Exodus 5:9Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

A poignant example is Judas, who, upon receiving the morsel, is driven to carry out his treacherous act, likely in dread that the power of the Eucharist, much like a illuminating light within a person's heart, might lead him to prefer good over evil or spark thoughts of remorse in one already enticed by the devil to betray.

That the adversary constantly orchestrates his schemes against us is evident from historical instances. Pharaoh enslaved the Israelites in Egypt, ruthlessly compelling them to toil in making bricks and performing all manner of menial labor, giving them no opportunity to serve God. He commanded the taskmasters, saying, "Let the workload of these people be intensified, and let them not pay attention to deceptive pursuits." He dismissed the yearning for freedom and the sorrow over their bondage, labeling such aspirations as trivial distractions, fully aware that engaging in these pursuits would offer them great hope. As we advance from these archetypes to an understanding of the true essence, we recognize how swiftly Satan encourages those ensnared by him to enact wickedness.

However, the announcement of freedom was authentic, and those who heard it embraced and desired it; consequently, the adversary grew irritated and inflicted greater suffering upon those who adhered to the message. A similar situation occurs today. Many who embraced the liberating teachings and pursued the message still endure the trials of temptation from those who oppose it. Some, through the tribulations they face, find strength and wisdom, while others, more fragile in faith, express their discouragement, lamenting that it would have been preferable for them not to have heard the message of liberation if it only leads to such strife. In those ancient times, the Israelites, in their fear, criticized those who brought them news of freedom from oppression. Nevertheless, let not the call towards virtuous aspirations become weakened, even if another, inexperienced and fearful of trials, cowers in distress. The harmful and destructive spirit, seeking to ensnare souls, does not look above but focuses on earthly desires, crafting its own ambitions from worldly temptations. It is evident to all that what is desirable for physical gratification is derived from the earth and water. The provisions gathered for consumption, which are seen as wealth, consist of a blend of earth and water, forming what we call briquettes. Those who are consumed by these fleeting pleasures, though they partake in abundance, can never fill the void within them. Rather, what is perpetually filled becomes empty for the one who returns. Likewise, the brick maker, intent on producing one after another, will realize this profound truth; having satisfied one desire, he swiftly finds himself longing again, and upon achieving that satisfaction, he still experiences emptiness for the next desire. This cycle continues within us until our earthly existence concludes. What remains in the process—such as the chaff and remnants that the one under duress must contribute to the bricks? The Divine Gospel, alongside the Apostle’s teachings, has clarified that both ‘wheat ... and straw’ (Matt. 3:12; 1 Cor. 3:12) serve alike as fuel for the fire. Thus, when a person committed to righteousness seeks to guide those ensnared by falsehood towards a life of purpose and freedom, the one who, as per the Apostle's words, employs deceptive schemes against our souls (Eph. 6:11), will attempt to undermine the Divine truth with alluring misguided concepts. The material and carnal realm is the only aspect regarded with reverence by those devoted to base desires.