Genesis 28:20Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

nor two garments" (Matthew 10:9, 10)—he understood this truth intuitively, even before being taught, desiring from the Lord only "bread to eat and clothes to put on."

Let us not overlook this, dear friends, but rather aspire to emulate this righteous individual. We, who live in the time of grace, should refrain from seeking worldly possessions from our Lord. He does not require us to plead. Indeed, even if we do not ask, He graciously provides for our needs. "For He commands His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust" (Matthew 5:45). Let us heed His guidance when He teaches, "But seek first the kingdom of God ... and all these things shall be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33). He is ever ready to bestow upon us His blessings, promising to add what we need to our lives. Thus, we should not prioritize material things, but should seek first that which He has commanded, in order to receive the blessings that follow.

In the context of prayer, the Lord has established the guidelines for the matters we should bring before Him, instructing us to say: "Give us this day our daily bread" (Matthew 6:12)—that is, the sustenance for the day. The righteous man, prior to hearing these words, prayed similarly, asking, "And He shall give me bread to eat, and clothes to put on." We should, therefore, refrain from requesting any other temporal goods. It is beneath the dignity of the Almighty, who is so generous and powerful, to ask for items that perish in this life and are subject to change. Such are all earthly possessions—wealth, power, and human acclaim. Instead, let us petition for lasting treasures, things that do not fluctuate or fade.

Recognizing the goodness of our Lord, we should elevate our gaze beyond the present and dedicate ourselves wholeheartedly to heavenly pursuits. If He "commands His sun to rise over the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust," He will not disregard those who turn from evil or seek righteousness, but will cherish them with special care, demonstrating His love in all aspects of their lives.

Beloved, understanding this, let us trust in God's promises and act in accordance with His commandments. In our current actions, we risk being no different from those who lack faith. If He assures us of future blessings, yet we refuse to strive for them and cling to what is immediate, we need not look for further evidence of disbelief when our actions clearly reveal it. Moreover, if He advises us not to seek temporal goods but rather to pursue higher callings, do we then, contrary to His instruction, ask for what He has said not to seek and neglect what He has commanded us to pursue?

Such careless attitudes towards our lives may provoke the gentle and compassionate Lord. We often forget our own actions and wonder about the reasons for His withdrawal amid our trials, failing to consider the severity of our failings, willingly indulging in worldly distractions. Therefore, I urge you—let us prioritize our salvation above all else. "What profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, but harms his own soul?" (Matthew 16:26). Let us utilize any excess we possess to assist the needy and exhibit wisdom by rejecting vain glory, lowering human pride, and fostering sincere love among one another. This way, we may attain both present and eternal blessings through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, who alongside the Father and the Holy Spirit, deserves glory, power, and honor, now and forever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

"And He shall give me bread to eat, and clothes to put on." Such are the simple and consistent desires of the righteous. Before the Lord's arrival, they prayed the prayer taught by the Lord, "Give us this day our daily bread" (Matt. 6:11).