←
Explanation for:
Matthew
25
:
40
And the king answering, shall say to them: Amen I say to you, as long as you did it to one of these my least brethren, you did it to me.
15
more explanations
& daily audio-books
spoken by
– enjoy in Theosis App –
Start your
Bible-journey
with explanations
& daily audio-books
only 4$* per month
{"arr":[{"author-name":"Gregory of Nyssa","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88c197597540c9caa3754_Gregory%20of%20Nyssa.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"You have created these and the next (Matt. 25:40). I find myself reflecting deeply before the awe-inspiring appearance of the King, as depicted in the Gospel. Once again, my spirit trembles at the solemn words! It feels as though I can perceive the King of Heaven Himself, seated with authority, as the Sacred Text reveals, upon the throne of glory (Matt. 25:31). The glorious Throne, if such a Throne can hold the Uncontainable, witnesses the countless ranks of Angels surrounding the King; I behold the majestic sovereign, in His unfathomable magnificence, turning His gaze upon humanity and upon all generations from the dawn of time to this sobering event—witnessing the King gathering people to Himself, declaring judgment based on the worthiness of their earthly deeds. To those who have chosen righteousness in life, He grants them a place at His right hand, as written, while to the wrongdoers and unworthy, He assigns their fate according to their actions; delivering words of grace to the former: Come, ye blessed of My Father (Matt. 25:34), alongside a solemn and fearsome warning: Depart from Me, ye cursed (Matt. 25:41). The weight of what I’ve read has seized my soul to such a profound extent that my thoughts are consumed by the gravity of this subject, rendering me oblivious to the present and too preoccupied to deliberate on other matters, although understanding how the Eternal One will arrive is not without significance. Behold, I am with you, He assures, I am with you always (Matt. 28:20); yet, if He is truly with us, how can it be said that He shall come, as if He is not already present? For, as the apostle proclaims, In Him we live, and move, and have our being (Acts 17:28), thus it is impossible for Him, who encompasses all, to depart from those whom He sustains in Himself, unless He is not inherently present with those belonging to Him, or awaiting the end of days. Moreover, what throne does the incorporeal One occupy? What is the manifestation of the Invisible? What likeness can truly capture the Indescribable? How can the Ineffable be envisioned as seated on a Throne? I shall set aside such inquiries, as they are extraneous for the moment, but for the common benefit, I shall direct my speech as best I can toward how we should avoid being among the rejected. Much has the warning stirred within me, and I do not deny the turmoil within my soul. I pray that you too would not disregard fear; for blessed is the man who is in awe of everything (Proverbs 28:14), while he who dismisses it will face disdain (Proverbs 13:13), as Wisdom teaches us. Thus, before tribulation arrives, let us ensure that we do not encounter sorrow. What is the means of escaping these dreadful calamities? It is to embrace the path of life revealed to us through the Holy Word—a path of genuine and vibrant existence. What is this path? We find ourselves in distress, thirsty... I am a stranger; and: naked, and sick, and in prison.... For as much as you have done unto one of these, the least of these, you have done unto Me (Matthew 25:35-37, 40); hence He proclaims: Come, ye blessed of My Father (Matthew 25:34). What does this instruct us? That blessing emerges from adherence to commandments, while neglect results in condemnation. Let us cherish the blessing, and flee from the curse; for we possess the freedom to choose either path; what we earnestly seek will be ours. Therefore, let us humble ourselves before the Lord of blessings, who regards our care for the needy, especially in this present time when there is an overwhelming opportunity to fulfill this commandment. Many are in dire need, and countless individuals suffer from debilitating illnesses. As we show compassion toward them, let us strive to secure for ourselves a promising fate. I speak plainly concerning those whose bodies are marred by severe illness; the greater their suffering, the more profound the blessing for those who carry out the commandment's call. What, then, is to be done? We must not act against the commandment of the Holy Spirit, which teaches us not to distance ourselves from those who share our human nature, nor to mirror the behavior of those condemned in the Gospel—the priest and the Levite, who callously passed by a man in dire need, left half dead by robbers (see: Luke 10:30-37). If they were guilty for neglecting to notice the wounds of the naked, how can we, who replicate their fault, claim innocence? Consider the man who, affixed to a condition of grave illness, appears as if cursed into a beastly state, who has affixed wood to his hands in lieu of limbs, creating an extraordinary impression upon the pathways of humanity. Who would recognize from such marks that a person once traversed this way? A man, upright in frame, who looks heavenward—endowed with hands by nature for productive work—now bows to the earth, reduced to a quadrupedal state, lacking only a whisper to become mute. From his labored and sporadic breaths, there emanates a moaning more pitiable than that of the most voiceless creatures. For those mute beings generally retain their form from birth to death, not transforming through misfortune. But in