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Explanation for:
Matthew
10
:
42
And whosoever shall give to drink to one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, amen I say to you, he shall not lose his reward.
11
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{"arr":[{"author-name":"Hilarius of Poitiers","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88cb92f12b3278598f946_Hilarius%20of%20Poitiers.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"The Lord has conveyed that the efforts of a clear conscience bear fruit and that the hope instilled by faith remains intact, despite the transgressions of another’s disbelief. He anticipated that many would rise up, claiming the title of apostle, yet their lives would reveal unworthiness, as they would persist in error and deception. Nevertheless, the commitment enforced by sincere faith would not diminish the fruits of their endeavors and aspirations. Even if they are deemed the least, akin to the lowest of sinners—indeed, the least being a state of nothingness—He acknowledges that not a single act, even one as simple as offering cold water, goes unnoticed. Recognition is not bestowed upon human sinfulness but rather upon the identity of the disciple. Therefore, the failures of those who are misled yet remain faithful do not compromise their integrity, as they pursue their reward through faith in the Giver rather than through the falsehoods of the recipient."},{"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 the writings of the prophet David, we find a warning regarding the tendency to seek justifications for wrongdoing, as noted in Psalms 140:4. Many sinners present themselves with seemingly valid excuses, attempting to create the impression that their sins were unavoidable when, in truth, they willingly chose to transgress. However, the Lord, who examines the hearts and innermost thoughts of individuals, observes the true intentions of each person's heart. He states: He that receiveth you receiveth Me. Unfortunately, the execution of this command can be obstructed by numerous false prophets and misleading preachers. Therefore, He provided guidance against such deception, declaring that whoever receives the righteous, in the name of the righteous, shall receive the reward of the righteous. \\n\\nSome may argue that their poverty prevents them from being generous, claiming that their lack of resources inhibits their ability to show hospitality. Yet the Lord’s straightforward command demonstrates that even this excuse is insufficient, as He encourages us to offer a simple cup of cold water with sincerity. His choice of the term \\"cold\\" rather than \\"hot\\" serves to remove the notion that limitations in resources could be a factor, for it presents a manageable act of kindness that anyone can perform. \\n\\nThis aligns with the Apostle’s instruction to the Galatians, where he emphasizes that those who proclaim the Gospel should also share in all good things with those who teach them (Gal. 6:6). He encourages the disciples to care for their teachers. Addressing the potential excuse of poverty, he cautions against being misled, declaring, \\"Do not be deceived: God will not be mocked. For whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap\\" (Gal. 6:7). This highlights the futility of bringing forth complaints when one's conscience bears witness otherwise. One should not presume to mislead me with false pretenses, as it is vital to understand that the harvest will correspond solely to the seeds sown."},{"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":"And anyone who offers even a small cup of cold water to one of these little ones shall be rewarded. If you simply provide a cup of water, which does not incur any significant cost, there is indeed a reward waiting for you; for those who receive Him, I will accomplish everything. Can you perceive the compelling arguments He presented, demonstrating the openings He created in homes across the entire world? In all His discussions, He made it clear that people were indebted to one another. First, He declared, \\"The labourer is worthy of his hire\\" (Matthew 10:10). Secondly, He instructed them to go forth with nothing; thirdly, He exposed them to hostility and criticism from those who embraced them; fourthly, He empowered them to perform miracles; fifthly, He granted them the authority through His words to bring peace, the wellspring of all good into the households of those who welcomed them; sixthly, He warned those who rejected them of a punishment harsher than that of Sodom; seventhly, He indicated that those who welcomed them also welcomed Him and the Father; eighthly, He promised the rewards of a prophet and a righteous man for those who accepted them; and ninthly, He emphasized that a great reward is given for even a cup of cold water. Each of these reasons was powerful enough to sway the crowd. Indeed, consider this: who would not quickly open their doors to a general returning from many victories, bearing countless wounds and covered in blood? And who should he receive, you might wonder? To clarify, He added, \\"In the name of a prophet, a