As we enter the Fifth Week after Epiphany, the liturgy continues to unfold the mysteries of Christ’s Kingdom and its demands upon the faithful. In this spirit, today’s reflection draws from Ecclesiasticus 44:1-15 and Matthew 19:27-29, two passages that remind us of the blessedness of those who have followed the path of righteousness and renounced all for God’s glory. These scriptures, illuminated by the wisdom of the Church Fathers, invite us to meditate on the nature of true greatness in the sight of God and the reward of those who forsake the world for Christ.
“Let Us Praise Men of Renown” (Ecclus. 44:1-15)
The inspired writer of Ecclesiasticus exhorts us to honor the memory of the just, those who have walked before us in the fear of the Lord:
“Let us now praise men of renown, and our fathers in their generation… Their bodies are buried in peace, and their name liveth unto generation and generation.” (Ecclus. 44:1, 14)
The passage calls to mind the patriarchs, prophets, and holy ones of old, who, through fidelity to God, left behind an enduring legacy. It also extends to the saints of the New Testament era, the martyrs, confessors, and virgins who built up the Church with their virtues and sacrifices.
St. John Chrysostom sees in this passage an invitation to contemplate the lasting influence of holiness:
“The righteous may leave this world, but their virtue endures forever, for it is stored up in the memory of the Church and in the presence of God. Their lives are lamps that continue to give light to those who come after them.” (Homilies on Matthew, 73)
In contrast, the glory of worldly men fades with time, but the name of the just remains, because it is inscribed in the Book of Life. Their true inheritance is not earthly wealth, but the spiritual patrimony they have passed down—a patrimony of wisdom, piety, and sacrifice.
St. Augustine speaks of this in his commentary on the Psalms:
“The just live not in themselves, but in Christ; and when they die in this world, they are not lost, but gathered into the treasury of God.” (Expositions on the Psalms, 36)
Thus, the Church, in her tradition, continues to venerate the saints and heroes of the faith, fulfilling the very exhortation of Ecclesiasticus. This passage reminds us that we, too, are called to strive for holiness, leaving behind a legacy not of perishable goods, but of virtue, faith, and love.
“We Have Left All and Followed Thee” (Matt. 19:27-29)
In the Gospel, St. Peter, ever bold and eager, asks our Lord:
“Behold we have left all things, and have followed Thee: what therefore shall we have?” (Matt. 19:27)
Our Lord answers with a promise of a hundredfold reward and eternal life:
“And every one that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and shall possess life everlasting.” (Matt. 19:29)
Here, Christ speaks not of a mere earthly reward, but of the superabundant grace given to those who renounce all for Him.
St. Cyril of Alexandria notes that Peter’s question is not one of selfish ambition, but an expression of total surrender to Christ:
“Peter does not ask with arrogance but with devotion, desiring to know the fruits of his obedience. And our Lord, in His kindness, does not reprove him, but rather strengthens him with the assurance of an eternal inheritance.” (Commentary on Matthew, 19)
This passage has been particularly influential in the lives of the saints, especially those who embraced the religious life. St. Basil the Great, in exhorting young monks, referred to this promise of Christ, encouraging them to see their renunciations not as losses, but as gains:
“He who leaves all for Christ is not deprived of anything, but rather is given all in return. For what are worldly possessions in comparison with the riches of divine love?” (Ascetical Works, 3)
Likewise, St. Gregory the Great observes that this passage does not merely apply to literal abandonment of possessions, but also to the renunciation of worldly attachments in the heart:
“Not all are called to forsake their goods bodily, but all are called to forsake the love of them. Even the married and those in the world may possess without being possessed, having their hearts fixed on the kingdom of God.” (Homilies on the Gospels, 5)
Thus, this Gospel is not only for monks and missionaries, but for every Christian striving to detach from earthly desires and cling to Christ alone.
Living These Truths Today
As we reflect on these passages in the Hebdomadam V post Epiphaniam, we are reminded that we are part of a great spiritual lineage. The saints and holy ones have gone before us, leaving a testimony of faith and sacrifice. We, too, are called to imitate them, whether by renouncing all as religious or by sanctifying our daily lives with detachment and devotion.
Let us then:
- Honor the memory of the just—reading their lives, invoking their intercession, and following their example.
- Renounce the world in spirit—not necessarily by abandoning our state in life, but by making Christ our true treasure.
- Trust in Christ’s promises, knowing that whatever we surrender for Him will be repaid with divine joy and eternal life.
In this way, we prepare our souls for the fullness of Christ’s Kingdom, that when our own names are called before Him, we may hear those blessed words:
“Well done, good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of thy Lord.” (Matt. 25:23)
Amen.
Liturgical Prayer
O Lord, who hast promised an eternal reward to those who leave all for Thee, grant us the grace to detach our hearts from worldly vanities and to seek only Thy Kingdom. May the example of Thy saints inspire us to follow Thee with undivided hearts, so that our names may also live in blessing before Thee. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.