THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
We have come to the conclusion of the narrative concerning the righteous individual, Noah. I urge you to engage your minds and pay close attention to the insights presented. From today's scripture, we can glean significant spiritual nourishment, as the events from ancient times can offer profound lessons for our own edification. This is why the sacred texts not only recount the virtues of the saints but also their fallibilities, guiding us to emulate the former and steer clear of the latter. Moreover, the holy writings reveal that the righteous have stumbled and sinners have shown remarkable repentance, providing us with ample counsel. So, the one who stands firm in righteousness should not grow complacent, recognizing that even the righteous can stumble, and the one who struggles with sin should not lose hope, knowing that many have turned back to God and attained great virtue. Therefore, let us not be arrogant, regardless of our many good deeds, but instead heed the warning of the Apostle Paul: “Whoever thinks he stands, beware lest he fall” (1 Cor. 10:12). If one finds himself ensnared in sin, do not despair of redemption, for we must reflect on God’s boundless mercy. The Lord, through the prophet, assures us: “When they fall, do they not get up, and when they turn aside from the way, do they not return?” (Jer. 8:4); and furthermore, “I do not want the death of the lawless one, but that he may turn from his ways and live” (Ezek. 18:23). Do you not see, beloved, that every occurrence recorded in Scripture serves only for our benefit and the salvation of humanity? With this understanding, may each of us draw from these narratives the remedy that suits our own circumstances. This wisdom is freely available to all, and anyone who desires can obtain healing for their specific struggles, provided they do not reject this remedy but instead receive it with a grateful heart. Truly, of all the afflictions that weigh upon humanity—whether of the mind or the body—none remain beyond the healing power of the Scriptures.
For instance, if someone arrives here burdened by the trials of life, feeling despondent, they may find immediate solace in the words of the prophet: “Why are you discouraged, my soul, and why are you troubled? Trust in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Saviour and my God” (Psalm 41:6, 7). Likewise, another may be in sorrow due to extreme poverty, observing others in prosperity and splendor. Yet, they too can hear the comforting words of the prophet: “Cast thy cares upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee” (Psalms 54:23), and again, “Fear not when a man is rich, when the glory of his house is multiplied: for he that dies shall take nothing” (Psalms 48:17-18). There are those who feel disheartened due to reproaches and slanders from others, making their lives unbearable as they see no human support. Yet, this individual is reminded by the blessed prophet not to depend on human assistance, hearing this: “They lay enmity against me, but I pray” (Psalm 108:4). Those around him may engage in plots and schemes, but he turns to a steadfast fortress, a reliable anchor—prayer—through which all trials become bearable. Another may endure neglect and contempt from once-favored friends, causing deep anguish. However, if he chooses to come here, he too will hear the lamentations of the blessed David about the betrayal of friends: “My friends and sincere ones have departed from my plagues, and my neighbors stand afar off. But those who seek my soul set nets, and those who wish me harm speak of my destruction, and plot every day intrigues” (Psalm 37:12-13). David’s enemies devised plots against him through his entire life, as indicated by the phrase “every day.” How did David respond to such treachery? “And I,” he states, “am as a deaf man that hears not, and as a mute man that opens not his mouth; and I became as a man that hears not, and has no answer in his mouth” (Psalms 37:14, 15). Do you perceive the wisdom in his actions, overcoming adversities with his remarkable composure? His enemies continued to scheme, yet he chose silence, refusing to listen to their taunts, thereby disarming their fury with his calmness. Why did he act in this manner, at a time when so many foes advanced against him, as if he were deaf and mute? Listen to the reason he provides: “For in Thee, O Lord, I trust” (Psalms 37:16). With all his hope in God, he remains unconcerned about the plots of his adversaries; he recognizes that God’s power can dispel any plans concocted against him and thwart every design aimed at his ruin.
Do you see how within the Scriptures there is a remedy for all human afflictions and sorrows, teaching us not to be overwhelmed by our circumstances? Therefore, I entreat you, come here frequently, listen intently to the reading of the holy Scriptures, and not only here but also at home. Engage wholeheartedly with these sacred texts, and draw the benefit that they offer. The advantages are indeed great: first, reading shapes the tongue; then the soul becomes revitalized, illuminated by the light of truth, freeing itself from the impurity of sinful thoughts, thereby finding peace and tranquility. Just as physical nourishment sustains our bodies, delving into Scripture nourishes the soul, making it robust, steadfast, and wise, preventing it from succumbing to irrational desires while elevating it to spiritual heights. Let us not neglect this blessing; rather, let us commit to reading the Scriptures attentively at home. When we gather here, let us avoid engaging in idle chatter, but dedicate our focus to the purpose of our visit, soaking in the readings, so we might leave with new understanding. If you come here only to squander time in trivial conversations and depart without gaining anything, what benefit is that? Is it not curious that while those who frequent the marketplace strive to gather as much as possible, even at a cost, those who come to this spiritual haven often do not exert the same effort to enrich their souls, especially when no monetary expenditure is required, but rather just diligence and a willing heart? Therefore, let us not be poorer in spirit than those who visit the marketplaces of life; instead, let us strive to walk away with wisdom to share—wisdom that can not only correct ourselves but also enlighten our wives, servants, neighbors, friends, and even those who oppose us. This spiritual instruction is freely available to all, provided one surpasses others in earnestness and zeal. Thus, let us examine today’s reading and gather lessons for our lives.
