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Explanation for:
Matthew
7
:
27
And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and they beat upon that house, and it fell, and great was the fall thereof.
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":"The Saviour, acknowledging that the way of righteousness is narrow and often accompanied by trials, seeks to uplift those who listen by highlighting the profound safety and joy found along this path, contrasting it with the significant risks and damage inherent in the alternative. Through these illustrations, He emphasizes the rewards that virtue brings while exposing the consequences of vice. As I have previously pointed out, the Saviour consistently fosters the spiritual well-being of His followers through both a passionate advocacy for righteousness and a strong denunciation of sin. \\n\\nRecognizing that some may honor His teachings yet fail to act on them, He begins with a stern reminder: merely hearing His words is not enough for salvation; one must also show obedience through actions, which is the very essence of what is required. Concluding His remarks, He leaves His listeners with a sense of deep apprehension. The Saviour not only encourages them toward virtue with promises of future blessings—such as the kingdom of heaven, inexpressible rewards, comfort, and countless other gifts—but also highlights present benefits, exemplified by the stability found in a solid foundation. Similarly, He warns against vice, not just by describing dire outcomes—such as the dying tree, the unquenchable fire, and the closed entrance to the kingdom of heaven—but also by referencing current troubles, symbolized by the destruction of the temple.\\n\\nTo make His message more impactful, He employs metaphorical language. If He had merely stated that a righteous individual is unshakeable while a wicked one quickly tires, His words would not have held the same weight as when He invokes images of stone, a house, rivers, rain, and winds to convey His meaning. Truly, nothing is more foolish than someone who constructs a house upon sand, undertaking labor without reaping peace or reward, and instead facing punishment. Everyone recognizes that those devoted to vice also engage in toil; the thief, the adulterer, and the slanderer scramble to fulfill their sinful desires, yet from their efforts, they gain no benefit and instead encounter great suffering. As Paul notes, \\"He who sows to his flesh will reap corruption from his flesh\\" (Galatians 6:8). Such a sowing is akin to building on a sandy foundation, with sins like fornication, indulgence, drunkenness, and rage representing this precarious ground. \\n\\nContrasting the virtuous with the wicked reveals the stark differences between them. Elijah built steadfastly upon a rock, while Ahab relied on the instability of sand. In this dynamic, Ahab, despite his royal position, feared and trembled before the prophet, who possessed only a single gift of grace. This contrast is evident in the behavior of the Jews compared to the apostles. The latter, despite their small number and imprisonment, exhibited the strength of stone, while their oppressors demonstrated the fragility of sand, as illustrated in their question about the man from Shem (Acts 4:16). It becomes clear that it is not those who are held captive who are troubled, but rather those holding them captive. What could be more perplexing than that? Those who detain others find themselves distressed. \\n\\nThe Jews, having built their lives upon unstable foundations, exhibited weakness. This accounts for their frantic question, \\"What are you doing, wishing to bring the blood of this Man upon us?\\" (Acts 5:28). Consider their inconsistency: they inflict torment yet live in fear, persecute while feeling terror, and judge while trembling. Such is the helplessness of vice! In stark contrast, the apostles declared, \\"We cannot, what we have seen and heard, not speak\\" (Acts 4:20). Their confidence is evident; they embody the steadfastness of stone against the storms around them. Remarkably, rather than fear their adversaries’ accusations, the apostles grew bolder, inducing great anxiety in their opponents. The one who strikes a solid foundation finds himself at risk; likewise, those who plot against the virtuous expose themselves to danger. \\n\\nVice, paradoxically, grows weaker as it fortifies itself against the righteous. Just as someone who ignites a fire within clothing doesn’t extinguish the blaze but rather consumes the garment, those who pursue righteous individuals only serve to glorify them while harming themselves. It is indeed true that the more one endures hardships while adhering to a disciplined life, the stronger one becomes. The more steadfastly one clings to virtue, the less need they will feel, leading to further strength and superiority. This was evident in John; he instilled no grief in others, rather it was Herod who felt discomfort. Herod, despite his lavish adornments, quaked in fear before the one stripped of all. He couldn’t bear to look upon the severed head of John’s sacrifice. To emphasize Herod’s dread even after John’s demise, he expresses, \\"This is John whom I killed\\" (Luke 9:9). The term \\"killed\\" illustrates that Herod did not boast about this deed, choosing instead to wrestle with his fears and acknowledge his role in John's death.