Volume 3 · Chapter 172 · Pp. 101-113

The fourth sermon of the Mount: the oath, prayer, fasting. The old Ismael and Sarah.

Chapter 172 presents the fourth sermon of the Mount, focusing on the teachings of Jesus regarding oaths, prayer, and fasting. The narrative includes a dialogue between Jesus and His apostles about a man physically healed but spiritually hardened by hatred, illustrating the distinction between bodily and spiritual healing. Jesus emphasizes the prevalence of hearts clouded by hatred and invites Peter to contemplate the broader spiritual landscape. The chapter underscores the importance of inner transformation alongside external miracles.

Themes: Sermon on the Mount, Spiritual Healing, Prayer, Fasting, Hatred and Forgiveness, Inner Transformation