THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
If, when in His presence, they believed that something more akin to a dream than reality had transpired, such thoughts could no longer persist once He was absent. Therefore, He instructed the disciples to thoroughly examine what had occurred, commanding them to take the signs and evidences of the miracles with them and to depart from Him. In other instances where Christ performed remarkable deeds, He would send people and even His disciples away, thereby teaching us not to pursue human accolades or seek out crowds. The term ‘Ponudi’ used by the evangelist suggests that the disciples did not willingly part from Him. Christ sent them away under the guise of dispersing the multitudes, yet His true intent was to ascend the mountain. He exemplified for our benefit that we should not solely strive to remain with the masses or to avoid them entirely; rather, we are to draw wisdom from both solitude and companionship based on our needs. Let us strive to be with Jesus, but not for material gain, so that we might not be reproached as the Jews were. As He stated, ‘You seek Me, not because you have seen a sign, but because you have eaten the bread, and have been fed’ (John 6:26). This is the reason He performed such miracles infrequently, limiting them to just two instances, teaching them not to be servants of the flesh but to prioritize spiritual treasures. We too shall seek the heavenly bread, and once we have received it, we will cast aside worldly concerns. If the Jews, having left behind their homes, cities, and families, remained in the wilderness and did not forsake Jesus despite their hunger, how much more should we, who come to partake in such a feast, demonstrate greater discernment, longing for spiritual sustenance before seeking physical needs? The Jews were not criticized for desiring Him for bread but for letting that be their primary motivation. One who neglects the greater gifts in pursuit of trivial ones forfeits the former; conversely, if one cherishes that which is significant, lesser gifts are granted as added blessings since they pale in comparison. Thus, let us not fixate on earthly benefits, considering both their acquisition and loss as trivial, akin to Job who, despite his possessions, did not cling to them and, when stripped of them, did not seek them. Hence, they are termed goods (crhmata) because they should be utilized (crhswmeqa) for our needs—not hoarded. Just as an artist masters their craft, a wealthy individual may find themselves lacking in various skills; thus, they should learn to wield their wealth appropriately, engaging in acts of kindness to the poor, for in doing so, they acquire a skill far surpassing all others. This divine art is established in heaven, using not iron or brass as tools, but rather goodness and benevolence. Christ and His Father instruct us in this art, as stated, ‘Be merciful, as your heavenly Father is’ (Luke 7:36). Remarkably, this superior art requires neither toil nor time—one merely needs the desire, and it manifests.
So, what is its ultimate purpose? Heaven and its unutterable blessings, unimaginable glory, spiritual abodes, radiance, communion with the Bridegroom, and treasures beyond comprehension, setting it apart from other skills. While many crafts serve us solely in this life, this one extends its usefulness into the age to come. Its superiority over necessary crafts like medicine, architecture, and similar trades is evident, as these cannot even be deemed art without rigorous study. I regard many of these lesser crafts as not being true arts. For instance, what need do we have for culinary arts? Nothing. On the contrary, they often prove harmful, luring individuals into indulgence, the root of numerous ailments. Additionally, I would not classify mere painting or decorative design as valuable, as they invite unnecessary expenditures, while essential crafts that sustain life are meant to serve and prepare our necessities. God has granted us the wisdom to devise means for sustaining life; yet, to paint animals on walls or garments—what utility does that hold? Much of what is produced by cobblers and tailors leans towards extravagance; the necessary has often been spoiled, and artifice added to art. The same can be said of architecture: as long as it serves to build homes rather than theaters, focusing on what is essential instead of excess, I call it an art. Similarly, weaving that prepares essential clothing rather than pointless embellishments retains its status as art, while shoemaking fulfills its function as long as it produces footwear. However, when it caters to vanity, transforming men into caricatures of weakness, I view it as a detrimental craft, no longer deserving of the title. I understand that my entry into this discourse may seem trivial to some; however, this should not deter me. The root of many ills is that countless individuals regard such offenses as inconsequential, leading to negligence in addressing them. Some may question, ‘What sin could be more trivial than a man wearing beautiful, brightly colored, and tightly fitting boots, if it can even be labeled a sin?’ Do you wish for me to speak against him and expose his faults? Will you hear me without frustration? Even if you do grow angry, your folly is evident in dismissing this vanity as insignificant, compelling us to rise against such ostentation. We must examine how serious this malady truly is. When you embroider your boots with silk threads, threads unfit even to defile your garments, what mockery and scorn should be directed at you? Should you ignore our perspective, heed the words of Paul, who strictly forbids such adornment, and then you will grasp the absurdity of it. Paul states, ‘Not in weavings, nor with gold, or beads, or garments of much value’ (1 Tim. 2:9). Do you believe you have any justification when Paul prohibits your wife from splendid garments, yet you indulge in opulence in your boots, devising countless garments worthy of derision and condemnation? For the threads you flaunt, ships are constructed, oarsmen and shipwrights are employed, sails are raised, and the vast seas are traversed; for these threads, a merchant forsakes his family and homeland, risking life amid perils, yet you take those very threads and sew them onto your boots, beautifying your exterior. What folly surpasses such senselessness? This was not the attire of our forebears; rather, it was suitable for men. From this, I deduce that soon our youth will don women’s shoes without shame. Most troubling of all, the fathers observe this without disapproval, treating it as trivial. Would you care to hear something even more grievous? This occurs amid the plight of the impoverished. Can you bear to witness Christ, starving, unclothed, persecuted, bound? How deserving of thunderous wrath are you, who turn a blind eye to Christ, who lacks sustenance, while you meticulously adorn your appearance! When instructing His disciples, Christ even forbade them from having shoes, yet we neither walk barefoot nor even know how to wear shoes correctly. What is more disordered and absurd than this? Such behavior reveals a man indulged in vanity and cruelty. Will one so absorbed in excess have time for essentials? Will such a youth devote himself to caring for his soul or even contemplating its existence? He is petty who marvels at extravagant footwear; he is cruel who scorns those in need for their sake; and he is devoid of all virtue who exhausts himself on such attire. With such obsession over the quality of fabric, the vibrance of colors, and meticulous patterns, will he find time to behold the heavens? Can he marvel at the splendor of the skies when he is entranced by earthly beauty and has sunk to the mundane? God has spread out the heavens and ignited the sun to draw your gaze upwards; yet, you choose to wallow in the earth, capitulating to base desires. This wicked spirit has conceived such vile distractions that, having turned your attention from the divine, you are ensnared by earthly matters. The Lord, who beckons us towards heaven, is overshadowed by the devil, who entices us with fleeting appearances, drawing our focus to superficiality. A young man, who ought to seek wisdom regarding heavenly matters, is instead captivated by terrestrial things, priding himself on his boots more than on any genuine merit. He scarcely walks through the marketplace, fretting that inclement weather may tarnish his boots with mud, or dust them in the summer heat. What do you say to this, man? Through such indulgence, you have reduced your soul to rubble, obsessing over your boots yet neglectful of stepping on sacred ground! Reflect on their true purpose; let shame fill you regarding your sentiments for them. Boots exist to trample through mud, dung, and all manner of filth. If this displeases you, I suggest you wear them around your neck or place them atop your head. You may laugh at this notion; yet, I weep over the foolishness and misplaced priorities of those who care so deeply for their boots. They would sooner allow their bodies to wallow in dirt than allow their footwear to become soiled. Such individuals epitomize pettiness and an excessive love of wealth. Those ensnared in this obsession often feel compelled to spend extravagantly on clothing and other luxuries, ultimately requiring a substantial income. If their father is benevolent, they deepen their indulgence in this vice, while a miser compels them to resort to shameful means to finance such feasts. This accounts for why many young men have compromised their dignity, becoming jesters for the wealthy, subjecting themselves to servility only to fulfill their whims. It is evident that such individuals will be greedy, vain, neglecting essential responsibilities while inevitably tumbling into numerous transgressions. It is undeniable that vain pursuits foster a hard heart. Such a heart stands unmoved when encountering the needy, blinded by obsession with appearances, unable to spare a glance for the beggar who is starving while adorning their boots with gold. Vain are they, seeking to attract attention with trivialities. It seems that while a commander may take pride in victory, a frivolous young man revels in the vanity of their ostentatious boots, grand attire, and elaborate hairstyles—all born from the skills of others. If one boasts of external accomplishments, how can they not take pride in their own? Shall I utter something more startling, or is this sufficient? Let us conclude our discourse. This observation is intended for those who remain steadfast and find nothing inappropriate in such conduct. I acknowledge that many youths may disregard my counsel, intoxicated by their passions; nevertheless, they should not be silent in their folly. If the fathers remain vigilant and concerned, they can guide their children toward appropriate behavior, albeit reluctantly. Thus, do not dismiss certain actions as meaningless, for such attitudes corrode everything. It is essential to educate them in all matters, even seemingly trivial ones, to cultivate an enduring and noble spirit, disregarding ostentation. This diligence will enable them to excel in significant matters. What could be less significant than mastering the alphabet? Nonetheless, those who embark upon this journey often become rhetors, sophists, philosophers. Meanwhile, those ignorant of the alphabet will remain bereft of wisdom. And let us not confine this discussion to the young alone, but extend it to wives and maidens, who face similar reproaches—especially maidens, who are particularly in need of modesty. Therefore, let us apply all that has been said regarding young men to ourselves, lest we find ourselves in similar circumstances. Yet now, let us close our discourse with a prayer. Join me in praying that young men, especially those of the Christian faith, may live in modesty and reach a dignified old age; for those who neglect such a life do not merit the blessing of longevity.