Chrysostom
Good and Faithful Servant
Your thanksgiving for God's goodness rises rightly, for the gifts bestowed go beyond mere mercy. They come from affection and exceeding love, making us sons and heirs. But remember, hearing is not sufficient for salvation. The care of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word. Strive then to enter that rest, lest any fall after the same example of unbelief. There remains a rest for the people of God, and the exhortation not to harden hearts proves it. Labor to enter it, having your hope yonder.
Take Christ's yoke upon you, for it is easy and His burden light. In Him you find rest for your soul. As for the little one, you ask healing. Understand that when mercy is shown, it does not merely withhold punishment. It confers righteousness and sonship. This is true healing: that they be made an heir of God. But we contribute something: faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. We have believed that He is able to save.
You pray also for favor upon another. See in this your own debt to them. For if there were no poor in spirit, no needy ones, your sins would not be removed. They are the healers of your wounds. You ask favor for them, but in this holy intercession, you receive more than you give. You lend to God, not to men. Let your charity be done for God's sake, a cheerful gift. So you increase your reward, and with your alms of prayer, your own sins pass away.
Take Christ's yoke upon you, for it is easy and His burden light. In Him you find rest for your soul. As for the little one, you ask healing. Understand that when mercy is shown, it does not merely withhold punishment. It confers righteousness and sonship. This is true healing: that they be made an heir of God. But we contribute something: faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. We have believed that He is able to save.
You pray also for favor upon another. See in this your own debt to them. For if there were no poor in spirit, no needy ones, your sins would not be removed. They are the healers of your wounds. You ask favor for them, but in this holy intercession, you receive more than you give. You lend to God, not to men. Let your charity be done for God's sake, a cheerful gift. So you increase your reward, and with your alms of prayer, your own sins pass away.
