He proclaims, Blessed are you when people despise you, disassociate from you, revile you, and falsely accuse you as evil, for the sake of the Son of Man. Rejoice on that day and exult. Hence, the moment Christians should celebrate is during their persecution, separation, and when they are mocked for the name of Christ. Do you desire to live to witness this day, to partake in this joy? Or, do you wish for it to elude you, having never experienced it and forgoing the joy of which you remain unaware? It is understandable to express the sentiment of Christ: Let this cup be taken from me, referring to the cup of disdain from others, suffering, and lack of glory, but it is equally commendable to continually voice: not my will, but Yours, Father in Heaven! Let us pay special attention to the profound words of Christ that inspire us to perform great deeds and endure trials, drawing strength and hope from the promise of heavenly reward: 'Behold, your rewards are numerous in heaven.'
There are those, perhaps few, lofty individuals who, with pure intentions, overlook both earthly and heavenly rewards to solely seek goodness before God and to unite with Him through love. The Psalmist exclaims to God, What do I possess in heaven, and what do I desire on earth? My heart and my flesh may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever (Psalm 72:25-26). I seek no worldly comforts; my only desire in heaven is the God of heaven; neither sensual desires nor human affection captivates my heart; I willingly relinquish the most envied estate among men, as my true inheritance is God. My heart yearns to vanish where He is absent and to be reborn where He may be found; my flesh yearns for the singular fulfillment that follows the revelation of His glory. I find it challenging to describe the condition of certain pious souls who might remain unrecognized by many, except with the Lord's words regarding a specific state of grace: 'Let the one who can hold on, do so.'
However, the pursuit of reward is not inherently lacking in virtue; God does not discourage consideration of rewards, often using the concept to motivate adherence to His commandments and the pursuit of sanctity. Honor your father and mother: this commandment is followed by a promise that encourages its observance: that it may go well with you and you may live long on the earth (Ex. 20:12). If you wish to be perfect, sell your possessions and give to the poor: this is the call to excellence, with the immediate promise that follows: and you will have treasure in heaven (Matthew 19:21). Rejoice on that day—when men spite you, separate from you, revile you, and defame you for the sake of the Son of Man. This is the significant challenge requiring extraordinary fortitude and unwavering patience. The promise of considerable heavenly rewards acts as motivation, illuminating the immense worth of the heavenly treasures awaiting us.
The Old Testament, serving as preparation for Christian perfection, speaks openly of earthly rewards suited to the cultural context of its audience, conveying spiritual truths through tangible earthly benefits. Conversely, the New Testament unveils the perfection of the heavenly kingdom, offering spiritual insight and emphasizing heavenly rewards, often dismissing earthly gain as trivial or even a hindrance to eternal fulfillment. The Lord asserts that the hypocrites have received their tangible recompense already, hence they will not receive anything further from God in heaven. The sentiments of the older law, which promised earthly prosperity, are contrasted in the Gospel, where such prosperity is depicted as potentially perilous, with the admonition: What profit is there for a man to gain the whole world yet forfeit his soul? (Matthew 16:26). Those who cling to their lives here will lose them, while those who relinquish their lives in this world will save them for eternal life (John 12:25).
In light of these truths, everyone listening is presented with an essential question: Am I a genuine follower of Christ? If you answer affirmatively, it follows that you will not be entangled in the pursuit of temporal gain or earthly accolades; you derive strength and consolation from the notion of your eternal heavenly reward. Yet, if you find yourself neglecting the promise of the eternal, seeking after fleeting riches, honor, and the comforts of this life, do not be misled; such inclinations betray a spirit that does not reflect true Christianity. Those who are motivated solely by the desire for earthly rewards remain bound to the old ways, distanced from spiritual fulfillment and the treasures of heaven. Likewise, those seeking temporary accolades or human recognition find themselves yet to escape the clutches of a worldly mindset, turning virtues into idols for profit or show. They receive their compensation from men and, therefore, forfeit any further promise from God.
Some may feel that this reasoning is overly rigid, casting everyone into sin. Isn't it human nature, they argue, to seek what is better in this life, just as a fish seeks deeper waters? If you maintain this perspective, understand that it is not us who confine you with strict reasoning; it is the judgment of Christ's words and your own negligence in adhering to them that ensnare you. While it is natural to want the best of earthly blessings, it is irrational to pursue these at the expense of the most essential heavenly treasures. If you hold tightly to the natural, beware lest you fall away from the gracious which transcends the natural. Leaning on your presumed rights, will you disregard the commands of grace? Does your moral prudence encourage you to be content with what you have (Heb. 13:5), to honor one another and uplift yourselves (Rom. 12:10), and to avoid indulging in sinful desires (Rom. 13:14)?
If you desire natural things, consider whether it is truly natural to chase earthly rewards, so prevalent among us. Should we classify as 'natural' those things driven by uncontrollable cravings and reckless passions, or should we rather consider what aligns with the genuine needs of humanity? When a laborer seeks fair compensation for sustenance, not merely for their workdays but also for their necessary rest, it seems wholly reasonable for such a pursuit. Yet, when a wealthy person refuses to act unless the profit is immense, doubling or tripling their gain, we must ask what is truly 'natural.' When individuals engaged in any service demand increasingly greater pay for every act, is this reflective of human nature and its path to perfection? Would it not be better, on the contrary, if they paid less heed to inadequate earthly rewards—so small compared to their efforts and insufficient to mitigate the stress of relentless striving—and focused on the unending and substantial heavenly rewards?
If each individual consistently envisioned their heavenly rewards, accessible to them, there would be less grasping for earthly compensation and transient comforts. Sellers would be less greedy, judges might choose justice over lucrative but unjust gains, and public servants would prioritize the common good above personal gain, remaining dedicated to service regardless of earthly compensation. A servant might labor more joyfully for an ungrateful master. Through the contemplation of heavenly rewards, a selfless spirit would thrive, enhancing the communal good among humanity and enriching the inner virtue of each individual.
O Lord, abundant in promise and faithful in bringing it to fruition! Ground us in the healthy reflection and anticipation of the myriad rewards awaiting us in heaven, that earthly temptations may hold no allure and the trials or losses of this life may not become overwhelming. Amen.
THEOSIS