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Explanation for:
Matthew
5
:
8
Blessed are the clean of heart: for they shall see God.
16
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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":"They are individuals who do not feel guilty in their hearts for any wrongdoing. The holy Lord can only be perceived by a heart that is free from impurity; the dwelling place of God cannot be tainted in any way."},{"author-name":"Athanasius the Great","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c889457b66f7fc274d1066_Athanasius%20the%20Great.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"One who has cleansed their heart from all fervent desires perceives within their own being the likeness of God's essence. Furthermore, a pure spirit is competent to reflect the divine within themselves like a polished mirror. Although it is declared, \\"No one is clean from defilement, even if he lives only one day\\" (Job 14:4-5), those with erroneous beliefs fail to grasp that this refers to inherent impurity, which every infant possesses from the moment of birth. Similarly, Moses, the giver of the Law, indicated that a woman who has given birth is considered unclean; specifically, after delivering a male child, she remains unclean for forty days, whereas after bearing a female child, due to the increased vulnerability associated with nature, her period of uncleanness extends to eighty days (Leviticus 12:2-5). Had this not been articulated within the Mosaic Law, the natural order itself would serve as evidence to the contrary. What wrongdoing can an infant, merely one day old, possibly commit? Can they engage in adultery? Certainly not, as they have yet to develop desire. Can they commit fornication? No, for such yearnings are foreign to them. Can they commit murder? But they lack the strength to wield a fatal weapon. Can they bear false witness? Yet they are incapable of coherent speech. Can they steal? However, they possess no understanding of ownership or property. In fact, infants exhibit inherent innocence; until they mature, they may cry when hurt and do not retaliate when wronged. This is precisely why the Lord taught those who follow Him, \\"Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven\\" (Matthew 18:3). Since infants are exempt from such sins, what transgression could a newborn possess on their first day of life, aside from the physical, as previously mentioned, impurity? Thus, it is not proclaimed that no one is free from sin, but rather, that no one is free from defilement."},{"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":"When gazing from a great height upon an expansive ocean, the feelings that arise are akin to the thoughts that stir within me while contemplating the profound declaration of the Lord. From lofty heights, one observes a coastal mountain, appearing almost truncated, as if cleaved in two—a striking image where the summit leans precariously over the chasm below. In a similar manner, my soul is now turned inside out by the weight of this remarkable saying: \\"Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.\\" It is through the purification of hearts that God becomes apprehensible to those willing to behold Him. Yet, John the beloved states, \\"No man hath seen God at any time\\" (John 1:18), and Paul, whose intellect is exalted above that of many, affirms, \\"But no man hath seen Him, nor can see Him\\" (1 Tim. 6:16). This enigmatic truth resembles a polished and incomprehensible stone, devoid of any evidence of the ascent of thought toward the Divine. Indeed, Moses, too, proclaimed that God's essence is beyond the reach of those who seek to impart the knowledge of Him—our minds cannot draw near due to an indomitable barrier that prohibits full comprehension. For Moses expressed poignantly, \\"Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live\\" (Ex. 33:20). Nevertheless, to behold God constitutes eternal life, a reality recognized by the pillars of faith—John, Paul, and Moses—who unanimously acknowledge its unattainability!\\n\\nCan you sense the whirlwind drawing the soul into the depths of the revelation contained in this phrase? If God embodies life, then those who cannot perceive Him are deprived of true existence. The prophets and apostles, bearing witness, assert the impossibility of truly seeing God. On what basis can human hope stand? Yet, the Lord breathes life into our faltering hopes, as He did for Peter sinking in the waves, by restoring him to solid footing upon the water. Thus, if the hand of the Word reaches toward us, even those whose minds are in turmoil can be anchored in the solid foundation of truth, fearless as we hold fast to the guiding Word. For the promise is declared: \\"Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.