this case, it appears as if nature itself has altered, giving birth to a different entity than what we have known; his hands have substituted for legs, his knees have become feet; his natural feet and ankles either have entirely vanished, or resemble detached vessels dragging aimlessly. If you witness a man in such dire straits, do you feel shame for your kinship with him, refuse to show compassion to your neighbor, and recoil from the very sight of his plight? Should you not consider that an angel touches you, a human being, and being incorporeal and immaterial, does not turn away from you, clothed in flesh and blood? Yet I speak not even of an angel! The Lord of Angels, the King of unspeakable glory, for your sake took on humanity and donned this loathsome and corruptible flesh to heal your infirmities with His presence. Yet you, who share the same nature as the afflicted one, turn away from your neighbor! No, dear brother, do not let malevolence lead you astray. Remember who you are and whom you judge. Humans! You, who possess nothing distinctive beyond the commonality of nature. Do not predict your fate. By condemning the suffering manifested in another's flesh, you render an unlimited judgment upon all of humanity. Yet you, too, are part of that very nature. Why does none among these individuals evoke in you any remorse? You see individuals wandering, like animals, searching for sustenance. The rags they wear serve as clothing; the sticks they carry are both weapons and support, bound to them by straps tied around their hands. A tattered bag or a piece of moldy bread constitutes their hearth, their home, their bedding, their table, and all that suffices for life. And will you not take thought for the one positioned in such a plight? A man, created in God’s image, designed to dominate the earth and govern animals, has fallen into such misfortune that his very appearance is bewildering; he shows no clear signs of being either a man or another creature. Can you equate him with humanity? Should you turn to compare with animals, none offer a parallel to the misery displayed. Beggars only tend to one another, huddled together due to the shared nature of their suffering; scorned by the world, they do not grow to despise each other. Displaced from everywhere, they flock to one another, forming a community of the unfortunate. Do you notice the sorrowful singers, that lamentable chorus? How they put forth their guileless forms, exposing the tragedies of their plight to evoke compassion amongst the gathered crowd! Poets of sorrowful songs, singers of bitter laments, authors of a new and heartrending tragedy not relying on others’ misfortunes to entertain, but narrating their own sufferings instead! What images and tales do we uncover from them? We hear of how they have been forsaken by their families without any wrongdoing on their part; how they are barred from public gatherings, festivals, and joyous occasions, considered like man-killers or father-killers condemned to perpetual exile; in truth, they suffer greater indignities than the latter, for murderers are often accepted among communities, while they alone are persecuted universally, treated as enemies of all; deemed unworthy of shelter, communal meals, or even shared vessels. Worse still, even common sources of water flow not for them; rivers are deemed contaminated by their affliction. If a dog with its blood-soaked tongue licks water, it is not branded as unclean; yet if a sick person ventures near, the water is instantly declared unsuitable. This is what they tell, this is what they mourn! Thus, these desperate souls are driven to the feet of passersby, pleading with every person they encounter. I have often wept at the sight of such sorrow, lamented the very nature of existence, and now this memory troubles my spirit. I witnessed a heart-wrenching scenario, saw tears of suffering! There were individuals lying on the road—better described as the wretched remnants of humanity—requiring some proof of their previous existence as people. They lack those natural signs that help us identify men; they alone among humanity loathe their own existence, they alone revile the day of their birth, justifiably blaming that day for bringing forth such a life. They are reluctant to claim this common title, fearful it might offend their shared nature. Throughout their miserable lives, they find endless reasons to grieve. No matter how they scrutinize their existence, the urge to weep overcomes them; they are bewildered about which part of their bodies to mourn, whether it be those lost or the ones that remain; whether to weep for their visible ailments, or those they cannot even perceive, having lost clarity through their afflictions; whether to lament the humble food they eat, or the torment of not being able to consume it due to sickness; whether they suffer the disgrace of sensing the sensations peculiar to mortality, or that they have been stripped of their senses altogether. Where is their sight? Where is their sense of smell? Where is their touch? Where are the other senses gradually corroded away by the advance of decay? Consequently, they walk about like speechless creatures, roaming wherever sustenance may be plentiful, carrying their anguish like currency to procure nourishment, spreading their illness to all rather than soliciting for help. With their ailments, they rely on others for guidance, and in their destitution, they support one another; thus, in suffering, each serves as a pillar for the other, and all avail themselves of each other's faculty to compensate for their deficiencies. They are not alone; affliction possesses wisdom