THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
In our previous discussion concerning the book of Genesis, we did not address the episode of the Samaritan woman. It is reasonable to infer that in the course of his discourse on Genesis, Saint Chrysostom dedicated a particular conversation to her, which profoundly highlighted the Lord's immeasurable patience, His attentive care for her, and her subsequent gratitude. You may recall how, while she came to draw physical water, she was instead filled with divine grace from a spiritual wellspring, thereby fulfilling the Lord's words: ‘The water that I shall give him shall become in him a spring of water flowing to eternal life’ (John 4:14).
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Overflowing with this divine Source, she did not keep it to herself; rather, she shared its grace with the people of her city, transforming from a Samaritan woman, an outsider, into a herald of the Good News.
You have observed the significance of valuing the soul, as well as the humanity of the Lord, who refrains from shunning anyone. Even when He encounters a woman or a person in need, if He finds a soul that is awake and longing for Him, He swiftly bestows His grace upon them. Consequently, I encourage you to emulate this woman and wholeheartedly embrace the inspirations of the Spirit, for the teachings presented do not originate from us. Our words are not spoken of our own volition; rather, it is the compassionate love of the Lord that speaks through us for your edification and for the building up of the Church of God. Therefore, dear friends, do not focus on the messenger or my humble state; instead, as I convey the words of the Lord, direct your attention to Him who has sent me and receive my words attentively.
Even in earthly matters, when a monarch, adorned with a crown, dispatches a decree, those who carry it may be insignificant themselves, lacking esteemed lineage or recognition. Yet, upon receiving this royal decree, individuals grant the messenger great respect and accept the message with awe. If such honor is given to one bringing a mere document from a man, how much more should we receive with utmost attention the sayings of the Spirit, conveyed through us, that you may be blessed for the earnestness of your hearts? The Lord Almighty will recognize your willingness and will bestow upon us abundant gifts for your growth in faith and grant you greater discernment in understanding His plans.
The grace of the Spirit is limitless; when distributed among many, it does not diminish but rather increases abundantly—its gifts multiply with every soul that receives it. Therefore, let us, with a willing heart, return today to our previous discussions and identify where we left off, as well as what we should address now. We had been discussing Lot and the destruction of Sodom, concluding with the account of how this righteous man was saved in Sihor. The Scripture states, ‘The sun rose over the earth, and Lot came to Sihor,’ following which God's wrath descended upon the inhabitants of Sodom, leading to their ruin. Lot’s wife, disregarding the angels' warning, looked back and turned into a pillar of salt, a lasting emblem of her neglect.
Today, as we continue, we must converse with you about the compassion and grace shown by our forefather Abraham toward God’s favor in relation to Lot. When dawn broke and righteous Lot found refuge in Sihor while the inhabitants of Sodom faced judgment, Abraham, reflecting on their downfall due to their own wickedness yet deeply concerned for Lot, rose early to see the unfolding events. The Scriptures tell us, ‘And Abraham arose, early in the morning, and went to the place where he stood before the face of the Lord, and looked toward Sodom and Gomorrah, and all the plain, and saw, and behold, the smoke ascended up from the earth, as the smoke of a furnace.’ From the location where he had communed with the Lord and interceded on behalf of Sodom, he witnessed the devastating aftermath of God's judgment and sought to learn about Lot. Such is the nature of holy individuals; they are perpetually loving and merciful.