\\" This assurance transcends all boundaries of joy, for after receiving such immense gifts, can one desire anything more than the fulfillment of having seen and possessing all things? In scriptural terms, to see is synonymous with possessing; for instance, \\"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity\\" (Psalms 133:1), translating to \\"You shall find good things.\\" Furthermore, when the psalmist warns, \\"Let the wicked be turned to hell, and all the nations that forget God\\" (Psalms 9:17), the implication is a direct correlation to the sharing of divine glory.\\n\\nIn seeing God, one thus lays claim to every aspect of blessing: endless life, perpetual incorruption, bliss that abides forever, a sovereign kingdom, uninterrupted joy, true illumination, spiritual nourishment, unapproachable glory, and every good gift. This promise, rich and overflowing, builds hope upon hope. Yet, since seeing the Lord requires a prior condition of a pure heart, my thoughts weary at the notion that such purity might lie beyond our reach. If indeed God can only be seen in such a manner, and the likes of Moses and Paul have failed to grasp His essence whilst asserting that no mortals can, then this statement within the beatitudes appears to offer a hope that is ultimately hollow. What benefit can there be to understanding how to perceive God if comprehension is inherently unattainable? It is as if one were to find heaven desirable, knowing one will behold that which eludes us in this life. If the means to ascend were clearly delineated in scripture, it would resonate with our yearning to recognize the blessedness of heaven. However, the impossibility of ascent renders such knowledge burdensome, revealing only the depth of deprivation that remains inexorably out of reach. Therefore, does the Lord issue commands that surpass human capacity and exceed divine expectations? Certainly not. He does not instruct those who were not created to fly to sprout wings, nor does He demand that those made for the land take to the depths of the sea.\\n\\nIf the law aligns with the capabilities of those who receive it, granting no supernatural burdens, we can indeed understand that the promise of bliss retains an element of hope. Neither John, nor Paul, nor Moses, nor anyone resembling them, can be deprived of this lofty bliss of beholding God's presence, nor can any who profess, \\"There is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day\\" (2 Tim. 4:8). Therefore, there should be no doubt that those proclaiming God's incomprehensibility hold a blessed state. Blessedness lies in seeing God, which is granted to the pure in heart; hence, purity of heart is achievable, allowing for blessedness. So, how can it be that those who expound that comprehending God is beyond our power align with Paul's truth, while not being at odds with the Lord's promise that the pure in heart shall behold Him?\\n\\nIt seems appropriate to clarify our understanding sequentially. The essence of God transcends every capacity for comprehension, remaining inaccessible to human speculation and beyond any earthly analogy. No human ability thus far has discovered a means to grasp the inconceivable nature of the Divine. The Apostle rightly asserts that the depths of God's wisdom are unsearchable (Rom. 11:33), indicating that the route leading to knowledge of God's essence is one on which human thoughts falter, with none having marked its path in prior generations.\\n\\nYet, while inherently incomprehensible, He who is superior to all nature may be perceived and understood through various avenues. By observing the evident wisdom of the universe, one can glimpse the Creator’s handiwork; similarly, just as one discerns an artist’s skill in their creations without fully grasping their nature, we too may recognize God’s wisdom reflected in the world's beauty. When we recognize that God voluntarily created humanity, rather than doing so out of necessity, we come to know Him in goodness, albeit still not grasping His essence directly. The qualities of might, purity, immutability, and all divine attributes reflect God's nature and imprint our souls with a glimpse of the transcendent.\\n\\nThus, the Lord’s assertion stands true: \\"Blessed are the pure in heart; for they shall see God.\\" Paul does not contradict himself in stating no one has seen or can see God. The Invisible One becomes visible in His actions and through the effects seen in creation. The intent of this beatitude transcends mere reasoning devoid of action. Even those considered wise in this world may grasp a semblance of superior wisdom and power. However, the profundity of blessedness offers much to those who are receptive, revealing what they truly seek.