disciple, and a righteous man,\\" indicating that He rewards not only based on the merit of the one accepted but also based on the kindness of the one who receives. Thus, He mentions prophets, righteous men, and disciples here; and at another point, He commands us to accept even the most insignificant among us. To those who neglect to accept these humble souls, He affirms: \\"You did not do this for one of the least of these, you did not do it for me\\" (Matthew 25:45), reiterating that to welcome the least among us is to welcome Him. \\n\\nHe may not hold the title of disciple, prophet, or righteous person; nonetheless, he is a fellow human sharing your world, witnessing the same sun, possessing the same spirit, the same Lord, participating in the same sacraments, destined for the same heaven, and fully entitled to your compassion, as he is poor and in need of sustenance. Meanwhile, you see people troubling you in foul weather with their instruments, waking you from your slumber, and leaving behind generous gifts, while those who adorn themselves deceptively and cause mischief are rewarded by you. Yet when a needy person approaches you for bread, you unleash a torrent of curses, malign his idleness, chide him with scornful words, and think nothing of your own state of idleness, even while God graces you with His blessings. Do not claim you do anything productive; instead, demonstrate what is truly beneficial and necessary. If you assert you are occupied with business, tavern-keeping, or hoarding wealth, I will counter that this is not true productivity; the true business lies in charity, prayer, defending the oppressed, and other virtues we often neglect. God never stated, \\"Since you indulge in idleness, I will refuse to bless you with the sun; because you neglect the essentials, I will withdraw the moon, stifle the earth's bounty, halt the lakes, springs, and rivers, and cut off the air, refusing timely rain.\\" On the contrary, God bestows these blessings abundantly, granting them to all, not only to idle individuals but even to those enacting evil.\\n\\nSo, should you encounter a destitute individual and lament that this young, healthy person is unwilling to toil for his sustenance—perhaps he is a runaway servant fled from his master—then look upon your own circumstances and let the same apply to you, or better yet, let him speak frankly to you. He might rightfully assert: \\"I am disturbed that you, in good health, choose to squander your life without fulfilling God's commands. Like a servant who has fled from his master's orders, you meander aimlessly, wasting your life in vices, drunkenness, immorality, thievery, and preying upon others’ property. You chastise me for being idle while you indulge in your wicked ways, lying, swearing, stealing, and committing countless other misdeeds. I do not say this to condone idleness; rather, I desire that everyone be engaged in meaningful work, for idleness breeds all vices. However, I implore you not to be merciless and cruel. \\n\\nLikewise, Paul, after strongly condemning idleness, stated, \\"If any man will not work, neither shall he eat\\" (2 Thess. 3:10); yet he did not conclude there, for he went on to say, \\"But you, brethren, do not be weary in doing good\\" (2 Thess. 3:13). Herein lies an apparent contradiction: if you forbid the idle even food, how can you urge us to give to them? The apostle does not contradict himself: despite heeding the call to avoid those living in idleness and to separate from them, he also instructs, \\"Do not consider them as enemies, but admonish them\\" (2 Thess. 3:15). Therefore, there is no contradiction in my exhortations; they are in perfect harmony. Be prepared to show mercy, and the needy shall promptly abandon their idleness, and you will cease to be cruel. But you may protest: \\"The beggar lies and puts on a facade.\\" In such circumstances, he deserves pity, having sunk to such a state of shame that he no longer feels guilty for lying. Yet we often lack compassion, adding harsh words: \\"Haven't you received aid once or twice?\\" So what if he has? Does he not require nourishment again because he was full yesterday? Would you tell your own stomach, \\"You were satisfied yesterday, so don't ask now\\"? On the contrary, you overindulge, while denying the needy when they ask for a little. Even if your sole motive is that you should provide assistance due to their dire situation, acknowledge that extreme poverty compels such actions. \\n\\nYou show no sympathy because he appears unashamed in his approach, but need outweighs shame. Yet you not only withhold mercy but also ridicule him publicly, in contrast to God’s command to give alms discreetly. Why do you berate the one who comes seeking help, raising the storm when he simply seeks a safe harbor? Are you repulsed by his poverty? Would he have approached you with the knowledge that such words awaited him? If he approached you knowingly, then pity him and reflect on your cruelty that fails to stir your compassion in the face of overwhelming need. Don’t assume that the fear of hunger alone justifies his lack of shame; rather, rebuke not him, for often we are even