ACC ~ Acts 7 v34

THAT THEY MIGHT GIVE THANKS TO GOD. CHRYSOSTOM: Hearing these things, let us in our afflictions flee to him. “And their groans,” says he, “I have heard,” and not simply, “because of their calamities.” But if someone should ask, “Why did he allow them to be mistreated there?” we would answer: above all it was because sufferings are justly the cause of rewards. Then “why did he mistreat them?” To show his power, that he is able; and not only this but also to educate them. Notice, in fact, that when they were in the desert, they “became fat, grew thick, spread out in girth and kicked.” As always, ease was an evil. Therefore in the very beginning he said to Adam, “With sweat on your brow shall you eat your bread.”And also that they might give thanks to God after they have come out of much suffering into respite. For affliction is a great good. Listen to what the prophet says: “It is good for me, O Lord, that you have humbled me.” HOMILIES ON THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 16.

APPLY YOURSELVES TO PRAYER. CHRYSOSTOM: Prayer is a mighty weapon if offered with suitable mind. Learn its strength from the following examples! Continued entreaty has overcome shamelessness, injustice, savagery and effrontery, as when he says, “Listen to what the unjust judge says.” On another occasion, continued entreaty also overcame hesitation and accomplished what friendship did not. “Even though he will not give to him because he is his friend, at least because of his persistence he will get up and give to him.”Tireless persistence also made her worthy who was unworthy. “It is not fair,” he said, “to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.” “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” Let us then devote ourselves to prayer. It is a mighty weapon if offered with earnestness, without vainglory and with a sincere mind. Prayer routed enemies and benefited an entire nation, undeserving though it was. “I have heard their groaning,” he said, “and I have come down to rescue them.” Prayer is a saving medicine and has power to prevent sins and heal misdeeds. It was to prayer that the widow, left all alone, turned her mind. ON THE EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS 27.9.