As we meditate on the scriptures appointed for Feria III after the Fifth Sunday after Pentecost, we find ourselves drawn into the richness of God’s word as expressed in Ecclus 45:1-6 and Matthew 19:27-29. These passages highlight themes of divine selection, reward, and the call to a life of holiness. The wisdom of the Church Fathers illuminates these texts, helping us to deepen our understanding and grow in our spiritual journey.
Ecclus 45:1-6 – The Glorious Legacy of Moses
The passage from Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) 45:1-6 speaks of Moses, whom God chose from among men. He was beloved by God and men, and his memory is blessed. This passage emphasizes Moses’ unparalleled role as a leader and prophet, through whom God communicated His law to Israel. The description of Moses’ sanctity, wisdom, and divine mission sets a precedent for understanding divine election and the responsibilities it entails.
St. Gregory of Nyssa, reflecting on the life of Moses, sees him as an exemplar of spiritual ascent. He writes, “Moses’ life is a series of ascensions toward God, which begins with the burning bush and culminates in his vision of God on Mount Sinai. Each step in Moses’ journey is marked by greater closeness to God and a deeper understanding of His will.” Moses’ journey becomes a template for our spiritual lives: continual ascent, ever striving for closeness to God.
Matthew 19:27-29 – The Promise to the Disciples
In the Gospel of Matthew, Peter, ever forthright, asks Jesus what the disciples will receive for leaving everything to follow Him. Jesus responds with a promise of profound reward: those who have left homes, families, and lands for His sake will receive a hundredfold and inherit eternal life.
St. John Chrysostom, commenting on this passage, underscores the depth of commitment required to follow Christ and the extraordinary nature of the reward. He writes, “He who quits possessions, relations, and houses for the sake of Christ, and gives himself up to His service, will receive a hundredfold in this life in things more necessary for him, and in the next, life eternal.”
This teaching reveals a fundamental truth about the Christian life: true discipleship involves sacrifice and detachment from worldly ties. Yet, these sacrifices are not in vain; they are met with divine generosity beyond our comprehension.
Connecting the Readings
Both readings together call us to reflect on the nature of divine calling and the rewards of faithful service. Moses, chosen and beloved by God, exemplifies the ultimate leader and lawgiver whose legacy endures through his obedience and holiness. The disciples, chosen by Christ, are promised eternal rewards for their sacrifices and dedication.
St. Augustine, in his homilies, often spoke of the cost of discipleship and the joy of its rewards. He noted, “To follow Christ is to love Him above all else, to make His will our own, and to embrace whatever comes with that decision, be it joy or suffering, knowing that in the end, our reward is Christ Himself, who is our true treasure.”
As we ponder these passages during the liturgical week following the Fifth Sunday after Pentecost, let us be inspired by Moses’ unwavering faithfulness and the disciples’ radical commitment. May we seek to ascend spiritually as Moses did, and embrace the path of discipleship with the assurance of Christ’s promises.
Prayer and Reflection
In our prayer, let us ask for the grace to recognize our own call to holiness and the courage to follow it with the same fervor as Moses and the disciples. Let us be mindful of the sacrifices required, trusting that God’s rewards surpass any earthly possessions or relationships.
May the wisdom of the Church Fathers guide us in our journey, helping us to grow in love and faithfulness to our Lord, who calls us to follow Him and promises us eternal life.
In the spirit of this liturgical season, may we continually seek to ascend toward God, embracing His will with a heart full of faith and hope.