\\n\\nTo illustrate this, let us consider health in our corporeal existence. While understanding health is good, living in health is truly blessed. One might praise health while consuming detrimental substances, leading to illness; this renders the knowledge of health meaningless to the afflicted. Similarly, when the Lord, who encompasses all goodness, deems blessed those with pure hearts, it is not mere intellectual knowledge of God they possess, but a tangible experience. The height of His truth suggests that the purity of heart, unmarred by worldly desires and attachments, unveils the essence of God's nature within us.\\n\\nAnd so, we find the teaching encapsulated thus: those yearning to perceive what is truly good must not allow feelings of hopelessness to prevail, even when confronted with God's vastness and ineffable glory. For within you resides the capacity to comprehend God, having been imprinted with divine goodness in your very being. However, the stains of vice obscure this innate likeness. Thus, if you cleanse your heart from these impurities, the divine beauty will shine forth. Much like iron, returning to brilliance when its rust is removed, the inner man—the heart—when cleared of sinful darkness, exhibits the likeness of the original image. As one glances into a mirror reflecting the sun, they see its brilliance even if they cannot gaze directly at the sky. In the same way, the Lord invites you to realize that though you may lack the strength to behold Him directly, returning to your original grace—imparted at creation—will bring forth the fulfillment of your longing. \\n\\nPurity, freedom from passions, and detachment from all evil are hallmarks of divinity. When you embody these virtues, you become a vessel of God’s presence. With a mind liberated from sin and a heart untainted by vice, you are blessed in your vision; having purified yourself, you witness the Invisible—an insight denied to those unclean in heart—enabling you to discern the blessedness that lies in the divine realm. What precisely constitutes this vision? Purity, sanctity, simplicity, and the radiant imprints of the Divine Nature itself. The evidence of this assertion is found in the very words spoken. \\n\\nNonetheless, we return to the original dilemma. If it is universally accepted that those in heaven partake of celestial marvels, the impossibility of ascending there renders this agreement hollow. A cleansed heart undoubtedly fosters blessedness, but the challenge of achieving that purification resembles the arduous journey to heaven. Is there any Jacob's ladder, any fiery chariot akin to that which transported Elijah, that might carry our hearts toward heavenly wonders while shedding the burdens of earthly existence? Those grappling with the inner struggles of the soul find it immensely arduous—almost unattainable—to liberate themselves from the pains inherently woven into human nature.\\n\\nLife begins with suffering, and it persists throughout our days, ultimately culminating in more suffering; a state birthed from the very disobedience that introduced sin into the world. Consequently, just as the cycle of each species perpetuates its kind, sin begets sin. The nature of human birth is thus intertwined with a legacy of shortcomings, marking the life of each individual from infancy to the final breath. In contrast, virtues remain elusive; so numerous are the labors required to attain righteousness that those who strive desperately recognize its difficulty. Scripture highlights this, noting the path to the Kingdom is a narrow one, while the road to destruction is broad, frequently trod upon.\\n\\nHowever, the sublime life is not wholly unattainable, as evidenced by the many extraordinary acts of faith documented in sacred texts. The promise contained within the notion of seeing God bears significance on two levels: one level is to know the supreme nature, and the other to be united with Him through purity of heart. According to the saints, the first understanding is indeed deemed impossible, yet the latter is graciously promised to humankind by the Lord in the teaching, \\"Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.\\" The means by which purity is attained can be gleaned from the teachings that Jesus conveyed, particularly as He outlines the path to heart purification with clarity.\\n\\nThe Lord distinguishes between two types of vices: those manifest in deeds and those existing in thought. The former, observable unrighteousness, faced punishment under the law, while His new covenant shifts focus towards thwarting the inception of sin. Eliminating vice at the will level surpasses merely avoiding the commission of immoral acts. As vices manifest in many forms, the Lord prescribes remedies fitting to each prohibited action. Notably, as anger typically surfaces in human experience, He first addresses that predominant fault by calling for the eradication of unjust anger (Matthew 5:21, 22). He does not entirely abolish anger, as it can sometimes serve virtuous ends, but He mandates that hatred towards a brother be sinless, cautioning, \\"Whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment.\\"\\n\\nIn proceeding to address lustful longings, He commands that the heart be cleansed of those desires that lead to unchaste acts. Throughout the subsequent teachings, He systematically corrects the multitude of vices, forbidding unjust aggression and instructing generosity toward those stripped of their due. He encourages fearlessness in the face of mortality, punctuating each command with directives to uproot the harmful impulses that dwell within the heart. Hence the dual approach of affirming goodness and imparting guidance emerges.\\n\\nShould you find the path to virtue demanding, consider the far greater hardships of vice and its consequences in eternity. Fear of hell serves to promote aversion to sin, making it more manageable to resist temptations when considering the weight of judgment awaiting unrepentant souls. Understanding the implications of immoral choices instills profound desire for virtue. Thus, if the pure in heart are blessed, conversely, the impure are left in distress, finding themselves perpetually marked by the adversary. The characteristics reflective of a godly existence—light, life, incorruption—stand in stark contrast to darkness, death, and corruption that define a life steeped in sin.\\n\\nHaving recognized how vice and virtue shape our existence, and how free will empowers us to choose, let us pursue the divine image and reject the malevolent guise of evil. In striving for purity of heart, we embrace the blessed life, allowing the likeness of God to be reflected in us through Christ Jesus our Lord. To Him belongs all glory and authority forever and ever. Amen."},{"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":"\\"Blessed are those whose hearts are clean, for they will behold God,\\" as the prophet prayed, “Create in me a clean heart, O God” (cf. Ps. 50:12). The heart of the righteous is pure, and they, similar to Moses (cf. Exod. 33:18-23), will encounter God. \\"Blessed are those whose hearts are clean,\\" for the heart is the vital organ that continually beats as long as a person lives, and when it is sanctified, it imparts that sanctity to all members of the body. \\"Within the heart,\\" it is stated, “are all evil thoughts” (cf. Mk. 7:21; Mt. 15:18)."},{"author-name":"Apollinarius of Laodicea","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall behold God. But how can it be stated that no one has ever seen God (Jn. 1:18)? The answer lies in our understanding; He is perceived and understood by the mind. Through the sacred Scriptures, we perceive God through the lens of knowledge, and by considering the rational order within creation, we can discern the Creator by analogy, much like how we recognize the creator in the artistry of human-made objects, even if we do not fully comprehend the nature of the creator, only the skill displayed in their work. In a similar manner, those who witness God in the world around them do not grasp His essence but instead appreciate the wisdom of the Creator of everything (cf. Prem. 7:21). This notion is further validated by the Lord’s declaration that the pure in heart will see God. The sacred text does not conflict with this understanding when it states that no one has seen God or is capable of seeing Him."},{"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":"How misguided, then, are those who attempt to find God with their external vision when He is perceived through the heart! As scripture states, \\"And in singleness of heart seek Him.\\" A pure heart reflects a unified commitment; just as light cannot be discerned without clear vision, God cannot be recognized without purity that enables this vision. \\"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.\\" This represents the culmination of our love, the point at which we reach fullness, not extinction. Just as food and clothing possess their own limits—food being consumed and thus vanishing, and clothing being completed in its weaving—both have their boundaries, leading to destruction or fulfillment. No matter our actions, how well we perform them, our aspirations, or the virtuous pursuits we ignite, once we achieve the vision of God, nothing more is necessary. What can one desire beyond the One in whom God dwells? Or what could suffice if God is insufficient? We yearn to see God, we strive to catch a glimpse of Him, our passion to behold Him burns brightly. And who among us does not share this longing? Yet, it is essential to remember, \\"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.\\" Prepare the means by which you can perceive Him. Consider this: how can you wish to witness the dawn with unsteady eyes? If your vision is clear, this light will bring joy; but if your vision is impaired, it will cause suffering. For without a pure heart, one cannot engage with what can only be perceived through the lens of purity."