more dismissive in critical matters. In times of need, shamelessness is forgiveable. Yet we frequently lack such humility in addressing our own sins while we scorn the poor: they seek healing, and we deepen their wounds. \\n\\nIf you do not wish to help, why then do you chastise? Instead of scolding the poor, consider the wise advice: respond gently and with kindness (Sir. 4:8). It is not by his own will that he acts shamelessly. Truly, few willingly choose shamelessness. Even if a thousand reasons are offered, I will not accept that someone who lives in abundance would dare to ask for assistance. Henceforth, let no one convince us otherwise. When Paul states, \\"If any man will not work, neither shall he eat,\\" he addresses the poor, not us; to us, he urges, \\"Do not lose heart in doing good.\\" In our daily lives, when two individuals quarrel, we segregate them and provide adversarial advice. God and Moses both acted similarly. Moses uttered before God: \\"If you will pardon their sin, well and good; but if not, blot me out from the book you have written\\" (Ex. 32:31-32). He instructed the Israelites to execute one another without sparing even kin. Though these actions seem contrary, they converge toward a beneficial end. \\n\\nThus, while speaking to Moses, God commands, \\"Leave me alone, that my wrath may burn hot against them\\" (Ex. 32:10), which the Jews would later hear, albeit not at that moment. But God insinuated a countered message that Moses would later discern, saying, \\"I have borne them in the womb and brought them forth, as a mother carries her child\\" (Num. 11:12). The same dilemma arises in family dynamics; a father may rebuke a teacher privately for being too severe on his son: \\"Do not be harsh.\\" Simultaneously, he instructs his son, \\"Even if you are unjustly treated, endure it.\\" Through these two contrasting pieces of advice, he seeks to achieve one beneficial outcome. Similarly, Paul instructs those who are healthy and begging for help to \\"work if they want to eat,\\" compelling them to labor, while exhorting those able to give not to shy away from charity. \\n\\nIn his letter to the Romans (Romans 11:17), Paul urges Gentile believers not to look down on Jews, presenting a wild olive tree as an example, seemingly offering different messages to differing audiences. Hence, let us not be hard-hearted, but heed what Paul instructed: \\"Do not lose heart in doing good\\" (2 Thess. 3:13), and adhere to the words of our Savior: \\"Give to everyone who asks of you\\" (Matt. 5:42), and \\"Be merciful as your Father is merciful\\" (Luke 6:36). In delivering numerous commandments, the Lord repeatedly emphasized these, especially concerning almsgiving. Nothing draws us closer to God than acts of charity. You might object that the poor are excessively shameless. But why is that? Is it merely because they approach and call out to you? \\n\\nLet me demonstrate that we often exhibit far greater shamelessness than beggars. Recall how many times this Lent, once dinner was served, you grew impatient when your servant delayed, causing you to upend everything in anger, scolding and cursing them for a minor hold-up, even though you would soon appease your hunger. Yet you do not deem yourself shameless for your fury over a trivial matter, while arbitrarily branding the beggar—who trembles not from sluggishness but hunger—as arrogant, insolent, and shameless. Is this not extreme shamelessness? Yet we fail to examine ourselves, leading us to view the poor as burdensome. In truth, if we evaluated our actions in comparison to those of beggars, we would not claim they present us with hardships. \\n\\nExercise compassion in judgment. Even if you are free from all transgressions, the law of God forbids you from harshly judging others. If the Pharisee was condemned for this, what justification do we have? If those who lead unblemished lives must refrain from strictly judging others’ sins, how far more restrained must we be as sinners? Therefore, let us not be cruel, unfeeling, or unmerciful; let us not fall into wickedness beyond that of beasts. I have seen those so hardened that through mere laziness they refuse to aid the hungry, citing the absence of a servant, the inconvenience of distance, and a lack of someone to change money with. What cruelty! You vowed more, yet provide less. Will he starve simply because you refuse to take a few steps? What pride! What arrogance! If walking ten steps is too much, ask yourself, would you not be rewarded for doing so? \\n\\nWhen you give, you are rewarded for the act of giving; however, when you take the initiative yourself, another reward awaits you for that action. We marvel at the patriarch for running into the flock to procure a calf, despite having three hundred eighteen servants (Gen. 14:14; Gen. 18:7). Yet many nowadays are so filled with pride that they delegate without a hint of shame. But someone may counter, \\"Should I really do this myself? Will they not accuse me of vanity?