THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
To instill humility and dismantle worldly arrogance, He gathers the children, embraces them, and assures them of their place in the kingdom, as He had stated previously. Similarly, if we aspire to inherit eternal life, we must diligently strive to embody the virtue of humility. The essence of humility lies in merging simplicity with wisdom, which characterizes the angelic life. A child's soul is untouched by passion, oblivious to grievances, and rushes to embrace those who have wronged them, behaving as if no offense occurred. Even when a mother refrains from disciplining her child, the child continues to seek her affection and loves her above all else.
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Present a queen adorned with a crown, and the child will prefer the mother in worn clothing, eager for her presence rather than that of the regal figure. Children do not differentiate based on possession or wealth, but rather through love. They do not crave more than their necessities, and once satisfied, they will turn away from the breast. A child does not mourn the loss of material wealth as we do, nor do they find joy in fleeting possessions; they are not swayed by physical allure. This is why Christ proclaimed, “Of such is the kingdom of heaven,” urging us to engage freely as children do by nature.
The Pharisees, driven by cunning and arrogance in their actions, were rebuked by Him, who instructed His disciples to practice simplicity in all ranks of dignity. Indeed, nothing is a greater mockery to a man than authority and privilege. Meanwhile, Christ's disciples received great honors throughout creation; thus, the Savior cautioned them against embracing anything human and to not seek accolades from others or harbor pride before them. Although this may seem minor, it leads to numerous evils. Consequently, the Pharisees, who grew accustomed to pride from childhood, eventually stumbled into a pit of wrongdoing, seeking greetings, positions of prominence, and mediating power. These vices plunged them into a madness for glory, which ultimately drove them to wickedness. This is why they were condemned for tempting the Lord, whereas the children, devoid of such vices, were blessed. Let us resemble children, allowing our transgressions to be like those of infants.
It is impossible, I assert, to view heaven in any other light; every wicked individual is destined to fall into Gehenna. However, before facing Gehenna, we shall endure extreme suffering. Yet the Scripture states, “If you are evil, you shall receive evil, but if you are good, you shall be so for yourself and for your neighbor” (Proverbs 9:12). Recall that such was the case before: who was more malevolent than Saul, and who was more innocent and kind than David? Yet, who proved to be the stronger? Did David not have Saul at his mercy twice, choosing to spare his life when given the chance to strike? Did he not release Saul despite having him captured and in peril? Even though David had every reason to punish Saul for numerous offenses, he let him go unharmed. Saul relentlessly pursued David with his entire army, while David roamed with only a small band of followers, stripped of hope, yet it was the fugitive who overcame the king. This was accomplished because David relied on simplicity, while Saul was armed with malice.
Is there anyone more wicked than Saul, who sought to kill the very commander who had led him through battles, won victories, and adorned him with accolades? Such is the nature of envy; it perpetually troubles good relations and surrounds the suffering with countless woes. The miserable Saul, until David had departed, did not voice such sorrowful words as, “I am greatly distressed; the Philistines are warring against me, and God has departed from me” (1 Sam. 28:15). Until David distanced himself, Saul remained safe and triumphant, benefiting from the glory derived from David’s leadership. David had no ambition to usurp the throne; he acted solely out of concern for Saul's welfare. This is evident from the subsequent events. Some may attribute David's loyalty to the principle of subordination, but after Saul cast David out of his kingdom, what compelled David to remain obedient? Was not every circumstance inclined toward vanquishing Saul? Had not Saul plotted against David multiple times? Was David not wronged? Did not David's promised kingship hang in the balance, and his life at risk as he wandered in fear? Yet David refused to stain his hands in blood. Upon finding Saul asleep, isolated amidst his soldiers, and urged on by many who believed this was God’s appointed moment, David silenced his accusers and spared Saul, allowing him to live and showing mercy as if he were a protector instead of an enemy.
What can compare with such a spirit? What can rival such meekness? This can be discerned from the examples given, and our understanding of the saints’ virtues deepens when we reflect on our own failings. Therefore, I implore you to emulate their passion for righteousness. If you seek honor and engage in rivalries with your neighbors, pursue it earnestly, yet, in your quest for glory, cast aside treachery. For the silver-seeker often finds wealth intertwined with loss, just as the glory-seeker encounters disgrace. Let us thoughtfully examine both paths. In our disregard for Gehenna and indifference towards the kingdom of heaven, let us at least contemplate their present consequences. Tell me, who deserves ridicule? Is it not he who craves excessive praise from others? And who merits acclaim? Is it not the one who completely dismisses human accolades? Thus, when the love of vain glory is paired with scorn, the hollow man chasing fame cannot conceal himself, and he will undoubtedly face reproach; his pursuit of recognition will lead only to shame.
Moreover, the proud, in their quest to fulfill their desires, often become slaves to the powerful, flatter them excessively, and endure a servitude worse than that of any purchased slave. Therefore, let us renounce these passions, avoiding punishment in this life and torment in the next. Let us cherish virtue and attain great blessings in this life before the kingdom of heaven. After death, we shall partake in eternal blessings, which we can all enjoy, through the grace and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom be glory and dominion forever. Amen.