—Geronta, in the Gospel, why is the Kingdom of God likened to a mustard seed: “It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth: But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs”? [1]
—As a seed, mustard is very small, but when it is sown it becomes a great bush. Even the little birds go and sit in its branches. The word of God is like this seed, because from one, small, evangelical word (i.e. word of the Gospel) man becomes great in soul and understands the Kingdom of God.
—Geronta, how does one feel that which is said in the Holy Scriptures, “The Kingdom of God is within you”? [2] Read more →
Tender Care for our Neighbor Helps the Family
People today will have as many problems as the amount of material goods they acquire. They neither thank God for His benefactions, nor notice the grief of their fellow-man that they may provide some kind of charity. They squander what they have and don’t even think of their neighbor who does not even have enough to eat. How can the Grace of God come after such things? The head of a family therefore must manage his things to set aside something in order to give alms. He should say to his wife and children that in such-and-such a place there is a certain sick, homeless person, or some poor family who is in great need. If they don’t have money to give, let them say, “Let’s at least give a Christian book, as we have so many.” In giving to those who have need, they do well both to the needy and to their family. Read more →