Chrysostom
Beloved of All
You cry out for healing, protection, money, and the removal of all evil. But consider what is true healing: not of the body alone, but of the soul that is sick with sin. The Lord delivers from the lionβs mouth, yet His great deliverance is from evil works, not simply from poverty or danger, but from condemnation itself. He who saved Paul from Nero will also deliver you, but know that He sometimes permits trials so you may learn to bridle the tongue, cast off disorderly lusts, and put away the desire for wealth. There is no need of spending money or of long travel; only the will is required, and a ready mind.
You ask for money. Remember that he who can live on bread and water, needing no soft bed nor many attendants, is greater than one who cannot. If you must take pride, let it be for poverty, not riches. The desire for wealth brings its own evil; distribute to the poor and you will mitigate the harm. Seek first the true riches: the righteousness of Christ and adoption as a son, which the Father fore-ordained from before the ages. In His blood is full redemption, a propitiation that removes the evil of sin permanently. There is no other permanent deliverance.
For your eyes and your safety in travel: God is able to create from nothing and to raise the dead. He who made the eye will guard it, but far better that He give you spiritual sight to see the invisible things declared through creation. Pray that you may travel not just a short earthly journey, but the narrow way to the heavenly city, with the rod of Godβs discipline keeping you from straying. If He grants you health and safe passage, give thanks; but if not, trust that He is delivering you from a greater lion, even the devil, and that this preservation is more excellent still. Let your constant petition be: βLead me not into temptation, but deliver me from evil,β and He who promised will do it.
You ask for money. Remember that he who can live on bread and water, needing no soft bed nor many attendants, is greater than one who cannot. If you must take pride, let it be for poverty, not riches. The desire for wealth brings its own evil; distribute to the poor and you will mitigate the harm. Seek first the true riches: the righteousness of Christ and adoption as a son, which the Father fore-ordained from before the ages. In His blood is full redemption, a propitiation that removes the evil of sin permanently. There is no other permanent deliverance.
For your eyes and your safety in travel: God is able to create from nothing and to raise the dead. He who made the eye will guard it, but far better that He give you spiritual sight to see the invisible things declared through creation. Pray that you may travel not just a short earthly journey, but the narrow way to the heavenly city, with the rod of Godβs discipline keeping you from straying. If He grants you health and safe passage, give thanks; but if not, trust that He is delivering you from a greater lion, even the devil, and that this preservation is more excellent still. Let your constant petition be: βLead me not into temptation, but deliver me from evil,β and He who promised will do it.