},{"author-name":"Hesychius of Jerusalem","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ca04ac3836441d1cf62_Hesychius%20of%20Jerusalem.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":5,"exegesis-text":"Humility and suffering, characterized by ascetic practices that involve physical restraint, liberate an individual from all forms of sin—both the mental aspects by severing passions and the physical dimensions. Thus, the Lord teaches: ‘Blessed are the pure in heart, because they will see God’ (Mt. 5:8). They will behold Him and the treasures within Him when love and self-discipline cleanse their hearts; and as they deepen their commitment to this purification, they will experience an even greater transformation."},{"author-name":"Chromatius of Aquileia","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88a3df6d7a747a33b4f4a_Chromatius%20of%20Aquileia.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":5,"exegesis-text":"Blessed are those whose hearts are pure, for they have turned away from the impurity of sin, cleansed themselves from all moral blemishes, and become pleasing to God through acts of faithfulness and righteousness. He designates those pure in heart as individuals who, having renounced sin’s corruption, have exercised personal purification and achieved acceptance before God through their righteous deeds. As David eloquently states in the psalm, \\"Who shall ascend the mountain of the Lord, or who shall stand in His holy place? He whose hands are clean and whose heart is pure, who has not lifted up his soul to what is false\\" (Psalm 24:3-4). David, aware that the Lord can only be perceived by a heart that is unblemished, petitions God in the Psalm, \\"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me\\" (Psalm 51:10). Thus, God reveals the blessed as those with pure hearts, who, possessing an untainted mind and a clear conscience, live by faith in Him. In the coming eternal kingdom, they will no longer see God’s majesty as through a dim mirror, but will behold Him directly, as declared by the apostle, \\"For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face\\" (1 Corinthians 13:12). \\n\\nThis is the sixth beatitude: \\"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.\\" Indeed, those who have embraced humility, gentleness, who mourn for their transgressions, who are filled with truth, and who show mercy, possess sincere and luminous eyes towards their adversaries, ensuring that no darkness obstructs their vision of God's indescribable glory. The purity of heart and clarity of conscience enable them to see God without the hindrance of any shadow."},{"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":"Where there is recognition of spiritual deprivation, there springs forth joyful lamentation and ceaseless tears, which cleanse the soul from all attachments and passions, filling it with light. When the soul is illuminated and intimately acquainted with its Lord and God, it earnestly begins to cultivate virtues both within itself and in its service to Christ the Lord. It is only fitting that it does so. Constantly nourished by its tears, it extinguishes all anger within and transforms into a being of meekness, becoming imperturbable to indignation. It then experiences a deep yearning and desire to understand God’s justifications and to partake in them, leading it to become merciful and filled with compassion. Through all this, its heart is restored to purity, enabling it to behold God, witnessing His glory as promised: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matt. 5:8). What do you have to say about this? I anticipate your response: \\"Indeed, the pure in heart will see God, but only in the future life.\\" Since you do not recognize the blessings God offers us in this present life and lack the fervent desire to receive such benefits for yourself, you look instead to the thought of the life to come. But let me ask you, dear friend, if you aspire to see God in the age to come, how can your assertions hold ground? If Christ stated that the pure in heart will see God, it follows that whenever anyone purifies their heart, they will see God. If you ever purify your heart, you will surely encounter God and understand the truth of my words. However, because you have never contemplated this act of purification or believed that the pure of heart can see God, you have neglected the opportunity for heart purification and find yourself unable to behold Him. Is it truly possible for the heart to be made pure in this life? If so, it implies that anyone who possesses a pure heart will see God in the here and now. Yet, if you contend that God is seen solely after death, then I must assert that heart purity occurs only after life’s end. Thus, it may be that you will never see God in this life or in the afterlife. For after death, you will lack the opportunity to perform righteous deeds that would purify your heart. \\n\\nA pure heart, I understand, belongs to one who is not disturbed or burdened by any passions, and who does not even entertain thoughts of anything sinful or worldly, despite any desires to do so, while holding the memory of God within, fueled by an uncontrollable love. The soul’s vision—the mind—when unobstructed, sees God in unblemished clarity and light.