regarding life—desiring to be seen together. Miserable themselves, they endeavor to amplify human compassion by pooling their collective sufferings, each contributing his share to the communal sorrow: one stretches out his mutilated hands, another reveals his swollen abdomen, yet another displays his distorted visage, or a decaying limb; each one showcasing the location of his affliction for attention. What then? Is it sufficient to grieve over the sufferings in our human condition, to soothe the illness with words and feel sympathy at the memory of it, to ensure that we do not violate the law of nature? Or must we also take action to substantiate our empathy and mutual love? What are vivid portrayals without real deeds? They are words devoid of action. The Lord does not place salvation in mere words, but within the execution of the works of grace (see: Luke 6:46-49). Therefore, we are called to engage fully in the commandment concerning them. Let no one assert that it suffices to provide sustenance to the poor through mere distance; such reasoning conveys nothing of genuine compassion and affection, serving merely as a convenient excuse to exclude the unfortunate from our lives altogether. We permit dogs and swine beneath the same roof as ourselves; hunters often extend beds to their pups; and even the farmer knows to lavish affection upon a calf. Not only that, the traveler cleans the feet of his donkey, handling the refuse and tending to its resting place. Shall we deem unworthy of our compassion him who is our reflection, our neighbor? Let it not be so, brothers. May no such judgment befall mankind. We must remember who we are and whom we are assessing. Humans! We are beings whose advantages over them are negligible given our shared nature. There is but one path into life for us all (Prem. 7:6); one way of life, food, and drink for all; one life experience, one bodily formation, one ultimate end. Anything complex tends toward ruin; nothing comprised of parts holds firm. Our bodies, like bubbles, temporarily enclose our spirits; ultimately, we fade away, leaving no evidence of our spirit's brief sojourn in this body. Memory resides in columns, stones, and inscriptions; yet, these too will not endure eternally. When you consider this about yourself, do not succumb to arrogance, as Paul cautions, but remain vigilant (Rom. 11:20). You do not know if you may not bring the sternness of the law upon yourself. You encounter a sick individual; what, I ask you, is his transgression? Is it that within him resides some corrupt fluid, culled from bile and moisture that has mingled into the blood? So claim the physicians, who investigate the essence of diseases. But what is man's sin if our nature, being mutable and unstable, has reached such a state? Are you unaware that a healthy individual may experience a rash, boils, or similar maladies due to feverish inflations and irritations afflicting particular areas? What then? Do we shun that region? Quite the opposite; we utilize all that is healthy in the body to attend to the afflicted part. Thus, the ailment itself is not criminal; instead, if a disease grips us in a singular area, our healthy faculties rally to assist the unwell. What alienation do we face concerning such sick individuals? What is the basis? Is it a lack of fear of the warning from Him who proclaimed, ‘Depart from Me... into everlasting fire... for ye have not aided one of these... nor have you aided Me (Matthew 25:41, 45)? If they comprehended these truths, they would not adopt the perspective that they can cast aside the sick as a defilement of life itself. If we perceive ourselves as faithful to Him who has revealed Himself, we must commit to fulfilling His commandments, for without these, honor before Him whom we serve is unattainable. In this impoverished soul before you—a wanderer, a naked person, a seeker of sustenance, an ill individual, and a prisoner—resides all that is mentioned in the Gospel. Without a home, he wanders, unclad, and lacking in essentials due to the poverty inflicted by illness. One who holds nothing and cannot even work is utterly deprived of life’s essentials. He is indeed a prisoner, fettered by sickness. You possess the chance to fulfill the fullness of the commands, and through the compassion shown to the downtrodden, to make the Lord of all debtors to Himself (see Proverbs 19:17). Why do we rebel against our own existence? To wish to distance ourselves from the God of all humanity is nothing other than to be a traitor to ourselves. For by observing a commandment, one enters into divine relationship, and by hardness of heart, one becomes estranged from Him. Take My yoke upon you, He instructs (Matthew 11:29); and He designates the practice of commandments as a yoke. Let us heed the command of the One who urges us, becoming disciples of Christ, willingly donning the yoke of love. Let us not cast off such a yoke; it is good; it is light; it does not chafe the neck of the one who carries it, but soothes it instead. Let us plant seeds for blessings, as the apostle instructs, so that we may reap plentifully (2 Cor. 9:6). Profuse are the harvests that spring from such sowing. The bountiful planting of the Lord's commandments yields blessings that ascend to the very heights of heaven. For all you do for them will bring fruit to the treasuries of heaven. Do not be skeptical of these words; do not think you can disregard their significance. The hand may be marred, yet it retains strength to assist you; the foot may falter, but it does not prevent approaching God; the eye may be lost, yet it perceives with the soul the realities beyond the seen