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Explanation for:
Matthew
7
:
25
And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and they beat upon that house, and it fell not, for it was founded on a rock.
10
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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":"The tempest that aims to dismantle the household represents the adversary. The streams symbolize various antichrists who conspire against the Messiah. The winds in the atmosphere pertain to the indignities perpetrated by the spirits residing in the heavens. The foundation was established upon a solid rock. It is upon this foundation that the Lord established His Church; it is from this rock that the apostle Peter derived his name. On such a stone, no sign of the serpent can be found. The prophet assures us of this, declaring: \\"I have set my feet upon a stone.\\" In another instance, it is noted: \\"A rock is a refuge for hares\\" or the smaller creatures of the earth. Every frightened creature retreats into the fissures of the rock, symbolizing the protection that a being with resilient skin and armor of thorns enjoys. Thus, when Moses fled Egypt, feeling fearful before the Lord, he was instructed: \\"Stand in the cleft of the rock, and thou shalt see the reflection of my shadow.\\""},{"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 this passage, He symbolically alludes to rain, rivers, and winds as representations of human difficulties and adversities, encompassing slander, grief, death, destruction from peers, insults, and every form of evil encountered in this existence. Nevertheless, He asserts that the spirit of the just remains unyielded by any of these tribulations, as it is anchored upon a solid foundation. This foundation is the steadfastness of His teachings. Indeed, His commandments surpass any stone in their strength: through adherence to them, the righteous are lifted above all the tumult of humanity. Those who diligently observe these principles conquer not only the tribulations inflicted by others but also the cunning of the enemy. The truth of this assertion is exemplified by Job, who remained resolute despite the assaults of the adversary. The apostles also uphold this truth, having faced the storms of the world, various nations, tyrants, kin, strangers, demons, and the devil, yet remaining steadfast like a rock, rendering their adversities powerless.\\n\\nWhat could be more blessed than such a way of life? No earthly gain, physical might, notoriety, authority, or any other treasure can guarantee this, except the pursuit of virtue. Outside of a virtuous existence, it is impossible to experience a life devoid of all evils. You see this truth manifest in the courts of kings and amidst the wealthy, where strife and disorder abound. However, the apostles experienced none of this chaos. Did they not face hardships? Yes, they encountered numerous slanders and overwhelming challenges, yet none of these managed to erode their resolve or dishearten them. They faced their trials without any external support, triumphing over every hurdle.\\n\\nIn a similar manner, you too can rise above your challenges by diligently adhering to the teachings of Christ. If you fortify yourself with these wise instructions, you will find no cause for sorrow. What harm can befall you from those who seek to ensnare you? Will they strip you of your possessions? Even before such threats, you are called to look upon wealth with disdain, to the point where you would never petition the Lord for material gain. Will they imprison you? Yet, even prior to such confinement, you are urged to live with such detachment from the world that it holds no sway over you. Will they slander you? Yet Christ grants you freedom from grief here, promising you ample rewards, even for instances of unearned animosity, and He empowers you to pray for those who wrong you.\\n\\nIf you find yourself beset by countless adversities, consider that they only serve to weave a radiant crown for you. Should they lead you to death, know that this too works for your greatest good, preparing you for the rewards of martyrdom, hastening your arrival to a place of peace, ensuring you receive a magnificent recompense, and assisting you in avoiding the universal reckoning. Astonishingly, those who seek to harm you inadvertently make you more glorious. What could possibly rival the joy of choosing such a noble path—a life rooted in virtue alone?"},{"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, anyone who grounds their soul in the obedience to Christ's teachings cannot be overwhelmed by the rain, which represents the adversary cast down from heaven, nor by the rivers, symbolizing wicked individuals whose ranks grow due to this rain, nor by the winds, signifying malevolent spirits, nor by any form of temptation whatsoever."},{"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":"In a broader understanding, rain, rivers, and winds symbolize the different forms of temptation. Rain represents the fervent thoughts that demons instill in our hearts, rivers signify passions that lure us toward destruction, and winds are the evil spirits referenced in Ephesians 6:12. Regardless of whether we categorize these temptations as sensual or intellectual, they all assault the dwelling of our souls, attempting to rattle or threaten its structure. However, they cannot topple this edifice, as it is built upon the solid foundation of steadfastness, as indicated in Scripture. Consider the apostles, who faced numerous afflictions and were battered by countless storms of adversity; despite this, the integrity of their souls remained unshaken. Even when their bodies were destroyed, their thoughts remained unconquered and victorious."