“This one may see in their case also who live by the rules of wisdom, for they, even in poverty, feel more secure than the rich.” John Chrysostom. 1888. “Homilies of St. John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople on the Gospel according to St. Matthew.” In Saint Chrysostom: Homilies on the Gospel of Saint Matthew, edited by Philip Schaff, translated by George Prevost and M. B. Riddle, 10:30. A Select Library of the Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers of the Christian Church, First Series. New York: Christian Literature Company. Continue reading These are wealthier than all

“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” – Matthew 1:21 Continue reading The furnace of poverty

3rd century Christian commentary 1 Corinthians 7:23 arguing that there is more freedom for a believer in Christ who is a slave than a thousand free men and women but in bondage to sin. “This saying is addressed not to slaves only, but also to free men. For it is possible for one who is a slave not to be a slave; and for one who is a free man to be a slave. “And how can one be a slave and not a slave?” When he doeth all for God: when he feigns nothing, and doeth nothing out of … Continue reading If thou be a slave to sin

Augustine 400 ADish Alas for me! I do not even know the extent of my ownignorance. Behold, O my God, in thy presence I do not lie. As my heart is, so I speak.Thou shalt light my candle; thou, O Lord my God, wilt enlighten my darkness. – Augustine “In that hour Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit and said, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight. All things have been delivered … Continue reading I don’t even know

And the proconsul said, “I have beasts, I will throw you to them, unless you repent.” And he said, “Call for them! For repentance is impossible for us from better to worse, but it is good to change from wickedness to righteousness.”  And again he said to him, “I will cause you to be consumed by fire, since you despise the beasts, unless you repent.” But Polycarp replied, you threaten with fire that burns for a while, and after a little time is extinguished. For you are ignorant of the fire of the coming judgment and eternal punishment, reserved for … Continue reading Bring about what you wish

“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.” – Psalm 116:15 “So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” – Hebrews 13:6 “After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.” – Genesis 15:1 Continue reading My King who saved me

5.2 The Vineyard and the Slave “Listen to the parable which I am about to tell you which relates to fasting.  A certain man had a field and many slaves. And on a certain part of the field he planted a vineyard. And choosing a certain faithful, pleasing, and honored slave, he called him and said to him, ‘Take this vineyard which I planted and fence it until I come, and do not do otherwise to the vineyard. And keep this commandment of mine and you will gain freedom from me.’ And the master of the slave went out on … Continue reading The Vineyard and the Slave

Parable 2 2.1 The Elm Tree and the Vine I was walking in the country and noticed an elm tree and a vine, and was thinking about them and their fruit. The shepherd appeared to me and said, “What are you asking yourself about the elm tree and the vine?” “I am considering,” I said, “sir, that they are well suited to one another.”  “These two trees,” he said, “are given as a type for the servants of God.” “I would like,” I said, “to know the type of these trees of which you speak.” “Do you see,” he said, … Continue reading The Elm Tree and the Vine