realm. Thus, do not disdain the unsightly form of the body. Wait patiently, and you will behold something more extraordinary than any miracle. What is true of our transient nature will not remain as such forever; once the soul is freed from its entanglement with decay and earthly concerns, it will radiate in its own beauty. The evidence lies in that after this life, the opulent rich man esteemed not the beggar's hand, yet longed for a drop of water to cool his tongue, wishing to taste the moisture left on the beggar’s finger (see: Luke 16:19-25). Certainly, he would not have desired this had he perceived something repulsive about the soul's features, as he once did concerning the body. How many regrets of past choices must this rich man have carried in his transformed existence! How he must have cherished the beggar's misfortunes in this life! How he must have lamented his own fate, as if it had been given to the wealthy as a punishment for his soul's demise! And if he could return to life, where would he choose to be? Among the prosperous, or with the wretched? He would surely prefer the company of the afflicted; for he implores that one of the dead be sent to his brothers, to deter them from following the path of pride that wealth may establish, and sliding into the chasm of despair. Why do we neglect such narratives? Why do we not engage in that precious investment which the apostle encourages, stating, Your abundance, he says, is their deprivation (2 Cor. 8:14), so that their surplus in the afterlife may be sufficient for your salvation? If we aspire to receive something valuable there, we must first give what is needed here; if we seek respite after this life, we must provide relief now; if we want them to welcome us into eternal refuge (Luke 16:9), we must invite them into our lives. If we wish for them to heal the wounds of our sins, we too must attend to the bodies of those afflicted with disease: Blessed are the merciful: for they shall have mercy (Matt. 5:7). Some may argue that the command is suitable for a future time, but now we must guard against the risk of transmitting disease, hence we must avoid the afflicted to prevent contagion. These are mere pretexts, speculations, and convenient justifications for neglecting the divine commandments. In truth, there is no fear in obeying the commandment. Let no one heal evil with further wrong. There exist numerous individuals who have devoted their lives from youth to old age in service to the poor; and this compassion has not damaged their physical well-being! Nay, how could it? While some ailments, caused by external factors like adverse air or water, seem hazardous and are thought to spread from the infected to those who approach, I doubt that such maladies invariably transfer disease; more commonly, such diseases are influenced by the collective behavior that accompanies similar conditions. In this endeavor, because the genesis of these illnesses arises from internal causes, the illness remains contained to the suffering party. Disease does not leap from the sick to the healthy. Therefore, if the practice of commandments is so beneficial that the Kingdom of Heaven is the reward for it, and caring for the ill bears no detriment to one's health, then what else stands in the way of fulfilling the commandment of love? Do you find it challenging to overcome the natural aversion that arises in many when faced with such conditions? I acknowledge your point; it is indeed challenging. Yet what virtue is without struggle? The law prescribes toil and labor for those who rely on heaven, and the path to eternal life is often riddled with demanding trials; narrow is the way that leads to life, as the Holy Scripture attests (Matthew 7:14). What then? Shall we dismiss the promise of benefits because they require effort? Let us inquire of our youth: is chastity not demanding? Do they not prefer indulging carelessly in sensuality over a life of self-control? Shall we cling to what is convenient and pleasurable, hesitating to embrace a virtuous and demanding course? This is not what the Giver of Life intended, who has prohibited walking on the wide, easy, and spacious road. For He instructs, You shall enter by the narrow way (Matt. 7:13-14). Therefore, let the question not rest on whether a task is difficult or not, but rather on its usefulness for those engaged in it. If the outcome is immensely beneficial, let us commit ourselves to the work, disregarding the initial difficulty; what is arduous at first will become gratifying with persistence. Furthermore, let it be noted that even in this life, empathy for the unfortunate benefits the healthy themselves. For all prudent individuals know that charity is an admirable pledge we entrust to others in their hardships. Since one nature governs all of humanity, and no one can guarantee the stability of personal fortune, we must always hold fast to the Gospel's teaching: If you would have men do unto us, do unto them likewise (Matthew 7:12). As you navigate safely, extend your hand to those shipwrecked; the sea is the same for all, the tempests are the same, the perilous waves are equal; the hazards of worldly trials, like pitfalls, cliffs, and rocks, pose similar threats to many. As long as you are not afflicted, while crossing through the waters of life without distress, do not pass by the shipwrecked with callousness. Who can assure you of the continuation of a safe journey? You have not yet reached the haven of peace. Your life has not yet docked; you remain on the sea of existence. As you respond to the misfortunes of others, so prepare the bearers of your future voyage. May we all rush toward the haven of rest, guided by the Holy Spirit through the journey of life that lies ahead! May the works of the commandments and the sustenance of love be woven into our existence! Guided faithfully by them, we shall arrive in the Promised Land, where dwells the great city of which our God is the architect and builder, to whom be all glory and dominion forever. Amen."