The Holy Martyrs Eutropius, Cleonicus, and Basiliscus.
Day 16 of the Great Fast.
Sixth Hour – Isaiah 9:9-10:4; Vespers – Genesis 7:1-5; Proverbs 8:32-9:11.
Read Genesis 7:1-5
The Letter to the Hebrews presents examples of figures of faith throughout salvation history. Before talking about the patriarch Abraham, it mentions Cain and Abel, Enoch, and then Noah: “By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, took heed and constructed an ark for the saving of his household; by this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness which comes by faith” (Heb. 11:7).
God calls Noah “righteous” (Gen. 7:1). We do not become righteous by our own efforts but rather by the grace of the Holy Spirit. Noah had faith in God and was obedient to His commands. When the world was destroyed by the flood, Noah and his family repopulated the earth. By having faith and building the ark in obedience to God, Noah, his family, and all the animals he brought with him were saved. The story of Noah’s ark has become an image of baptism and salvation for us. St. Peter even mentions this in his first letter, calling to mind how just as God saved Noah and his family through water, baptism now saves us through the resurrection of Jesus Christ (see 1 Pet. 3:18-22).
After naming numerous Old Testament figures who lived and died by faith, the Letter to the Hebrews exhorts us: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfector of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God” (Heb. 12:1-2). As we continue our journey through the Great Fast, let us remember to persevere in our faith. Following His Father’s will, Jesus endured the cross and death. However, Jesus conquered death! Noah, being faithful and obedient to God, constructed the ark and endured the flood. Noah survived the flood! With faith and hope, let us also look forward to the fulfillment of the promises God has made to us.