He has skillfully crafted a present parable for our consideration which we shall endeavor to elucidate to the best of our ability, recognizing that it is essential for those eager for wisdom. Parables provide valuable lessons through indirect and figurative means, helping us to grow in understanding if we grasp their essential meanings broadly. It is important, however, not to obsess over every detail of a parable, lest we become tiresome to even the most eager listeners with excessive inquiries and long-winded discussions. For example, if someone tries to specify who should be considered the man with a steward, or those who were indebted and had portions deducted, or the reasons behind the debts of oil and wheat, they would quickly cloud their reasoning and render it unnecessary. Thus, not every aspect of the parable serves to illuminate the core meanings, but they collectively form an image illustrating significant truths, conveying lessons beneficial to those who hear.
The overarching message of the parable is: ‘The God of all desires that all men should be saved, and attain to the knowledge of the truth.’ For this reason, ‘He also gave the law to help,’ as stated by the prophet. When we speak of the law in these contexts, we refer not only to that given by Moses but to all sacred Scriptures, through which we learn the pathway that leads to all goodness and salvation. Consequently, the Lord of all expects us to maintain steadfast efforts toward virtue and align our desires with a more virtuous and holy existence, freeing ourselves from worldly distractions and the love of wealth and its accompanying pleasures, so that we may serve Him wholeheartedly and without distraction. For He proclaims through the psalmist, ‘Be constant and know that I am God.’ Moreover, the Savior of all instructs those with material riches: ‘Sell thy possessions, and give alms; make unto thee purses that do not decay: an everlasting treasure, unchangeable in heaven.’ This command is indeed designed for our salvation, yet human nature is frail; we often cling too tightly to earthly possessions and resist the call to forsake the delights of wealth. We are tempted by vain pride, seduced by flattery, and consumed by the pursuit of temporary honors. Recognizing this, the Savior remarked: ‘How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!’ Further stating, ‘It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.’ While one is absorbed in riches and pleasures, the pursuit of piety often fades away before God. Wealth can corrupt and sow indulgence in the hearts of its possessor.
Is there then no hope for the wealthy, no chance to partake in the promise of the saints? Are they entirely cut off from God’s grace? Is eternal fire prepared for them like that for the devil and his angels? Not at all; for the Savior illustrated their path to redemption through this parable. By God’s gracious design, they have been entrusted with worldly riches; they are appointed as stewards for the needy. However, they misuse their stewardship, squandering what was given by the Lord solely for their pleasures, seeking fleeting accolades while neglecting God’s command: ‘Open thy mercy to thy brother, even to him that is in need of thee.’ Furthermore, Christ Himself tells us, ‘Be merciful, even as your Father in heaven is merciful.’ Yet, as previously mentioned, they show no mercy towards their fellow humans, only indulging their own arrogance, which condemns them before the Almighty. As death draws near, they must relinquish their stewardship and detach from worldly affairs, for no one can escape the snare of death.
What, then, did Christ intend for them? While still in this life, if they are unwilling to distribute their wealth among the poor, they should at least use a portion of it to secure friends and witnesses of their generosity, especially those who have been benefitted by their kindness, so that when their earthly fortunes depart, they may gain a place in the eternal dwellings. It is impossible for love toward the poor to go unrewarded. Thus, whether a person donates all their riches or merely part of them, they will undoubtedly enrich their own soul. Accordingly, the act befitting the saints, deserving of perfect commendation and heavenly honor, is not to hoard earthly treasures but to distribute them to those in need, thus storing up treasures in heaven that do not fade, and obtaining enduring wealth. A fitting strategy is to gain as friends those most closely aligned with God’s favor, sharing with them a portion of their wealth while providing comfort to the many in poverty so that they may partake in what is freely given. A similar sentiment is echoed by the wise Paul, who counsels those enamored with riches: ‘Let your abundance be for their need, that their abundance may also be for your need.’ Therefore, it is our responsibility—to fix our focus on the eternal, recalling the Scriptures, which clearly indicate that ‘we shall all stand before the judgement of Christ, that to everyone we may receive recompense for what we have done in the body, according to what we have done, whether good or bad.’ If we fear a relentless fire, we ought to remember God, who calls us to charity towards our brethren, to bear with the afflicted, extend our hands to those in need, and honor the saints, of whom Christ said: ‘He that receiveth you receiveth me: and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.’ For acts of charity toward our brethren yield significant value, as the Savior Himself teaches: ‘He that giveth the disciple only a cup of cold water to drink shall not lose his reward.’ For the Savior of all is generous in bestowing gifts: to Him be glory and power to God the Father, with the Holy Spirit, forever and ever, Amen.
THEOSIS