},{"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":"It is quite clear to us that within every impoverished individual, Christ is present; the hungry receive nourishment, the thirsty are quenched, the wayfarer finds shelter, the unclothed are given garments, the ill are cared for, and those in confinement receive solace through companionship. However, based on the subsequent words: \\"If you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it also to Me,\\" it appears that this is not merely referring to the destitute in general, but rather to those who are humble in spirit. He extends His hand to those whom He identifies with, stating: \\"My mother and My brethren are those who hear the word of God and do it\\" (Mk. 3:34-35; Lk. 8:21)."},{"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":"Love for God is inherently connected to love for one's neighbor, as those who truly love God cannot look down upon their brethren or prioritize wealth over human connection. Instead, they will endeavor to perform every act of kindness, recalling the words: ‘Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’ Recognizing that the service offered to others is regarded by the Lord of Hosts as a gift to Himself, individuals will approach these acts with great dedication, displaying remarkable generosity in their deeds of charity. They will not dwell on the misfortunes of those who seek their help but will focus on the magnificence of Him Who assures that He will acknowledge their actions toward the less fortunate. Let us not overlook this opportunity to benefit our souls, this healing balm for our afflictions. It possesses the power to heal our inner wounds so completely that no remnants or signs will be left behind. In contrast, physical wounds may always leave a scar, regardless of the numerous remedies applied by skilled physicians, because healing of the body only takes place on a surface level. Yet, when the soul is made whole, anyone who shows a willing heart can witness a profound transformation for the better; all remnants of suffering vanish as if swept away by a mighty gust. The Holy Scriptures abound with instances of such transformations. For example, the blessed Paul transitioned from being a persecutor to becoming an apostle, and he who once sought to destroy the Church became its devoted champion."},{"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":"When your brother struggles in his endeavors, lend him a helping hand, ensuring you may receive from the Lord today the words, \\"What you have done for one of the least of these my brethren, you have done for me.\\" Those who neglect the vulnerable provoke the Lord, and those who take pleasure in their brother's downfall face their own perilous decline."},{"author-name":"Maximus the Confessor","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8951a1dea23713695271e_Maximus%20the%20Confessor.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":7,"exegesis-text":"Nothing facilitates righteousness as effortlessly, nor fosters worship and closeness to God like heartfelt compassion extended to those in need, done joyfully and willingly. The Word reveals that God desires acts of kindness, as illustrated in the scripture, “inasmuch as you did it to one of these least of My brethren, you did it to Me.” Thus, the Almighty, who has proclaimed this truth, will surely reveal Himself as the ultimate source of goodness, a benefactor by grace and fellowship, especially since such a person has keenly understood the nature and impact of divine generosity. Furthermore, since God embraced poverty by descending for our sake and empathetically took on the sorrows of humanity, He continues to extend His boundless compassion in a hidden manner, proportionate to the sufferings of each individual, it follows that anyone who mirrors God by using their humanity to alleviate the pain of others, and manifests through love the same divine power, will increasingly embody the nature of God."},{"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":"All individuals, regardless of their faithfulness or station, whether humble or important, have a significant responsibility in this life. The unfaithful must seek truth and place their trust in God, the Creator and Sustainer of all. The faithful should strive to lead righteous lives that honor God through their good actions and words. Those in lesser positions are called to respect those in authority, in service to the Lord, while those in positions of power must regard the lesser ones as their own family, in line with the Lord’s command: “If you have done to one of the least of these my brethren, you have done to me” (Matt. 25:40). The Lord’s words apply not just to the impoverished and those lacking physical sustenance, as some presume, but also to all our brethren who may not be physically hungry but yearn to hear the Lord’s word and follow His commandments, for His commandment brings eternal life. Just as the spirit holds greater value than the body, so too is the nourishment of the soul more essential than that of the body. The Lord emphasized the importance of spiritual sustenance more than material provisions when He lamented: “I am hungry, and you will not give me food to eat: I am thirsty, and you will not give me drink” (Matthew 