},{"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 declared: Everyone who listens to these words of Mine and puts them into practice will be compared to a wise individual who constructed their house upon a rock. When the rain fell, and the rivers surged, and the winds struck that house, it did not collapse because it was built on a solid foundation (Matthew 7:24, 25). Here, life and the state of one’s spirit are likened to a dwelling: this dwelling draws its remarkable strength from the Divine, boundless power embodied in the teachings of Christ. It is clear that nothing else can offer such stability to the soul as the observance of Christ’s commandments; His power resides within them. The Lord further remarked: Everyone who hears these words of Mine and fails to act on them will be like a foolish man who constructed his house on sand. When the rain descended, and the rivers surged, and the winds blew, that house was battered, and it fell; and great was its ruin (Matthew 7:26, 27). It is quite simple to unravel a seemingly virtuous life if it is rooted only in external achievements or apparent successes, particularly when there is little regard for the commandments of the Gospel. Frequently, ascetics neglect the commandments of the Gospel entirely, disregarding them and failing to recognize their significance. Such individuals, when faced with unexpected trials or sudden changes in their lives, quickly falter and experience a severe moral collapse, referred to in the Gospel as the great destruction of the soul's dwelling. Consider, for example, a hermit residing in profound solitude, who places all hope for success and salvation in that isolation. If, by some unforeseen circumstance, this hermit must abandon his solitude and enter into the midst of society, he, lacking the protection of the Gospel commandments, will inevitably succumb to the intense pressures of the temptations prevalent in human interactions. This is to be expected: his only source of strength was his external solitude, and when that is taken away, he loses his foundation and must yield to external influences. This observation is not intended to lessen the value of a secluded life, which indeed guards against temptation and fosters the study and practice of the Gospel teachings; instead, it serves to emphasize that the hermit should prioritize understanding and adhering to the Gospel commandments, through which Christ—the power and wisdom of God—enters the soul (1 Corinthians 1:24). Authentic Christianity and true monasticism are found in the fulfillment of the Gospel commandments. Without such adherence, neither Christianity nor monastic life truly exists, regardless of outward appearances. The righteous will inherit the earth and dwell in it forever; Scripture identifies as righteous those who earnestly strive to fulfill the true and only just will of God, rather than their own imagined or misguided sense of righteousness. Only those who accomplish the righteousness of God can inherit the earth, enabling them to possess their heart, flesh, and blood. The mouth of the righteous speaks wisdom, and their tongue proclaims justice. The law of their God is within their heart; their steps shall not falter (Psalm 36:29-31)."},{"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":"A deluge of temptations descended from the adversary who had been cast down from heaven, and calamities surrounded from every side, arising from individuals influenced by evil. The gusts of slander and various insults swept through, while a tempest of fervent thoughts and sinful desires surged within the soul. This turmoil mirrored the experiences of the righteous Job and the apostles, who, when besieged by the overwhelming forces of the cosmos and authorities, remained steadfast and emerged victorious against the trials they faced. As Saint Chrysostom notes, such resilience does not stem from wealth, physical might, fame, or power, but from a singular virtue. Do you wish for nothing to cause you distress? The answer lies in guarding yourself by adhering to the teachings of Christ. If the foe threatens your possessions, remember that Christ has instructed you not to value your earthly goods overly. If malicious words are directed towards you, know that Christ's command shields you from sorrow and frustration, guiding you to pray for your adversaries, with a promise of abundant reward for your steadfastness. If your enemy seeks to trouble you relentlessly, understand that, through their actions, they are merely crafting a glorious crown for you. Should they threaten your life, they are inadvertently preparing for you the honor of martyrdom and aiding you in the great judgment ahead. Indeed, it is remarkable that those who commit evil do not merely fail to harm their targets but often amplify their honor. The holy fathers liken sorrow to fire, demonstrating how fire can reduce straw to ashes while purifying gold from impurities. The Savior articulated that the way of righteousness is narrow and fraught with challenges, yet He also offered comfort, highlighting the immense peace and security found on this path compared to the perilous broad way. Just as virtue benefits us in this temporal life, vice brings not only destruction in the life to come but also poses significant risks in the present."