselves, and God clearly demonstrated His marvelous Providence towards them: He supplied food to many even through angels. One such example is Saint Alexander, the founder of the Monastery of the Unsleeping; similarly, there was Vissarion, known for living ‘a bird’s life,’ wandering through sandy deserts without a cell or spare garments; and the ascetic Mary of Egypt, who spent many years not encountering another person. However, such feats are not for everyone to pursue with presumption; they are paths for those uniquely chosen by God’s grace. Among the saints, not all were fitted for such remarkable deeds. Some, due to sheer laziness, might neglect work, cloaking their sloth under the guise of trust in God’s Providence. Yet, our Lord does not advocate for laziness nor does He prohibit work; indeed, labor is a divine blessing. In paradise, God commanded Adam to toil, and following his exile from Eden, He instructed him to earn his bread through hard work. All God’s saints engaged in labor; the apostle Paul supported himself through his own efforts and issued a strong admonition to others: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. The Savior only cautions against those anxieties that can cause one to forget God—those concerns that are excessive, unnecessary, or frivolous, and ultimately beyond our control, resting instead in God’s hands. This is why the Lord did not merely say: do not worry, but added: for your soul, meaning do not surrender your entire being to such worries. He did not say, Remain idle and I shall provide food and clothing; rather, He admonishes against serving one’s desires too fervently or letting fleshly concerns dominate one’s thoughts. This is how the words of Christ and the teachings of the holy fathers should be understood: St. Chrysostom inquires, What does it mean to forsake everything? How will we survive? Should we refrain from sowing? No, He did not imply that sowing or working is unnecessary, but rather that one should not be cowardly and consumed with worries. He also mentioned the need for sustenance, yet cautioned against becoming overly preoccupied with it. When you reflect on the futility of such concerns, let them go. Christ said, Do not be anxious for your soul—not because it lacks need for sustenance, since it is incorporeal—but because it cannot thrive within the body unless it is sustained. Is not the soul more important than food, asks the Lord, and the body more important than clothing? Therefore, He who formed the flesh that requires nourishment will surely provide for it. Behold, but do not torment yourself with unnecessary anxieties. Despite your efforts, you cannot control the rain, sunshine, or wind essential for fruitful harvests. Only God grants these. In His benevolence, as Blessed Augustine stated, God has granted you life and created the wonderful structure of your body; does He lack the power and generosity to supply you with all you need for life: food, clothing, shelter? These are of little more worth than your own life—so why worry and be troubled about them? You will not remain on this earth forever; why become so anxious over the comforts of this life and neglect the eternal? Focus on obtaining your daily bread and what is truly necessary; leave the rest to God the Provider. If God grants it to you, thank Him and use it for His glory; if He withholds it, do His holy will, humble yourself, acknowledging, ‘I am unworthy, Lord,’ and thank Him once more for not providing. Only He knows if what you desire might have led to your ruin. God understands better than you what is truly good or harmful for you."},{"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":"Do not allow yourself to be consumed by unnecessary worries regarding nourishment, drink, and attire; such anxieties can take up all your focus and pull you away from the vital concern for the salvation of your soul. If God provides for the birds in the sky that neither sow nor harvest nor store away, and if He adorns the lilies of the field with more splendor than Solomon in all his glory, then He will surely take care of you, His laborers, if you prioritize the kingdom of God and His righteousness. This passage from the Sermon on the Mount has often been misinterpreted by the Manichaeans and itinerant monks known as the Euchites, who rejected all work and human wisdom, promoting idleness and avoidance of labor as desirable virtues. It is clear that their lazy inclination led them to misconstrue Christ’s teachings. Had they grasped the true essence of Christ’s message and overcome their sloth, they would not have disdained diligence and responsibility. When God placed the first humans in the garden, He intended for them to tend to and cultivate it; this duty to work was not a punishment but a fundamental aspect of their happiness. Thus, those who labor are aligning with God’s will, while those who choose idleness are acting against His command. The principle of labor was reaffirmed at Adam’s expulsion from paradise: “in the sweat of your face you shall eat bread” (Gen. 3:19). Acknowledging the universal applicability of this principle, Christ Himself worked diligently as a carpenter before His ministry, sustaining His own needs. He instructed us to labor not only for ourselves but also for others—feeding the hungry, quenching the thirst of those in need, providing shelter for the stranger, and clothing the poor. When He sent out His apostles to share the Gospel, He assured them that “the labourer is worthy of food” (Matt. 10:10); similarly, when He sent out the seventy disciples, He reminded them that “the labourer is worthy of the reward of his labour” (Luke 10:7). Prudent care is not discouraged: Christ maintained a treasury for necessary expenses, and after feeding the multitude, He directed His followers to collect the leftovers for future use. His apostles, as His first disciples and interpreters of His teachings, did not shun work; the Apostle Paul worked tirelessly as a tent-maker and declined personal financial assistance (Acts 18:3; Acts 20:34; 2 Thess. 3:8). Acknowledging the value of labor, he wrote to the Thessalonians: “If any man will not labour, neither shall he eat” (2 Thess. 