THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
And God blessed the seventh day, declaring, “and sanctified it: for in it He rested from all His works which God had made and created.” Since there was nothing more for Him to accomplish after all His commands had been fulfilled, and since creation concluded on the sixth day, God chose not to create anything further on the seventh. To ensure that this day held significance and did not seem less important due to the absence of creation, He blessed it: “And God blessed,” as stated, “the seventh day, and sanctified it.” What about the other days? Certainly, they were distinguished as well; however, rather than being declared “blessed,” it was sufficient for them that creation took place within each of those days.
Read more (850 words)
Consequently, the Scripture does not refer to them as “blessed,” but reserves that designation for the seventh day, emphasizing also that it was “sanctified.” What does it mean to be “sanctified”? It means to be set apart. The divine Scripture explains further: “For in this he rested from all His works, which God did and created.” Here, at the very beginning of creation, God imparts the teaching that we should dedicate one day each week for spiritual endeavors. The Lord, having completed all His works in six days, honored the seventh day with blessing and sanctification, “for in this day He rested from all His works, which God did and created.”
Yet, a vast sea of contemplation opens before us, and I wish to delve into it with care, inviting you to share in this spiritual richness. The question arises: the Scripture indicates that God rested from His works, and yet in the Gospel, Christ states: “My Father does to this day, and I do” (John 5:17). When we consider these statements together, is there a contradiction? There is none: the words of the divine Scripture hold unity. When it conveys that “For in this day He rested from all His works,” it teaches us that on the seventh day He ceased from creating and bringing forth existence from nothing. In contrast, when Christ says, “My Father hath done to this day, and I do,” He speaks of the ongoing nature of His Providence, indicating that by doing, He preserves what exists, granting continuity to it and governing at all times. Otherwise, how could the cosmos continue without the supreme hand directing and overseeing all creation, both visible and human?
If anyone wishes to reflect deeply on all that is done daily for the benefit of humanity by the Creator, they will discover a profound abundance of His goodness. Truly, what consideration, what intellect can fully grasp the incomprehensible kindness that God extends to humankind, commanding “His sun to rise over the evil and the good, and sending rain on the just and the unjust” (Matthew 5:45), and showering us with blessings in all aspects of life? It may seem we have stretched this discourse beyond what is appropriate, yet we do so not in vain, but to enlighten those who do not partake here about the loss they inflict upon themselves by neglecting spiritual nourishment in favor of earthly sustenance.
However, so that their sorrow may not be deepened, convey to them brotherly love by sharing our words: this will surely demonstrate genuine affection. If those who share physical sustenance among friends exemplify great love, how much more praise-worthy will it be to act similarly regarding spiritual matters? In doing so, we will be enriched. The one who strives to instruct their neighbor benefits not only them but also prepares for themselves a great reward, gaining double the fruit: a greater reward from God and a renewal of their own understanding when sharing knowledge with others.
Contemplating this benefit, do not hesitate to enlighten your brethren; let them glean from you what we have discussed. Furthermore, encourage them to understand that partaking of earthly food does not obstruct spiritual education, and that every instance is a fitting opportunity for spiritual dialogue. If we take care, we can engage with divine texts at home, both before and after meals, to nourish our souls spiritually.
Just as our bodies require physical food, our souls need daily guidance and spiritual sustenance to empower them against the flesh’s temptations and the constant battles that ensnare us, which can imprison our souls if we allow ourselves to fall into negligence. Therefore, the prophet David proclaimed blessed the one who “meditates on His (the Lord's) law day and night” (Psalm 1:2). Also, the blessed Moses instructed the people of Judah: “when thou shalt eat and be filled, then shalt thou bless the Lord thy God” (Deuteronomy 8:10).
Thus, we see how particularly after eating, we should offer ourselves spiritual nourishment, lest, having indulged in bodily sustenance, our souls grow envious and drift towards ruin, giving opportunity to the schemes of the devil, who seeks to deliver us a fatal blow. The same prophet affirmed elsewhere that we should remember the Lord our God “both as you lie down and rise up” (Deuteronomy 6:7). We understand from this that we must constantly hold the remembrance of God in our hearts, keeping it continuously in our consciences, remaining vigilant, and never allowing ourselves rest. It is crucial to recognize the ferocity of our adversary, to be on guard at all times, and to never neglect the nourishment that comes from spiritual food. This is your salvation, this is your spiritual wealth, this is your security. If we consistently shield ourselves through reading, listening, and discussing spiritual matters, we can fortify ourselves, rendering the snares of the evil one ineffective, and ultimately attain the kingdom of heaven by the grace and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, together with the Father and the Holy Spirit, glory, power, and honor now and forever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.