Friday, November 26, 2004 Nativity Fast
New Martyr George of Chios
Kellia: 2 Kings 4:8-17 Epistle: 1 Timothy 4:4-8, 16 Gospel: St. Luke 16:15-18; 17:1-4
2 Kings 4:8-17 MT ~ 4 Kings 4:8-17 LXX, especially vs. 13:
"'Behold, thou hast taken all this trouble for us: what should I do for thee? Hast thou any
request to make to the king, or to the captain of the host?' And she said, 'I dwell in the midst of
my people.'" St. Maximos the Confessor identifies five reasons why "men love one another
commendably or reprehensibly...1) for the sake of God, as the virtuous man loves everyone, and
as the man not yet virtuous loves the virtuous...2) by nature, as parents love their children and
children their parents...3) because of self-esteem...4) because of avarice...or 5) because of self-indulgence....The first of these is commendable, the second is of an intermediate kind, the rest are
dominated by passion." Can we discern that the kindness of the Shunammite woman in feeding
and providing shelter for the Prophet Elisha and Gehazi his servant falls into the category of the
work of a virtuous person for the sake of God? It probably seems so upon a quick reading.
Notice that the great lady from Shunem was careful to point out to her husband, "I know that this
is a holy man of God" (vs. 9), and thus it would appear that her motivation for helping Elisha was
related to his being God's servant. In addition, she probably understood that to serve a man of
God expressed love for God Himself. In support of this conclusion, note that her provision for
the Prophet fit the standards for charitable actions given elsewhere by St. Maximos: "The work
of love is the deliberate doing of good to one's neighbor as well as long-suffering and patience
and the use of all things in the proper way." In constraining Elisha she exhibited deliberation as
well as in seeking her husband's agreement to expand their hospitality (vss. 8-10). Food and
lodging were provided properly and with due care. Her patience is implied by the manner in
which she came to Elisha and stood before him whenever asked (vss. 12,15).
Still - solely on the basis of the verses we have noted above - we cannot be absolutely sure; one
might conclude she had unrevealed desires for self-esteem or personal gain. However, if Elisha
was uncertain in himself about her inner agenda, his question to the woman and his probing of
Gehazi about her, clearly revealed her motive as virtuous love for others. She did not take
advantage of the offer to have Elisha put in a good word for her to those in high station; but
rather, she was satisfied with her life among her own people in Shunem (vs. 13). What finally
confirms the conclusion that her motive was pure is that she did not even seek the Prophet's
prayers for her, that she might have a child. Only later would her longing for a child appear (vs.
16). Gehazi most likely surmised her desire for a child because of the age difference between the
lady and her husband - given the standards of ancient society (vs. 14).
St. Theophan notes that "you must indeed love your neighbor, but your love must not cause harm
to your soul. Do all your works in a manner simple and holy, with nothing in view, except to
please God." A careful reading of the passage allows us not only to discern the deep purity of the
motives of the Shunammite, but, as we read the passage attentively, we also are struck by the
lady's simple and God-pleasing manner throughout. She offers hospitality lovingly, comes when
bidden, but never seeks for herself and even quails at the Prophet's declaration that she will have
a child.
Let us feel most confident in discerning a deep love for God in the Shunammite's actions. Does
she not match St. Theodore the Ascetic's declaration about those who love God - that since "God
is love, he who has love has God within himself"?
O My Creator, cleanse my soul, and hallow Thou my thoughts. Establish me wholly in Thy fear.
Adorn me, teach and enlighten me. Show me to be a dwelling place of Thy Spirit.