The scripture notes, “Noah began to cultivate the ground, and planted a vineyard; and he drank of the wine and became intoxicated.” Consider the insights contained in this initial passage. When we learn that a righteous and blameless man, one who received divine approval, drank and became intoxicated, how can we, burdened by many sins, not strive earnestly to avoid such destructive behavior? The gravity of the situation is not equivalent; there are many factors that can elicit understanding of this righteous man's fall. My intent is not to justify drunkenness but to clarify that Noah’s sin stemmed from ignorance rather than deliberate wrongdoing. The scripture itself suggests this: “Noah began to cultivate the ground, and planted a vineyard; and he drank of the wine and became intoxicated.” The term “began” signals that this was his initial experience with wine; he succumbed to inebriation from sheer lack of knowledge of its effects. Moreover, it is possible that in his profound sorrow, he sought solace through wine, as implied by the wise instruction: “Give sackcloth to him who is perishing, and wine to the distressed soul” (Proverbs 31:6), indicating that wine, when consumed with moderation, can be an effective remedy for grief.
Surely, Noah was mourning the devastating consequences he witnessed: the desolate world around him, littered with the remains of humanity and livestock, an earth turned into a common grave. This sorrow was not unique to him; the prophets and saints have mourned for both their close ones and the broader human plight. Reflect upon the words of Isaiah: “Do not labour to comfort me in the ruin of the daughter of my people” (Isaiah 22:4), and the anguish of Jeremiah: “Oh, who shall give my head water and my eyes a spring of tears!” (Jer. 9:1). Both Ezekiel and Daniel expressed profound lament as they beheld the desolation of their people, and even the illustrious Moses pleaded, “Forgive them their sin, and if not, blot me out of thy book also” (Ex. 32:32). Such compassion for others marks the heart of a true servant of God, reflected most poignantly in the Apostle Paul’s declaration: “I wish I myself had been excommunicated from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh” (Rom. 9:3).
Do you recognize the depth of love each righteous soul exhibited for their neighbors? Contemplate Noah’s grief as he sees the barren land around him, once lush with life now desolate and forlorn. In seeking solace during such sorrow, he turned to agriculture, as the scripture reveals: “Noah began to cultivate the ground and planted a vineyard.” One might ask, did he invent this vine or was it created on the sixth day, when “God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was good” (Gen. 1:31)? It is speculated that the vine was indeed crafted by God from the start; however, its application remained unknown until this moment. Had its benefits been known to earlier generations, Abel would have included wine among his offerings. Yet, as Noah embraced husbandry with all diligence, he may have chosen to taste the fruit of his labor, but lacking prior experience with wine’s effects, he became intoxicated out of ignorance. Given the previous introduction of meat into human consumption, one could assume that wine would also eventually find its place.
Observe how the world develops incrementally, with each person endowed with God-given wisdom contributing to society through various trades—some through agriculture, others through herding or music, and Noah was the one to inspire viticulture with his innate understanding. The Scripture reminds us, “Noah began to cultivate the ground, and planted a vineyard; and he drank of the wine and became intoxicated.” This very remedy that should have brought him comfort, when misused, led to his degradation rather than his healing. Some might question the necessity of a plant that produces such consequences. But do not hastily conclude that the plant or the wine itself is to blame; instead, recognize that the harm lies in its abuse, stemming from a corrupt will. It is evident that the potential for vice originates not in the wine, but in humanity's inclination toward sin.
Let us reflect deeply on how wine, rather than merely being an item of indulgence, is also integral to our salvation. The consecrated are familiar with the significance I'm addressing. The scripture states, “Noah began to cultivate the ground, and planted a vineyard; and he drank wine, and became intoxicated, and lay naked in his tent.” Indeed, drunkenness is a grievous state—it clouds judgment and shrouds the mind in darkness, rendering a once-sensible man inactive and ashamed, exposed under the ridicule of family and foes alike. Such a man becomes a figure of shame, unlike those returning triumphant from battle. The drunkard, far worse, loses his status and dignity daily, consumed by his addiction. The wise one counsels, “The main need for life is water, bread, garments, and a house to cover the nakedness” (Sir. 29:24), suggesting that if one succumbs to drunkenness, they ought to remain sheltered, unseen, to avoid the scorn and derision of others.