The directive to share both garments indicates that if a person tries to divide their clothing, neither party would be adequately covered; thus, the need to give completely arises.
Meanwhile, it is crucial to understand the significance of acts of mercy, which are notably advocated as fruits worthy of repentance. This is why the Truth incites us to give alms, asserting, "and behold, all shall be clean unto you" (Luke 11:41). Likewise, it is stated, "Give, and it shall be given you" (Luke 6:38). It is also recorded, "The burning fire shall be quenched by water, and almsgiving shall cleanse sins" (Sirach 3:30). Additionally, it is advised, "Shut up alms in your cells, and it will keep you from all malice" (Sirach 29:15). Accordingly, a wise father encourages his innocent son saying, "As many as you will be, do alms from them: but if you will be few, let not the few be afraid to do alms" (Tobit 4:8).
To illustrate the virtue of providing for the poor, our Redeemer teaches: "He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet's reward; and he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man will receive a righteous man's reward" (Matthew 10:41). We must pay attention to the wording here; He does not say, "A recompense for the prophet," but rather, "A recompense to the prophet," and similarly for the righteous. This implies that one who shows generosity to a prophet, though not blessed with prophecy themselves, can receive rewards from Almighty God as if they were a prophet. Those who are righteous, though they may lack worldly possessions, often have the boldness to advocate for truth. By supporting someone who possesses spiritual gifts yet might hesitate to speak the truth freely, they partake in the truth shared by the one they support, thereby gaining equal rewards for standing for that truth.
The spirit of Prophecy requires bodily sustenance; if not nourished, the voice that speaks truth becomes weak. Thus, he who nourishes a prophet through recognition of their prophetic role contributes to the preaching of prophecy. Consequently, along with the prophet, they will share in the reward intended for the prophetic work, illustrating that their support aids the presence of prophecy, even if they do not share in the prophetic spirit.
As affirmed by John in addressing Gaius on behalf of traveling brethren, "For the sake of His name they went out receiving nothing from the Gentiles" (3 John 1:7). This serves to remind us that by providing for those who bear spiritual gifts, we become partners in their ministry. When disparities exist between those who receive spiritual gifts and those who possess temporal wealth, it is through the generosity of the wealthy that they contribute to the spiritual benefits of the less fortunate. Therefore, when the Lord, through the prophet Isaiah, spoke to the gentiles left behind—symbolically, the Church—offering them the merits of the virtues associated with the poor, He assured them of blessings, stating, "I will put the wilderness into lakes of waters, and the land impassable into springs of waters; I will give in solitude cedar and thorn, myrtle and olive tree; I will put in the wilderness spruce, elm and beech tree together so that they may see and know, and ponder and understand equally" (Isaiah 41:18, 20).
The Lord transformed the desolate wilderness into abundant streams because the heathens, who previously produced no good fruits due to their hardened hearts, were nourished by the outpouring of holy preaching. In response to their previous aridity, they began to flourish with teachings. The promise given to the Gentiles includes, "I will give in seclusion a cedar and a thorn" (Isaiah 41:19). The cedar signifies resilience and strength. Regarding the thorn, as it is stated in Genesis, "Thorns and thistles shall grow for you" (Genesis 3:18), it effectively highlights how sin brings forth consequences. Conversely, those who embody the virtues bestowed upon them by God are able to declare with Paul, "For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved" (2 Corinthians 2:15), remaining steadfast in love that is untainted by the corruption of earthly desires.
The thorn represents those engaged in spiritual teaching who, in addressing sins and virtues, pierce the hearts of their listeners, provoking tears of heartfelt sorrow. The myrtle symbolizes those who have compassion, as it binds together the broken-hearted. In the words of Paul, "Blessed be God, who comforts us in all our tribulation" (2 Corinthians 1:4), they offer words of consolation to the distressed, linking them back to a state of peace. The olive tree represents the merciful, as even in Greek ελεος signifies mercy. In God's eyes, the oil of the olive tree reflects the fruit of mercy.
The promise also includes, "I will put in the wilderness a spruce, an elm, and a beech tree" (Isaiah 41:19). The spruce, which reaches great heights, exemplifies those who lift their thoughts to heavenly pursuits while still residing in earthly bodies. Though born of the earth, they ascend through contemplation beyond human understanding. The elm, while lacking in spiritual fruits, often supports the vine, indicating that even those without spiritual gifts can aid the righteous. The beech tree, though it does not grow tall and bears no fruit, symbolizes those who, lacking the strength to perform good deeds, still maintain the faith taught by their believing parents.
After all of this, it is noted that the purpose is that they may see, know, ponder, and understand in harmony. This highlights the importance of the diverse moral standings and varying attributes within the Church; all must learn together from the different qualities presented, as the qualities of spirit, age, and maturity are all valuable for imitation.
Returning to the elm, we take note of the importance of supporting those who bear fruit. John encourages us toward righteousness, asserting, "Bear fruits showing repentance" (Matthew 3:8; Luke 3:8), leading us to understand that the notion of taking the Kingdom of Heaven by force is necessary for sinner’s awakening.
We ponder how heaven can be seized by force and why this commotion commenced with John the Baptist. Under the Law, penalties were harsh for every transgression, offering no restoration to the sinner. In contrast, John heralded repentance, enabling the spiritually lifeless to live through transformation. Thus, through his call to repentance, the Kingdom of Heaven is sought vigorously by those who turn to God.
The Kingdom of Heaven is, after all, the realm of the Righteous, which promises rewards of eternal life to the humble, pure, meek, and merciful. When those steeped in pride or sin endeavor to repent, they find themselves outside the community of the faithful. Thus, the days since John have prompted a fervent pursuit of the Kingdom, as he urged sinners to strive for it.
Beloved friends, let us recognize our past wrongdoings, embracing unrelenting sorrow. Let us reclaim the inheritance of the righteous through repentance, for Almighty God welcomes this earnest struggle. Our faith should remain steadfast, undeterred by the weight of our past transgressions. The hope for our redemption is mirrored in the story of the penitent thief, honored not for his crimes but for his confession. How profound is God’s mercy! This thief, condemned and crucified, made his confession on the cross and earned the promise, "Today you will be with Me in Paradise" (Luke 23:43). What grace is shown when forgiveness is extended, turning punishment into the rewards of virtue and offering hope to those in need.
Let us commit ourselves to heartfelt weeping, cleansing our past offenses with truly repentant fruits, and ensure that the time for redemption is not squandered. The many who have been redeemed stand as a testament to God’s boundless mercy. To our Lord Jesus Christ, alongside the Father and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory forever. Amen.
THEOSIS