Chrysostom
Beloved of All
You tremble at the mention of an evil eye and black magic, as though some hidden power could harm you or your father apart from the will of God. But listen carefully: our Lord speaks of an evil eye not as a sorcerer’s curse, but as the envy that darkens the soul from within. The eye itself cannot injure; it is the corrupt mind, the jealous heart, the depraved will that Christ calls evil. When you fear a glance, you mistake the sickness of the soul for a weapon. The true evil is sin, and no spell can touch a man who clings to Christ.
You ask for prayer to remove these things. Pray rather that all envy, malice, and unbelief be cut off from your household. If your own eye offends you, that is, if any person or habit leads you into sin, pluck it out, cast it from you. Do not look to charms or counter-spells, but to the cleansing of your heart. For where the mind is fixed on heavenly things, on righteousness and contentment, there is a brightness no darkness can dim. An evil conscience alone troubles the eye; set it free from anger, covetousness, and fear, and you will have a vision full of light.
Remember the saints of old: how Esau’s hatred drove Jacob into exile, yet God turned that evil design into safety, blessing, and a return home. The malice of men became the very means of his growth in virtue. So it will be for you, if you trust not in amulets but in the loving-kindness of God. He permits trials that you may become stronger, wiser, more firmly anchored in Him. Poverty is not an evil, nor is the envy of neighbors; the only evil is to displease God.
Therefore, cease to fear the so-called black magic of others, and fight instead the true witchcraft, the passions that war against your soul. Gather your family and say: “Let us love one another in sincerity, forgive every wrong, and seek first the kingdom of heaven. If God be our Father, no curse can stand against us, for He sends even our enemies to do us good.” Then pray, not with desperate pleas against shadowy foes, but with boldness: “Lord, cleanse our hearts from every evil thought; teach us to love what You love, and to despise nothing but sin. Let the light of Your countenance be our shield, and all the designs of the wicked will be turned to our salvation.”
This is the true remedy. Apply it daily, and you will find that the only power that could ever harm you was your own fear and unbelief. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ give you this understanding and peace.
You ask for prayer to remove these things. Pray rather that all envy, malice, and unbelief be cut off from your household. If your own eye offends you, that is, if any person or habit leads you into sin, pluck it out, cast it from you. Do not look to charms or counter-spells, but to the cleansing of your heart. For where the mind is fixed on heavenly things, on righteousness and contentment, there is a brightness no darkness can dim. An evil conscience alone troubles the eye; set it free from anger, covetousness, and fear, and you will have a vision full of light.
Remember the saints of old: how Esau’s hatred drove Jacob into exile, yet God turned that evil design into safety, blessing, and a return home. The malice of men became the very means of his growth in virtue. So it will be for you, if you trust not in amulets but in the loving-kindness of God. He permits trials that you may become stronger, wiser, more firmly anchored in Him. Poverty is not an evil, nor is the envy of neighbors; the only evil is to displease God.
Therefore, cease to fear the so-called black magic of others, and fight instead the true witchcraft, the passions that war against your soul. Gather your family and say: “Let us love one another in sincerity, forgive every wrong, and seek first the kingdom of heaven. If God be our Father, no curse can stand against us, for He sends even our enemies to do us good.” Then pray, not with desperate pleas against shadowy foes, but with boldness: “Lord, cleanse our hearts from every evil thought; teach us to love what You love, and to despise nothing but sin. Let the light of Your countenance be our shield, and all the designs of the wicked will be turned to our salvation.”
This is the true remedy. Apply it daily, and you will find that the only power that could ever harm you was your own fear and unbelief. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ give you this understanding and peace.
