THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
I find myself speaking today with hesitation. As I reflect on how we provide instruction, encouragement, and spiritual nourishment each day, it concerns me that many who attend here, engaging in this sacred meal, often squander their time on trivial pursuits, such as horseback riding. They seem to gain nothing from our diligent efforts, rushing thoughtlessly to sinful entertainments at the first prompting of the enemy, disregarding the peril around them and the fleeting nature of worldly distractions. So, I ponder with what enthusiasm I should impart wisdom to those who seem disinterested in our teachings. It should not surprise us! A farmer, when his toils do not yield fertile ground after much labor, becomes less inclined to plant with the same fervor.
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Likewise, a physician, observing that a patient disregards his advice and worsens his condition through poor choices, sometimes allows the illness to persist as a lesson in its consequences. Similarly, educators, when witnessing students neglect prior lessons and resist retaining knowledge, may withdraw temporarily to encourage them to take their learning more seriously. The farmer’s lack of activity often arises from increasing losses, and the physician may justifiably step back from a patient, allowing discomfort to inspire the willingness to heal. Teachers too may find it necessary to discipline children due to the limitations of their youth. Yet we, far surpassing these earthly examples, are here even now to extend our loving guidance to the wayward, alerting them to the deepening consequences of their neglect. Unlike the farmer who may cease his sowing, convinced of its futility, we remain steadfast in our faith. Although our spiritual sowing may sometimes not bear fruit due to the apathy of our listeners, we trust that eventually we will see the results of our efforts, having faithfully fulfilled the Lord's commands, while those who have received will one day be held accountable for what they have been given.
We are not suggesting that our efforts are without cost to us or that we are merely performing our duties. No, we desire for you to actively utilize what we provide, avoiding the fate of the one who buried his talent, failing to invest it and thus wasting his Lord's gift. This situation reflects those who receive doctrinal teachings and do not strive to bear fruit or apply the lessons learned. Would anyone argue that the parable of the talents is relevant only to the teachers? I would contend the opposite. Upon a closer examination of the parable, it becomes clear that while teachers are accountable for sharing the entrusted riches, it is also the duty of the learners not only to safeguard what they have received but to put it to good use. The narrative describes a household master who, as he departs for a distant land, entrusts various amounts of talents to his servants, each according to his abilities. Upon his return, he expected an account. The servant who received five talents return with five more, saying, “Sir, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents beside them” (Matthew 25:14–20). The master commends him, acknowledging his faithfulness in managing little and rewarding him with greater responsibility and sharing in his joy (Matthew 25:21).
The servant who received two talents said likewise, “Sir, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents beside them” (Matthew 25:22). The diligence of each servant is evident, as both doubled their investments and were met with the same honor. But the servant who did nothing explained himself, saying, “Sir, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed; and I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Here, you have what is yours” (Matthew 25:24–25). The ingratitude and wickedness of this servant is striking; instead of attempting to utilize his talent, he blamed his master for his own failure. Such corruption of the soul leads to blindness of mind, and one who strays from righteousness falls into despair. The implication here is for teachers to confidently share what has been entrusted to them, with the utmost diligence.
Moreover, take note of the master’s anger toward this unfaithful servant, for it exemplifies the accountability of learners. It suggests that what they have received is not merely theirs to keep without obligation; there is a greater expectation for them to produce beyond what has been given. The master chastises the wicked servant, “You knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered. So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming, I would have received back my own with interest” (Matthew 25:26–27). The ‘silver’ he refers to signifies the precious word of God, while the ‘bankers’ denote those who receive this word. The responsibility lies with you, the learners, to engage actively, for the master desires not merely the return of what was entrusted but the increase that stems from your diligent application. Reflect on the gravity of these words, for those who neglect the stewardship of these gifts may find themselves not only accountable for preservation but also for the additional fruit they could have produced.
