New Warrior Ministries!: Blessed are the poor in spirit, Homily on Gospel of St. Matthew by St. John Chrysostom

Homily XV

Mat. V. 1, 2

   "And Jesus seeing the multitudes went up into the mountain, and when He

   was set, His disciples came unto Him. And He opened His mouth, and

   taught them saying, Blessed," etc.

   See how unambitious He was, and void of boasting: in that He did not

   lead people about with Him, but whereas, when healing was required, He

   had Himself gone about everywhere, visiting both towns and country

   places; now when the multitude is become very great, He sits in one

   spot: and that not in the midst of any city or forum, but on a mountain

   and in a wilderness; instructing us to do nothing for display, and to

   separate ourselves from the tumults of ordinary life, [581] and this

   most especially, when we are to study wisdom, and to discourse of

   things needful to be done.

   But when He had gone up into the mount, and "was set down, His

   disciples came unto Him." See you their growth in virtue? and how in

   a moment [582] they became better men? Since the multitude were but

   gazers on the miracles, but these from that hour desired also to hear

   some great and high thing. And indeed this it was set Him on His

   teaching, and made Him begin this discourse.

   For it was not men's bodies only that He was healing, but He was also

   amending their souls; and again from the care of these He would pass to

   attendance on the other. Thus He at once varied the succor that He

   gave, and likewise mingled with the instruction afforded by His words,

   the manifestation of His glory from His works; and besides, He stopped

   the shameless mouths of the heretics, signifying by this His care of

   both parts of our being, that He Himself is the Maker of the whole

   creation. Therefore also on each nature He bestowed abundant

   providence, now amending the one, now the other.

   And in this way He was then employed. For it is said, that "He opened

   His mouth, and taught them." And wherefore is the clause added, "He

   opened His mouth"? To inform you that in His very silence He gave

   instruction, and not when He spoke only: but at one time by "opening

   His mouth," at another uttering His voice by the works which He did.

   But when you hear that He taught them, do not think of Him as

   discoursing with His disciples only, but rather with all through them.

   For since the multitude was such as a multitude ever is, [583] and

   consisted moreover of such as creep on the ground, [584] He withdraws

   the choir of His disciples, and makes His discourse unto them: in His

   conversation with them providing that the rest also, who were yet very

   far from the level of His sayings, might find His lesson of self-denial

   no longer grievous unto them. Of which indeed both Luke gave

   intimation, when he said, that He directed His words unto them: [585]

   and Matthew too, clearly declaring the same, wrote, "His disciples came

   unto Him, and He taught them." For thus the others also were sure to be

   more eagerly attentive to Him, than they would have been, had He

   addressed Himself unto all.

   2. Where then does He begin? and what kind of foundations of His new

   polity does He lay for us?

   Let us hearken with strict attention unto what is said. For though it

   was spoken unto them, it was written for the sake also of all men

   afterwards. And accordingly on this account, though He had His

   disciples in His mind in His public preaching, yet unto them He limits

   not His sayings, but applies all His words of blessing without

   restriction. Thus He said not, "Blessed are you, if you become poor," but

   "Blessed are the poor." And I may add that even if He had spoken of

   them, the advice would still be common to all. For so, when He said,

   "Lo! I am with you always, even unto the end of the world," [586] He is

   discoursing not with them only, but also, through them, with all the

   world. And in pronouncing them blessed, who are persecuted, and chased,

   and suffer all intolerable things; not for them only, but also for all

   who arrive at the same excellency, He weaves His crown.

   However, that this may be yet plainer, and to inform you that you

   have great interest in His sayings, and so indeed has all mankind, if

   any choose to give heed; hear how He begins these wondrous words.

   "Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven."

   [587]

   What is meant by "the poor in spirit?" The humble and contrite in mind.

   For by "spirit" He has here designated the soul, and the faculty of

   choice. That is, since many are humble not willingly, but compelled by

   stress of circumstances; letting these pass (for this were no matter of

   praise), He blesses them first, who by choice humble and contract

   themselves.

   But why said he not, "the humble," but rather "the poor?" Because this

   is more than that. For He means here them who are awestruck, and

   tremble at the commandments of God. Whom also by His prophet Isaiah God

   earnestly accepting said, "To whom will I look, but to him who is meek

   [588] and quiet, and trembles at My words?" [589] For indeed there are

   many kinds of humility: one is humble in his own measure, another with

   all excess of lowliness. It is this last lowliness of mind which that

   blessed prophet commends, picturing to us the temper that is not merely

   subdued, but utterly broken, when he said, "The sacrifice for God is a

   contrite spirit, a contrite and an humble heart God will not despise."

   [590] And the Three Children also offer this unto God as a great

   sacrifice, saying, "Nevertheless, in a contrite soul, and in a spirit

   of lowliness, may we be accepted." [591] This Christ also now blesses.

May you be greatly blessed,

+William

Monk Michael

Web Page;

Live Radio call in show;

Monk Michael's 'Spiritual Christianity for Today! on Kindle; http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009ZCIF4M

New Warrior Ministries!