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Explanation for:
Matthew
22
:
14
For many are called, but few are chosen.
9
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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 encapsulates all the parables with a simple summary: in the nurturing of the vineyard, the construction of a home, and the celebration of a wedding banquet, what truly matters is not the initiation of the endeavor, but its conclusion."},{"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":"What, therefore, constitutes the wedding attire? It is described as follows: the apostle emphasizes that the essence of our exhortation is to cultivate love arising from a pure heart, a good conscience, and sincere faith (1 Tim. 1:5). This represents the true wedding attire. It is not just any form of love; it often appears that individuals who share affection for one another may also engage in actions stemming from a guilty conscience. Those who collaborate in wrongdoing, participate in games together, attend performances, or cheer enthusiastically at races and spectacles—many among them claim to love one another, yet this love does not originate from a pure heart, a good conscience, and sincere faith. This genuine love embodies the true wedding attire: \\"If I speak with the tongues of men and angels, and have not love, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal\\" (1 Cor. 13:1). In such cases, those who spoke in tongues may ask, \\"How did you enter without the proper attire?\\" The apostle elaborates: \\"If I have the gift of prophecy and understand all mysteries and possess all knowledge, and if I have all faith so that I could remove mountains, and have not love, I am nothing\\" (1 Cor. 13:2). Hence, all these extraordinary gifts may belong to individuals devoid of the true wedding garment. If I possess all these qualities, yet lack Christ, I am reduced to nothing. Is prophecy insignificant then? Is understanding the ordinances of no value? Indeed, none of these attributes hold weight; if I have all of them without love, I am still nothing."},{"author-name":"Gregory the Great","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88c2b032f5f6e5effaa54_Gregory%20the%20Great.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":6,"exegesis-text":"But following the rejection of those who embody all that is evil, an important reminder is added: \\"For many are called, but few are chosen.\\" Dear brothers and sisters, the words we have heard are indeed sobering. Consider that all of us who have been called have come to the heavenly wedding feast through faith, affirming and embracing the mystery of His incarnation as we partake in the blessings of God's Word. Yet, on the coming day of judgment, the King will arrive. We know we are called, but whether we are chosen remains uncertain. Thus, it becomes increasingly essential for each of us to humble ourselves, especially since our understanding of our election is often limited. Some have only just begun to strive for goodness, while others may begin good works but fail to persevere. \\n\\nOne person may seemingly lead a life of wickedness but turns back to God in genuine repentance at life's end; another may appear to live righteously yet falter into error at the last moment. One might start well and continue to do even better, while another indulges in wrongdoing from childhood, descending further into sin until death. Therefore, everyone should be especially mindful of their own condition, remembering the caution that \\"for many are called, but few are chosen.\\" \\n\\nAt times, the audience pays more heed to the examples of the faithful rather than the teachings conveyed, so I share a story about a neighbor that should resonate deeply with your hearts. We are discussing events that involve living witnesses among us. My father had three sisters, all of whom were holy virgins: Pharsilla, Gordiana, and Emiliana. All three, ignited by the same fervor, were consecrated together and lived under close guidance, spending their time in public service within their household. As they continued to dwell together, Pharsilla and Emiliana deepened in their love for the Lord, soaring spiritually towards eternity. In contrast, Gordiana's heart grew cold from the daily losses of love, gradually returning to worldly desires. \\n\\nPharsilla frequently expressed her sorrow to Emiliana, observing, \\"I see that our sister Gordiana is straying from our path; she ventures out and does not guard her heart.\\" They sought to gently correct her and bring her back to the noble life they shared. Despite putting on a façade of seriousness during their admonitions, once this period of correction passed, she reverted to her lighthearted demeanor, finding joy among worldly companions while feeling burdened by the weight of devotion. One night, Aunt Pharsilla, who excelled in prayer, asceticism, and virtuous living, appeared to my great-great-grandfather Felix, the rector of the Roman Church, and invited him to a place of eternal light, saying, \\"Come, for I welcome you into this light-filled abode.\\" \\n\\nThe following night, she fell ill with a fever and soon neared death. Given the many relatives who gathered to console her during her passing, my mother was present among them. Suddenly, she gazed upwards and cried out in urgency to those nearby, \\"Get away, get away, Jesus is coming!\\" Fixing her eyes on the Savior, her holy soul departed from her body, and an enchanting fragrance filled the space, testifying to His presence. Upon preparing her body for burial, they discovered hardened growths on her elbows and knees, a testament to her dedication to prayer; even in death, her body reflected the spirit of her devotion. This occurred the day before the Nativity of the Lord.\\n\\nAfter the Nativity, she appeared to her sister Emiliana in a dream, saying, \\"I have come to spend the holy day of the Epiphany with you since I could not be with you for the Lord's Nativity.\\" Concerned for Gordiana's salvation, Emiliana asked, \\"If I come alone, whom shall I leave our sister Gordiana?