},{"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":"Both individuals listen to the teachings of the Lord Jesus, the one true Master and Guiding Light, who holds within Him immense wisdom and insight (Col. 2:3). Yet one is compared to a wise and discerning person, while the other is likened to a foolish individual. Each constructs a sanctuary of joy and success for themselves; yet the one who heeds the words of truth and faithfully acts on its directives strengthens the foundation of his sanctuary, thus building upon solid rock. Conversely, the other, who hears yet pays no heed to the wise counsel, establishes his sanctuary upon shifting sand due to his lack of discernment. Both sanctuaries are subjected to the winds of temptation and the storms of strife. However, the joy of the genuinely devout and virtuous Christian remains steadfast amid adversity: for it is founded on unwavering faith, hope, and love for Christ, who is the singular solid rock (Acts 4:11) of His Church, which struggles on earth yet prevails in heaven. In contrast, the sanctuary of joy that is weak, neglectful of piety and virtue, collapses at the slightest onset of trials and tribulations, utterly failing in both this temporal existence and the eternal one to come. As you reflect on the teachings of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, imparted to your hearts through my unworthiness, hold fast to this eternal and unchangeable truth, dear brethren: that the sole reliable foundation for the prosperity of earthly realms, cities, communities, and families, as well as for each of our lives, both now and forever, is holy faith paired with devoted obedience to the commandments of our Lord Jesus Christ, to Him, our Savior, alongside the Father and the Holy Spirit, belongs glory and authority for all eternity. Amen."},{"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":"Here, Jesus Christ compares a person who is deeply rooted in His teachings and diligently adheres to His commandments throughout their life to someone who constructs their home on a firm foundation of rock. In both scenarios, the strength and stability of the foundation prevent what has been built from faltering and enables it to withstand any external assaults. By grounding himself on the firm rock of Christ's teachings, as illustrated in the hymn, the believer steadfastly endures trials, persecution, hunger, and danger, triumphing over all through faith and love. Conversely, the individual who merely hears the teachings of Christ without embodying them falters when faced with temptation, completely straying from Christ and exposing the depth of their sinful nature. The sanctuary of the soul, which once appeared to honor Christ, ultimately crumbles: “and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew,” and that sanctuary was toppled, leading to a great destruction."},{"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 be misled by the false teachers who claim that mere faith guarantees salvation. One who merely listens to Christ’s teachings and professes belief while awaiting salvation, but does not demonstrate the strength of that belief through actions, will discover his vulnerability when faced with the first temptation or significant challenge. If persecution arises for his faith, he may very well renounce Christ entirely; such an individual is compared to a foolish person who constructs his home on shifting sand. When the rains descend, the floods come, and the winds blow and beat against that house, it will collapse, resulting in a great disaster. In contrast, the one who not only hears the words of Christ but also adheres to His commands—whose faith is made manifest in every action—will remain steadfast amidst any temptations, trials, tribulations, sufferings, or even afflictions; no storms of life can divert him from the path of righteousness. This person is compared to the wise builder who constructs his house on solid rock. When the rains fall, the floods come, and the winds blow and strike that house, it stands firm, because it is founded on the rock (Matthew 7:24, 25)."},{"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 Lord concludes His teaching on the Mount with a powerful analogy that would have resonated deeply with His listeners. He compares the person who heeds His words and acts upon them, thereby living in accordance with His teachings, to someone who constructs their house on solid rock. Conversely, the individual who merely hears His words yet fails to act is likened to one who builds their house on shifting sand. The geographical landscape of Palestine, predominantly characterized by its hills and mountains, is often exposed to abrupt, heavy rains and fierce storms. Rivers that typically ran dry become torrents, surging down into the valleys, carrying away everything in their path. Buildings not firmly anchored, especially those situated on sandy soil, can be violently uprooted, shaken to their core, and swept away by the relentless force of the floodwaters. In contrast, most prudent individuals chose to build on the plentiful rocks, recognizing that such a foundation offers greater security. This metaphor would have struck the Jewish listeners profoundly, as it reflects the reality of life's trials. Storms of temptation and adversity can unexpectedly disrupt our peace and stability. Just when we feel secure, catastrophe can strike, threatening our health, joy, prosperity, and serenity—all of which can vanish in an instant. Who can maintain tranquility in such unpredictable circumstances? It is those who are in Christ and walk with Him. Individuals who align their lives with the teachings and commandments of Christ find refuge from collapse amid life’s tempests. Possessing faith and love, they face challenges without fear; should they encounter trials, they remain steadfast and endure, assured that the Lord will not permit them to face challenges beyond their capacity (1 Cor. 10:13). In contrast, those who do not follow the teachings of Christ will falter; when storms arise, they lack the strength to withstand them. Such individuals often succumb to despair, leading to a downfall that is both devastating to themselves and astonishing to those around them."}]}
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