\\n\\nA heart is pure if it finds no thoughts regarding worldly matters within itself; it remains wholly attached to God and unified with Him, forgetting all things worldly, whether sorrowful or joyful, prevailing instead in contemplation and ascending to the third heaven, reaching paradise, and beholding the promises made to the saints. This contemplation presents, as much as human frailty allows, the eternal blessings to come. This is a measure of heart purity and a reliable indicator by which each individual can assess their own purity, reflecting as in a mirror.\\n\\nThe Scripture says, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matt. 5:8). A pure heart is not formed through one, two, or even ten virtues alone, but rather through a harmonious integration of all virtues into a singular essence, achieving the highest degrees of perfection. Yet, even in this ideal state, the virtues alone cannot cleanse the heart without the influence and presence of the Holy Spirit. Just as a skilled blacksmith cannot forge without the use of fire, a person can strive for heart purification through virtuous actions, utilizing these virtues as instruments; yet, without the presence of the Spirit's fire, all efforts will remain ineffective and fruitless, for it alone has the power to cleanse the impurities of the soul.\\n\\nReflecting on the example of Christ, He instructs us not to despise any of these little ones “for I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven” (Matt. 18:10). In another instance, He declares, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matt. 5:8). You assert that the angels do not understand who God is or where He resides. To clarify, just as we can see a clear and bright light in the midday sun but cannot comprehend the essence of the sun itself, angels and saints, who witness the Spirit’s glory shining brightly, perceive both the Son and the Father within that light. But this is not true for the wicked and the impure, who are analogous to the blind and unfeeling. Just as the blind cannot perceive the radiant light of the sun, so too do they remain oblivious to the divine and eternal light, as well as its warmth.\\n\\nWhat then do the pure in mind and heart perceive? Since God is light (1 John 1:5), the most resplendent light, those who behold Him see nothing but this light. This truth is affirmed by those who have witnessed the face of Christ shining as the sun and His garments becoming radiant (Matt. 17:2), and by the Apostle Paul, who encountered God as light and gained knowledge of Him (2 Corinthians 4:6), along with countless other saints.\\n\\nWhy does not everyone see God, if He is indeed the eternal and ever-radiant light? The answer lies in God’s design from the beginning—that darkness would not mingle with light, nor the unclean with the holy and pure. Our sins, akin to an insurmountable chasm (Luke 16:26) and a great barrier, separate us from God (Isaiah 59:2). Particularly, malicious memories and vain thoughts create a formidable wall, distancing us from the authentic light of life. For God embodies light (1 John 1:5) and life, and those deprived of this essence are spiritually dead, becoming partakers of eternal fire and unending darkness."},{"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":"While many individuals may not engage in theft, they may still act mercifully, yet they fall into immorality, rendering themselves impure in other ways. Consequently, Christ instructs that alongside other virtues, chastity must be maintained—not solely in the physical realm but within the heart as well. For without holiness, \\"no man shall see the Lord.\\" Just as a spotless mirror can only reflect clear images, so too is the knowledge of God and the comprehension of the Scriptures accessible solely to a pure soul."},{"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":"When referring to the pure in heart, it denotes individuals who are free from deceit and maintain their hearts unsullied by worldly allurements, which Paul refers to as holiness. As stated, ‘Pursue peace and holiness with everyone, for without these no one will see the Lord’ (Hebrews 12:14). Paul emphasizes the necessity of holiness, declaring, ‘Strive for peace and holiness, for without it, no one will see the Lord’ (Hebrews 12:14). We are to contemplate God within the limits of our human capacity. This beatitude is placed after the one concerning almsgiving because many, upon attaining righteousness and engaging in charitable acts, can be led astray by their passions. This illustrates that these virtues alone do not suffice. The pure in heart are synonymous with the chaste: holiness, embodying the virtue of chastity; without it, no one shall see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14). Just as a mirror reflects images when it is clean, so too does a pure soul discern the likeness of God."