25:42). He prioritized His mission, stating: “My work is mine, that I may do the will of Him who sent Me” (John 4:34), and the will of the Father is mankind’s salvation. Truly, Christ hungers and thirsts for the salvation of all humanity, aspiring for their freedom from sin, which can only be achieved through the practice of virtues and adherence to His commandments. Thus, when we observe Christ's teachings, we nourish Him, the Lord of all creation. Our holy fathers teach that our sinful actions empower demonic forces against us while our departure from wrongdoing diminishes them. Conversely, as we fail to follow Christ's command, we leave Him longing. The lives and deeds of saints illustrate this truth powerfully. Rather than recounting many examples, I will share the story of one notable saint, Mary of Egypt, who narrated her own tale. In her penance, she confessed her extreme poverty and how, despite being offered bribes to sin, she refused, not due to wealth — for she possessed nothing — but in the hope of attracting more followers into sin. When she set sail for Jerusalem, she had no means to pay for her passage or food for the journey. Upon reaching Jerusalem, she vowed to the Virginal Mother of God to turn her life to the Lord. Receiving two coins from a Christian admirer, she purchased three loaves of bread, which sustained her across the Jordan River, after which she dwelt in the desert for the rest of her days, seeing no one except Zosima. During her time, she neither quenched the thirst of the needy nor clothed the naked; rather, she led many astray into destruction by enticing them into sin. How could she find salvation and enter the heavenly kingdom alongside the merciful, having given no riches, failed to aid the poor, and caused ruin to many? If we allege that true charity is solely monetary and that it’s the means by which we nourish Christ, it follows that those who are materially poor and cannot perform these deeds would be condemned, which would be a most grievous error. In reality, God fashioned all creation for the benefit of all, with resources like sunlight, air, and rich pastures accessible to everyone, meant to be shared, not hoarded. Yet, a tyrannical greed has disrupted this harmony, allowing some to seize what God intended for all, enclosing it with barriers, depriving others of their rightful access. The corrupted cry, “I am the master of all things, I own everything, and these goods are not for the common good,” believing themselves justified. Yet, the servants of such greed — those driven by avarice — can never truly possess what they claim; they are merely guardians of ill-gotten gains. Consequently, those who benefit from their wicked accumulation or distribute their wealth merely from fear of punishment or in hope of greater returns are not true benefactors. Instead, they must turn in repentance, mourn, and engage in acts of penitence for the remainder of their lives, for having kept what should have been shared with those in need."},{"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":"He refers to either His disciples or all the impoverished as lesser siblings, as each person in need is a brother in Christ, who lived a life of humility and want. Observe the fairness of God as He honors the saints. Additionally, note their virtue; in their humility, they do not acknowledge that they have provided for the Lord Himself. Yet, the Lord claims as His own what they have done for those in need."},{"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":"He referred to Himself as king, since all things fall under His dominion. This reflects the extent of His reign. He addressed the impoverished as brothers, either because He understood their condition and lowly state or because they shared in the same suffering and lack that He experienced."},{"author-name":"Gregorios Palamas","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88bfc03f555204c307b7e_Gregorios%20Palamas.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":14,"exegesis-text":"He stated to them, “Truly, I say to you, whatever you have done for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you have done for Me.” He used the term ‘least’ to denote their humble state and ‘brother’ because He Himself experienced earthly poverty in the flesh.\\n\\nThe question arises as to why He referenced only almsgiving when granting the blessing and the promise of the kingdom. Yet, for those who understand, it becomes apparent that He did not limit Himself to this alone; He referred to them as ‘sheep’, indicating their resemblance to Him and their embodiment of all virtues. They are always prepared to sacrifice themselves for righteousness, mirroring His own example, as it is written, “like a sheep to the slaughter, and like a lamb before its shearer is silent” (Isaiah 53:7). To such individuals, He openly affirms their goodness. For one who is destined to inherit this eternal kingdom, such goodness must be intrinsic, as a reflection and outcome of love, and as a fundamental aspect of all virtues—an idea the Lord further illustrated through the parable of the ten virgins."