Беседа 8

Acts 3:1. Peter and John walked together to the church at the ninth hour of prayer. Peter did not seek glory. – Virtue is always useful. – Sins are like thorns. – The firmness of the saint’s spirit. – A crowd that does not fulfill the will of God is worth nothing. 1. Peter and John appear everywhere in great agreement with each other. Peter gives a sign to John (at the supper); together they go to the tomb; about John (Peter) says to Christ: “What is he?” (John 21:21) The writer of this book omitted other signs, but he speaks of the one that caused great horror and amazed everyone. And note again that (the apostles) did not actually go in order to perform this (miracle): so they were free from ambition and imitated their Teacher. Why did they go to the church? Did they still live like Jews? No; however, this act of theirs was accompanied by benefit. Again a miracle happens that confirms them and attracts others - a miracle that they have never performed before. The illness (of the lame man) came from nature and exceeded the art of medicine. For more than forty years he lived in lameness, as it is said further, and during all this time no one healed him. After all, you know that those (diseases) are especially difficult that occur from birth. The disease was so terrible that (the lame man) could not even get the necessary food for himself. And he was known to everyone both by place and by illness. And how (the miracle happened) - listen. “And there was a man,” it is said, “lame from his mother’s womb, whom they carried and seated every day at the door of the church, which is called Red, to ask alms from those who entered the church” (Acts 3:2). Consequently, he wanted to receive alms and did not know who Peter and John were. “When he saw Peter and John before entering the church, he asked them for alms. Peter and John looked at him and said, “Look at us” (Acts 3:3, 4). He hears this, but does not get up, but still continues to ask. This is poverty: even when they refuse to give, it insists and compels. Let us be ashamed, who so hastily withdraw when asked! Look at the meekness Peter immediately showed when he said, “Look at us.” Thus, their very appearance revealed their spiritual quality. “And he looked at them intently, hoping to get something from them. But Peter said: I have no silver and gold; and whatever I have I give to you” (Acts 3:5, 6). He did not say: I will give you something that is much better than silver; but what? – “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, arise and walk. And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up” (Acts 3:6, 7). This is what Christ did. He often healed in word, often in deed, and often stretched out his hand where those weaker in faith were, so that they would not think that (the miracle) happened by itself. “And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up.” This showed the resurrection, since it was an image of the resurrection. “And suddenly his feet and knees became strong, and he jumped up and began to walk” (Acts 3:7, 8). Maybe he tested himself and tried many times to see if it really happened? His legs were weak, but not taken away; and some say that he did not even know how to walk. “And he went with them into the church as he walked” (Acts 3:8). Truly, this is worthy of surprise! It is not they who lead him, but he himself follows them, and by what he follows, he shows the benefactors, and by the fact that, jumping up, he praises God, he glorifies not them, but God, who acted through them. This man was so grateful! But let's see what was said above. “We went together to the church at the ninth hour of prayer.” Perhaps at this time they brought and laid the lame man (at the church) because now especially many people were entering the church. And lest anyone think that he was brought for something other than to receive (alms), see how (the writer) clearly presented this with the words: “who was carried and seated every day at the doors of the church, called Red, to ask for alms from those entering the church.” For this reason, he also mentions the place in order to provide evidence of what he writes about. Why, you say, did they not bring him (the lame man) to Christ? Perhaps those sitting at the church were unbelievers, since they did not bring him to the apostles, although they saw them entering (the church) and had already performed so many miracles. “To ask,” he says, “for alms.” Perhaps, by their appearance, he mistook them for pious people, and therefore “begged alms from them.” But look how John is silent everywhere, and Peter answers for him too. “I don’t have silver,” he says, “and I don’t have gold.” He didn’t say: I don’t have it with me, as we say; but I don’t have it at all. What's lame? Do you really (says) despise my request? No, answers (Peter); but take it from what I have. Do you see how Peter is free from arrogance, how he does not become vain even before those who receive benefits from him? And so (his) word and hand did everything. Such were the limping Jews! When they should have asked for health, they lie on the ground and would rather ask for money. That's why they sat at the church to collect money. What about Peter? He did not despise (the lame); he did not look for a rich man, and did not say: if a miracle does not happen over such a person, then nothing great will happen; I did not expect any honor from him and did not heal him in anyone’s presence, since this man was at the entrance, and not inside the church where the people were. Peter was not looking for anything like that, and when he entered (the church), he did not announce (a miracle), but with just his appearance he disposed the lame man to ask. And it’s amazing that the lame man quickly believed. After all, those freed from long-term illnesses have difficulty believing even their vision itself. And having received healing, the lame man was already with the apostles and thanked God. “And he entered,” it says, “with them into the church, walking and jumping and praising God.” 2. See how he does not remain in peace, partly from pleasure, and partly in order to stop the mouths of the Jews. But it seems to me that he also galloped so that they would not think that he was pretending, since this could no longer be a matter of pretending. In fact, if before he could not even just walk, despite the fact that he was forced (to do so) by hunger - otherwise he would not have wanted to share alms with those who carried him, if he could walk himself - then even more so (he could not