Chrysostom
Beloved of All
Why do you cry out for mercy as if God has forgotten you? The blind men by the roadside cried, "Lord, have mercy," and they received their sight. Their earnest cry was not in vain. You too call upon His compassion, and He is not deaf to your need. Yet do you not see that His mercy is already poured out upon you? Not only has He released you from the guilt of your sins, but He has made you righteous, an heir, a joint-heir with Christ. Grace is exceeding abundant. If He gave you His own Son, will He not with Him freely give you all things? Do not let the loss of employment drive you to wail bitterly. Rather, utter the words of Job: "The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord." Naked came I from my mother's womb, naked shall I return. The thief breaks in and steals your treasure, yet you can make it a gain if you give thanks. This present hardship is not a loss but an opportunity, if you will receive it with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
You pray for a job and for the hearing. Pray, yes, but also trust the just Judge. He knows your frame; He sees the secret motives of all. Do not merely seek His mercy for earthly provision; seek to become a vessel of mercy yourself. Remember that alms deliver from death and bring a marvelous light. Even in your poverty, do not neglect to show kindness to the poor. This oil of mercy will quench the flame of judgment and light your path. Let your people learn to maintain good works. If you would have God open His hand, do not shut your own. Some say, "If any will not work, neither let him eat," and that is true for those who are slothful. But to you who can show compassion, the Apostle says, "Be not weary in well doing." Let your alms be in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.
Do not be a careless hearer. Let these words sink deep. The loss of wages is a small matter compared to the loss of your soul through bitterness and unbelief. God is merciful, and His mercy made the world, formed the angels, and offers you the kingdom. Nothing incenses Him more than a pitiless heart, but nothing attracts His compassion like mercy given to a neighbor. Forgive those who have wronged you, release every debt, and you will find mercy for the hearing and for every need. This trial is not to crush you but to teach you to condescend to men of low estate, to weep with those who weep, and so to lighten your own burden by sharing another's. Go your way, then, and as you wait for deliverance, let your thanksgiving rise louder than your cry. The Lord is faithful, and He will supply what is lacking, so that you may abound in every good work.
You pray for a job and for the hearing. Pray, yes, but also trust the just Judge. He knows your frame; He sees the secret motives of all. Do not merely seek His mercy for earthly provision; seek to become a vessel of mercy yourself. Remember that alms deliver from death and bring a marvelous light. Even in your poverty, do not neglect to show kindness to the poor. This oil of mercy will quench the flame of judgment and light your path. Let your people learn to maintain good works. If you would have God open His hand, do not shut your own. Some say, "If any will not work, neither let him eat," and that is true for those who are slothful. But to you who can show compassion, the Apostle says, "Be not weary in well doing." Let your alms be in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.
Do not be a careless hearer. Let these words sink deep. The loss of wages is a small matter compared to the loss of your soul through bitterness and unbelief. God is merciful, and His mercy made the world, formed the angels, and offers you the kingdom. Nothing incenses Him more than a pitiless heart, but nothing attracts His compassion like mercy given to a neighbor. Forgive those who have wronged you, release every debt, and you will find mercy for the hearing and for every need. This trial is not to crush you but to teach you to condescend to men of low estate, to weep with those who weep, and so to lighten your own burden by sharing another's. Go your way, then, and as you wait for deliverance, let your thanksgiving rise louder than your cry. The Lord is faithful, and He will supply what is lacking, so that you may abound in every good work.