},{"author-name":"Peter of Damascus","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":12,"exegesis-text":"In pursuit of fairness, the ascetic is esteemed by the sixth commandment, as the Lord proclaims: Blessed are the pure in heart, referring to those who embody all virtues with sacred thoughts and have come to perceive reality as it truly is. Consequently, the one who strives upward achieves tranquility of spirit."},{"author-name":"Peter of Kiev","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c896ddde144a394c69d270_Peter%20of%20Kiev.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":17,"exegesis-text":"What is the sixth beatitude? \\"Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God\\" (Matt. 5:8). What does this beatitude convey? This beatitude emphasizes the virtue of purity. Anyone who wishes to behold God must be free from impurity in body and spirit, as well as in every thought. Impure thoughts tarnish the divine image within and drive away Divine grace from the soul."},{"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":"Pure in heart. Individuals whose actions, thoughts, desires, and ethical conduct are characterized by purity, selflessness, and honesty—essentially, those who uphold spiritual integrity and have attained the fullness of virtue, free from deceit, or those who dedicate their lives to chastity. It is said that to behold God, this virtue is indispensable (Chrysostom). God will indeed be seen. Not only through spiritual meditation, but also with their physical eyes during His revelations (John 14:21-23). This vision will not be limited to the age to come, when they, alongside all the saints, will delight in the sight of God, but also in the current age, as their pure hearts enable them more than others to perceive God and engage in fellowship with Him, ‘in their own mould’ (Athanasius the Great). Just as a mirror reflects images effectively when it is clean, similarly, only a pure soul can truly contemplate God and grasp the Scriptures (Theophylact; cf. Athanasius the Great). This assurance does not conflict with scriptural verses that declare it impossible for man to see God (Ex. 33:20; Jn. 1:18; Jn. 6:46; 1 Tim. 6:16, etc.), as those verses refer to the complete vision or knowledge of God's essence, which is indeed unattainable. However, the vision of God by humanity, ‘as far as it is possible’ (Chrysostom), is frequently mentioned in Scripture, for God makes Himself known to humanity through accessible images, despite being the purest Spirit in Himself."},{"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":"What does God's sixth commandment say about achieving happiness? Those who seek true happiness must possess a pure heart. What constitutes purity of heart? It does not simply refer to outward behavior. True purity of heart, which encompasses sincerity, involves aligning one's inner disposition with their outward actions, expressed through modest deeds. This represents only the foundational level of purity. Genuine purity of heart is attained through vigilant self-examination, the rejection of every unlawful desire and thought, the relinquishment of attachments to earthly things, and the faithful remembrance of our Lord God Jesus Christ within our hearts. What does the Lord promise to those who are pure in heart? He assures them that they shall see God. How should we interpret the promise of seeing God? The Scriptures metaphorically attribute sight to the human heart and encourage believers to allow ‘the eyes of the heart to see’ (Eph. 1:18). Just as a healthy eye perceives light, a pure heart is capable of encountering God. Since seeing God signifies the source of everlasting happiness, the promise of vision indicates a profound level of eternal joy. \\n\\nIf experiencing the earthly king brings joy—especially when one can approach him with favor—what unparalleled joy it is to behold the heavenly King of kings and Lord of lords, whom one can only see through His grace! Those who behold an earthly king see glory, power, wisdom, and goodness, albeit all in limited form. What are the effects of this sight? They may include amazement, love, hope, security, and possibly a measure of glory, but not the royal splendor. However, what does the one who sees God perceive? He gazes upon goodness itself, the all-perfect and unique source of wisdom, the very essence of truth, limitless power, infinite strength, and beauty that transcends description and imagination. What is the outcome of this contemplation? Not only the exhilaration of wonder and love, the fulfillment of all hopes, and inalterable security in God’s presence, but also a true sharing in the fulfillment of what is contemplated. As the Apostle indicates, by gazing upon the Lord’s glory with an unveiled face, those who witness His glory are transformed into His likeness, from glory to glory (2 Cor. 3:18).