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Explanation for:
Matthew
6
:
34
Be not therefore solicitous for tomorrow; for the morrow will be solicitous for itself. Sufficient for the day is the evil thereof.
12
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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":"He who instructs us not to worry about what lies ahead has enabled us to focus on the concerns of today. Consequently, the Apostle states: Working night and day, lest any of you be burdened. In Scripture, the term tomorrow signifies the future, as seen when the patriarch Jacob declares: And my righteousness shall hear me tomorrow and the medium in the account of Samuel’s spirit tells Saul: Tomorrow thou shalt be with me. Each day brings its own challenges. Here, it is not malice that is discussed in contrast to virtue, but rather the trials, hardships, and afflictions of this present age. Similarly, Sarah mistreated Hagar, her servant, which is expressed in Greek as έκάκοσε αύτήν, meaning she caused her distress. Therefore, we have plenty to consider in the present; let us set aside our concerns for the uncertain future."},{"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 message conveyed here aligns with the teaching He provides in Matthew 6:33, where He emphasizes not merely to refrain from anxiety but specifically not to worry about tomorrow. In doing so, He grants us both freedom and redirects our hearts toward what is truly essential. His command to pray is not due to any necessity on God's part for our reminders; rather, it serves to teach us that all we achieve is accomplished through His divine assistance. Through persistent prayer, we become more pleasing to Him. Notice here how He reassures His listeners of the immediate blessings they shall receive, as He who bestows greater gifts will certainly grant the lesser ones.\\n\\nHe does not prohibit anxiety or petition out of a desire for us to lack sustenance or clothing; instead, He provides for our needs abundantly. This teaching is compelling, as He encourages His listeners to set their focus on Him rather than earthly concerns. Just as He urged discretion in almsgiving, discouraging public displays for the sake of honor—reminding them that “Thy Father, who seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly”—here, He similarly instructs against seeking material possessions, promising that if we refrain from such pursuits, we will receive even more.\\n\\nWhen He advises against anxiety over tomorrow, He emphasizes that each day has its own challenges and troubles. Is it not sufficient for you to strive for your daily sustenance? Why then add to your burdens with needless worry when you face already the labor of today? The word “evil” as employed here does not denote misdeeds but rather signifies toil, distress, and hardship. This aligns with the scripture, “Or shall there be evil in the city, which the Lord hath not done?” (Am. 3:6). Here, \\"evil\\" refers not to wrongdoing or greed but to divine chastisements.\\n\\nThe Savior illustrates that the real torment of the soul stems from undue anxiety and concern. In another context, Paul encourages a state of peace, saying, \\"I would have you without carefulness\\" (1 Cor. 7:32). By stating that “the day has its own troubles,” He employs personification to drive home His message to ordinary people, making His teachings more relatable.\\n\\nIn His teachings, both through actions and words, He established a firm directive against the accumulation of material wealth, as noted in Matthew 10:9. His personal example of having “no place to lay His head” (Matthew 8:20) is further corroborated by instructing His disciples to be unconcerned with worldly matters, ensuring they lacked nothing.\\n\\nThis profound concern exceeds that of any earthly father. He commands this not to deprive us but to liberate us from futile worries, emphasizing that if we allow today's worries to overwhelm us, we will only compound them tomorrow. Why carry the weight of an additional day’s troubles, which serves no alleviation for today’s burdens but only stirs unnecessary desire for more toil? By vividly personifying time, He implores us: you have been given today to tend to its own needs, so why burden it with concerns of the future?\\n\\nThis perspective challenges us to recognize the futility of prioritizing earthly matters over spiritual ones. Yet, amid our failures to heed Him, we persist in seeking worldly goods while neglecting our heavenly inheritance. “Seek not the present things at all,” He says, instead directing us to pursue divine blessings—a call we often ignore in favor of earthly pursuits. We delay our attention to heavenly matters, but life is finite; one day, we will confront our mortal end. What do we gain by delaying our repentance? If we find comfort in such postponements, let it spur us into action rather than resignation.\\n\\nThe Lord’s commandments are not burdensome but rather liberating when embraced sincerely. Even the gravest sins can be redeemed through genuine repentance—a testament to the efficacy of Christ’s grace. If we turn even momentarily toward Him, His assistance is immediate. However, if we reject His call, how can we expect Him to advocate for us? God desires our willing return—not coerced salvation—showing us His love and patience.