THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
He continues, “There were three sons of Noah, and through them the entire earth became populated. We should not overlook these words, dear friends, but instead comprehend the immense power of God from them. It is noted, ‘Three’ sons of Noah were there, and from these few emerged such a vast multitude of humanity. How could such a small number give rise to so many? How was the world established from so few individuals? How were their very frames preserved? At that time, there were no doctors to heal, nor any other means for maintaining health. The cities were yet to be built, and after enduring such a catastrophe as the flood, they emerged from the ark exhausted and worn out. How did they survive the solitude of such an inhospitable wilderness? How did they not perish?
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Was there not fear and anxiety that troubled their minds? Do not be astonished, dear ones: God accomplished all this; the Creator of all removed every hindrance; His directive, ‘Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth’ (Genesis 1:28), empowered the sons of Noah to reproduce. Similarly, the Israelites in Egypt, despite enduring ‘the bitterness of their lives from the severe labor of making bricks and mortar, and from every task in the field, into which they were made to serve with rigor’ (Ex. 1:14), still multiplied abundantly. Neither the harsh decree of Pharaoh to drown the male children nor the oppression from the taskmasters could diminish their numbers; on the contrary, they grew more numerous, showing that a higher power operated against the intentions of their oppressors.
Thus, when God issues His command, we should not try to rationalize events according to human logic. Being above creation, He does not conform to its constraints but orchestrates circumstances so that the very obstacles serve to advance His purpose. Indeed, from these three sons, He has filled the entire world. ‘From them,’ the Scripture states, ‘the whole earth was inhabited.’ Do you grasp the might of God? Do you see how, despite overwhelming challenges, nothing thwarts His will? This is evident in the Christian faith as well. Countless adversaries and persecutors—kings, tyrants, and nations—have sought to extinguish the light of faith; yet from those very foes arose a flame of godliness that embraced every land, known and unknown. Whether among the Indians, the Scythians, or to the very edges of the earth, or even the oceans, you will find the teachings of Christ illuminating souls everywhere.
It is both astonishing and remarkable how the Orthodox faith has transformed even the most uncivilized nations, leading them to wisdom and prompting them to abandon their old ways for a life of piety. Just as from those three sons of Noah, the Creator of all people brought forth a multitude, He has also converted the world to faith through eleven simple fishermen, who initially hesitated to speak. These uneducated fishermen silenced the philosophers and, as if lifted by wings, traversed the globe, spreading the word of divine truth, uprooting false beliefs, and establishing the laws of Christ everywhere. Their modesty and simplicity, the strictness of their commands, and the adherence of humanity to ancient traditions could not impede them. All hindrances were removed by the grace of God that went before them, enabling them to accomplish their mission with remarkable zeal.
For instance, after suffering beatings, they left the Sanhedrin rejoicing, not merely because of the injuries, but ‘that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name’ (Acts 5:41). When imprisoned and then miraculously freed by an angel, they returned to their preaching, drawing the multitudes to godliness. Despite being detained again, they did not grow inactive; rather, they displayed even greater courage, boldly declaring, ‘We ought to obey God rather than men’ (Acts 5:29). Do you see the enormity of their courage? Observe how these simple fishermen disregard the fierce multitude, charged with rage, ready to commit murder.
When you hear of these events, dear friends, recognize that the accomplishments of the apostles stem not from their own merit but from the grace of God that emboldened and inspired them. Blessed Peter, upon healing a man who had been lame from birth, as the amazed crowd gazed upon him, sincerely proclaimed, ‘Men of Israel, why marvel at this? Or why gaze at us as though by our own power or holiness we made him walk?’ (Acts 3:12). He queries why they are astonished by the miracle. ‘Did we do this? Did we, through our own strength, restore him to health? Why look at us?’ They did nothing on their own; it was the Lord and Creator of nature who orchestrated everything. It was ‘the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob’—whom you honor as your patriarchs—who did this; He whom you betrayed and denied before Pilate, who intended to set Him free.
He performed this miracle; He, from whom ‘you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, and killed the Prince of Life. God raised Him from the dead, of which we are witnesses. And His name—through faith in His name—has made this man strong, whom you see and know; and the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect health in the presence of you all’ (Acts 3:13-16). The apostles demonstrated remarkable boldness, fueled by the extraordinary power granted to them from above! The courage of this blessed Peter serves as compelling evidence of the resurrection. What greater sign could be presented than this, when he, who previously trembled before a servant girl, now confronts the Jewish people with such fearlessness and addresses a tumultuous crowd that could easily turn violent?
Do you see, beloved, how what was just described reveals itself as I mentioned at the beginning? When a person is filled with divine love, they no longer focus on the material world, but with eyes of faith, they continually fix their gaze upon heavenly realities, traversing life as though they dwell in the heavens, undeterred by human opposition in their quest for virtuous deeds. Such an individual no longer dwells on worldly pleasures or the challenges that arise but, pressing forward with determination towards their true homeland, they run the race of faith. Just as an athlete, neglecting distractions, keeps their eyes on the goal, so too does one striving for virtue maintain their focus heavenward, disregarding earthly distractions until they reach the pinnacle of holiness.
For one who possesses such fervor, the seeming terrors of this life hold no meaning; they fear neither sword nor abyss, nor wild beasts, nor torture, nor executioners, nor any other adversities of life. They can walk upon glowing coals as though traversing a meadow, undeterred by threats of torment, because their spirit is consumed with the anticipation of eternal benefits. As if liberated from their mortal coil, they rise above pain, empowered by divine grace, rendering them impervious to physical suffering.
Therefore, let us endeavor to bear the challenges of virtue with grace, demonstrating profound love for God. With our thoughts directed towards Him, let us not be encumbered by worldly matters but focus on the eternal joy awaiting us. May we endure the sorrows of our present existence with composure, neither allowing shame to distress us, nor poverty to cause us embarrassment, nor illness to weaken our resolve, nor disdain from others to deter us from pursuing virtue. Instead, striving to shed these burdens like dust, let us adopt an uplifting spirit, revealing courage in all things. Following the counsel I offered yesterday, may we seek reconciliation with our adversaries while casting aside all other passions.
If lust troubles us, let us purge it. If anger inflames us, may we put it to rest by reflecting on spiritual wisdom that reveals its destructive nature. 'A wrathful man does not bring honor’ (Proverbs 11:25); and further, 'Whoever is angry with his brother without cause shall be in danger of the judgment of hell' (Matthew 5:22). Should our souls be tormented by greed, it is crucial that we flee from this contagion, as it is the root of all evils. Let us strive to rectify every passion that besets us, abstaining from wrongdoing and engaging in good deeds so that on that fearsome day, we may receive mercy from God, through the grace of His only begotten Son, to whom be glory, power, and honor, alongside the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and forever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.