Homilies on the Gospel of John 3 part 2/2

yet that we, having such a Lord, should seek other spectators — those who can profit us nothing, but from their beholding can only harm us and empty out all our labor? Let it not be, I beseech you;

but let us call Him the praiser of our deeds from whom we are to receive our rewards; let us make Him our spectator.

Let us have nothing to do with the eyes of men.

For if we should wish to obtain this glory also, then shall we obtain it, when we seek that which comes from God alone.

For 'Those who glorify Me,' He says, 'I will glorify.'

And just as we are then most abundant in wealth, when we despise it and seek only the riches that come from God (for 'Seek,' He says, 'the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you');

so also in the matter of glory: when henceforth the gift, both of wealth and of glory, is without danger to us, then will God lavish it upon us.

And it is then without danger, when it does not master us, nor get the better of us, nor lord it over us as over slaves, but comes to us as to masters and free men.

For this reason He does not even wish us to love these things, that we may not be mastered by them.

And if we accomplish this, He gives them to us with great abundance.

For what is more illustrious than Paul, tell me, who said:

'We seek not glory from men, neither from you nor from others'? And what is more abounding than one who has nothing, yet possesses all things? For when, as I said, we are not mastered by them, then shall we master them, then shall we receive them.

If therefore we desire to attain glory, let us flee from glory;

for thus, having fulfilled the laws of God, we shall be able to obtain

both the good things here and those that are promised, by the grace of Christ, with whom to the Father be glory, together with the Holy Spirit, unto the ages of ages. Amen.