{"collection":"chr","html_url":"https://unchartedknowledge.5gfusion.net/browse/chr/ecf/009/0090498.htm","path":"chr/ecf/009/0090498.htm","source_url":"https://sacred-texts.com/chr/ecf/009/0090498.htm","text":"Now after these things, having considered how many possible accidents may arise in marriages, which it was necessary for the man to endure and in this way suffer very great hardships, or if he did not endure, to transgress the word of Christ, the disciples say to him, taking refuge in celibacy as easier, and more expedient than marriage, though the latter appears to be expedient, \u201cIf the case of the man is so with his p. 512 wife, it is not expedient to marry.\u201d 6234 And to this the Saviour said, teaching us that absolute chastity is a gift given by God, and not merely the fruit of training, but given by God with prayer, \u201cAll men cannot receive the saying, but they to whom it is given.\u201d 6235 Then seeing that some make a sophistical attack on the saying. \u201cTo whom it is given,\u201d as if those who wished to remain pure in celibacy, but were mastered by their desires, had an excuse, we must say that, if we believe the Scriptures, why at all do we lay hold of the saying, \u201cBut they to whom it is given,\u201d but no longer attend to this, \u201cAsk and it shall be given you,\u201d 6236 and to that which is added to it, \u201cFor every one that asketh receiveth\u201d? 6237 For if they \u201cto whom it is given\u201d can receive this saying about absolute purity, let him who wills ask, obeying and believing Him who said, \u201cAsk and it shall be given you,\u201d 6238 and not doubting about the saying, \u201cEvery one that asketh receiveth.\u201d 6239 But when there you will inquire who it is that asketh, for no one of those who do not receive has asked, even though he seems to have done so, since it is not lawful to say that the saying, \u201cEvery one that asketh receiveth,\u201d is a lie. Who then is he that asketh, but he who has obeyed Jesus when He says, \u201cIf ye stand praying, believe that ye receive, and ye shall receive\u201d? 6240 But he that asketh must do everything in his power that he may pray \u201cwith the spirit\u201d and pray also \u201cwith the understanding,\u201d 6241 and pray \u201cwithout ceasing,\u201d 6242 keeping in mind also the saying, \u201cAnd He spake a parable unto them to the end that they ought always to pray, and not to faint, saying, There was in a city a judge,\u201d 6243 etc. And it is useful to know what it is to ask, and what it is to receive, and what is meant by \u201cEvery one that asketh, receiveth,\u201d 6244 and by \u201cI say unto you though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity, he will arise and give him as many as he needeth.\u201d 6245 It is therefore added, \u201cAnd I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you,\u201d and so on. Further, let the saying, \u201cAll men cannot receive the saying but they to whom it is given,\u201d 6246 be a stimulus to us to ask worthily of receiving; and this, \u201cWhat son is there of you who shall ask his father for a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent,\u201d 6247 etc. God therefore will give the good gift, perfect purity in celibacy and chastity, to those who ask Him with the whole soul, and with faith, and in prayers without ceasing.\nMark 11:24, 25.\n512:6241 512:6242 512:6243 512:6244 512:6245 512:6246 512:6247","title":"Ante-Nicene Fathers, Vol IX: Origen's Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew.: Chapter XXV","type":"page"}