New Warrior Ministries!: You are the Light of the World! A Homily of St. Matthew by St. John Chrysostom.

Homily XV

Mat. V. 1, 2

   11. After this He leads on to another, a higher image.

   "You are the light of the world." [638]

   "Of the world" again; not of one nation, nor of twenty states, [639]

   but of the whole inhabited earth. And "a light" to the mind, far better

   than this sunbeam: like as they were also a spiritual salt. And before

   they are salt, and now light; to teach you how great is the gain of

   these strict [640] precepts, and the profit of that grave discipline:

   how it binds, and permits not to become dissolute; and causes clear

   sight, leading men on to virtue.

   "A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid, neither do men light a

   candle, and put it under the bushel." [641]

   Again, by these words He trains them to strictness of life, teaching

   them to be earnest in their endeavors, as set before the eyes of all

   men, and contending in the midst of the amphitheater of the world. For,

   "look not to this," He said, "that we are now sitting here, that we

   are in a small portion of one corner. For you shall be as conspicuous to

   all as a city set on the ridge of a hill, as a candle in a house on the

   candlestick, giving light." [642]

   Where now are they who persevere in disbelieving the power of Christ?

   Let them hear these things, and let them adore His might, amazed at the

   power of the prophecy. For consider how great things he promised to

   them, who were not known even in their own country: that earth and sea

   should know them, and that they should by their fame reach to the

   limits of the inhabited world; or rather, not by their fame, but by the

   working of the good they wrought. For it was not fame that bearing them

   everywhere made them conspicuous, but also the actual demonstration by

   their works. Since, as though they had wings, more vehemently than the

   sunbeam did they overrun the whole earth, sowing the light of

   godliness. [643]

   But here He seems to me to be also training them to boldness of speech.

   For to say, "A city set on a hill cannot be hid," is to speak as

   declaring His own powers. [644] For as that city can by no means be

   hidden, so it was impossible that what they preached should sink into

   silence and obscurity. Thus, since He had spoken of persecutions and

   calumnies, of plots and wars, for fear they might think that these

   would have power to stop their mouths; to encourage them, He said,

   that so far from being hid, it should over-shine the whole world; and

   that on this very account they should be illustrious and renowned.

   By this then He declares His own power. In what follows, He requires

   that boldness of speech which was due on their part; thus saying,

   "Neither do men light a candle and put it under the bushel, but on the

   candlestick, and it gives light unto all that are in the house. Let

   your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and

   glorify your Father which is in Heaven." [645]

   "For I," said He, "it is true, have kindled the light, but its

   continuing to burn, let that come of your diligence: not for your own

   sakes alone, but also for their sake, who are to profit by these rays,

   and to be guided unto the truth. Since the calumnies surely shall not

   be able to obscure your brightness, if you be still living a strict

   life, and as becomes those who are to convert the whole world. Show

   forth therefore a life worthy of His grace; that even as it is

   everywhere preached, so this light may everywhere accompany the same.

   Next He sets before them another sort of gain, besides the salvation of

   mankind, enough to make them strive earnestly, and to lead them unto

   all diligence. As thus, "You shall not only," said He, "amend the

   world, if you live aright, but you will also give occasion that God shall

   be glorified; even as if you do the contrary, you will both destroy men,

   and make God's name to be blasphemed."

   And how, it may be asked, shall God be glorified through us, if at

   least men are to speak evil of us? No, not all men, and even they

   themselves who in envy do this, will in their conscience admire and

   approve you; even as the outward flatterers of such as live in

   wickedness do in mind accuse them.

   What then? Do you command us to live for display and vain glory? Far

   from it; I say not this; for I did not say, "Give you diligence to bring

   forward your own good deeds," neither did I say, "Show them;" but "Let

   your light shine." That is, "Let your virtue be great, and the fire

   abundant, and the light unspeakable." For when virtue is so great, it

   cannot lie hid, though its pursuer shade it over ten thousand fold.

   Present unto them an irreprehensible life, and let them have no true

   occasion of evil speaking; and then, though there be thousands of

   evil-speakers, no man shall be able to cast any shade upon you. And

   well did He say, "your light," for nothing makes a man so illustrious,

   how manifold soever his will to be concealed, as the manifestation of

   virtue. For as if he were clad with the very sunbeam, so he shines, yet

   brighter than it; not spending his rays on earth, but surmounting also

   Heaven itself.

   Here also He comforts them more abundantly. For, "What though the

   slander pain you," said He; "yet shall you have many to honor God on

   your account. And in both ways your recompence is gathering, as well

   because God is glorified through you, as because you are defamed for

   God's sake. Thus, unless we should on purpose seek to be reproached, on

   hearing that there is a reward for it: first, He has not expressed

   that sentiment simply, but with two limitations, namely, when what is

   said is false, and when it is for God's sake:--and next He signifies

   how not that only, but also good report, has its great profit, the

   glory of it passing on to God. And He holds out to them those gracious

   hopes. "For," said He, "the calumny of the wicked avails not so much

   as to put all others in the dark, in respect of seeing your light. For

   then only when you have "lost your savor" shall they tread you under

   foot; but not when you are falsely accused, doing right. Yea, rather

   then shall there be many admiring, not you only, but for your sake your

   Father also." And He said not "God," but "your Father;" already sowing

   beforehand the seeds of that noble birth, which was about to be

   bestowed upon them. Moreover, indicating His parity in honor, as He

   said above, "Grieve not when you are evil spoken of, for it is enough

   for you that for my sake you are thus spoken of;" so here He mentions

   the Father: every where manifesting His equality.

 May you be greatly blessed,

+William

Monk Michael

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