\\" Pharsilla, filled with sorrow, replied, \\"Go, for Gordiana is counted among the laity.\\" Soon after, Gordiana fell ill and, as was said, passed away a day before the Epiphany due to her worsening condition. As soon as she was alone, Gordiana surrendered to her sinful desires, expressing in action what she had previously kept hidden in thought. Forgetting the fear of God and her vows, she married a worldly man. All three had started with fervent zeal, yet they did not sustain this path, for it is written, \\"For many are called, but few are chosen.\\"\\n\\nI share this to caution those who may find comfort in their current virtues; do not presume to possess the strength for righteousness or place your hope solely in your own actions. While you may recognize who you are today, the future remains uncertain. Therefore, let no one take comfort in their deeds while unaware of what lies ahead in this life. \\n\\nNow, having discussed an event that stirs terror through Divine justice, I will recount another that brings peace through Divine mercy, though I realize I have touched upon it in another conversation where you were not present. \\n\\nDuring my two years in the monastery near the Church of the holy Martyrs John and Paul, a brother joined me after a long evaluation for acceptance. His brother followed him not out of a desire for holy living but through carnal attachment. The one who sought the communal life was well-regarded by the brethren, while his brother was quite different in character and demeanor. Though he lived in the monastery, it was more out of necessity than genuine desire. Despite his reckless behavior, the other monks tolerated him for his brother's sake. He was flippant in speech, ungodly in action, vain in appearance, and unruly in temper; yet he bristled at any mention of the holy life.\\n\\nDespite being a source of distress for the community, he was tolerated because of his brother. He would become furious if anyone dared to address his need for moral correction. As it was recounted, during the recent plague that claimed many lives, he found himself gravely ill, nearing death. As he lay dying, the brethren gathered to pray fervently for him. His body was already wasting away, yet one breast still held warmth, and as the end approached, their prayers intensified. Suddenly, he began to cry out, interrupting them, \\"Step aside, I am being delivered to a dragon who cannot consume me while you are here. He has already seized my head; let him finish what he desires. If I must be devoured, why delay me?\\"\\n\\nThe brethren urged him, \\"What do you mean, brother? Sign yourself with the Holy Cross.\\" He responded with difficulty, \\"I want to cross myself, but the dragon is pressing upon me.\\" Hearing this, the monks fell to the ground, praying fervently for his deliverance. In an instant, the afflicted man, once healed, began to rejoice, proclaiming, \\"Thanks be to God; the dragon that sought to consume me has fled! He could not withstand your prayers. Only pray for my sins, for I am determined to reform and forsake worldly life.\\" This man, once perceived as dead at his extremities, revived and committed his heart to God. After enduring long and patient instruction, he succumbed to a heightened illness shortly thereafter. In death, he no longer beheld the dragon, having triumphed over it through heart transformation.\\n\\nBeloved brothers, Gordiana, who strayed from her monastic vows, faced eternal consequence, while this brother reclaimed his life in Christ. Thus, no one can ascertain their standing within the hidden will of God, \\"for many are called, but few are chosen.\\" Since none can be assured of their election, all should remain vigilant, fearing for their works, and place their trust solely in God's mercy. None should lean on their own strength. We find our hope in Him who willingly entered our human condition, Jesus Christ, who reigns with the Father in unity with the Holy Spirit, God throughout all eternity. Amen."},{"author-name":"Symeon the New Theologian","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c897eec143c131d21207b3_Symeon%20the%20New%20Theologian.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":10,"exegesis-text":"Do you hear what the Lord conveys? Those who gather for the sacred union are those who have been rescued from wickedness and transformed into goodness and virtue. However, individuals who harbor any form of malice or corruption, despite participating in the marriage, will be shamefully cast out by the angels, referred to here as servants. The ones who remain at the wedding banquet are the holy ones. Some may interpret those without the wedding garment as individuals who have tainted their bodies through fornication, adultery, and murder, but this understanding is incomplete. Anyone who is tainted by sinful desires and inclinations lacks the wedding garment. To support this notion, consider the words of St. Paul: do not deceive yourselves: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor thieves, nor greedy individuals, nor revilers, nor swindlers shall inherit the kingdom of God (1 Cor. 6:9-10), and they shall have no share in the banquet of our Lord Jesus Christ. Observe how each sinful passion mars our souls’ garments and disqualifies us from the kingdom of heaven.\\n\\n*****\\n\\nAs mentioned, Christ will ultimately act as the crown, crowning all the saints. He remains unchanged while appearing distinct to each individual, giving to everyone according to their merits and actions. Christ Himself will serve as the garment for all, one that each person has striven to wear during their earthly life; it is impossible for anyone to partake in that sacred union without being clothed in that magnificent garment. If anyone were to sneak in unobserved, mingling with the worthy, they would be swiftly expelled. The Lord, wanting to illustrate that those clothed in gloomy attire cannot remain at the wedding, expressed this idea through a parable. He said: ‘Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?’ and then added, ‘Bind his hands and feet, and cast him into outer darkness’ (Matthew 22:12-13). The Lord likely spoke in this manner not because the man cloaked in dark attire could hide from God, before whom all things are revealed, but rather because the time had not yet arrived to unveil such a sacrament. He did not wish to state explicitly that only those clad in the garment of My divinity can enter the marriage; therefore, He spoke indirectly. But the Apostle Paul has made this point clear, saying, As many as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ (Galatians 3:27)."},{"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":"God extends His invitation to many, indeed to all, yet \\"few are the elect,\\" the small number who attain salvation, the select few deemed worthy of His choosing. While it is ultimately God's decision to elect, our response determines whether we are counted among the elect. The Lord makes it clear to the Jews that this parable pertains to them: they were summoned but not selected due to their disobedience."},{"author-name":"Symeon of Thessalonica","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c897e26d8de9e2f4f210fd_Symeon%20of%20Thessalonica.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":15,"exegesis-text":"In the Gospels, particularly in Matthew 22:1-14, the union of the glorious and radiant Son of the King is recounted by the Bridegroom Himself. He stands out as more virtuous than all humanity, being pure and without fault. Therefore, in His very essence and through His own actions, He has also completed what is required in the Sacrament of Marriage."},{"author-name":"Nicephoros (Theotokis)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8958407451968d9c204fb_Nicephoros%20(Theotokis).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":18,"exegesis-text":"Many are invited. All groups of individuals who listened to the proclamation of righteousness were invited, specifically called to the heavenly realm. This is why the message of the Kingdom is referred to as the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which individuals are beckoned to partake in the heavenly Kingdom: indeed, this called assembly is vast and countless (Matthew 4:23). However, if you consider the multitude of Hebrews who rejected the teachings of the Gospel, the throngs of Gentiles who chose not to believe, the various heretics and those divided in faith, as well as the many orthodox who fail to carry out good and righteous deeds, and contrast them with the small group of genuinely virtuous and holy individuals, the elect, who illuminate the world with their adherence to the truth: it becomes evident that the chosen are few—chosen, in fact, for their fervor for the Orthodox faith and their acts of righteousness, through which they inherit the heavenly Kingdom."},{"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 Lord concluded this parable with the same phrase that marked the end of His teaching on the wicked vinedressers: For there are many who are called, but few who are chosen. Those who are called but not chosen include not only those who choose not to attend the wedding feast, but also many who do arrive yet refuse to don the proper wedding attire. When the people listened to this parable, they likely reflected, ‘It is no surprise that the chief priests do not trust in Jesus: the called are numerous, yet the chosen are few. There is no need to question who will inherit the kingdom if the Jews are excluded. The king will gather his own guests. Thus, there is no benefit in focusing on the Pharisees but rather in heeding one’s conscience, attending the banquet, and wearing the wedding garment. This is paramount—a fitting garment, a life of devotion. God recognizes no pretense; those who are faithful and virtuous will assuredly find their place in the Kingdom of the Messiah and receive salvation.’ Another stark teaching from Christ reminds us: ‘many are called, but few are chosen.’ While numerous individuals identify as Christians, how many will genuinely enter the Kingdom of Heaven, Christ’s Great Supper? How many persist in the same attitudes and habits with which they responded to the call of saving grace in the desolation of the world—failing to alter their hearts or transform their lives? ‘Live in such a manner,’ teaches Bishop Theophanes, ‘that the God of love may embrace you with an everlasting love. Engage in your endeavors, but take care not to sell your soul to worldly distractions through the pursuit of material possessions. Cultivate your fields and enrich your land, so that the fruits may strengthen your body, but more importantly, sow the seeds of virtue in your soul’s field, that you might harvest the fruits of eternal life. Maintain the purity and integrity of the garment you received in Holy Baptism throughout your life, so that you may be a worthy participant in the heavenly wedding feast, where only those adorned in clean attire with lamps aglow are allowed to enter.’"},{"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":"\\"Many are invited, but few are selected\\": countless individuals are summoned into Christ's kingdom through the proclamation of the gospel, yet not everyone who receives the call becomes a genuine member of this realm; instead, only a select few are chosen. The elect refer to those true members of Christ's church who possess the assurance of eternal life, predestined by God (Rom. 8:29-30) based on His foreknowledge of their righteous lives, which does not negate human free will. The Jewish people were all invited to join the church of Christ, but among them, only a small number were genuinely chosen to enter. Subsequently, the nations are invited, one after another, into the kingdom of Christ; however, true Christians, those chosen by God, have always remained relatively few in number, with many who receive the call lacking the appropriate wedding attire. This observation is particularly relevant to the Jews, the contemporaries of Christ, to whom this parable was directed, as many were called, yet few were ultimately chosen."}]}
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