\\n\\nVirtue is so potent that even in death, it surpasses the vitality of the living. This is why, even while John lived, wealthy individuals approached him, asking, \\"What shall we do?\\" (Luke 3:10). How striking that the rich come seeking guidance from one who has nothing, warriors consulting with someone without a home! Elijah exemplified this same fearless approach to the people, calling them out, as John did with the phrase \\"the spawn of the echidna\\" (Matthew 3:7). Elijah challenged, \\"How long shall the temple be upon both your moulds?\\" (1 Kings 18:21), standing firm and unyielding. \\n\\nObserve how an edifice constructed on sand succumbs to disaster with alarming ease. Its stability is nothing compared to the enduring nature of righteousness; yet, a fortification built on sand may endure for a time but will ultimately result in a cataclysmic downfall. \\"And her fall was great,\\" the Saviour says. Indeed, the peril here is not trivial but impacts the soul, compounded by the forfeiture of heaven and eternal treasures. Even beforehand, the wicked can expect a wretched existence filled with ceaseless turmoil, fears, worries, and profound anxieties; as the Wise One articulates, \\"The wicked flees not one who pursues\\" (Proverbs 28:1). Such individuals quail at phantoms, mistrusting friends and foes alike, suffering great strife long before eternal punishment begins. \\n\\nThrough these reflections, Christ affirms, \\"And her fall was great.\\" Thus, by illustrating present sufferings, and urging obstinate unbelievers to shun vice, He effectively concludes His teachings. While future promises hold greater significance, concrete images of present struggles may more effectively dissuade hardened hearts. Therefore, the Saviour wraps up His sermon with vivid imagery, making the benefits of His commandments clearer for His listeners. With this understanding of current and impending realities, let us flee from vice and earnestly pursue virtue, ensuring we do not labor in vain, but rather find security in this life and partake in the glory that awaits us in the life to come through the grace and compassion of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom be glory and sovereignty forever. Amen."},{"author-name":"Cyrill of Alexandria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88a8ea5c988a4fc073480_Cyrill%20of%20Alexandria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":5,"exegesis-text":"The individual who hears the spiritually discernible law but fails to adhere to it is compared to a house constructed on unstable ground. When trials arise and the storms of iniquity lash out, reaching deep into the soul, and when the murky waters disturb their vices, they find themselves in dire peril; this house inevitably collapses and is overwhelmed. Indeed, the wise are subdued, while those who act thoughtlessly are similarly metaphorized. For through Christ who empowers him, the virtuous individual can accomplish all things, as everything that enables humanity to thrive is derived from Him—particularly wisdom, understanding, and the inclination towards goodness. Conversely, the wicked are not instigated by God in their malevolence and irrationality; rather, they resemble madmen, having strayed from what is natural and embracing the unnatural."},{"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":"When a believer stumbles, particularly in the face of temptation, it results in a significant downfall. The unbeliever does not experience this kind of fall, as they remain on the ground. However, for the one who has faith, the fall is considerable. Thus, the gravity of a believer's fall is profound."},{"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 these words, He conveys that anyone who has learned My commandments yet fails to anchor their actions upon them as a solid foundation—that is, who does not live according to their directives but instead chooses a different path—works in futility. In times of trial, such an individual will be easily overcome by various temptations. This occurs because their only departure from the Savior is due to the narrowness of the way they have chosen to follow (the unstable ground upon which they have built their life will inevitably be hedonism). When faced with temptation, they succumb to denial, unable to endure the harshness of trial, as they are unaccustomed to diligent effort and adversity. Their downfall is significant. It is indeed profound, for they fall not from honor, wealth, or any form of earthly success, but rather from their faith in Christ. The nonbeliever does not stumble, as they remain completely ensnared in the depths of error; however, one who has been lifted from that pit, elevated to the heights of faith, and then reverts, experiences a fall that results in the loss of eternal life."