Matthew 10:14Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Notice that the Lord refrained from granting full gifts to the apostles; He withheld foreknowledge, allowing them to discern who was worthy through their experiences. Why did He associate with the tax collector? Because the tax collector underwent transformation and became deserving of grace. Observe too that even as He stripped the apostles of worldly goods, He bestowed upon them great wealth by permitting them to reside in the homes where they taught, entering unencumbered by possessions. This enabled them to release themselves from worry and affirm to their hosts that they came solely for the people’s salvation—this was evident in their lack of material goods and that they requested only what was essential.

The Lord sought to see the apostles honored not merely by miraculous acts but chiefly through their character. Indeed, nothing embodies virtue so plainly as the absence of excess and a spirit of contentment with the minimal. Even the false teachers recognized this truth, prompting Paul to declare, "Yes, they who boast about Him will be found like us." If, in foreign lands, we ought to ask for nothing beyond our daily sustenance, how much more should we expect to do the same at home? We must not merely listen to words but actively apply them. This applies not just to the apostles but to all saints who followed in their footsteps. Therefore, let us strive to be worthy recipients of them. The response of those who welcome them can vary, and the world's acceptance and dismissal do not rely solely on the authority of the teachers, but also on the dignity of the hosts. We should not consider it trivial if we are deprived of that peace which the prophet heralded: "The feet of those who preach peace are red," and in further explaining the value of peace, he added, "Good tidings of good things." Christ underscored the significance of this peace when He proclaimed, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you." Thus, we should exert ourselves to fully experience this peace both within our homes and in the church. In the church, the minister conveys peace, serving as a reflection of the peace that Christ provides, and as such, should be welcomed with due diligence, offering him not merely a meal but favor. If failing to extend hospitality is a grave misstep, how much more severe is it to dismiss the one who blesses the meal? For you, the presbyter stands; for you, the teacher labors diligently. What excuse can we offer when we disregard his teachings? The church is a shared sanctuary, where we enter following the example of the apostles, and as we enter in accordance with Christ's command, we extend peace to all. Therefore, let no one be careless, and let no one be distracted when ministers enter and teach, for there is a serious consequence for such negligence.

I would rather endure scorn a thousand times as I enter your homes than remain unheeded when here I greet you with peace. The latter offense weighs heavier upon me because this house bears significance far beyond the former; here lie our immense treasures and all that we hold dear. What within these walls is not grand, what is not dignified? The meal shared here surpasses any served in your homes, and this lamp serves as your lampstand. Those who have been anointed with the oil of faith and have been restored understand this fully. This treasury is incomparable; it is far more vital than your own, for it holds not clothing but alms, though perhaps few enrich it. Even here, a bed surpasses yours, for the comfort of Scripture far exceeds any physical rest. If we maintained true unity, we would need no other dwelling than this. The early believers, numbering three thousand and five thousand, had both home and meal, yet remained one in heart and soul. Although we may fall short of this virtue and dwell apart, let us at least strive to embody it when we gather. If we find ourselves lacking in other respects, let us at least excel in this. Therefore, when we approach you, receive us with love. When I utter, "Peace be with you," respond, "And with your spirit," not merely with your voice but with your heart; not just with your lips but with your spirit. Otherwise, saying "Peace be upon thy spirit" while harboring contempt or venting grievances against me outside this sacred space renders that peace hollow. Yet, even if you were to slander me endlessly, I extend peace from a pure and sincere heart. I cannot utter ill of you; I carry a parental heart, and while I may periodically admonish, it stems from concern. If you harbor secret resentment and fail to welcome me in the Lord's house, my fear is not for personal insult but rather for the punishment you bring upon yourself by rejecting this community, which only heightens my sorrow.

Even though I may not shake off the dust nor depart from you, the consequence of rejection still holds. I have often greeted you with peace and will persist in doing so. Even in the face of disdain, I will not shake off the dust, not out of disobedience to the Lord, but because my love for you is profound. Moreover, I have not brought burdens before you, nor have I traveled far empty-handed as the apostles did; I do not arrive without footwear or clothing. Perhaps you too have neglected your obligations in this regard. Yet this is insufficient justification for your behavior. We must accept a more severe condemnation, though it does not absolve your actions. In the past, homes served as churches, but now the church resembles a residence. Once, homes engaged solely in spiritual matters, but now the church mirrors worldly dialogues. You conduct yourselves as if in a marketplace; when God speaks, instead of listening quietly, you are preoccupied with unrelated chatter. I lament this, and my tears will not cease. I cannot abandon this house; we are called to reside here until we leave this life, as Paul implored. His words were not about meals but about the heart and genuine intention. We ask the same of you: love unreservedly and sincerely. Even if this is challenging, relinquish your current apathy and learn to cherish one another. Our consolation lies in your growth in virtue. In such cases, my love will deepen; if I love too much, perhaps it will be less reciprocated.