\\n\\nIf even a servant disdainful of his master wouldn't be forced to stay, how much more will the Lord not impose upon us? He waits for our return; when we come earnestly seeking Him, contrary to all earthly expectations, He will not forsake us. Our negligence in prayer reflects our own estrangement from Him, as does our lack of faith that He will provide for our needs.\\n\\nThe Lord is merciful, ready to answer the persistent plea. He uses parables of a friend seeking bread in the night or a judge who renders justice not out of respect but sheer persistence to illustrate this truth. Christ’s interactions, such as with the Canaanite woman, display that despite initial reluctance, relentless faithfulness leads to divine generosity—even when it may appear denied.\\n\\nLet us come to Him repeatedly, just as the dogs ate the crumbs that fell from their masters’ table (Matthew 15:27). We ought never to approach Him with a sense of timing that serves our transgressions; rather, turn to Him in every moment of need. Just as our breath sustains us, so does our constant supplication to Him.\\n\\nScripture assures us: “As the morning readiness draws near, so shall we find Him” (Hosea 6:3). The hindrances to receiving His mercy come from within us. The Lord reminds us that His mercy can be quenched by our own iniquities. Nevertheless, if we recognize our sins and turn back, His abundant grace flows forth, delighting in our acceptance and preparing even greater blessings.\\n\\nIn time, God will release bountiful gifts to those who earnestly seek Him. Our lack of prayer incites divine displeasure, signifying a rejection of the very benefits He desires to bestow. Hence, Christ became impoverished for our enrichment and endured trials to draw us closer to prayer. Let us embrace this truth, consistently seeking His mercy and grace, which will lead to deeper penitence and disengagement from sin—restoring our peace through our Lord Jesus Christ, unto whom be glory forever. Amen."},{"author-name":"Basil the Great","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c889927158e4af30595484_Basil%20the%20Great.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"The directive of the Lord is clear: \\"Do not worry about tomorrow\\" (Matthew 6:34). Yet, how can we interpret this instruction reasonably? We notice that we tend to be overly concerned with our needs, often accumulating supplies for an extended duration. The appropriate response is found in the teachings of the Lord, who instructed us to \\"seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,\\" and He assured us, \\"And all these things shall be added unto you\\" (Matt. 6:33). A person who embraces this wisdom remains untroubled by earthly anxieties, which can suffocate the word and render it ineffective (Matt. 13:22). Instead, they engage in acts of service to God with a firm belief in the Lord’s promise: \\"He that laboureth is worthy of his food\\" (Matt. 10:10). This individual is not overly anxious about their sustenance; they labor not merely for personal gain, but in obedience to Christ’s command, as the Apostle instructed, stating: \\"In all things I have shown you, that in so labouring it is necessary to support the weak\\" (Acts 20:35). Caring solely for oneself indicates a tendency toward self-love, while working for the sake of Christ’s command reflects a commendable spirit of love for Christ and brotherhood."},{"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":"Do not fret about what you will eat in your later years. We are instructed not to be concerned about tomorrow, yet you preoccupy yourself with thoughts of old age. Instead, let us pursue “the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added” unto us. For our Heavenly Father knows what we need even before we ask (Matt. 6:8). If we fail to prioritize these divine pursuits, it will be clear that we lack genuine concern for them. Thus, “Cast thy sorrow upon the Lord, and He shall feed thee” (Ps. 54:23). Reject any notion that suggests you should endlessly please every person around you. In response, we affirm: I strive to be free in the present, while trusting that the Lord will provide for the future. For He has declared: “Do not labour for the morning.”"},{"author-name":"Marcus the Ascetic","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c894db4cf63c9754af102d_Marcus%20the%20Ascetic.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Every utterance of Christ manifests the compassion, truth, and wisdom of God, and He imparts this power to the souls of those who receive it with open hearts. Consequently, those who are unmerciful and unjust, lacking a willing ear, not only fail to grasp the wisdom of God but also condemned the one who imparted it. Thus, we must examine whether we are attentive to Him willingly. For He has declared: ‘He that loveth Me shall keep My commandments, and shall be loved of My Father: and I will love him, and will appear unto him Myself’ (John 14:15, 21). Do you perceive how He has concealed His presence within His commandments? The greatest of all commandments is the love for God and one’s neighbor, which emerges from detachment from worldly concerns in quiet contemplation. Aware of this, the Lord instructs us, saying: ‘Do not keep watch over the duck’ (Matthew 6:34). Consequently, it follows that if one does not detach from material attachments and their burdens, how can one free oneself from corrupt thoughts? But how can one recognize the fundamental sin