Matthew 6:22Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

If this notion appears unclear, consider this: If therefore thine eye be pure, thy whole body shall be light. Thus, the Savior provides further clarity through relatable examples. Acknowledging the bondage of the mind, which many find difficult to grasp, He connects His teaching to physical objects that are visible, helping them comprehend the condition of their thoughts. It is as if the Savior is saying: if you do not understand the ramifications of a wounded mind, reflect on the nature of physical ailments. Just as the eye serves a vital role for the body, the mind serves the soul. Naturally, one would not choose to adorn themselves in fine gold and luxurious fabrics while remaining blind; instead, the health of your vision would take precedence over all other splendor. For losing one's sight eradicates joy in life, just as a crippled mind invites myriad troubles. Thus, just as we prioritize having clear vision for the body, so too should we prioritize the well-being of the mind for the soul.

It does not come as a learner but rather as a critic and judge, seeking to dissect its meaning, subsequently either ridiculing it or dismissively acknowledging it. Such a mind lacks conviction, as it does not truly believe in the authority of God's Word, resulting in an unstable thought process that shifts from one idea to another. Consequently, it experiences only uncertainty, confusion, and unresolved questions; nothing holds its rightful place, and it wanders in darkness, uncertain of its path. In contrast, the pure mind perceives everything with clarity: each thing possesses a distinct character as defined by God's Word, ensuring that everything has its appropriate place. Therefore, it navigates with confidence along visible paths that lead to the ultimate goal.

Pure influences cultivate the soul’s purity, while corrupt and sinful influences tarnish it. Some perceive a pile of refuse, while others notice the flowers thriving amidst it. One individual may focus solely on human transgressions, while another recognizes both the grave sins and the virtues of honesty, nobility, selflessness, and kindness present in others. One may be convinced that all are deceitful and wicked, while another believes that the majority are sincere and benevolent. The Lord Jesus Christ instructed: do not judge, lest you be judged; do not accumulate treasures here on earth, but instead gather treasures in heaven; when you provide charity, let your left hand be unaware of what your right hand is doing. This means one should strive to forget their acts of charity and good deeds, avoiding pride that may arise from self-righteousness. The Holy Fathers explained: refrain from scrutinizing your brother's faults; there are ample personal struggles to confront. By condemning another's sin, you risk becoming ensnared by it yourself. The Lord devoted His entire message to the kingdom of God, the heavenly realm that exists within us, pointing to the inner essence of humanity. The God-Man revealed the structure of our being and the manner in which we ought to live. As St. Theophanes the Hermit observed, one must live in accordance with their nature. To maintain purity in life, it is essential to govern one’s focus and safeguard the soul's sanctity.

For instance, attending the house of God is a sacred act; however, if one attends merely to be seen by others or for idle conversation, then even this act becomes sinful due to such impure intentions. Likewise, performing acts of kindness, contributing to the needs of the poor, or supporting churches and monasteries are commendable deeds when done selflessly. But if these actions are motivated by a desire for recognition or rewards, they degrade into mere pretenses, and such sacrifices become like a clanging gong or a crashing cymbal.

What remains holy in our actions if they are accompanied by malevolent thoughts? The mind serves as a lamp to the body. There is a distinct difference between deeds and thoughts: it is our thoughts that sanctify our actions and imbue them with meaning. What thoughts should we cultivate in order to ensure our deeds are holy? Our foremost intention should be unwavering: to please God, to fulfill His divine will, and to glorify His name. The Holy Church instructs us to commence all our endeavors with this invocation: "Hallowed be Thy name, Thy will be done..." This is how our Lord Himself has taught us to orient our thoughts, desires, and prayers. "For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen." Or, we may conclude with expressions of praise such as "Glory be to Thee, O God!" In this way, we seek to fulfill the will of our Lord and glorify His name. This singular holy thought must guide all our actions: only that which we dedicate to God, done for His sake, is truly holy.

With this primary thought in mind, we may also entertain a complementary intention concerning our own welfare, peace, and ultimately, our eternal salvation. When we engage in good works, we should remember that we are performing acts that are essential, beneficial, and salvific for ourselves and for others. It is our God’s desire that we undertake actions that lead to our salvation, for in doing so, He reveals His glory. He wishes for us to be joyous, peaceful, and eternally blessed. He taught us to beseech Him for our daily needs, saying: "Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts… and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil."

Thus, when you enter the house of God, remember: I am going to pray, to praise, to give thanks, to hear His word, and to seek His mercy and grace for myself and my neighbors. When you offer gifts to the church, be it for candles, incense, or other needs, keep this thought in your heart: I am offering this to God, trusting that He will accept this sacrifice at His heavenly altar and bestow His grace upon me and remember all, both the living and the departed, in His eternal kingdom.

When you engage in acts of charity or give alms, reflect: I am doing this for God’s sake, in His name, so that He may show mercy to me and to my neighbors, granting health and salvation to the former and forgiveness and rest to the latter alongside the saints. Approach every action with such intentions, and your works will remain pure, holy before God, and beneficial for your soul. It is indeed possible to be mindful of both our own salvation and that of those around us. However, our primary focus must always be on God—His will, His glory, His law, His name—so that we may dedicate ourselves, one another, and every aspect of our lives to Him, serving Him with our hearts and bodies, glorifying Him and seeking to please Him.

We ought to desire from God all grace and mercy, health, salvation, and forgiveness, and to have every good gift from above. This will enable us to fulfill His will with greater faithfulness and holiness, leading to the salvation of our souls and bodies as we glorify His name with confidence. Our longing for the eternal salvation of ourselves and others should stem from our wish to accomplish His perfect will eternally and to glorify His holy name without end. In glorifying His name and fulfilling His will lies the essence of our holiness, our salvation, and our joy.

So, dear listeners, before undertaking any task, pause to reflect: What is my purpose? Am I doing this for God? If the work is righteous, lawful, and pleasing to Him, direct your thoughts accordingly: I shall do this for God, to fulfill His will and glorify His name. This thought—a commitment to my Lord’s will and a dedication to His glory—will sanctify you, invigorate your spirit, and sustain you in your endeavors. Conversely, if your actions are not pleasing to God—if they are unkind or sinful—then the very inquiry of whether they are for God will cause you to hesitate. One cannot commit wrongdoings in service of God. How many transgressions could we avoid if we commenced every task with awareness of God and inquiries such as: What motivates me? What does God command? What outcomes will result? What glory can be returned to God as a result? When we keep God at the forefront of our minds, all wickedness and twisted desires will flee from us as if consumed by fire.

Thus, as our eye is the lamp for the body, let God—His will and His glory—be the guiding light in our actions, enabling us to carry out every endeavor in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, so that all our works may remain pure and holy in His sight. Amen.