3:10). The exhortation to “not care” may not fully capture the essence of Christ’s message. He does not command us, like the birds, to refrain from sowing or gathering, nor does He urge the lilies to neglect their tasks; rather, He cautions us against letting our concerns for food, drink, and clothing lead us to a state of anxious despair that erodes our faith in God's mercy."},{"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":"Consequently, the excessive focus on earthly possessions can draw attention away from what is truly spiritually significant, with material wealth diverting one’s focus from God. Be not troubled. The Lord cautions against anxious and listless preoccupation with temporal belongings, warning against an unhealthy attachment to them (cf. Lk. 8:14; Lk. 21:34; Phlp. 4:6). While it is important to attend to life's necessities to a certain extent, both the Savior and the Apostles encourage us to strive for their fulfillment, as negligence is always reproved. The Lord does not promote negligence but prohibits undue anxiety. Concerning your very being, what you shall consume, and other essentials. The term 'soul' refers to the overall vitality of the human being, which is nourished by sustenance (cf. Matthew 10:39; Matthew 16:25). The soul cannot be deemed more significant than food. If God has endowed humanity with greater gifts, wouldn’t it be even simpler for Him to provide the lesser gifts? (cf. Chrysostom, Theophylact, Athanasius the Great). He has granted life, which is far more significant, valuable, and essential than the food and drink that sustain it. He crafted a body that is also more significant, valuable, and essential than garments. Given His immense power and goodness shown in granting life, should we not trust that He possesses the same power and goodness to provide for what is of lesser worth, such as food, drink, and clothing? So why the restless and anxious worry over such minor concerns?"},{"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":"After the Saviour has illustrated the futility of worldly possessions and disclosed the perilous impact of greed on our spiritual well-being, as discussed in our previous dialogue, His love seeks to uproot this vice from our hearts. Greed emerges from a lack of faith and a spirit of timidity, causing many to fixate throughout the day on mere sustenance, attire, and appearance. In their preoccupation, they often neglect the paramount concern of a Christian: the salvation of their souls. This anxiety becomes particularly detrimental as it masquerades as a necessity since, indeed, survival hinges on food and clothing. However, this basic need can devolve into excessive desires for lavish meals, drinks, and frivolous adornments that distract from our spiritual essence. Such artificial cravings, birthed from human caprice, can weigh heavily on the soul of the inattentive, compelling them to spend their time in pursuit of fulfillment and sometimes leading them to compromise their moral integrity. \\n\\nWise men have long recognized that human nature finds contentment in simplicity, yet the allure of worldly treasures never satisfies fleeting desires. Many fragile believers, ensnared by the alluring customs of this age, become shackled by both societal expectations and their own whims, aware of their bondage but feeling powerless to escape. The compassionate Lord Jesus, eager to liberate us from these burdens, advocates that we should not let our souls cling to what we consume or wear. He does not prohibit us from working to secure our daily bread; rather, in light of God’s decree following our forefather's disobedience—“In the sweat of your face shall you eat bread” (Genesis 3:19)—such effort is required of all humanity. The Apostle Paul, who toiled diligently to support himself, encourages believers to embrace labor, affirming that those unwilling to work should forfeit their right to nourishment: “If any man will not work, neither let him eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10).\\n\\nThe only-begotten Son of God, who redeemed us from the curse of the law through His sacrifice, acknowledges our human needs and frailties but does not relieve us of the burden of fulfilling them. Instead, He reveals the boundless treasure of divine love and mercy, urging us to anchor our hearts in unwavering faith and confidence in our Father's benevolent provision. In our toil, we are called to manage our needs without being overwhelmed by undue anxieties. His desire is that we remain steadfast, not only regarding excess but also in our essential needs, so that when we labor, we maintain inner tranquility and peace, which are vital for our continual communion with God—characteristics of the faithful children of our heavenly Father, who is always prepared to provide for their needs. \\n\\n\\"Is not the soul more than food, and the body more than clothing?\\" questions the Saviour. If the heavenly Father has bestowed upon us souls and bodies, which surpass food and garments in value, will He not equally provide for the sustenance of our lives? Will His boundless compassion withhold such blessings, which occupy the least significant rank among the myriad of gifts He selflessly offers not only to humankind but also to creatures that cannot speak? He nourishes, shelters, and delights them, paying attention even to the smallest of them. \\"Consider the birds of the air, for they neither sow, nor reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?\\" (Matthew 6:26)."},{"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":"Therefore, I urge you to refrain from seeking nourishment solely for your earthly existence, as the term 'soul' here refers to life itself. Do not be overly concerned with what you consume or drink for the sake of the body, which serves merely as a vessel for this life. Is not life itself more significant than mere sustenance, and is not the body of greater value than clothing? If the One who has bestowed upon you the most vital and treasured gifts would not deny you the essentials, how could He withhold from you the least of these?"}]}
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