Numerous reasons unite us in fellowship: we share one meal, one Father who has given us life, and we partake from one cup. The Father, seeking to inspire our mutual affection, utilized the very act of sharing the cup as a testament to strong kinship. However, you may argue that we cannot match the apostles, and indeed I concede. We are unworthy not only of their stature but even their shadow. Yet, it remains incumbent upon you to fulfill your part. Doing so not only brings you honor but greater reward. We do not speak for ourselves; we have no earthly teacher. What we have received, we share, expecting nothing in return save for your love. If we are unworthy of love by our own merit, we at least have it for our affection towards you. We are commanded to love not just our friends but even our adversaries. Who among you, emboldened by such a directive, would turn away and harbor animosity toward those who love him, despite his flaws? We have participated in the spiritual feast; let us also cultivate spiritual love. If thieves at the shared table can set aside their wickedness, what excuse do we have, who partake of the Lord's body, not even emulating their humility? Many bonds of friendship arise, not merely from a shared meal but also from shared origins. We, however, share far more—home, table, path, entrance, roots, life, head, Shepherd, King, Teacher, Judge, Creator, and Father. What defense shall we offer for separating ourselves from each other?

You ask us for miracles as the apostles did; you wish for us to heal the sick, cast out demons, and raise the dead. But true generosity and love manifest when you believe in God without requiring signs. God's abstention from miraculous works is instructive. If, without miracles, those possessing eloquence or piety are full of pride and contention, what would it mean if miracles were present? I say this not from speculation but with evidence from the Corinthians, whose divisions arose from scratching at miracles rather than the essence of faith. Seek not wonders, but the healing of your souls. Desire not to witness one raised from the dead when you know that all shall rise; do not yearn to see the blind restored but instead recognize how all are beginning to perceive more clearly. Endeavor to gaze soberly and fix your sight rightly. Truly, if we lived as we ought, the pagans would marvel at us more than at the miracle workers. Though miracles can sometimes be viewed with skepticism, a virtuous life is beyond reproach and confounds all doubts. Therefore, let us pursue virtue, the greatest treasure and miracle. It offers true liberation, demonstrating freedom within servitude—not by breaking the yoke but by ennobling the servant beyond the free. It does not convert poverty into wealth but renders the impoverished more capable than the wealthy. If you seek to effect miracles, absolve yourself of sins, for all shall follow accordingly. Beloved, sin is the most formidable foe. Should you vanquish it, you would achieve more than those who expel throngs of demons.

Reflect upon how Paul esteemed virtue above miraculous feats, urging us to strive for greater gifts and indicating the superior way, wherein he neglected to mention raising the dead or cleansing lepers in favor of agape love. Christ also instructed us, "Do not rejoice, because your souls obey you; but because your names are written in heaven." Many will claim, "Did we not prophesy in your name, cast out demons, and perform mighty deeds?" Yet He will proclaim, "I never knew you." Even before His suffering on the Cross, He stated, "All of you will know this, that you are My disciples if you have love for one another," not for your miraculous works. "By this all will know that You sent Me—not by raising the dead but through their unity." Miracles often serve others while putting the miracle worker at risk of pride or other pitfalls; yet, righteous acts bless both the doer and those impacted. Consequently, let us undertake good deeds wholeheartedly. Those who transform from hardness to mercy heal a withered hand; those who forsake distractions for worship mend the lameness of spirit. Eyeing virtue rather than vice restores sight; learning spiritual hymns instead of worldly songs transforms mouths into silence. Such deeds constitute the most remarkable miracles! If we consistently enact such shifts, we will blossom into greatness and draw the wicked toward virtue, attaining the eternal life granted to us by the grace and kindness of our Lord Jesus Christ. To Him belongs glory and dominion for eternity. Amen.

Furthermore, it is significant that in the Gospel of Matthew, the apostles are advised to select the homes they enter to avoid altering their residence and breaching the customs of hospitality. However, the host is not required to exercise such discretion; to do so would undermine the essence of hospitality itself.

While the literal interpretation of this sacred call to hospitality is praiseworthy, its deeper sacramental meaning offers profound beauty. In choosing a home, one seeks a host worthy of honor. It prompts us to consider whether it suggests that preference should be given to the Church and to Christ. What home could be more appropriate for the apostles' visit than the holy Church? And above all, who deserves greater reverence than Christ, who humbly washes the feet of His guests (cf. John 13:4-10)? It has been remarked that St. Ambrose alluded to the tradition of the Church in Mediolanum of washing the feet of newly baptized individuals prior to the Eucharist. He does not allow those welcomed into His abode to remain there with unclean feet. Even if they carry the stains of their former lives, He lovingly purifies them for the life to come. He is the sole One whom we should never forsake or exchange for another lord. He is the One we should seek out, saying, 'Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have come to believe' (John 6:68-69). Peter exemplified this by accepting welcome, thereby deserving to partake in heavenly sanctification.

Thus, the foremost matter to reflect upon is the faith of the Church. If Christ resides there, it must inevitably be a chosen place! However, if the congregation consists of non-believers or if a heretical teacher brings dishonor to the house, one must not engage with heretics and should depart from such assemblies. One ought to shake off the dust from one's feet, lest one's soul become tainted with the aridity of barren disbelief, akin to dry ground (cf. Sallustius: bel. Iug. 48:3). The gospel preacher is to bear the physical shortcomings of the faithful and cleanse his own path by clearing away their empty deeds, as articulated in the scripture, 'Who is weak, and I do not feel weak?' (2 Cor. 11:29). Should a church reject the true faith and lack a solid foundation in apostolic teachings, it must be forsaken to prevent the spread of disbelief. The Apostle instructs clearly: 'After a first and second admonition, reject a divisive man' (Titus 3:10).