THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
As it caused Anna great sorrow, intensifying her grief and making her prayers more fervent, her supplication was directed humbly toward God, prompting Him to grant her request, resulting in the birth of Samuel. Similarly, if we remain vigilant, our adversaries will not only be unable to hurt us but will instead contribute to our betterment, prompting us to be more diligent in all things. This is achievable only if the distress they cause us leads not to curses and offenses, but to prayer. When Anna bore a son, she named him Samuel, which means "he has heard God." She chose this name to acknowledge that it was through her fervent prayer that she received a child. The name serves as a lasting reminder of this momentous occasion, akin to an inscription on a solid pillar.
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Rather than naming him after a father, uncle, or forefather, she dedicated the name to the One who bestowed the gift upon her.
Let us emulate her example, both as wives and husbands, showing the same dedication to nurturing our children, guiding them not only in every aspect of life but particularly in matters of purity. The same holds true for young men; nothing demands such attentiveness and care as the aspects of chastity and innocence, especially given that this particular temptation is prevalent in youth. Just as we protect lamps from danger, we must also safeguard our children. Often, when a servant girl starts a fire, we advise her not to place the lamp near flammable materials, lest a hidden spark cause devastation. Accordingly, we must prevent our children from being exposed to inappropriate influences, shunning contact with dishonorable individuals, immodest young women, and promiscuous girls; if we have such influence nearby, we must insist they avoid our presence and refrain from conversing with young men to prevent any sparks from igniting.
We ought to shield our children not only from visual temptations but also from hearing seductive and corrupt songs, for we must guard against the ensnaring of their souls. It is essential that we refrain from bringing them to theaters, indulgent feasts, or places of drunkenness. We should give even greater vigilance to young men than to virtuous maidens hidden away. Indeed, the crown of chastity adorns youth powerfully, and entering marriage with purity enhances the relationship. Wives will find greater joy in their husbands when they remain untouched by immorality, ensuring that love is more passionate, affection genuine, and companionship steadfast, in accordance with these principles.
Yet today, what passes for marriage is often little more than a financial contract, lacking in true sanctity. A young man who falters before marriage may gaze upon another man's wife post-marriage, which renders the concept of matrimony meaningless. It becomes a grievous error, an inexpiable sin, for a husband to corrupt himself through harlots while having a wife at home. Even if he strays with a woman who is not a harlot, it is still adultery. Tragically, many run after mistresses after marriage because they failed to honor chastity beforehand, leading to strife, anger, the collapse of households, and unending disputes. Consequently, affection for the wife diminishes, drained by encounters with harlots. However, if he learns to value purity, he will cherish his wife as the most precious of treasures, nurturing a bond filled with great love and profound harmony. In such an environment of peace and contentment, goodness will flourish.
Thus, let us prioritize the shaping of our lives and those of our children, particularly focusing on this commandment, so that we do not approach the sacred union of Christ in sullied garments but with boldness, ready to partake in the honor reserved for the worthy. May this be our collective aspiration, through the grace and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who with the Father and the Holy Spirit is due all glory, honor, and power, now and forever, into the ages of ages. Amen.