Monastic Breviary: St. Cecilia: Homily by S. John Chrysostom Horn. 78, or 79, on Matt.

Monastic Breviary: St. Cecilia: Homily by S. John Chrysostom Horn. 78, or 79, on Matt. 

WHY does the Lord set forth this parable under the subject of virgins instead of referring to all people without this discrimination? For he had spoken great things concerning virginity, saying: There be eunuchs which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it. Nor was he unaware that virginity counted for much among the people, being, indeed, a thing higher than nature: and this is plain from the fact that in the Old Testament it was not practiced by those holy men of old, and that in the New it is not ordered by any obligation of law. Whence also Paul says: Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful. I suppose therefore that it is good for a man so to be.

THEREFORE because virginity is so great a thing, and is esteemed so highly among many people, he sets forth this parable, lest anyone should think that he has done all, and should neglect other matters; to show that virginity, even though it may have all else, will yet be cast out with the fornicators, if it lack the virtue of mercy. And deservedly does he reckon it with them when it is unfeeling and lacking in mercy. For the fornicator is bound by lust for bodies, but the other by lust for riches.

NOW bodily lust and the lust for riches are not on the same level, but bodily lust is a much more grievous and bitter thing. Therefore, those who wrestle with a weaker enemy are less deserving of pardon if they are overcome. For that reason, moreover, he called them foolish, for after they had won a great contest, they lost everything in an easier one. Now in this place the gift of virginity goes by the name of lamps; and by the oil is meant kindness, almsgiving, and giving aid to the needy.

WHILE the Bridegroom, tarried, they all slumbered and slept. For the purpose of leading the disciples away from the idea that they held, from expecting that his kingdom was soon to come, he showed the interval to be no short space of time. For they were hoping that it would be short. Therefore, he often used to call them away from this manner of thinking. For this reason, he also shows that death is a kind of sleep. They all slept, he says, and at midnight there was a cry made: either that he may continue with the same parable, or else he shows that the Resurrection will take place in the night. Paul also makes mention of the cry, saying: For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, and with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God.