jump) then. And why would he pretend in favor of those who did not give alms? No, he was a grateful man even after his recovery. So, both this and that circumstance prove him faithful - both his gratitude and what happened to him. Not everyone, of course, thought he was famous, which is why they tried to find out who he was. “And all the people saw him walking and praising God; and they knew him that it was he who sat at the Red Door of the Church” (Acts 3:9, 10). And it is well said: they recognized him, because after what happened to him, it was possible not to recognize him. We usually use this expression about those whom we barely recognize. So, one should believe that the name of Christ forgives sins if it also does such things. “And as the lame man who had been healed did not leave Peter and John, all the people ran to them in astonishment into the porch called Solomon’s” (Acts 3:11). Out of goodwill and love for them, (the lame man) did not part with them, and perhaps even thanked and glorified them. “When Peter saw this, he spoke to the people” (Acts 3:12). Again Peter both acts and preaches. First, the miracle of (fiery) tongues aroused the Jews to listen, and now this. And then Peter began his speech with their accusations, and now with their secret thoughts. Let's see how this sermon differs from that one and what it has in common with it. That one was in the house when no one had yet joined (the apostles) and when they had not yet done anything, and this one was when everyone was surprised, when the healed man stood nearby, when no one doubted, as at the time at which they said, “they were drunk with sweet wine” (Acts 2:13). And then Peter spoke, being with all the apostles; and now with only John: he is no longer afraid and speaks stronger. This is virtue: having received a beginning, it goes forward and does not stop anywhere. Look how it was arranged (by Providence) that the miracle happened at the church, so that others would also become bold. It is not done in some hidden place or in secret; but also not inside the church, where there were many people. Why, you say, did they believe this? Because the healed one himself proclaimed the good deed. And he, of course, would not lie and would not come to any strangers. So, the apostles performed a miracle there either because the place was spacious, or because it was a separated place. And notice how it happened. They came for one reason, but are doing something else. So Cornelius, while fasting, prayed for one thing, but sees another. Until now, they everywhere call Christ the Nazarene: “in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth,” says (Peter), “get up and walk,” because so far they only cared about believing in Him. But let us not get tired of the beginning of the story, but on the contrary, if someone, having spoken about some great deed, stopped, we will begin to repeat the beginning again. If we always do this, we will soon come to the end, we will soon reach the top, because from zeal, as they say, zeal is born, and from laziness, laziness. Anyone who has done something small as he should has received an incentive to begin something more important, and from here to go much further. And just as fire, the more wood it consumes, the stronger it becomes, so jealousy, the more it arouses pious thoughts, the more it arms itself against the rest of the thoughts. I'll give you an example. There are in us, like thorns, perjury, lies, hypocrisy, deceit, deceit, slander, ridicule, ridicule, obscenity, blasphemy; on the other hand - covetousness, robbery, injustice, slander, slander; further - evil lust, uncleanness, voluptuousness, fornication, adultery; as well as envy, jealousy, anger, rage, rancor, vindictiveness, blasphemy and thousands of similar vices. If we correct ourselves from the first, then we will correct ourselves not only from them, but through them - and from those who follow them, because our soul acquires from this greater strength to destroy them. For example, if someone who often swears gives up this devilish habit, then not only will this vice be corrected in him, but a different kind of reverence will appear in him. It seems to me that no one who does not swear will want to easily do any other evil, but will be ashamed of the virtue that he has already achieved. Just as someone who wears fine clothes is ashamed to wallow in the dirt, so is he. And from here he will come to the point that he will neither get angry, nor fight, nor scold. So, if only once a small good deed is done, then everything will already be done. Often, however, the opposite happens: having once acted well, out of laziness we again fall into the same vices, so that this makes correction itself even impossible. For example, we made it a law not to swear; for three or even four days we performed it; but then some need arose - and we squandered all the collected profits. Then we fall into carelessness and despair, so much so that we don't even want to touch the same thing again. And this is natural. Whoever builds a building for himself and then sees that his structure has collapsed will begin to build it again with less diligence. But even in this case one should not be careless, but on the contrary, one must again use every effort. 3. So, let’s set daily laws for ourselves and start with the easy ones. Let us cut off frequent oaths from our lips, bridle our tongues, and let no one swear by God. It does not require costs, does not require labor, does not require lengthy training: just want it and it’s all over, because it is a matter of habit. Yes, I ask and implore you, we will make every effort to do this. Tell me: if I ordered (you) to contribute money (for me), would not each of you willingly bring it according to his strength? If you saw me in extreme danger, would you not give up even a part of your body if it could be taken away? And now I am in danger, and in great danger, so that if I were in prison, or received thousands of blows, or was in the mines, then I would not grieve anymore. Extend a helping hand. Think how great the danger is when you cannot do even this extremely small task: I call it very small because of the work it requires. What will I say then in response to the accusations? Why didn’t you expose him? Why didn’t you command it? Why didn't he lay down the law? Why didn’t you restrain the disobedient ones? It will not be enough if I say: I exhorted. But it was necessary, it will be said to me, to use stronger censure. After all, Eli also exhorted, but God forbid comparing