Matthew 13:43Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment: “Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known” (1 Corinthians 13:12). If the saints reflect the likeness of God and possess knowledge of God akin to how God knows them, and if, just as the Father knows the Son and the Son knows the Father, so the saints are able to see and understand one another—those who have never met in this life—they will know each other completely. How can you claim knowledge and teach on matters you do not understand, presuming expertise beyond what has been revealed to us as if chosen by God as instructors? Just as it is impossible for the Father not to know the Son, nor the Son the Father, so it is inconceivable that the saints, who have become divine by grace with God dwelling in them, would not recognize one another. They will behold each other's glory and their own, just as the Son perceives the glory of the Father, and the Father sees the glory of the Son. What, then, is the glory of the saints? It is the same as that of the Son of God. He revealed this declaration Himself by saying, “And the glory that You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one” (John 17:22). Do you not see that the glory bestowed by God the Father upon the Son from eternity is the same glory the Son shares with His saints, signifying their unity? Consequently, those who assert that the saints will not see and recognize one another in the presence of God truly walk in ignorance and have yet to experience true communion with God; they speak of the unseen without true knowledge and have not entered into this divine understanding. They suggest that the saints will be entranced, lost in ecstatic rapture, much as some experience divine rapture in this life, forgetting themselves and their companions. Such statements indicate a lack of comprehension of the Holy Scriptures, as they erroneously believe that the saints' experience will mirror certain current ecstatic encounters. Hearing that a certain saint became lost in contemplation of God, remaining in that state for days and nights without recalling earthly matters—this leads them to presume a similar experience in the life to come, failing to grasp the higher spiritual truths and the divine mysteries that are beyond the understanding of the unenlightened. They do not realize that such mental rapture occurs not in those who are perfected but rather in novices. It's akin to a person in a dark cell, seeing only the feeble light of a small lamp and struggling to discern their surroundings, unaware of the sun's light and the myriad of God's beautiful creations that exist just outside their prison—a metaphor for those ensnared in the passions of this world. Though they may acquire some understanding through the Scriptures, it is limited and obscured, leaving them unaware of the eternal joys the saints will experience. Just as a long-imprisoned individual, upon seeing a small opening in the roof, is overwhelmed by the light of the heavens—something they never imagined—it is the same for someone who, freed from earthly passions, suddenly encounters the illuminating truth of God's spiritual light. This person is struck with wonder and awe, appearing as if they have lost themselves, when in reality, their focus is entirely upon that magnificent vision. Moreover, as a person in confinement frequently gazes at the opening, they become accustomed to the light, gradually diminishing their initial astonishment, mirroring our own acclimatization to the sunlight. If we were to suddenly see the sun for the first time, our amazement would be profound, but accustomed to its brilliance, we would later view it with less astonishment. Likewise, as one who has been confined begins to realize their true state of imprisonment and the existence of wonders outside, when they finally emerge, they behold the full light and all that it encompasses. This mirrors the experience of one who has partly freed themselves from the bonds of the flesh and the visible world.

They will not witness the promised vision of God reserved for the faithful, referred to as the Kingdom of God; as it is written, “Let the wicked be taken away, that he may not see the glory of the Lord” (Isaiah 26:10). Those who have been born and trained in Christ, striving to reach the maturity indicative of Christ's fulfillment, will joyfully partake in divine radiance and, as Scripture promises, will shine like the sun in their Father's kingdom.

Adam, prior to the fall, also shared in this divine luminosity, adorned in a magnificent garment of glory. He was neither naked nor ashamed, but was infinitely more beautiful than those today who wear crowns embellished with gold and precious gems. The Word of God, having granted us mercy and embraced our humanity, revealed this divine brightness to the chosen disciples on Mount Tabor, demonstrating more clearly than before what we – who believe in Him and attain completeness in Him – will become in the age to come.

The assurances of this completeness for those who live centered on Christ have already been given by the Holy One of God, enabling them to experience the blessings of the age to come even now. This was first foreshadowed by Moses, whose radiant face was unapproachable for the children of Israel. The Lord Himself later illuminated the mountain with such divine glory that even the chosen disciples, despite having received spiritual empowerment, could not withstand the brilliance. Yet, Stephen's face, as recorded, resembled that of an angel, and he looked upward beyond the heavens, where Christ sits at the right hand of the Father, beholding the heavenly glory of God.

Countless others also bear witness to having received pledges of future blessings and obtaining this divine illumination. May we too be granted this grace and lovingkindness from Him who became incarnate for our sake, who endured suffering, was buried, and rose again, exalted our human nature to heavenly heights, and united it with the Father. To Him, Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, honor, and worship, alongside the Father without beginning and the most holy and life-giving Spirit, now and forever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Those who prevail are liberated from one temptation and progress onward to face another. This journey continues throughout life. How often we fail to comprehend the significance of the evil that challenges us, which could guide us to structure our lives accordingly! The victors are ultimately rewarded with entry into a life beyond this one, where sorrow and affliction no longer exist, and they are purified within, becoming like the angels of God, untouched by tempting thoughts and influences. Thus is wrought the victory of light and goodness, destined to be unveiled in all its splendor on the final day of the world.