},{"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 Savior remarked, “and it rained,” as the rivers rushed forth and the winds howled, symbolizing the array of temptations and trials that accompany earthly existence. These forces descended upon that house, burdening the temple of the sinner’s spirit, leading to a catastrophic collapse that he could not withstand—his downfall was absolute and devastating. St. Chrysostom contemplated, “the threat here is not to trivial matters but to the soul, compounded by the loss of heavenly grace and eternal treasures.” This is the essence of a significant fall: when the soul, having received the Word of God, chooses not to act upon it, it succumbs. The words of the Savior resonate with profound power through these striking, soul-stirring illustrations. His audience, the Hebrews, inhabited a land marked by mountains and hills; during dry seasons, the mountains’ streams became parched valleys, but a heavy rain would transform these dry beds into rushing torrents, sweeping away all in their path. Who would attempt to construct a home along the precarious, sandy edge of such a stream? Typically, houses were anchored on solid rock to withstand the ravaging floodwaters. These familiar realities were well understood by Christ's listeners, who now heard the Divine Teacher use these stark natural occurrences as a spiritual lesson for them. A person may be blissfully unaware of calamity until it suddenly strikes; in a moment, their health, joy, wealth, and serenity can vanish. Yet, he who stands steadfast on the foundation of Christ's teachings can meet trials and tribulations with composure, assured that the Lord is vigilant, preventing any temptation that exceeds his capability to endure. However, what fate awaits those who have forsaken God and placed their hopes in earthly possessions during times of testing? Regrettably, they are destined for despair and eternal loss. This is the redemptive strength found in Christ’s commandments, even in our temporal lives: neglecting them invites destruction at every turn. Our Lord Jesus Christ concluded His magnificent Sermon on the Mount with this striking and cautionary analogy, a message relevant to both the righteous and the wayward. Never before had humanity been graced with such remarkable words of everlasting significance; the crowd listened with profound respect, their attention fixed on the Divine Teacher, absorbing every gracious word that flowed from His lips. It was only after His divine discourse had ended that the multitude stirred, expressing amazement, wonder, and delight."},{"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 stated that everyone who listens to His words and puts them into practice is akin to a wise individual who constructed his house on a solid foundation. When the rains fell, the floods arose, and the winds howled, they assaulted that house, yet it did not collapse because it was built upon a rock (Matthew 7:24, 25). In this analogy, life and mindset are compared to a house, strengthened by the Divine power inherent in the words of Christ. It is clear that no other force can bestow such stability upon the soul as the observance of Christ's teachings; His power is manifested through these commandments. The Lord further stated that anyone who hears His words but does not act upon them is like a foolish person who constructed his house on sand. The rains came down, the rivers surged, and the winds blew against that house, and it fell; its destruction was complete (Matthew 7:26, 27). \\n\\nIt is relatively simple to dismantle the seemingly virtuous life of those who rely solely on external achievements, no matter how challenging or demanding, while neglecting the essential Gospel teachings. Frequently, ascetics may disregard the Gospel commands, trampling them underfoot, dismissing their significance and failing to recognize their importance. Such individuals, when faced with unexpected trials or sudden shifts in their lives, not only waver quickly but can experience a complete moral collapse, referred to in the Gospel as the great destruction of the soul's temple. \\n\\nConsider, for instance, a hermit residing in solitude who has pinned his hopes for success and salvation on this isolation. If circumstances were to force this hermit out of his seclusion into the midst of society, and without a foundation in the Gospel commandments, he would likely become vulnerable to the intense temptations abundant in human interactions. This situation is natural; without the protection of the internal strength that comes from adhering to Gospel teachings, he would lose his source of support and succumb to outside influences. \\n\\nThis observation is not meant to undermine the value of desert life, which shields from temptations and facilitates the study and application of Gospel commandments. Rather, it is to emphasize that those in solitude should prioritize understanding and living according to the Gospel, through which Christ, the power and wisdom of God, enters the soul (1 Corinthians 1:24). Authentic Christianity and true monastic life are rooted in the practice of Gospel teachings. Where this adherence is absent, neither Christianity nor monasticism truly exists, regardless of outward appearances. \\n\\nThe Scripture indicates that the righteous will inherit the earth and dwell in it for eternity; those deemed righteous are those who diligently strive to fulfill the genuine and unwavering will of God, rather than their own misguided ideas of righteousness. Only those who pursue God’s righteousness can inherit the earth, meaning they will possess their hearts, their flesh, and their very being. The mouth of the righteous will impart wisdom, and his words will convey justice. The law of his God dwells within his heart, and his steps shall not falter (Psalm 36:29-31)."