THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
Just as a vibrant meadow captivates our senses with a variety of blooms, so too does Holy Scripture reveal the virtues of the righteous. However, the intention is not merely to passively appreciate their fragrance as we do with flowers, but rather to continually harvest the fruits they bear for our own growth. Unlike flowers that quickly wilt when plucked, the virtues of the righteous remain accessible to us; by attending to them with our hearts and minds, we can always cherish their essence. Therefore, let us explore the virtues of Lot today, learning how his companionship with the patriarch Abraham elevated him to exceptional virtue and how he exemplified this virtue in his actions.
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For greater clarity, it is worthwhile to turn to the very words of Scripture: "and there came, it is said, two angels into Sodom at evening." Why does Scripture introduce this event by noting the time? After the angels had been welcomed by Abraham and departed, the benevolent Lord, appearing in human likeness, chose to converse with Abraham to reveal His boundless patience and deep love for him. Meanwhile, the angels hurried toward Sodom. The text notes their arrival at evening to indicate the importance of this moment as they complied with God’s instructions.
The mention of evening signifies both Lot's distinctness and Lot's waiting posture. As Abraham, at midday, greeted travelers with eagerness, Lot too, aware of Sodom's moral decay, remained at his gate, willing to welcome any opportunity for goodness. It is remarkable how Lot, surrounded by lawless people, not only maintained his integrity but also demonstrated even greater virtue amidst societal corruption. Amidst the chaos, he walked on a steady path, unlike those who claim that it is impossible to uphold virtue while engaging with the world, suggesting instead that one must retreat to solitude.
Let us consider Lot, who lived amidst a corrupt society, with a family and domestic obligations. Instead of succumbing to disillusion, he became a beacon of light, shining brightly amidst the darkness. This observation is not meant to discourage those who choose to withdraw to desolate places; the essence of virtue relies not on our geographical location but on the condition of the heart. Whether in a city or the wilderness, diligence and vigilance are what nurture virtue.
I would hope that virtuous individuals live among cities, serving as catalysts for others, inspiring them toward righteousness. However, if that seems unattainable, I encourage those seeking to maintain virtue to distance themselves from worldly distractions. "For the image of this world passeth away," and our time here is fleeting. If we neglect to act virtuously now and later find ourselves lamenting our choices, we must recognize that such regret will be in vain. While we dwell in this life, we still have the chance to repent and receive mercy, cleansing ourselves of past misdeeds. However, if we are suddenly taken from this world, any plea for mercy will be futile, as the psalmist asks, "In the grave who shall glorify Thee?"
No one can redeem the careless, not even those closest to them. Not even the most pious figures, with their boldness before God, can intercede if we are negligent now. As Ezekiel illustrates, even Noah, Job, and Daniel could not save their own kin if they themselves led lives steeped in sin. The examples of these righteous men serve as a warning to us, urging us to place our hope in goodness, not in the merits of our ancestors, if we remain entrenched in evil.
Whether we come from virtuous or wicked lineage, the call to cultivate virtue is universal. Each person stands accountable for their actions, as Paul teaches: "To each one to receive according to what he did while he lived in the body.” Therefore, let us abandon carelessness and direct our energies towards virtuous endeavors while we still have the opportunity. By achieving virtue now, we can look forward to the eternal rewards that await.
Consider Lot, who, despite the wickedness surrounding him and the mockery he faced, remained steadfast in his character. He was privileged to welcome angels, and while the city fell to destruction, he was granted refuge for himself and his daughters.
Returning to our earlier point, the mention of the evening signifies Lot's unwavering commitment. He did not abandon his post at the gate, understanding the potential blessings that awaited him. A fervent and diligent spirit not only overcomes obstacles but thrives because of them.
When Lot saw the angels, he immediately approached them, eager to offer hospitality, illustrating the stark contrast to how some might dismiss strangers. Unlike the indifferent, Lot was quick to serve, bowing before them in gratitude for their presence. His actions reflected a deep understanding of divine grace, as he welcomed them with reverence, fully aware of the blessing such an encounter represented, even if he did not yet know they were angels.
Let us heed the lesson in this narrative, shunning the wicked actions of Sodom and instead emulating Lot's extraordinary love and virtues, thereby turning away divine wrath. The diligent pursuit of virtue surely results in great rewards. These righteous men, Abraham and Lot, were blessed with grace, enabling them to welcome angels and the Lord Himself.
If we wish to accept Christ now, we remember His words: "Whoever receives you, receives Me." Therefore, let us extend kindness to strangers, without prejudice toward their appearances. If we approach hospitality with open hearts, perhaps we too will find ourselves graced with the presence of the divine.
Let us not scrutinize those we encounter and risk losing our blessings. As Paul instructs us to remember the righteous, we should cherish the moments we have to show kindness, for in doing so, we may unknowingly offer hospitality to angels. Let us engage in this work with faith, hoping to receive the eternal treasures bestowed upon us through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever. Amen.