Monday, January 12, 2004
The Venerable Sabbas of Serbia
Kellia: Isaiah 1:16-20 Epistle: Hebrews 11:17-23, 27-31 Gospel: St. Mark 9:42-10:1
Isaiah 1:16-20 LXX, especially vs. 19, "if ye...hearken to
Me, ye shall eat the good of the land." St. Paul refers to the passing of Israel through the Red Sea
so that we should recall our Baptism "to the intent that we...not lust after evil things as they also
lusted" (1 Cor. 10:6). Both the Apostle and the Prophet Isaiah warn us that it is possible, despite
union with Christ, to fall into sin after receiving the Christian Mystery.
Notice, in the Isaiah reading, that God delivers both commands (vss. 16-18) and promises (vss.
18-20). Baptism and membership into the Church do not guarantee salvation. As members of
Christ, we receive the promise that "in Christ all shall be made alive" (1 Cor 15:22), but as the
Prophet and the Apostle both teach, we are joined to the Lord so that we should "work out [our]
own salvation with fear and trembling" (Phil. 2:12). Baptism guarantees that "it is God Who
works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure" (Phil. 2:13). However, salvation also
requires our effort, for God blesses those who strive to keep His commands. So let us consider
the eight commands and two promises which we have received from God through Isaiah.
First, we are to wash (Is. 1:16). Baptism is not optional. The risen Lord reiterated this command
in specific form to the Apostles on the mountain in Galilee, promising to be with the Church to
the end of the age (Mt. 28:19-20). His presence is the important assurance in Baptism.
Second, we must cleanse not just what is visible, but "remove [our] iniquities from [our] souls
before Mine eyes" (Is. 1:16). God looks within where the eye of man does not penetrate. As the
Lord says, "first cleanse the inside of the cup" (Mt. 23:26). St. John Cassian urges us to "establish
purity of heart...it is for this that we should do everything."
Third, with purification must come the acquisition of virtues. The Lord says, "learn to do well"
(Is. 1:17 LXX). The verb is "mathete," which is the root in Greek for the word 'disciple'. It
implies training in what is good, including practice, reflection, correction, and re-practice. The
good developed within must be woven into our outward relationships and actions with others.
Fourth, the Lord says, "diligently seek judgment" (vs. 17). The verb in the original can refer to
that which we decide objectively, even to judicial findings; but also it may refer to
discrimination, the kind of inner discernment needed to make God-pleasing decisions.
Fifth, therefore, we are to seek the leading of the Holy Spirit before all else.
Sixth all the internal work of the Christian life is worth nothing if it does not lead us to "deliver
him that is suffering wrong" (vs. 17). In St. Paul's words, "though I have the gift of prophecy,
and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could
remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing." (1 Cor. 13:2). Good feelings, thoughts, and
intentions must be put to work lovingly on behalf of those who are suffering.
Seventh, loving care in action must be extended to the most defenseless: the orphans and widows.
God requires that we "plead for the orphan, and obtain justice for the widow" (Is. 1:17).
Eighth, having stated clearly what He expects of us after Baptism, our Lord Jesus Christ invites
us to consider the heart along with the promises of the glorious Gospel message: no matter if our
sins have been "as purple, I will make them white as snow," says the Lord (vs. 18). "God was in
Christ reconciling the world to Himself" (2 Cor 5:19). Forgiveness is ever the touchstone of our
Faith, but we must "be willing, and hearken to our merciful God," Who yearns to give us "the
good of the land" (Is. 1:19) rather than a sword to devour us (vs. 20).
O Lord, manifest Thyself in us who are Baptized with water in Thy Name, and grant that we may
be transformed, putting away the old man and putting on the new man in Thine image.