concealed beneath these thoughts—the darkness of the soul from which all unworthy thoughts and desires arise—when the devil, tempting through subtlety, leads one to sin, and a person, driven by pride and self-righteousness, consents? One should not rely solely on reasoning for discernment; rather, they must understand its influence over their actions, allowing themselves to become ensnared. If one is unaware of this significant sin, how can they genuinely pray for purification? And absent that cleansing, how will one discover a place of pure essence (Ezekiel 37:27)? Without finding this, how will they behold the inner dwelling of Christ? For we are the temple of God, as affirmed by the Prophet, Gospel, and Apostle (Zech. 2:10, Jn. 14:23, 1 Cor. 3:16). Therefore, we must diligently seek to locate this dwelling as outlined, engaging in prayer and knocking at the door (Mt. 7:7), so that whether in this life or at the time of our departure, the Lord will open it for us, lest we hear Him say, if we falter: ‘We do not know you, where you are from’ (Lk. 13:25). We ought not only to ask and receive but also to guard what has been entrusted to us, for some have forfeited their gifts even after receiving them. A basic understanding of these matters or even a brief experience regarding them may be accessible to latecomers and the young, yet the seasoned, pious, and wise, through perseverance, find it difficult to maintain this continual endeavor, often losing it through negligence, and then laboring again to rediscover it. Let us persist in this pursuit until we secure this endeavor as an enduring treasure within us."},{"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":"With a sincere heart and solely for the purpose of the Kingdom of God, we ought to perform acts of kindness toward everyone, without focusing on fleeting rewards for ourselves or in connection with the Kingdom of God. These temporary matters He refers to as tomorrow, instructing, “Do not worry about tomorrow. For tomorrow is not spoken of except in time, when the future follows the past.” Consequently, when we engage in good deeds, let us direct our thoughts toward the eternal rather than the temporal. In doing so, our actions will not only be righteous but also complete. For it is stated that tomorrow will handle its own affairs. This implies that provisions such as food, drink, or clothing will be provided when necessity arises. All these provisions will come to us because our Father understands our needs. Christ has declared that enough is provided for each day’s requirements, meaning sufficient supply for what necessity truly demands. This necessity is referred to as care, which disciplines us and is a reminder of the corruption and mortality brought upon us through transgression. Therefore, let us not compound this burden of temporal need with further affliction."},{"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 concerns of each day reflect our brokenness and sorrow. It is sufficient for you to acknowledge your fragility in the present moment. However, if you find yourself troubled by what lies ahead, becoming preoccupied with physical needs, when will you make time for God? \\n\\nAnd as He advises, “Do not be anxious,” He is not dismissing the importance of action. Anxiety and activity are distinct; one can engage in tasks without being overly concerned. Thus, the Lord, instructing us not to cling to earthly matters and to disregard our worries about tomorrow's peace, encourages us to strive each day. He teaches us to focus on today's labor, gathering our daily bread without fretting over what is to come."},{"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":"Avoid striving for tomorrow, as each day carries its own burdens. Previously, when He stated, “Do not be anxious,” it might have seemed as though He was dismissing all concerns regarding physical necessities. Therefore, in this passage, He clarifies that while He permits attention to the needs of today, due to the frailty of the flesh, He prohibits worry about tomorrow, deeming it unnecessary. The troubles of tomorrow will take care of themselves, meaning that individuals will face the requirements of that day when it comes. Some interpret that He has entirely negated the need for concern for those capable of managing it, while simultaneously permitting current-day care for the more vulnerable. The challenges we face today are already formidable enough without the burden of additional anxieties about tomorrow, which does not benefit our spiritual pursuits. Here, \\"evil\\" encompasses care, toil, and daily misfortunes—all of which are plentiful, making any further preoccupation with the future counterproductive. Evil is not limited to sinful actions but refers to various afflictions as well, as in other texts where evil is described as anger or calamity sent by God. As it is written, “Shall there be evil in a city, and the Lord hath not done it?” (Am. 3:6). Similarly, He said, “I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil,” which refers to calamities such as famine and disease. We often perceive “evil” as encompassing all that is painful and unfortunate."},{"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":"Do not be anxious about the future and similar concerns. Each day has its own burdens; it is sufficient for human frailty to handle the worries of just one day at a time. It is not wise for the soul to be preoccupied with extended times ahead, as this is best entrusted to our heavenly Father. Tomorrow will manage its own challenges. The Lord communicates this, not to suggest that the day manages itself, but rather in speaking to ordinary people, He aims to clarify His message by personifying time in a way they can easily understand."},{"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":"In our earthly journey, each day presents its own set of essential anxieties and tribulations. Why should we burden ourselves further with unnecessary concerns about a future day that is beyond our control, resting instead in the hands of God? Isn’t it foolish for a traveler to complicate his journey home by accumulating trivial distractions rather than traveling lightly? Likewise, our lack of faith weighs us down with many futile worries, diverting our hearts from our steady and unwavering path towards our heavenly homeland. Only those Israelites who departed from Egypt and fully trusted the Lord as their guide entered into the peace and inheritance of the Promised Land. Those who preferred the fleshpots of Egypt to the heavenly manna provided daily by God perished in the wilderness (Hebrews 3:17). Let us, dear brethren, be cautious not to fall into this example of disobedience (Hebrews 4:11). Instead, let us be firmly rooted in faith and seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Seek diligently and without hesitation, for the longer you postpone your search, the harder it becomes to find what you seek, increasing the risk of losing your true treasure eternally. But seek, and ye shall find (Matthew 7:7). Amen."},{"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":"He said, \\"On this day,\\" and once more added, \\"For this day,\\" conveying a similar message here; He did not merely say, \\"Do not be anxious,\\" but rather, \\"Do not worry about tomorrow.\\" This instruction suffices for mankind's limited strength: tomorrow will attend to its own needs. The Lord conveys this not because the day manages itself, but as He addresses the common people, reflecting customary understanding of time. To resonate more profoundly with His audience, He presents time as if it were aggrieved: \\"You have been given a day to manage what is needed for that day; why burden it with worries about another day?\\" SUFFICIENT FOR EACH DAY IS ITS OWN CONCERN. St. Chrysostom interprets \\"care\\" as referring not to cunning but to distress, toil, and sorrow, for nothing torments the soul more than worry and anxiety. God's care for us surpasses the compassion of any earthly father. \\"This I command,\\" says the Lord, \\"not to burden you with unnecessary anxieties.\\" We should ponder whether it is wiser to trust in the unchanging promises of our Lord or to attempt to control our future for ourselves. There is a parable about a laborer, a gardener, who toiled diligently yet saved no money; instead, he gave away what little he had to the poor. One day, he worried, \\"What will happen when I grow old or become ill? Who will care for me then?\\" Consequently, he began to save for his old age and potential sickness. After accumulating some savings, misfortune struck, and a severe ailment afflicted him. A dreadful wound appeared on his leg, rendering him unable to work. He spent all his savings on treatment, but to no avail; the doctors ultimately decided to amputate his leg. In that moment of despair, he recalled his earlier life of labor, repented, and sought God's mercy. Then an angel of God appeared, asking him, \\"John, where are the funds you saved?\\" The afflicted man cried, \\"I have sinned, Lord, forgive me, I will not continue!\\" At this, the angel of the Lord touched his painful leg, and John was restored entirely. From that day forth, he regarded saving money as a sin, saying, \\"Why should I accumulate wealth when the Lord Himself provides for me?\\""},{"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":"A Christian should focus on the pursuit of God's kingdom without being sidetracked by worries about the future or the present. However, it is valid for a believer to have concerns about tomorrow and the days ahead, provided that these worries do not hinder total reliance on God, complete surrender to His divine will, and viewing all earthly matters as opportunities to enhance the kingdom of heaven. What does the Lord imply by disapproving of anxiety regarding the future while acknowledging concerns for the present? The present day is within our grasp, yet tomorrow remains uncertain, bringing with it its own set of unknown troubles. Thus, while concern for the present may be somewhat rational, since it is more familiar, it is essentially still rooted in disbelief (Matthew 6:30). In contrast, worry about the future involves things beyond our control and knowledge, making it, inherently and without faith in God's provision, quite irrational. Therefore, do not fret over the next day, attempting to orchestrate the future according to your desires. The challenges of tomorrow will arrive, which you might not even foresee; the struggles of each day are sufficient for that day. Focus instead on the present, which you understand better, and if you find it impossible to escape from the burdens of these worldly worries (Matthew 6:25, 27, 32), you must seek healing through complete submission to God's will."}]}
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