Our Venerable Fathers Massacred in Sinai and Rhaithu; Repose of the Holy Equal-to-the Apostles Nina, Enlightener of Georgia.
Leave-taking of Theophany.
Hebrews 9:8-10,15-23; Mark 8:22-26.
Read Hebrews 9:8-10,15-23
The Epistle to the Hebrews reminds us of the limitations of the Old Testament sacrifices. Though the blood of animals was offered to atone for sins, these sacrifices were imperfect, unable to cleanse the conscience or bring true reconciliation with God. They pointed forward to something greater: the perfect and eternal sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the Cross. Out of infinite love, Christ willingly offered Himself, not as a temporary atonement, but as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. His one sacrifice was sufficient for all time and for all people.
Today, we also conclude our celebration of the feast of Theophany. In His baptism, Jesus reveals Himself as the Beloved Son of the Father, beginning His public ministry. Let us remember that the Lord does not ask us to walk where He has not already been. His mission is clear: His eyes are set on Jerusalem, on the Cross, and on His Resurrection. In the same way, as pilgrims of hope, our eyes are fixed on the heavenly kingdom, the new Jerusalem. Yet to reach that eternal joy, each of us must carry our own Cross in humility, following Him day by day.
The key to uniting ourselves with Christ’s sacrifice is humility. Humility is not about thinking less of ourselves, but about seeing ourselves rightly before God. It is the recognition that we are dependent on His mercy and grace for all things. Humility opens the door for us to receive God’s transforming power, because it shifts our focus from self-reliance to trusting in His providence. It allows us to acknowledge our sins and weaknesses, not as sources of despair, but as opportunities for God’s strength to be made perfect in us. Without humility, we cannot grow in virtue, because it is only in humbling ourselves before God that we are truly open to His guidance and grace.
Psalm 50 (LXX) teaches us, “A sacrifice to God is a broken spirit, A broken and humbled heart God will not despise.” As Christ humbled Himself in His sacrifice, so too are we called to embrace humility in our lives. Our spiritual sacrifices—prayer, fasting, and acts of love—become pleasing to God when offered with a broken and contrite heart, united spiritually with Christ’s one perfect offering.
It is in practicing humility that we are made perfect. By our own efforts, we cannot overcome sin or grow in virtue. Only by humbly turning to the Lord, relying on His grace in everything that we do, can we grow in holiness. Let us approach the Cross with contrite hearts, offering our spiritual sacrifices in union with Christ. As we conclude the celebration of Theophany, may we remember that the path to the Resurrection passes through the Cross. Trusting in the Lord’s mercy, let us take up our own crosses and follow Him, knowing He leads us to the joy of eternal life.