Homilies on First Corinthians 16 part 2/2

Do you see, in such a man's hands, the house of the poor man? Weep, not for him who has been despoiled, but for him who has taken it.

For he did not give, but received, an evil.

For the one he deprived of things present, but himself he cast out from good things unspeakable.

For if he who gave not to the needy goes away into hell, what shall he suffer who takes the things of the needy? And what is the gain, he says, when I am ill-treated? Great indeed is the gain.

For God does not make the recompense to you consist in the punishment of him who did the evil.

For what profit is it, when I am ill-treated, that he too should suffer ill? And yet I know that many count this to be their greatest consolation, and think they have received everything back, when they see those who wronged them punished.

But nevertheless God does not make the requital consist in these things.

But do you wish to learn how many are the good things

that shall receive you in succession? He opens all heaven to you, He makes you a fellow-citizen of the saints, He prepares you to be numbered in their choir, He releases you from sins, He crowns you with righteousness.

For if those who forgive them that have sinned obtain forgiveness, they who not only forgive, but also lavish benefits, what blessing shall they not attain? Do not then bear it ignobly, but even pray on behalf of him who wronged you.

For it is on your own behalf that you do this.

Did he take your money? But he also took your sins.

This very thing came to pass also in the case of Naaman and Gehazi.

How great a wealth would you not have been willing to give, that your sins might be forgiven you? This then now comes to pass.

For if you bear it nobly and do not curse, you have bound upon yourself a splendid crown.

The saying is not mine, but you have heard Christ Himself declaring it:

'Pray for those who spitefully use you.'

And consider how great the prize is:

'That you may become like your Father who is in heaven.'

So that you have been deprived of nothing, but have even gained.

You have not been wronged, but have even been crowned, having become more philosophic in soul, having been made like unto God, being freed from the anxiety of riches, having won the kingdom of heaven.

Considering therefore all these things, let us bear ourselves wisely amid wrongs, beloved, that we may both be freed from the turmoil of the present life and cast out useless despondency, and attain the joy that is to come, by the grace and lovingkindness of our Lord Jesus Christ, with whom to the Father, together with the Holy Spirit, be glory, might, and honor, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.