},{"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":"In this passage, Jesus Christ compares a person who is deeply rooted in His teachings and consistently adheres to His commandments throughout their life to a builder who constructs their home on a firm foundation of rock. In both scenarios, the strength and stability of the foundation ensure that what has been created remains steadfast and withstands any external challenges. By anchoring his life on the solid rock of Christ's commandments, as the hymn expresses, the believer steadfastly endures trials, persecution, famine, and conflict, triumphing over all through the strength of faith and love. Conversely, the individual who merely hears Christ's teachings without embracing them fully is vulnerable: when faced with temptation, he completely turns away from Christ, revealing the shortcomings of his sinful nature. The sanctuary of the soul, which once appeared to honor Christ, ultimately collapses; for the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew against that house, and it fell, and great was its fall."},{"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 address on the Mount with a powerful analogy that would have resonated deeply with His audience. He compares the individual who hears His teachings and puts them into practice—living in accordance with His message—to a person who constructs his home upon solid rock. Conversely, the one who merely hears His words but fails to act upon them is likened to someone who builds his residence on sand. The geography of Palestine, predominantly hilly and mountainous, is often subjected to sudden, torrential rains and fierce storms. Streams and brooks that remain dry during periods of drought can abruptly fill with rushing water, sweeping down into the valleys. In their rapid current, these waters can carry away anything in their path. Structures situated in their flow may not withstand the force, particularly if they are poorly constructed or built on unstable ground; they can tremble at their foundations, be washed away, and scattered by the relentless surge. Given the abundance of rocks and stones in Palestine, it is prudent to build upon them, a choice made by the wise. This analogy must have been particularly impactful for the Jewish audience. Just as storms of temptation and misfortune frequently threaten inner peace and spiritual well-being, we may find ourselves suddenly besieged by turmoil. In an instant, our health, joy, possessions, and serenity may vanish. Who can maintain composure and happiness in such turbulent circumstances? Only those who abide in Christ. Those who adhere to the teachings and commandments of Christ can view themselves as secure amidst life's tempestuous trials and tribulations; with faith and love, they can confront their challenges without fear. Should they encounter temptation or adversity, they stand firm and endure, for the Lord safeguards them, ensuring they will not face trials beyond their capacity (1 Cor. 10:13). However, those who disregard Christ's commandments will falter; when storms arise, they often lack the strength to withstand them. Such individuals frequently succumb to despair, leading to a devastating downfall that not only affects them but also astonishes those around them."},{"author-name":"Paul Matwejewski","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8969f5be0d592d5a10576_Paul%20Matwejewski.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The Lord Jesus Christ, desiring to engrave His teachings more profoundly in the minds and hearts of His audience, concluded the Sermon on the Mount with a powerful parable: \\"Everyone who hears these words of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man, who built his house upon a rock: and the rain descended, and the rivers came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not, for it was founded upon a rock.\\" Conversely, \\"whosoever heareth these words of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: and the rain descended, and the rivers came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.\\" According to the interpretation of St. John Chrysostom, the elements of wind, rain, and rivers symbolize the onslaught of temptations, grief, and misfortunes. The soul's dwelling, securely anchored on the solid foundation of active faith in Christ, withstands the trials of life's storms. In fact, \\"a firm, cheerful, and sober man is fortified by these challenges; as tribulations increase, so too does his resolve. In contrast, the indifferent individual, at the slightest hint of temptation, becomes uncertain and falters.\\" This failure is significant, as it poses a grave threat to the soul, leading to the loss of heavenly rewards and eternal treasures."}]}
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