Yet behold the mercy of the Lord! He has instructed against seeking earthly gain through financial means, as it leads to harm for both lender and borrower. Contrarily, in the spiritual realm, God anticipates a profusion from us, seeing this as a wholly different reality from material wealth. In earthly dealings, the debtor faces deprivation; in spiritual matters, however, the growing faith of a diligent steward leads to a greater heavenly reward. Therefore, when we place the treasures of wisdom in your care, you must strive diligently to preserve these gifts and extend them to others, guiding many toward righteousness. In doing so, you enrich yourselves doubly, through both your salvation and the uplifting of those around you. Should you embody such generosity, you will be blessed, echoing, “Blessed is he who acquires wisdom and imparts it to the ears of those who hear” (Sirach 25:12), inspiring us to offer you even more abundant spiritual nourishment.
Let not your brothers go uncared for; rather, consider not just your benefit, but each one of you must work diligently to rescue his neighbor from the clutches of evil, steering him away from sinful spectacles and into the embrace of the Church. Show him the harm that awaits and the great blessings that lie within these walls. Engage in this good work repeatedly; should he resist your words today, he may yet be swayed later by your persistent love. Do not become disheartened if your efforts yield little immediate response, for each approach multiplies your reward. Consider our own God’s patience, who, despite our daily transgressions, continually provides for us through sun and rain. Similarly, let us care for one another, striving against the devil’s plots to render them fruitless. If each person gathered here today manages to share this goodness with just one other, consider the joy our church will experience through the growth of its members, while the enemy feels the sting of his plans thwarted.
Indeed, you shall hear one day, “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things” (Matthew 25:21). I am confident that this is precisely what you will achieve. I discern your eagerness to take our teachings to heart, and I trust you will fulfill your responsibilities faithfully. Now let us conclude this encouragement, preparing to offer you our meager repast so that you may leave strengthened in knowledge. Today, let us reflect on our forefather Abraham, recognizing the blessings he received from God for his hospitality. It is said, “God appeared to him by the Oaks of Mamre, as he sat in the door of his tent in the heat of the day.” Let us examine every portion of this Scripture carefully, to uncover the wealth contained within.
Why does the narrative begin by stating, “God appeared to him”? Observe how the Lord acknowledges Abraham’s hospitality and the servant’s readiness to obey. After having given the command of circumcision earlier, this remarkable man promptly complied, demonstrating perfect obedience. In response, the Lord chose to reveal Himself to Abraham once again. Such is the nature of our Lord—when He observes our gratitude for His blessings, He generously continues to bestow His gifts upon us. The Lord appeared to Abraham again, affirming the truth that obedience invites further blessings. The narrative continues, “He sat at the door of his tent in the heat of the day,” indicating the extent of Abraham’s devotion to hospitality. He personally attended to the strangers, even in his old age, ensuring none of his household neglected this duty. Many today may lack such eagerness, preferring to avoid encounters with wanderers to evade the obligation of hospitality. Yet the righteous Abraham sat there, aware that those who traveled at such a time were especially in need of shelter. Without inquiring into their beginnings or familiarity, he extended kindness to all. True hospitality is characterized not by scrutiny but by an open heart.
In this act of selflessness, he was honored to receive the Lord and His angels. Hence, Paul instructs, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing so some have entertained angels without knowing it” (Hebrews 13:2), which undoubtedly refers back to our forefather Abraham. As Christ teaches us, “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me” (Matthew 18:5). Let us carry this lesson forward; in offering kindness to a stranger, we may not know their true identity or origin. Had Abraham pursued such curiosity, he might have erred. But even if he did know their worth, the fact that he was surprised by their presence only highlights his humility and the depth of his hospitality. He treated them as ones deserving of honor—binding them to him with earnest words, imploring them not to reject his hospitality. Abraham’s awareness of the gravity of the moment fueled his fervor to receive them, delighting in the blessing such encounters can yield.
Let us, therefore, heed these profound lessons, recognizing the transformative power of welcoming others into our lives with open hands and hearts.