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Explanation for:
Matthew
6
:
27
And which of you by taking thought, can add to his stature by one cubit?
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":"Observe how He has provided a clear example to illuminate what may have appeared perplexing. As He states, with all your diligence you cannot extend the days of your life; similarly, you cannot secure sustenance, even if you believe you can. This illustrates that it is not our efforts that fulfill our needs, but rather God's Divine Providence. If the Lord withdraws His support, no amount of care, attention, or toil will avail us; all will be for naught. Therefore, we should not assume that adhering to God's commandments is impossible; in fact, many do obey them today. If you are unaware of this, that is understandable. Elijah thought he stood alone, yet God assured him, saying, \\"I have left seven thousand men\\" (1 Kings 19:18). This confirms that even today there are numerous individuals living apostolic lives, just as there were in the time when three thousand and five thousand came to believe. If we fail to recognize this, it is not due to a lack of virtuous individuals but rather our own shortcomings. The one who has surrendered to drunkenness will find it hard to believe that anyone abstains even from water, though many monks do so before our very eyes. The lustful individual will doubt the ease of chastity, and the greedy will be reluctant to accept that there are those who willingly share their possessions. Likewise, those burdened by endless cares will struggle to grasp that one can indeed live free from worldly concerns. The existence of many who adhere to this teaching can be validated by the examples of those who exhibit wisdom even in our own time. For now, let it suffice for you to learn not to be excessively frugal, to regard almsgiving as a worthy act, and to recognize what you ought to offer to the needy. If you, beloved, practice these things, you will soon find it possible to embrace even more. Thus, let us first set aside unnecessary luxuries, practice moderation, and strive to obtain all we desire through righteous toil. Blessed John, in addressing the tax collectors and soldiers, called them to be satisfied with their wages. He aimed to guide them to a far greater wisdom, but recognizing their limitations, he imparted a simpler command. Had he introduced loftier principles first, they would have ignored them entirely and failed to observe the simpler ones. Accordingly, we also present you with basic truths, knowing that the weight of ungodliness may overwhelm you, and that the distance from you to such noble principles is exceedingly vast. Let us at least adhere to the simplest commandments. This is no small lesson. Indeed, some among the Greeks have managed to embrace the commandment we discuss and have renounced their possessions, albeit not with the proper mindset; yet it will suffice for you to give generously to the poor, for in doing so, you will soon uphold that command as well. However, if we do not even accomplish this, how can we expect to be deemed worthy of forgiveness, given that we are called to surpass those of the Old Covenant, yet find ourselves faltering compared to the wise of the Greek world? What shall we say if, as beings meant to be angels and children of God, we neglect our human responsibilities? It is the nature of ferocious beasts, not gentle souls, to steal and covet; those who pilfer from others descend to a state far lower than that of animals. Such behavior is instinctive to beasts; but we, endowed with reason, debase ourselves through unnatural wickedness—what semblance of forgiveness can we expect? Therefore, let us strive to reach at least the midpoint in virtue, aiming to escape future condemnation, and in successfully doing so, may we attain the higher blessings, which we may all experience through the grace and compassion of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom be glory and authority eternally. Amen."},{"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":"The Lord declares, 'Regardless of your concern, you can accomplish nothing outside of God's purpose. Why do you labor in futility?'"},{"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":"No one can accomplish this alone. Just as self-generated effort cannot lead to success, we cannot gather sustenance unless God permits it. Even with relentless diligence, our endeavors will yield nothing without His provision. It is indeed impossible for Him to add to the palm of His hand or to His finger, but it is expressed in terms of the cubit, which primarily served as a measure of height."},{"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":"Who can, even if he labors tirelessly day and night, bestow upon the mortality of his flesh even a small measure of unity? No one. As it is said, your concern for the expansion and enhancement of your body yields no true benefit. The Lord is the one who nurtures your flesh; you cannot fully grasp the process of its growth. Yet, despite this, you doubt that God, who so intricately cultivates your being, can provide you sustenance and refreshment. Instead, you invest all your efforts in obtaining these necessities, mistakenly believing that your striving sustains you rather than acknowledging God's role in your nourishment."},{"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":"Our entire existence is governed by God's will and is not contingent upon our own efforts. For instance, the Lord highlights the development of the body as an essential aspect of life, emphasizing that it holds significant importance. It was previously stated that we cannot change the color of a single hair (Matt. 5:36), reinforcing the notion that regardless of how much we toil for our physical well-being or how diligently we attend to its sustenance, we ultimately do not control these aspects."},{"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":"Who among you, by being anxious, can add even a single cubit to his stature? Or who can extend his life by even one hour through his own worries, apart from God's assistance? All of this is beyond our control; it is the work of the Lord. As Chrysostom states, with all your efforts, you cannot increase your physical stature; likewise, you cannot acquire nourishment on your own, despite believing it achievable. Therefore, it is not our own striving, but rather God’s Providence that brings about the fulfillment of what we may think we accomplish. For if God abandons us, then no amount of worry, concern, or labor—nothing at all—will be of any avail; everything will be in vain. Why should we inflict unnecessary distress upon ourselves? This is the reason the Monk Sirin asserts: “Throughout my life I have harvested, planted, and woven; yet in all this, if the hand of God had not sustained me, I would not have been able to provide for myself.\\""},{"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":"To enhance one’s stature. Another evident illustration of this can be found in the futility of humanity's excessive concern for earthly provisions; despite all efforts, one cannot fundamentally change their existence, such as by adding to their height. The Lord has set a specific stature for each individual, and despite all human endeavor, one cannot increase it if it is limited, nor lessen it if it is abundant. Growth or advancing age signifies the continuation of one’s life (John 9:21-23); thus, the phrase “to put on growth” can also refer to extending one’s lifespan. God has established the duration of human life by setting a definitive limit, and no amount of human anxiety can extend it beyond this destined boundary. What then is the need for excessive worry about physical existence? ‘If God departs from us, neither care, nor concern, nor toil - in summary, nothing will assist us, but all will be futile’ (Chrysostom)."},{"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":"Can our physical existence be extended through our anxious preoccupations with diet? Can we truly enhance our stature in any way? Do extravagant meals and luxurious feasts, which demand our constant attention and consume our valuable time, genuinely fortify our vitality, boost our health, and prolong our lives? On the contrary, these excessive, time-consuming indulgences diminish not only the vigor of our souls but also that of our bodies, and frequently lead to a premature end to the fleeting life we already possess."},{"author-name":"Paul Matwejewski","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8969f5be0d592d5a10576_Paul%20Matwejewski.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"In His teachings on simplicity, the Lord cautioned against being overly anxious about fulfilling physical needs while simultaneously emphasizing God's Providence, which looks after all creation, particularly humanity, the pinnacle of His work. He assured us, \\"Be not careful with your soul what you eat or what you drink, nor with your body what you put on: is not the soul more than food, and the body more than raiment?\\" For \\"He who gave the greater things, soul and body, will He not give food and clothing?\\" (Bl. Theophylact). Observe 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? In both the natural world and in human existence, everything unfolds according to the Creator's design, and despite our efforts, no one can make significant alterations to their being; who among you can extend their life by even one moment? \\"It is not food that grows the body, but the Providence of God\\" (St John Chrysostom)."}]}
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