},{"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":"Consider this: the God-Man, in His extraordinary humility, embodies the righteous, teaching us that the marginalized reflect His divine essence. Our actions toward those in need are actions toward Christ Himself: Amen I say unto you, What you have done to one of these least brethren, you have done unto Me. This affirmation is striking: Amen I say to you! I emphasize this well-known truth: whatever you do for the least of My brethren, you do for Me. He refers to the poor as brethren because the children share in flesh and blood, and He genuinely shares in this reality (Hebrews 2:14). What is the significance of this? Since He became fully human and sanctified human nature, He is not ashamed to call them brethren, declaring: I will proclaim Your name to My brethren (Matthew 25:11, 12). The lesser ones may be considered so due to their frailty or the lowliness of their condition; He also humbled Himself, obedient unto death, even the death of the cross (Philippians 2:8). Thus far, the Lord has spoken of the righteous; let us now listen to the judgment He has rendered for sinners."},{"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 devout monks continually reflected on the words of Christ: \\"Amen I say to you, whatever you do to one of these least brothers of mine, you do to me.\\" They did not consider whether their neighbor deserved honor or not, nor did they focus on the visible multitude of their faults. Instead, they were keenly aware that the neighbor bears the image of God, and that their actions towards others are regarded by Christ as actions done towards Him. The arrogant fallen angel despises this notion and employs all tactics to obscure it from Christians. This understanding is foreign to the earthly and mental wisdom of the fallen human condition, demanding special vigilance to keep it at the forefront of our minds. It necessitates a profound spiritual effort and the support of Divine grace to integrate this truth into hearts marred by sin, ensuring it is ever-present in our interactions with others. Once this truth is, by God's grace, internalized, it will blossom into the purest form of love for our neighbors, embracing all equally. The foundation of this love is Christ, who is revered and cherished in every individual. \\n\\n**** \\n\\nSee Matthew 25:34."},{"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":"WHEN DID WE ENCOUNTER YOU AS A STRANGER AND WELCOME YOU, OR SEE YOU WITHOUT CLOTHING AND PROVIDE FOR YOU? WHEN DID WE NOTICE YOU IN ILLNESS OR IN PRISON AND COME TO YOUR AID? With immeasurable love, the Lord, the Just Judge, will gaze upon His chosen ones: and He, the KING, shall reply, Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me. St. Philaret reflects on these Gospel words as a letter of acknowledgment from the Lord, recognizing His indebtedness to you for every act of kindness shown to those in need. Certainly, the Sovereign of the universe does not require this trivial offering for Himself or for those He serves; however, in His astonishing grace, He lowers Himself to the status of a debtor, inviting you to acts of kindness that lead to eternal blessedness. He borrows from you the insignificant, the fleeting possessions you term earthly goods, allowing Him the opportunity, without compromise to His justice, to reward you with genuine goodness, immortality, and joy that far exceeds your understanding. \\n\\nNicephorus, Archbishop of Astrakhan, remarks that the Lord refers to the poor as His brothers, for He has genuinely shared in our humanity. He became Man and sanctified our nature, thus He is unashamed to call them brothers, stating, I will declare Your name to My brethren (Hebrews 2:11). He uses the term \\"lesser brethren\\" to emphasize their humble condition, mirroring His own humility in His obedience, even unto death, and the death of the cross (Philippians 2:8). St. Philaret points out the simplicity yet profound reach of this path. It is a modest step, yet it elevates you higher than chariots. With a thought of Christ, you might share a piece of bread and thereby secure your place in the kingdom; you clothe someone in need with temporary garments, and in return, grace bestows upon you an everlasting ribbon of truth. You extend kindness to a stranger, visit the sick or those imprisoned, and with those same actions, you approach the right hand of the Judge who comes in glory, joining the blessed assembly of the heavenly Father. Even if your comfort and charity to a beggar seem small or insignificant, you assist the Lord in preserving and redeeming that soul. Your acts of charity to the poor ascend to Him, and by being saved through the Great Saviour, you become an instrument of salvation, in some sense a small saviour to these vulnerable ones, and, if it is not too audacious to suggest, a benefactor to your Saviour, for He assures us, Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me. \\n\\nHowever, this blessed portion belongs solely to those who act with wisdom and discernment. Charity performed without genuine compassion is akin to a lifeless body. Let the words of the world’s Judge resonate within you: inasmuch as you have done it to one of the least of these My brethren, you have done it to Me. If you show kindness to the unfortunate merely because you see their distress, that is an exercise of natural sympathy. Yet, for your charitable deeds to be truly virtuous and worthy of Christ, you must view the distressed as one of His lesser brothers. In this vein, the Christian heart will surely rejoice, recognizing the joy of expressing gratitude and love for Christ through service to one He regards as His lesser brother. Since Christ descended from His heavenly throne, endured a difficult human existence, suffered, and ultimately died for you, will you not also descend to aid His lesser brother, regardless of the depths of despair he may face? Would you not find joy in not only alleviating his deprivation with your abundance but also bearing his burdens as your own? Thus, for your acts of human compassion to be pure, worthy of the Lord, justified and blessed, they must be rendered unto