\\n\\nDoes anyone wish to see God and be blessed in this vision? Let them follow the path Christ provides, for He is ‘the way’ (John 14:6) and the most certain guide; this path is the purity or cleansing of the heart. ‘Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.’ Impurity of heart is something most people understand through experience, often painfully so. ‘From the heart,’ states our Lord, ‘come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. These are the things that defile man’ (Matthew 15:19-20). When evil thoughts from the heart manifest in blasphemous words against God or slander against others, it becomes evident that an impure heart is visible through impure actions or speech. Consequently, it is clear that anyone who begins to purify their heart must renounce works that defile a person—namely, sinful and lawless acts. Without this renunciation, there is no hope of seeing God or participating in His kingdom. ‘Or do you not know,’ warns the Apostle, ‘that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived’ (1 Cor. 6:9). Do not fall into false hope contrary to this unchangeable truth.\\n\\nHowever, many overlook an important point: a person who refrains from sinful deeds may not have a pure heart. Let us recall the words of our Lord: ‘from the heart come evil thoughts…’ Evil thoughts enter the heart and, when acted upon, defile the entire being—inner and outer. Yet, even when evil thoughts remain dormant in the heart, they still render a person impure. This internal defilement may be invisible to others who observe only outward behavior, but to God, who examines the heart, it is as repugnant as visible sin. Thus, the Lord equates evil thoughts with sinful actions: ‘evil thoughts, murder, adultery…’ Even if one has not committed murder, harboring the thought of wanting harm toward another is, in essence, murder in the heart. Though one may not vocalize blasphemy, harboring rebellious thoughts against God constitutes blasphemy in God’s sight.\\n\\nTherefore, true purification of heart, enabling one to see God, must include renouncing not only sinful actions but also every evil thought, within which sinful deeds germinate. Some may argue that this is demanding or difficult. Yet, these requirements come not from human invention but from Him who declared, ‘Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.’ If one wishes to avoid this rigor, they should blame themselves unless they find grace. Is the call for purity of heart truly burdensome? Is it onerous for someone to seek to cleanse their sight from obstructions, for the promise of clear vision? Evil thoughts, if unrenounced, shroud the soul's vision, preventing even the recognition of nearby truth. For instance, anger can obscure one’s ability to discern right from wrong; indulgence can blind an individual to the beauty of chastity. Is it surprising that such souls cannot access the divine light? Is it strictness or mercy that prompts a return to the inherent spiritual truth and virtue?\\n\\nWhile the process of inner purification is indeed challenging—some may even deem it impossible—the difficulty dissipates when faith is applied to the Word, the very Word that brought forth creation: ‘what is impossible with man is possible with God’ (Luke 18:27), and ‘all things are possible to him who believes’ (Mark 9:23). Through God’s grace, it becomes feasible to reject evil thoughts, which are inherently repugnant to any conscience still attuned to divine truth. After a resolute renunciation, it is not overly difficult to expel them through good thoughts, prayer, and particularly through the name of the Lord Jesus, which vanquishes all that is evil. When these thoughts arise again, even inadvertently, they will not taint the heart that firmly rejects them. Instead, they can be dispelled through humble reflection and genuine repentance.\\n\\nLet us not lose heart, dear brethren; instead, let us be steadfast in our pursuits, striving to ‘cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit’ (2 Cor. 7:1). Most importantly, by His grace, let us pray, ‘Create in us a clean heart, O God’ (Ps. 50:12). Regardless of the extent of the labor in purifying the heart, may it ultimately lead us to the blessed vision of Your glory in Your kingdom. Amen."},{"author-name":"Kochomski S.W.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Blessed are those who take the opportunity to cleanse their hearts from sinful desires and thoughts, for they shall behold the Lord, who is perceived not through physical eyes, but through the heart."}]}
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