Holy Prophet Habakkuk (Avvakum). Athansius the Recluse (1176). Passing into Eternal Life (1973) of Blessed Ivan Sleziuk, Catacomb Bishop of Ivano-Frankivsk and Confessor.
Hebrews 3:5-11, 17-19. Luke 20:27-44.
Read Hebrews 3:5-11, 17-19
Recall the account from the book of Exodus of the Hebrew. After the they were led by Moses out of Egypt and through the Red Sea they wandered about the desert for forty years. The Lord showered manna from heaven daily for their sustenance. Moses was their leader and prophet. And still, they rebelled. The heard the voice of the Lord day after day throughout those years, they experienced first-hand God’s salvation from the slavery of Egypt, and they turned their backs to Him. While the time of wandering was a great trial, the Lord never abandoned them, but that was not enough for the Hebrews. All except for Joshua and Caleb were condemned to never experience the land promised to them.
The Hebrews addressed in this letter face a similar proverbial fork in the road. They have encountered Christ and witnessed His salvation. They are at the threshold of an inheritance even greater than the Hebrews of old—heaven itself. And only by faith in Christ can they realize that inheritance. Like the Hebrews of old who were denied the promised land because of their unbelief, the Hebrews addressed in this letter will be denied heaven should they follow in that unbelief.
This applies to us as well. By our baptism and our sacramental and liturgical life in the Church we have encountered the Risen Lord. We have experienced salvation. That salvation, however, can be lost. It can be discarded by sin and a lack of faith. We can choose to abandon the God who won our salvation like the Hebrews wandering about the desert did. Or we can choose to deepen our faith, our prayer, our love of God and neighbour. We can continue to stay true and faithful to our liturgical life, the sacraments of the Church, and works of charity and mercy. In doing so we will take heed to the warning of the author of this letter and, by our faith, inherit eternal life.