Post-feast of Theophany; the Holy Martyrs Hermylus and Stratonicus (313-24)
Hebrews 10:35-11:7; Mark 9:10-16
Read Mark 9:10-16
Christ is born! Glorify Him!
The Jews were not only waiting for the Messiah to arrive, but understood that God would send a precursor to prepare the way for the Saviour. This prophecy, which the scribes were referring to was spoken by Malachi. The prophet Malachi, who’s name means angel or messenger, lived about 500 years before the coming of Christ. He prophesied hope during a despairing and dark time of the history of Israel. The people had returned from exile and the Temple at Jerusalem had been reconstructed, yet the people had again neglected righteousness and true worship. He opens his book by reminding the people of God’s love and His faithfulness towards them. That the Lord will appear to purify His people and then they will be pleasing to him and shine brightly amongst the nations. Malachi called Israel to repent of empty ritualism, hypocrisy, irreverence, apostasy, sorcery and idolatrous practice. The day of the Lord will be a glorious and joyful day for those who receive Him and they will be freed from their bonds and leap for joy. While those who do not change their ways and do not receive the Coming One will be burned up and cut off.
The final words of Malachi’s prophecy are: “Behold, I will send you Elijah before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord. And he will turn the heart of father to his son and a man’s heart to his neighbour, lest I come and strike the earth completely.” (Malachi 3:22-23, LXX). St. John Chrysostom notes that this prophecy accurately proclaims the incarnation: “He does not say, “He will restore the heart of the son to the father,” but “of the father to the son.” (Gospel of St. Matthew, Homily 57.1). Not only did the Jewish authorities miss the coming of Elijah, but they also missed turning their hearts to the Son. Malachi reminds us today of the need for righteousness, purification and turning our hearts to the Son, who is the Coming One. For those who receive the ‘Sun of Righteousness’ “shall go forth leaping as little calves released from their bonds.” (Malachi 3:20, LXX).