THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
In our previous discussion on the book of Genesis, we did not address the account of the Samaritan woman. It is important to note that between conversations 43 and 44 on Genesis, Saint Chrysostom dedicated a discourse to the Samaritan woman, illustrating the Lord's boundless patience and His attentive care for her, as well as her heartfelt gratitude. You have observed how, while she approached to draw earthly water, she instead encountered divine streams from a spiritual source. Thus, she returned home, embodying the truth of 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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Enriched by this divine source, she did not keep the abundant streams to herself; rather, out of her overflow, she shared the grace bestowed upon her with the townspeople. Consequently, a Samaritan woman, an outsider, transformed into a messenger of the Gospel.
You have grasped the significance of appreciating the soul and have also witnessed the humanity of the Lord, who does not scorn anyone. Even in a woman or a person of lowly status, if He discovers a soul that is awake and fervent, He willingly bestows His grace upon them. Therefore, I encourage all of you to follow this woman's example and attentively receive the inspirations of the Spirit, because the teachings we communicate do not originate from us. What we convey is instead influenced by the merciful love of the Lord, working through us for your good and for the edification of the Church of God. So, beloved, do not direct your gaze upon me, the speaker, nor regard my unworthiness; rather, as I present the words of the Lord, focus your minds on Him who has sent me, accepting my words with intention.
For even in human matters, when a sovereign, adorned with a crown, dispatches a mandate, the honor bestowed upon the bearer, regardless of their status, is significant. Even if the messenger lacks notable lineage or renown, those receiving the mandate offer it respect due to the king who sends it. If this is the case for a mere human message, how much more should you receive with diligence the words of the Spirit, conveyed through us, so that your hearts may be open and receptive? The Lord of Hosts, recognizing the readiness of your hearts, will impart abundant gifts for your growth in understanding.
The grace of the Spirit is plentiful, and when it is dispersed among many, it does not diminish but rather increases in richness. Therefore, let us return today to the previous order of our discussions and identify where we left off. We previously examined the story of Lot and the destruction of Sodom, ceasing at the point where this righteous man was rescued in Sihor. “The sun rose over the earth,” Scripture tells us, “and Lot came to Sihor.” At the same time, God’s wrath descended upon Sodom, obliterating that land, and the wife of the righteous man, neglecting the angels’ warning and looking back, became a pillar of salt, an enduring symbol of her carelessness.
Continuing from this point, it is fitting to reflect on the compassion and love of the patriarch Abraham, as well as God's favor towards him. As the dawn broke and Lot was being saved, while judgment fell upon Sodom for its iniquities, Abraham, though saddened by the fate of the lost, displayed deep concern for Lot and rose early in the morning to discover what had transpired. “And Abraham arose early in the morning, and went to the place where he stood before the Lord, and looked towards Sodom and Gomorrah, and all the land of the plain, and saw, behold, the smoke of the land ascended like the smoke of a furnace.” From the spot where he had prayed with the Lord on behalf of Sodom’s inhabitants, he witnessed the devastating consequences of their fate and yearned to know the state of Lot. Such is the character of the holy, who are marked by love and compassion.