Homily 55 #
On the same day [Wednesday of the Sixth Week of Lent] — The Prophecy of Isaiah, interpreted concerning those who set tables for idols.
[Isaiah, ch. 65] Thus saith the Lord: “As the new wine is found in the cluster, and one saith, Destroy it not; for a blessing is in it: so will I do for My servants’ sakes, that I may not destroy them all.”
Interpretation.
The “cluster” means a faithful person, and the “grape” is good deeds performed with obedience to the divine Scriptures.
“If the cluster has no juice, it shall be cut off and cast into the fire.”
Interpretation.
To be “cut off” means death, and to be “cast into the fire” is the unquenchable fire of the age to come.
“Those who hear Me and serve Me I will not destroy, but I will bring forth a good seed from Jacob and from Judah, and they shall inherit My holy mountain.”
Interpretation.
The “good seed from Jacob” means the faithful who walk according to the divine law. These shall inherit God’s “holy mountain,” that is, the Church and the teaching of the Church. Zion is that holy mountain, where the Lord revealed all His grace. And that mountain of Zion is called the mother of churches, for in her is the teaching of all divine Scripture.
“Mine elect shall inherit My holy mountain, and My servants shall dwell there.”
Interpretation.
These are they who serve God and do His will, not those who serve vain idols. These are the servants of God, who offer a pure sacrifice to the Living God with meekness of heart and with understanding of sound church teaching.
“There shall be a fold for the flocks in the forest.”
Interpretation.
The “pasture” is paradise, the “fold” is the place of paradise, and the “sheep” are the faithful, who serve God and not idols.
“And the valley of Achor a place for the herds to lie down in.”
Interpretation.
The “valley of Achor” means the pasture of the heavenly Jerusalem, and the “herds” are gentle bishops and priests, who walk according to the teaching of the Church and teach others rightly.
“But ye that forsake the Lord, that forget My holy mountain, that prepare a table for that troop, and that furnish the drink offering unto that number—therefore will I number you to the sword, and ye shall all bow down to the slaughter.”
Interpretation.
“Slaughter” means death, and the “sword” is the torment of eternal punishment.
“Because when I called, ye did not answer; when I spake, ye did not hear; but did evil before Mine eyes, and did choose that wherein I delighted not—therefore thus saith the Lord: Behold, My servants shall eat, but ye shall be hungry; behold, My servants shall drink, but ye shall be thirsty; behold, My servants shall rejoice, but ye shall be ashamed; behold, My servants shall sing for joy of heart, but ye shall cry for sorrow of heart, and shall howl for vexation of spirit.”
Interpretation.
This will not happen in this life only, but especially in the life to come. You have forsaken your comfort, and the peace of the age to come shall be given to My chosen servants—but you, the Lord shall strike down. Those who serve Me shall be blessed, singing to the true God, but you will sing the songs of demons and idols.
Interpretation.
Great is the evil of not knowing the teaching of the Scriptures. Great is the evil of refusing to listen to those who are wiser than oneself. Great is the evil of not understanding what is read—or, having understood it, of not doing the will of God according to the written law.
Therefore, brothers, having heard this, turn away from vain deeds and the service of Satan, and from setting tables for idols. Instead, do the will of God, and listen to the words of the prophets, the teachings of the apostles, and the traditions of the holy fathers—so that you may receive the forgiveness of sins, and inherit eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. To Him be glory, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.