"Be #Holy, for I the Lord Your God Am Holy" - A Reflection on Divine Holiness and Human Sanctification
Beloved brethren in faith, grace unto you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. We find ourselves gathered, in spirit and truth, to contemplate a profound declaration from the Holy Scriptures, as recorded in Leviticus 19:2: "You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy." This divine injunction is not merely a command but a call to the essence of our Christian life, a summons to mirror the holiness of God Himself.
The Nature of Divine Holiness
First, let us consider the nature of God's holiness. Holiness, in the context of the Almighty, is not an attribute acquired from another; it is intrinsic to His very being. God is holy in an absolute, perfect, and unoriginated sense. This holiness is reflective of His otherness, His complete separation from sin, and His supreme purity.
God's holiness is foundational to all His works and words. As Isaiah proclaims, the seraphim around the throne cry endlessly, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory!" (Isaiah 6:3). This triple exclamation underscores the perfect holiness of God, a holiness that permeates the entirety of His creation, declaring His glory and righteousness.
The Call to Human Holiness
Turning to the call of Leviticus 19:2, we are bid to be holy as God is holy. This command beckons us to a life set apart, consecrated unto God. It is a call that transcends mere moral uprightness or religious observance; it is an invitation to partake in the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4), to be transformed by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
Holiness Through Grace and Communion
How, then, can we, who are but dust and ashes, aspire to such celestial heights of holiness? It is through grace, dearly beloved. Holiness is imparted to us through the redemptive work of Christ on the cross, where He, being holy, took upon Himself our sin and shame, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:21).
In the sacrament of Baptism, we are buried with Christ into His death and raised to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4). This sacramental rebirth is the genesis of our sanctification, the moment we are marked out as holy unto the Lord. But let it be clear, this sanctification is both instantaneous and progressive. While we are declared holy by virtue of Christ's merit, we are also called to grow in holiness, to be sanctified in truth and love through continual obedience to God's Word and Spirit.
The Community of the Holy
Moreover, holiness is not an isolated journey. As the Church, the body of Christ, we are collectively called to be a holy nation, a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9), set apart to proclaim the excellencies of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. In this holy communion, we find strength and encouragement, as iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17), to pursue purity and sanctity.
The Struggle Against Sin
Yet, this call to holiness is not without its struggles. We reside in a world marred by sin, surrounded by temptations and trials that seek to deviate us from our sacred path. Here, the words of the Apostle Paul resonate deeply, reminding us to put off the old self with its practices and to put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator (Colossians 3:9-10).
Conclusion: The Hope of Holiness
In conclusion, my beloved, the command to be holy as God is holy is both a daunting challenge and a glorious promise. It is daunting because it calls us to a standard that is divine; yet, it is glorious because it promises us the very life of God through communion with Him. Let us then, with reverence and awe, pursue this holiness, not as those who strive in vain, but as those who are empowered by the Spirit of the Holy God, confident that He who began this good work in us will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6).
The Feast of #Debre #Mitmaq: A Celestial Manifestation of the Virgin #Mary
In the rich tapestry of Christian traditions, the Feast of Debre Mitmaq holds a special place in the hearts of the faithful, serving as a profound reminder of the Virgin Mary’s presence and her divine intercessions. Celebrated with deep religious fervor, this festival commemorates the miraculous appearances of the Holy Virgin Mary atop the dome of the Debre Matmak church in Egypt, spanning from May 21 to May 25.
Historical and Spiritual Significance
The origins of Debre Mitmaq are deeply rooted in the holy sojourn of the Virgin Mary and her son, Jesus Christ, to Egypt and Ethiopia. It is said that upon their visit, the Lord sanctified the ground of Debre Mitmaq, proclaiming it a divine realm of Marian apparitions. This prophecy was fulfilled when the Virgin Mary chose this sacred site to reveal herself, blessing it as a sanctuary for countless monks and pilgrims seeking spiritual solace.
Visions of the Divine
The apparitions at Debre Mitmaq are not mere visual phenomena; they are profound spiritual encounters. The Virgin Mary is described as appearing in resplendent light, surrounded by celestial hosts and seraphim who honor her with deep reverence. Such visions were confirmed by historical texts like the Book of Sanksar, which vividly describe how saints and martyrs, including prominent figures like Saint George and Saint Mercurius, paid homage to her during these miraculous events.
Impact on the Community
The festival is more than a celebration; it acts as a spiritual catalyst. The days of Marian appearances at Debre Mitmaq were times of conversion and redemption. Pagans found faith, sinners received mercy, and the entire community was imbued with a sense of divine grace. Every prayer and wish directed to the Virgin Mary during this period was fulfilled, reinforcing her role as a mediator between the divine and the earthly.
Literary and Theological Reflections
The significance of these events has been echoed through centuries in the writings of saints and scholars. They saw in Mary not just a mother, but a foundational figure in the Christian narrative of salvation and redemption. Theologians like Emperor Zera Jacob and Saint Ephraim the Syrian have penned praises, likening her to a beacon of hope and a bastion of purity. Their writings often reflect a deep theological understanding of Mary's role in divine economy, portraying her as an essential conduit of God’s grace to humanity.
Father Tsige’s Spiritual Exhortations
Father Tsige's reflections on the Virgin Mary’s apparitions offer a poignant reminder of the emotional and spiritual impact of these events. In his writings, he narrates how even the most mundane interactions during the apparitions, like the exchange of handkerchiefs, became sacred acts of communion with the divine, each carrying blessings back to the homes of the faithful.
Cultural and Social Reverberations
The annual celebration of Debre Mitmaq extends beyond the confines of the church, influencing societal norms and cultural practices. It serves as a powerful reminder of the Virgin Mary's enduring presence in the lives of her devotees. The festival also reinforces community bonds, as people of all ages and backgrounds gather in unity to celebrate this miraculous event.
Conclusion: A Call to Spiritual Awakening
As we reflect on the Feast of Debre Mitmaq, let us be inspired by the Virgin Mary’s example of humility, obedience, and purity. Her appearances are not just historical footnotes but are calls to a deeper spiritual awakening. They invite us to seek refuge in her maternal embrace and find peace in the promise of her intercession.
In the grandeur of these celebrations, the message is clear: the Virgin Mary stands as a pillar of hope and a beacon of salvation, guiding the faithful toward divine love and eternal life. Let us, therefore, approach her with reverent hearts and let her spiritual presence illuminate our paths toward sanctity and grace.