There is a vital distinction between performing good deeds out of fear versus those done out of love. A holy person illustrates this with the statement, “I have been a father to the poor.” He deliberately chose the word ‘father’ instead of terms like ‘helper’ or ‘protector,’ thereby revealing his true nature. His profound compassion transforms the act of charity into a familial bond, treating those in need as beloved children deserving of protection out of love. Thus, because his mercy is embedded in his being, he affirms, “I have acted as a father to the needy.” Furthermore, he adds, “and matters I did not know, I approached with care.”
We must examine these words meticulously and appreciate their intimate connection to avoid missing their valuable implications. He embodies godliness in his life, exhibits compassion for the weaknesses of others, and actively engages with the impoverished. Anyone who embraces the thought of eternal blessings should seize every opportunity for recompense, as highlighted by Solomon’s words: “He that fears God will not miss anything” (Eccl. 7:18). The Apostle Paul reinforces this sentiment by urging, “Be fit for every good work” (2 Tim. 2:21). However, we must remember that in some circumstances, lesser good deeds must yield to those of greater importance.
It is evident that while burying the dead is intrinsically good, Jesus instructed someone who wished to do so, “Let the dead bury their dead; but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:60). This exemplifies the primacy of the preaching ministry over even the honorable task of burial, for the latter sustains physical life on earth, whereas the former resurrects souls. Similarly, the prophet instructs ministers: “Seek justice, rescue the oppressed” (Isa. 1:17). Paul also emphasizes the need for discernment in leadership within the church by stating, “Set them to judge who are of no account in the church” (1 Cor. 6:4-6). He guided his listeners toward wisdom, urging them to “Desire spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy” (1 Cor. 14:1).
Yet, those who are endowed with spiritual gifts must ensure they are not overwhelmed by worldly concerns. Paul previously demonstrated this by advising, “Set them to be judged, signifying nothing in the church.” In straightforward terms, he communicated that those least esteemed within the church, lacking extraordinary spiritual gifts, should manage earthly matters while the spiritually enriched pursue divine enterprises.
There is a necessity for spiritual leaders not to neglect the affairs of their frail neighbors but to delegate responsibilities to others familiar with them. Moses exemplified this when he appointed seventy leaders among the people, allowing himself to pursue deeper spiritual matters. Likewise, those blessed with significant spiritual gifts must remain humble so that they do not dismiss the responsibilities toward those less fortunate, who can still perform many good deeds in practical matters.
The body of Christ exemplifies this unity among its members, akin to how our physical body functions. Some parts exist to perceive light, while others remain grounded on earth. Just as the eye is safeguarded from dust, the foot serves its purpose by embracing the soil. Each member of the body is interdependent, with the eye guiding the foot and the foot supporting the eye.
Similarly, members of the Holy Church should diversify in service yet remain united in charity; higher members must oversee those engaged in worldly tasks, ensuring that all activities on earth serve greater divine interests. Their mutual service enables all the faithful to support one another, transforming deeds they cannot accomplish themselves into collective efforts.
We also must understand that when those capable of serving are summoned, spiritually gifted individuals should lower themselves in love to address earthly needs. The mind should not be perturbed by occasions where spiritual contemplation demands attention toward mundane matters, especially since even the Word, through whom creation exists, willingly assumed human form, becoming “a little lower than the angels” (Ps. 8:6). It is no surprise that a person should humble themselves for the sake of another when the Creator of humanity and angels did so for mankind.
Humility enriches one's understanding. While engaging with the world, believers exemplify a pure form of faith when they serve. Therefore, let us take Job’s example, who, while achieving great things, never overlooked the most humble tasks and stated, “And with matters I did not know, I approached them with care.”
In our moral interpretation, we should note that when passing judgment, we must avoid hasty conclusions. We should not make judgments without proper examination to avoid the influence of negative dispositions. This caution is paramount, particularly as we reflect on the actions of our Creator. Even God, knowing all, chose not to swiftly condemn the wickedness of Sodom, leading Him to declare, “The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great... I will go down to see whether they have done altogether according to the outcry that has come to me” (Gen. 18:20-21). This illustrates that even the Almighty took care to investigate before passing judgment, teaching us to refrain from believing the worst about others without evidence.
Job’s reflection, “And the litigation which I did not know, I approached with care,” serves as a reminder that the Church, through its committed members, mirrors this approach by examining the wrongdoings of sinful individuals, ensuring they correct what is unknown to them. As the Church faces tribulations in later times, it continues to assert, “And the litigation which I did not know, I have examined carefully,” denoting a commitment to discern and rectify evil within its midst. Thus, empowered by divine authority, the Church boldly confronts and liberates souls from the adversary's grasp through the strength of its proclamation.
THEOSIS