Genesis 9:7Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Just as He initially placed Adam in the Garden of Eden, bestowing upon him countless delights before instructing him to refrain from eating from one specific tree, here too, God first assures that He will not bring widespread destruction nor display wrath, but will maintain the natural order until the end of time. He honors Noah and his sons with a blessing, restoring their authority over the animals and allowing them to partake of them. Yet He adds, "Only the flesh with its soul, and its blood, shall ye not eat." This shows how God favors us immensely before establishing His commandments.

In contrast, humanity often expects adherence to commands prior to any graciousness, requiring those who receive orders to demonstrate complete diligence before considering them for rewards based on their obedience. The Lord, however, adopts a different approach: He first endows us with blessings, nurturing our nature with kindness, then offers us straightforward commandments. This way, fueled by the ease of the commandments and the gifts we have received, we are inspired to earnestly strive to fulfill them. Therefore, dear ones, let us not be indifferent or neglectful regarding the obligations imposed upon us. Keeping in mind the prior favors from God, the simplicity of the commands, and the greatness of the rewards that await us, let us remain vigilant and diligent in observing God's commands.

We must not abandon the paths laid out for our spiritual salvation, but rather seize our remaining days to purify our souls from sin, working to acquire boldness, particularly as we approach the end of the holy quadrennium. Even the days left to us will suffice if we merely deepen our diligence. This is not to suggest that this brief time encompasses all that is required for repentance, but rather because our Lord is compassionate and does not require much time; all He seeks is our sincere approach, renouncing worldly distractions and wholeheartedly surrendering ourselves to Him. Just as the Ninevites, burdened by countless sins, were granted mercy within three days upon genuine repentance (see Jonah 3:10), the thief on the cross required no more than an instant. This illustrates how immense is God's mercy towards us! When He sees our earnest resolve to change and our fervent desire, He does not delay in revealing His goodness, assuring us, "You shall cry out, and He will say, 'Here am I'" (Isaiah 58:9).

Let us, therefore, commit to showing ardor during these few remaining days and properly utilize the spiritual benefits of fasting. Let us discard our complacency and earnestly pray to the Lord, shedding heartfelt tears, condemning our sins, and revealing our spiritual wounds to Him, beseeching His healing. Moreover, let us cultivate a spirit of humility, engage in generous acts of charity, and strive to eliminate any troubling passions, refusing to indulge in self-serving behavior, harbor resentment towards others, or hold grudges. God despises nothing quite so much as a vindictive spirit that harbors enmity towards others; such a sin is destructive, turning divine love away from us.

As a reminder of this truth, recall the parable of the unforgiving servant, who was forgiven a tremendous debt of ten thousand talents by his master after pleading for mercy (see Matthew 18:27). Notice how compassionate the master was! The servant merely sought a reprieve, yet the master granted not just a delay, but complete forgiveness. This demonstrates God's inclination to exceed our requests generously. However, instead of replicating this mercy, the servant, after receiving such immense favor, displayed the utmost ingratitude by demanding payment from a fellow servant who owed him just a hundred denarii (see Matthew 18:28).

Consider how often the Gospel emphasizes that the one who owed a lesser debt is referred to as a fellow servant, reinforcing the idea that there should have been no distinction between them. The fellow servant, in desperation, pleaded for mercy using the same words the unforgiving servant had used with his master. Yet, in a cruel twist, the servant threw him into prison until his debt was settled (see Matthew 18:30). What shameful ingratitude! His fellow servants witnessed this injustice and were deeply troubled, reporting the incident to their master (see Matthew 18:31).

The master, enraged, confronted the unforgiving servant, declaring, "Wicked servant!" (Matthew 18:32). This highlights how pernicious vindictiveness is—when the master requested repayment of the ten thousand talents, he did not label him as wicked; it was only when the servant demonstrated cruelty towards his fellow that he earned this condemnation. The master questioned why, after receiving such forgiveness for his vast debt, the servant could not extend the same mercy to his comrade. The master’s anger led him to hand over the unforgiving servant to the tormentors until he repaid all that he owed (see Matthew 18:34).

This exchange emphasizes that we are all answerable to God for our actions, especially concerning interpersonal relationships. Our Lord thus conveys that if we fail to forgive our brothers and sisters as He has forgiven us, we risk incurring His displeasure and returning to a state of unforgiven debt, whereby we must once again bear the weight of our wrongs.

Indeed, our Lord concluded this parable with a stern warning: "So also my heavenly Father will do to you, if each one of you does not forgive his brother his trespasses from his heart" (Matthew 18:35). Consider how much benefit can arise from embracing this teaching if we truly heed it! Can we genuinely forgive others to the same extent the Lord forgives us? Each time we forgive our fellow servants, we secure God's forgiveness for ourselves.

Take note of the exactness of the Lord's command: He speaks not simply of forgiving, but of forgiving with all our heart. He desires our hearts to be tranquil, devoid of turmoil, extending authentic compassion to all, even to those who have wronged us. In another instance, He teaches, "If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you" (Matthew 6:14).

Forgiving others is not merely an act of kindness towards them; it is primarily a blessing for ourselves. Conversely, withholding forgiveness does not harm those who offend us but instead prepares us for a burdensome torment in the next life. Thus, let us commit to not being vengeful or harboring hostility against those who wrong us, recognizing that reconciliation with our adversaries can lead to atonement for our own faults.

Let us labor to make peace with those who have wronged us, viewing such reconciliation as a generous act that brings us closer to God. A sincere effort to connect and mend these relationships will ultimately draw greater blessings upon us and lessen our spiritual burdens.

Consider the rewards that God has promised for those who practice this virtue of forgiveness. He instructs us to "Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them that despitefully use you and persecute you" (Matthew 5:44). Such a grand calling comes with a promise: "Ye shall be sons of your Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 5:45).

Let us not allow inertia to deprive us of such precious gifts and rewards, which far exceed our comprehension. We must strive earnestly to obey this command, even compelling ourselves to adhere to God's statutes. It is for this reason I have shared this message today, illustrating the greatness of the virtue of forgiveness and the multitude of its blessings, so that each of us, having just one enemy, might earnestly seek to reconcile through kindness.

Let no one claim that they have attempted reconciliation but faced refusal. If reconciliation is desired wholeheartedly, persistence in kindness will ultimately win the day. Shall we consider our own gain in forgiving? Indeed, it is we who garner favor with God, find forgiveness for our transgressions, and receive boldness before Him.

Should we achieve this, we can partake of the holy mystery with a clear conscience and speak the words of the Lord's Prayer with confidence. Thus, as you leave here today, I urge you to engage in this essential work, treating it as a sacred treasure, and do not procrastinate.

Although it may require effort to approach the one who holds animosity towards you, recognize the high calling of this commandment, its rich rewards, and that this act of goodness ultimately benefits you. By approaching this task with these thoughts in mind, you will find it manageable.

Therefore, let us adhere resolutely to the teachings of Jesus Christ, so that we may receive His blessings, by the grace of His compassion, to the glory of the Father and the Holy Spirit, both now and forevermore. Amen.