Genesis 27:42Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

If we cannot find one of his discourses on the Gospel of Matthew here, we may have to conclude that the specific discussion regarding the tax collector Matthew has not survived. This distinguishes us from the soulless, for the God who deeply cares for us has bestowed upon us the gift of reason, embedding within our nature the awareness of right and wrong. Thus, no individual should excuse their failure to pursue virtue due to ignorance or a lack of guidance. Our conscience serves as an ample guide, and it is impossible for anyone to be without its counsel. From the very formation of humanity, the understanding of what is right was instilled in us so that, by demonstrating our goodness through virtuous acts in this life—akin to a school of perseverance—we might obtain rewards for our righteous deeds. After a brief period of effort, we would be honored with crowns in eternity, enjoying the everlasting blessings in ages without end. Understanding this, beloved, let us not diminish our dignity or be ungrateful for such grace. In pursuing fleeting, illusory pleasures, let us avoid preparing ourselves for eternal suffering. We ought to conduct our lives as though we have a vigilant Presence constantly observing us, aware of our innermost thoughts. Armed with the Spirit’s strength, and revealing our sincere intentions, we can draw forth divine assistance that enables us to overcome our adversary and nullify his schemes, thus experiencing the promises that the Lord has given to those who love Him. Therefore, we should not be daunted by the challenges of virtue; instead, motivated by the benefits it brings, let us willingly undertake all necessary efforts. If those engaged in worldly pursuits fervently work to accumulate wealth, despite anticipating perilous seas, shipwrecks, and bandits, we cannot claim to be justified when we lack full commitment and zeal in the pursuit of virtue for eternal rewards. Why are we so inconsiderate towards our Benefactor? Why do we neglect to reflect upon what has already been provided to us or what has been promised? Instead, we recklessly spend our lives without purpose, akin to animals, solely focused on satisfying our physical desires, thereby inflicting great injury upon our fragile bodies. In our excessive indulgence and gluttony, we disregard the nourishment our souls require, leaving them to suffer. However, the soul holds greater significance than the body, and when it departs, the body remains lifeless. We must ensure to feed the soul with nourishment that aligns with its nature. When we allow the body to overindulge while the soul starves, we harm both. The Lord of all once threatened the Jewish people with a severe warning, stating, ‘I will send a famine upon the earth—not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord’ (Amos 8:11). This teaches us that while physical hunger can weaken the body, a famine for spiritual sustenance deeply affects the heart. Ironically, what was once a divine warning has become a self-imposed plight. Despite God's immense care for us, we often overlook the admonitions available to us through Scripture and the guidance of our teachers. Therefore, I urge you to shed all laziness, to awaken, and to dedicate your efforts to the salvation of your soul. This will earn you great favor from God, and we will become even more dedicated in your spiritual growth when we witness the implementation of our teachings. Just as a diligent farmer, aware of fertile land that yields abundant harvests, enthusiastically engages in cultivation, we too will exert ourselves even more for your guidance, realizing that we are sowing in rich soil rather than on barren rock. For this reason, we strive to offer you wisdom daily, so that you may leave this place enriched, multiplying your good deeds while we rejoice in your flourishing. We do not wish to engage you without purpose, merely to gain your admiration or applause. Our motive is your benefit. The highest commendation for me comes when someone turns from vice to virtue and when a previously negligent individual becomes diligent through our encouragement. This will bring me the utmost satisfaction and you the greatest spiritual enrichment. I have every confidence in your earnestness, as I know you have been taught by God and have the capacity to edify others. Thus, I will now conclude my exhortation on this theme and shift to the usual teaching drawn from the words of the blessed Moses, or rather, from the Holy Spirit speaking through Moses. Having provided you with at least a brief reflection, I will share a fitting message today. Recently, you learned how Jacob obtained his father's blessing by following Rebekah's wise counsel, an act through which he secured God's favor and achieved success. Yet, this ignited intense jealousy in Esau, leading him to contemplate murder. Such is the destructive nature of envy; it relentlessly drives individuals into despair, potentially culminating in grievous sins like murder. This was evident between Cain and Abel from the beginning, when Cain could find no valid accusation against his brother. Witnessing the Lord favor Abel’s offerings while rejecting his own due to negligence incited Cain's jealousy, planting the seeds of murder in his heart, which soon manifested in violent action. Similarly, as Esau recognized his brother’s blessing from their father, the flames of hatred and envy consumed him, motivating him to seek his brother's demise. Remarkably, their mother, sensing the danger, once again demonstrated her deep maternal love and provided advice aimed at rescuing Jacob from Esau's wrath. She summoned her younger son Jacob and warned him, saying, ‘Behold, Esau your brother intends to kill you; now, my son, heed my words.’

Rebekah did not show favoritism between her sons but favored righteousness over unrighteousness. To this devout mother, the mystery of God’s providence took precedence over her children. Her preference for Jacob was less about choice and more about dedicating him to the Lord, as she recognized his ability to safeguard the entrusted gift. She also harbored concern for her other son, hoping to prevent him from incurring divine shame and greater guilt by forfeiting the grace that came with the blessing he had received.