THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
"And Noah did all that the Lord commanded him." Observe how the sacred text highlights the generosity and obedience of this righteous servant, illustrating how he neglected no divine instruction, thereby demonstrating his virtue. Let us also strive to emulate this righteous man; let us work diligently to obey the commandments entrusted to us by God, remaining ever attentive to His laws. By keeping these commandments alive in our hearts, we should earnestly seek to fulfill them, avoiding any negligence in what directly pertains to our salvation, especially since a higher standard of virtue is now expected of us, given the greater blessings we have received.
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Christ instructed us, “Unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5:20). Let us reflect on these words and not ignore the seriousness of the consequences that await those who fail to strive for a higher standard and who even fall short of the integrity of the scribes and Pharisees. Many remain unyielding in their anger toward their neighbors and do not refrain from harmful speech or inappropriate glances. The Lord commands us not merely to endure wrongdoing with patience but to offer more than what is unjustly taken from us. He declares, “Whosoever will sue you and take away your shirt, give him also your outer garment” (Matthew 5:40).
Yet how often do we wrong our neighbors or seek to retaliate against offenses, even when we are called to love those who love us? “For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?” (Matt. 5:46). I lament the rarity of true virtue today, witnessing instead the daily rise of vice. Neither the threat of eternal punishment nor the allure of the kingdom seems to lead us to pursue a virtuous path. Instead, we resemble those driven instinctively, neglecting the weighty hour of judgment and disregarding divine laws. We often conform to the fleeting opinions of others, seeking their praise, while ignoring the Gospel's solemn warning: “How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another, but do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?” (John 5:44).
Those who pursue human accolades risk losing their heavenly reward altogether, while those who seek the glory of God lack nothing. The Lord reminds us, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33). This means that when we prioritize the kingdom, all else will follow. Truly, one who is focused on the eternal regards temporal comforts as insignificant. The eyes of faith, recognizing the unimaginable blessings to come, pay little heed to earthly rewards; the disparity is profound. Yet I see few who choose the unseen over the seen, which causes me continual sorrow. Despite our experiences or the promises of God, and the many graces bestowed upon us, we continue to be enamored with the present, valuing the temporary over the eternal, the fleeting pleasures of this life over the everlasting joy to come.
I realize this may be difficult for you to hear, but I implore you to forgive me. I voice these concerns out of love for your salvation, hoping you would choose to endure minor discomfort now rather than face eternal suffering later. If you can heed my words and set aside pre-existing indifference, especially during the remaining days of this holy season, you can cleanse yourselves of sin and garner God’s great mercy. The Lord does not require a lengthy period for us to find redemption; if we turn sincerely from sin, even within two weeks, we can be cleansed from numerous transgressions. The Ninevites experienced God's mercy after a mere three days of repentance; how much more will He be inclined to accept us if we genuinely seek conversion and commit to a life of virtue?
The scriptures testify of the Ninevites: “God saw that everyone turned from his wicked way” (Jonah 3:10). If the Lord observes our efforts to abandon sin and pursue virtue, He will welcome our repentance, lift the burden of our sins, and grant us His gifts. Our desire for release from sin and salvation is not as profound as God’s eagerness to provide us with both. Therefore, let us awaken our minds and assess whether we have done any good in light of our past actions. Have we gained from these ongoing messages? Have we contributed positively to our neighbors or addressed any faults? Have we found motivation for wisdom through daily encouragement?
If you have performed good deeds, continue to nurture them with utmost diligence. Conversely, if you find yourself still ensnared by sinful habits, confront your soul with the weight of this carelessness and resolve to break from it. Reflect on the impending day of reckoning, the severity of judgment, and the nature of the eternal consequences awaiting those unprepared for communion with the sacred. Purge your conscience of impurities and wicked thoughts, so that, having adequately prepared yourselves during these days, you may partake of the divine mysteries and receive the incomprehensible gifts promised by God to those who love Him, through the grace and compassion of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, be glory, power, and honor, now and forever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.