Chrysostom
Beloved of All
Your petition for daily bread is heard, but be careful that this care does not become a snare. The Lord taught us to ask, "Give us this day our daily bread," and He who feeds the sparrows will not neglect His own. You speak truly that you seek only necessities, not luxury, and I sorrow with you that you have no dwelling. Yet remember that the Son of Man had nowhere to lay His head. The present life is a dream, and all its poverty and riches alike pass away with the dawn. Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and these things shall be added. When the disciples were in a wilderness with hungry multitudes, they saw no provision, but the Lord brought them to urgent entreaty before He multiplied the loaves. So He often delays an answer, not to deny, but to draw your soul nearer, that you may press in like the woman who, though called a dog, yet obtained mercy by her persistence.
Do not let anxiety for the flesh kindle a furnace of worldly cares. It is right to provide for health and need, but when provision wanders beyond necessity, it becomes a servant of lust. Work diligently, yet cast all your care upon Him, for He knows your needs. I pray with you in Jesus' name that you may meet honest customers, but even more that you may find in Christ the treasure that does not fade, and learn to possess your soul in peace whether in plenty or in want. The servants in the parable were eager to root up the tares, zealous for the harvest; be likewise zealous for the fruit of patience and trust, for the harvest is sure.
Do not let anxiety for the flesh kindle a furnace of worldly cares. It is right to provide for health and need, but when provision wanders beyond necessity, it becomes a servant of lust. Work diligently, yet cast all your care upon Him, for He knows your needs. I pray with you in Jesus' name that you may meet honest customers, but even more that you may find in Christ the treasure that does not fade, and learn to possess your soul in peace whether in plenty or in want. The servants in the parable were eager to root up the tares, zealous for the harvest; be likewise zealous for the fruit of patience and trust, for the harvest is sure.