the Lord himself through the person of man. \\n\\nSome may wonder if, at the Last Judgment, the Lord will focus solely on merciful acts, implying no other works are necessary for salvation, such as fasting, prayer, or repentance. Do not deceive yourselves, dear ones, with such notions; they are the temptations of the adversary. Keep in mind that while deeds of mercy are pleasing to God and can lead to your salvation, they must spring from a place of profound humility, where you do not regard them as mere good works or assign value to them. The righteous will be astonished at the mercy shown to them by the Judge. However, if you attach a value to your good deeds, know that they will lose all worth in the eyes of God. To learn genuine Christian compassion—mercy that opens the door to God's mercy for yourself—you must first embrace spiritual poverty, repent over your sins, cultivate meekness in your heart, and fervently desire God’s righteousness and justification in Christ. Only then can you present to God acts of mercy that are undeniably salvific. \\n\\nWill there be those, St. Philaret questions, who find this path too easy or delightful to walk, too lazy to pursue it? Reason suggests such a thought is implausible, yet unfortunate experience reveals it to be all too common among many. Oh, lost wanderers of the earth! Where are we heading if we do not engage in the way of Christ's charity, drawing closer to Him? Ultimately, there are only two paths available: one that leads to Christ and one that takes us away from Him."},{"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":"“My least brethren”: the Lord distinguished His genuine followers by designating them as His brethren, reflecting their closeness to Him in spirit, in character, and in shared suffering (cf. note on Matt. 12:50, Heb. 2:11). - ‘The least’: referring to the poor, the afflicted, the marginalized, the humble. ‘This is why they are considered lesser brethren: due to their poverty, their rejection; He especially invites such individuals into His fellowship, namely, the unnoticed and the scorned’ (Chrysostom, cf. Theophilus). - ‘They have done unto me’: the Lord’s connection with His true disciples is profoundly intimate (cf. Jn. 15:4-6, Eph. 5:23-32, 1 Cor. 6:15), a bond rooted in faith and love, in spirit and in deed. Thus, whatever He does to His neighbors or His followers He considers as done to Himself, rewarding them as though it were for His own actions (cf. Mt. 10:40-42)."},{"author-name":"Philaret of Moscow (Drosdow)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c896ffb7a2ebaf99e46539_Philaret%20of%20Moscow%20(Drosdow).png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Allow the love of Christ to guide your ministry work. Primarily, this will effect the miraculous transformation whereby your acts of service toward your suffering neighbors become acts of service directed to Jesus Christ Himself, Who imparted this authority when He stated, “If you will do unto one of these least brethren of Mine, you will do unto Me” (Matthew 25:40). What could be a greater, yet still concealed, honor, what joy surpasses this hidden bliss, what sweetness is there in the mere thought of serving Jesus Christ Himself? However, as a result of this service, the compassionate love you cultivate, if pursued faithfully, will elevate you to a royal honor, to an esteemed position where you, alongside all the saints, will be officially called by the King of kings: “Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Matthew 24:34). Indeed, He will say to you personally, “I was sick, and you visited Me” (Matthew 24:36)."},{"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":"He will approach the righteous and say, \\"Come, beloved children of My Father, into the kingdom that has been prepared for you! For you offered me sustenance when I was hungry, provided drink to me when I was thirsty, welcomed me as a stranger, clothed me when I was in need, visited me when I was ill, and attended to me in prison.\\" The authentic righteous, who perform acts of kindness quietly so that their left hand remains unaware of what their right hand is doing, are marked by a unique humility. They not only refrain from taking pride in their good works but also prefer that no one pays heed to their charitable actions; they recognize the triviality of their efforts compared to what they ought to have accomplished, which they fervently desire to achieve. Referring to themselves as unworthy servants who have done merely what is required, they express surprise when their good deeds are highlighted as remarkable. With the same humility and sincere astonishment, they will respond to Christ at the Last Judgment, \\"Lord, when did we see You? When did we witness You in need and provide for You? When did we encounter You as a stranger and offer You hospitality? When did we clothe You when You were without clothes? When did we see You ill or in prison and come to visit You?\\" The King will reply, \\"Truly, you did none of these things directly for Me; but did I not say that whoever welcomes one of these little ones welcomes Me? And look, you did not deny aid to anyone who requested it in My name; you fed the hungry, gave drink to the thirsty, clothed the naked, welcomed the stranger, comforted the sick and imprisoned; everything good you did for the needy, the downtrodden, and those who required your assistance, you did it as though for Me. Go ahead and inherit the Kingdom of Heaven!\\""}]}
Support this project and get full access for only 4$/month
Commentarie text can’t be scrolled on PC at the moment. Please use your phone. We’re working on a fix.