you with his children! And he admonished, and he said: “My children, the report that I hear” about you is not good (1 Samuel 2:24); and meanwhile, Scripture further says that he did not admonish his sons (1 Samuel 3:13), and says this because he did not admonish strictly and not reproachfully. Isn’t it strange that in Jewish synagogues the laws have such power, although everything is commanded by the one who teaches, but here we are in such disdain and contempt? I do not care about my glory (my glory is your good life); but - about your salvation. Every day we cry out, proclaim in your ears, and while no one listens, we do not show any severity. I am afraid that for this inappropriate and great leniency I will not be given an answer on the day of the future trial. Therefore, in a loud and clear voice, I declare to everyone and beg that those who are guilty of this crime and utter words stemming from hostility (Matthew 5:37) - and this is an oath - do not cross the church threshold. But let this month be assigned to you for correction. Don't tell me: necessity forces me because they don't believe me. Leave the habitual vows for now. I know that many will laugh at us, but it is better for us to be laughed at now than to cry then. Yes, and crazy people will laugh; in fact, tell me, who with a sound mind would laugh at the fact that a commandment is being kept? If they laugh, then such people will laugh not at us, but at Christ. Are you horrified by these words? I fully believe this. After all, if I introduced this law, then the laughter would apply to me; if there is another Lawgiver, then ridicule passes on Him. Once upon a time they spat on Christ, beat Him on the cheek, and strangled Him: so now He endures this, and there is nothing inappropriate here. That’s why Gehenna is prepared, and that’s why it’s an endless worm. Here I am again speaking and testifying. Let whoever wants to laugh; let whoever wants to mock us: this is what we were appointed to do, so that they laugh at us and mock us, and so that we endure everything. “We are like the dust of the world, like dust,” according to the words of Blessed Paul (1 Cor. 4:13). If anyone does not want to carry out this order, then I, with this word, as if by some kind of trumpet, forbid such a person to cross the threshold of the church, even if he was a leader, even if he himself wears a diadem. Either take this power away from me, or, if I remain with it, do not surround me with dangers. I cannot ascend to this throne without doing (something) great. And if this is impossible, then it is better to stand at the bottom, because there is nothing worse than a boss who does not bring any benefit to his subordinates. Try again, I ask you, and be careful; or better to say: let’s try together, and then there will certainly be some benefit. Fast, pray to God, and together with you (we will pray) that He will destroy this disastrous habit in us. It is a great thing to become teachers of the universe; It means a lot when everyone hears that in this city no one swears. If this happens, then you will receive a reward not only for your exploits, but also for caring for your brothers: you will become the same for the universe as I am now for you. Then, probably, others will be jealous of you, and you will truly be a lamp standing on the candlestick. And that's all, you say? No, this is not all, but this is the beginning of other (virtues). He who does not swear, willy-nilly or unwillingly, out of shame or fear, will certainly come to other deeds of piety. But many, you say, will disagree and retreat? But better is one who does the will of the Lord than thousands of lawless ones (Sir.16:3). That is why everything is overthrown, everything is in extreme disorder, because we, as in spectacles, are looking for a multitude of people, and not a multitude of good people. What benefit, tell me, can a crowd of people bring you? Do you want to know that the people are made up of saints, and not a crowd of people? Bring hundreds of thousands and one saint to war: let's see who does more? Joshua went out into battle and did everything alone; and thus the rest were of no use. A crowd of people, beloved, when they do not do the will of God, is no different from those who do not exist at all. I pray and wish that the Church would be adorned by many people, but by many good people: for this I would willingly allow myself to be torn to pieces. If this is not possible, then I wish that few would be good. Don't you see that it is better to have one precious stone than thousands of small coins? Don't you see that it is better to have a healthy eye than, having lost it, to burden yourself with obesity? Don't you see that it is better to have one healthy sheep than thousands of scabby ones? Don't you see that a few good children are better than many bad ones? Do you not see that in the kingdom there are few, but in hell there are many? What do I need from many people? What's the use? There is no benefit, but rather harm to others. After all, this is the same as if someone, if it was possible to have either ten healthy people or thousands of sick people, brought these thousands to those ten. The majority, when they do nothing good, will bring us nothing other than punishment here and disgrace here. After all, no one will say that there are many of us, but (everyone) will blame us for being useless. This is exactly what (the pagans) always tell us when they hear from us that there are many of us: there are many of you, they say, but bad ones. So I again forbid it and proclaim to you with a loud voice: let no one consider this a joke. I will remove and not allow the naughty ones. And while I sit on this throne, I will not give up any of its rights. If anyone overthrows me, I will no longer be innocent. In the meantime, I am subject to responsibility, until then I cannot neglect, not for the sake of my own punishment, but for the sake of your salvation, since I ardently wish for your salvation. I am tormented and sick about this. But listen to me, so that both here and in the future (age) you will receive a great reward, and we (all) together will enjoy eternal blessings, through the grace and love of the only begotten Son of God, with whom to the Father, with the Holy Spirit, be glory, power, honor, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. These conversations were delivered by the saint in Constantinople in 400 or 401. The paragraphs in the text were arranged by us – Editorial staff of “ABC of Faith” You might be interested in: