ACC ~ Matthew 6 v1

AS FIRE TO WATER, SO IS EGOTISM TO VIRTUE

ORIGEN: Just as water always conflicts with fire and fire with water and such things can never dwell together simultaneously, so likewise egotism and virtue are opposed to each other and can never easily coexist in one and the same soul. Therefore egotism is to be expelled from our souls, and we must abide in Christ’s commandments. FRAGMENT 114. [1]

[1] GCS 41.1:61.

THE FALSE PIETY THAT ATTEMPTS TO BE SEEN

CHRYSOSTOM: When Jesus warned, “Beware of practicing your piety before men,” he then added pointedly, “to be seen by them.” On first glance it seems as if the same thing were being repeated, but if you were carefully to pay attention, you will note a careful distinction. Alms may be given in the presence of others primarily to be seen by them, or they may be given in the presence of others but not to be seen, or they may be openly given in order to be seen but still not be seen, or they may be given quietly and still be seen. He is not focusing simply on the outward act done but the inward intent. THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 19.2. [1]

[1] PG 57:274; NPNF 1 10:131**. God sees the inward intent of good works.

REMOVING CARE FOR THE PRESENT

HILARY: He removes all concern for things of the present and bids those thunderstruck by the hope of the future to pursue neither the favor of others by parading their virtue nor religious boasting through an outpouring of public prayer. Rather, the fruit of good works is to be contained within the knowledge of faith, because the pursuit of human praise will receive only that reward which it looks for from people, while to yearn for God’s approval is to pursue a reward longed for patiently. ON MATTHEW 4.28. [1]

[1] 3.

NO REWARD FROM YOUR FATHER

ANONYMOUS: You who have offered nothing to God, what do you expect to receive from God? Everything done on account of God is given to God and received by God. But what is done to be seen by others is poured into the wind. … What is human praise but the sound of the whistling winds? … Those who act on account of others, to be praised by them, have wasted their energy. What sort of wisdom is it to put on a show and to prepare empty speeches? Those who do so scorn the treasure of God waiting in eternity in heaven, preferring fleeting human words. It is better to do nothing than to act to be seen. For those who do nothing, even if they do not enter heaven, at least squander nothing on earth. But those who act to be seen by others not only fail to enter heaven but also earn pitiably little on earth. INCOMPLETE WORK ON MATTHEW, HOMILY 13. [1]

[1] PG 56:706.