\\" Yet your vanity drives you in another direction, as you feel embarrassment to approach a beggar in the presence of others. I do not wish to argue whether giving should happen directly or through another; only give alms, and refrain from reproaching, striking, or hurling insults. The beggar approaches you hoping for healing, not harm, for benevolence, not denial. \\n\\nConsider this: if a stone were thrown at someone, and he, bleeding from his head, sought your shelter past others, would you strike him again, adding further injury? Surely you would not. Rather, you would strive to mend a wound inflicted by your own hand. Why inflict injury on the poor? Are you not aware of how much an utterance can either uplift or bring despair? It is often said that words can be more valuable than material gifts (Sir. 18:16). Do you recognize that by scolding the needy, you are wielding a sword against yourself, inflicting a grievous wound upon your own soul as the beggar walks away, quiet and sorrowful? God dispatches the beggar to you. Thus, when you scorn him, reflect on whom you offend, as it is God Himself who sends him to you, beckoning you to give. You respond not only with withholding but with rebuke.\\n\\nIf that reality fails to resonate with you, observe others, and you will grasp the severity of your transgressions. If your servant went to another servant following your directive to retrieve your money and returned empty-handed while expressing discontent over the offense, what punishment would you not unleash upon the transgressor? What repercussions would fit such a slight, as though you yourself were wronged? Judge God similarly: He sends the needy to you, and when you give, you share in what belongs to God. How much thunder and lightning shall we warrant for such neglect, should we fail to give? \\n\\nReflect on these thoughts, let us restrain our tongues, abandon our coldness of heart, extend our hands to offer charity, and not only supply the needy their material wants but also comfort them with kind words, so that we might evade the consequences of malice and inherit the Kingdom through grace and mercy bestowed by our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."},{"author-name":"Isidore of Pelusium","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88d94130e668938c9ae9d_Isidore%20of%20Pelusium.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":5,"exegesis-text":"You may be mistaken in your understanding of the Divine Scriptures. The expression ‘to give a cup of water’ pertains to those who possess little, rather than to those who are wealthy and can provide clothing for the hungry, the sick, and the needy. Do not be surprised if the one who offers water for this purpose is rewarded; for the merit of charity lies not in the quantity given, but in the intention behind it, especially when the action is accompanied by the right motivation. As it is stated, this intention is greater than the mere offering of material goods. Furthermore, it is noted that the intrinsic goodness resides in the individual who has the means to give. The evaluation is not solely based on the gift itself, but rather on the generosity and wisdom of the giver. Many who have much contribute little, while others with little give abundantly. It is the spirit of generosity that is esteemed, and this is measured against the wealth of the giver. Thus, the widow who contributed two small coins surpassed those who made larger donations; for they contributed a fraction of their wealth, while she gave all that she had."},{"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":"To prevent anyone from claiming they have nothing to offer, the Lord declares, \\"If you can provide even a cup of cold water to one of my disciples, you will be rewarded. Likewise, if someone instructs another who is consumed by anger and desire, leading them to become a follower of Christ, they too will receive a cup of cold water; and this person will not forfeit their reward.\\""},{"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":"To prevent anyone from interpreting poverty in a certain way, notice how He frames His message. He refers to the disciples as insignificant, encouraging them to adopt a humble view of themselves. Additionally, He generally describes water as cold, as noted by Mark who states, ‘A cup of water’ (Mark 9:41)."},{"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":"To avoid justifying a lack of generosity, the Lord emphasized: Who among you, possessing nothing to offer, will honor one of the humble and insignificant in the eyes of society, who offers even a mere cup of cold water to those weary on their path? This act costs nothing to the giver. When offered in the name of a disciple, it signifies love for Me, your shared Teacher and Lord. Truly, I assure you, such a one will not lose his reward, for through this small gesture, he demonstrates his affection for Me. Therefore, the Lord values not merely the gift itself, but the intent, effort, and love of the giver; He held the two small coins of the widow in higher regard than the larger donations from the wealthy, which lacked true dedication (St. Isidore Pelusiot). However, if someone acts with kindness to their neighbor not out of love for their Savior but for other motives, even if noble—like human compassion or empathy—such actions do not truly reflect love for Him and thus do not merit reward in the eternal life to come. This distinction lies between natural goodness, often seen among the pagans, and authentic Christian virtue, which arises from adherence to Christ's commandment and is nurtured by His grace, consequently having the power to enliven our souls and lead to salvation. \\n\\nThe Lord, as St. Chrysostom notes, refers to prophets and disciples, and at other times instructs us to welcome even the most overlooked individuals. For those who reject such individuals, He decrees punishment: “since you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me” (Matt. 25:45). Even if the person you receive is neither a disciple nor a prophet nor a righteous person, he is still a fellow human, living in this same world, sharing the same sun, possessing the same soul, having the same Master, partaking in the same Sacraments, destined for the same Heaven, and rightfully entitled to your compassion as one in need. Additionally, “a cup of cold water” can also refer to the act of guiding one who is consumed by anger and passion toward becoming a disciple of Christ: such a person will surely not lose their reward."},{"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":"In referring to “one of these little ones,” Christ is speaking specifically about His disciples, as emphasized in the subsequent phrases: “in the name of a disciple,” along with “in the name of a prophet” and “in the name of a righteous man.” By calling them little, He acknowledges their humility, their lack of worldly power, and everything that stands in contrast to societal notions of greatness. They were perceived as insignificant both by the world and in their own humility, which is a recognition shared by all genuine followers of Christ. It is in the name of the disciple that service is rendered, motivated not by personal gain but by the commitment to Christ. A person who helps others out of duty to Christ expresses genuine love for their shared Master and Lord; however, if one serves out of purely noble intentions, such as inherent kindness or empathy, without this Christian motivation, they do not convey that same love for the Lord and thus miss out on the corresponding reward. The difference lies between secular notions of humanity and those rooted in Christian love. When He mentions “the prophet, the righteous, and the disciple” together, He indicates that the reward is based not only on the merit of the service rendered but also on the heart of the one who receives it. Here, He refers to prophets, righteous individuals, and disciples, while elsewhere He instructs us to embrace even the lowliest among us, declaring the consequences for those who fail to do so (Matthew 25:45). Furthermore, it is stated that whoever welcomes these seemingly insignificant ones is, in truth, welcoming Christ Himself."},{"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":"While offering guidance and solace to His disciples, Jesus Christ spoke of the blessings reserved for those who welcome them in His name: “Whoever receives you receives Me, and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me. Those who greet you as prophets or acknowledge you as righteous individuals, affirming your divine calling or righteousness, will receive the same reward as a prophet or a righteous person. Even someone who provides you with a cup of cold water when you are parched, honoring you simply as My followers, will not miss out on their reward.”"},{"author-name":"Lopuchin A.P.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c891400ee1341634d2276d_Lopuchin%20A.P..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Those who aspire to be genuine disciples of Christ must relinquish everything for His glory, must embrace their own crosses and walk in His footsteps. In encouraging them, He affirmed that they should be as He was while among humanity; that receiving His followers equates to receiving Him; that sacrificing one’s life for His sake is far greater than merely preserving it; and that even a simple act of kindness, such as offering cold water to the least of His little ones, will not go unrewarded in the kingdom of heaven."},{"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 summary, he emphasized the blessings that await those who contribute to and support the proclamation of the Gospel; they are indeed partners and laborers in this sacred mission, which is designated by the Lord as entrusted to Him by God the Father (John 4:34; 17:4): He that receives you receives Me, and he that receives Me receives Him that sent Me: he that receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. As the Monk Isidore Pelusiot stated, from God’s perspective, it is not the magnitude of the gift that is considered, but rather the intention behind the gift; thus, even a modest act of kindness toward a neighbor, as a follower of Christ, will be acknowledged in God’s divine justice: if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is My disciple, truly I tell you, he will certainly not lose his reward."}]}
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