Sunday Homily on Hebrews 11:9-10, 17-23, 32-40, Matthew 1:1-25
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, as we approach the radiant feast of the Nativity, the Church presents us with two readings; the Epistle to the Hebrews and the Gospel of Matthew. Together, these passages illuminate the journey of faith, sacrifice, and the fulfilment of divine promises. These themes, woven through the story of salvation, reach their beautiful fulfilment in the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Epistle recounts the steadfast faith of the patriarchs. Abraham, a sojourner in a foreign land, trusted in the promise of God, awaiting “a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” By faith, he was willing to offer his son Isaac, believing in God’s ability to raise the dead if necessary. This was not just a test of obedience but a prophetic image of God the Father’s ultimate sacrifice of His Son for our redemption. Saint John Chrysostom reflects on this unwavering trust, saying, “The faith of the patriarchs was not merely in the promises of God but in the God who promised.” Their faith shone through uncertainty and connected human weakness to God’s boundless promise.
The Gospel genealogy of Christ, often overlooked, is a powerful testament to God’s providence. From Abraham to David, through exile and restoration, every moment prepared for the coming of the Messiah. Saint Cyril of Alexandria reminds us that this lineage is not just a historical record but a narrative of redemption. It includes saints and sinners alike, showing how God transforms even the most imperfect lives into instruments of His grace. Saint Ephraim the Syrian beautifully notes, “The Son of God descended into the lineage of Adam to redeem all humanity, that by His descent, He might raise us to the heights of His kingdom.”
Faith, as we see in these readings, is not just belief; it’s an active trust in God’s promises, even when His plan feels hidden. Consider Abraham, who dwelt in tents, trusting in the unseen city built by God Himself. Such faith goes beyond what reason can grasp and draws us closer to the divine. Saint Basil the Great teaches us that this trust is a bridge that unites the soul with God, allowing us to walk where reason cannot tread. This faith sustains us through trials and guides us to align with God’s eternal purpose.
Let me share a story that echoes this depth of faith. In a small mountain village, a shepherd named Elias faced a harsh winter with scarce provisions. One day, a weary traveller appeared, seeking warmth and food. Despite his own need, Elias shared the last of his bread and the warmth of his humble dwelling. The traveller, unbeknownst to him, was an angel testing the depths of his faith and compassion. By his selflessness, Elias showed the essence of faith—trusting in God’s care beyond immediate circumstances. Later, he discovered his flock miraculously multiplied, his grain replenished, and his family sustained. This is the beauty of faith: when we give, we receive; when we let go of ourselves, we discover true life.
The saints enumerated in the Epistle to the Hebrews the great cloud of witnesses embody this enduring faith. They suffered trials, endured mockery, and even faced martyrdom; their eyes fixed on the eternal Kingdom. Saint Maximus the Confessor teaches that their faith was not about worldly rewards but alignment with God’s divine purpose. Like them, we are called to live with our gaze fixed on eternal promises, not on fleeting comforts.
As we reflect on the Nativity, we see this faith perfectly embodied in the Theotokos. Her humble assent to God’s will, “Let it be to me according to your word,” is the ultimate act of trust. Similarly, Saint Joseph embraced divine mysteries beyond human understanding, trusting in God’s plan for salvation. Their faith reminds us that even our brokenness can be filled with the gold of God’s glory, transforming our lives into vessels of divine purpose.
Beloved, the promise given to Abraham is fulfilled in Christ, and the city for which he longed is revealed in the Church, the Body of Christ. Like Abraham, may we dwell in the tent of uncertainty, trusting in God’s unfailing love. Like Elias, may we live with open hearts, confident that God’s care will always sustain us. And like the saints who have gone before us, let us recognise that our true citizenship is not of this passing world but of the eternal Kingdom, where faith is transformed into vision and hope into reality.
To Him who is Emmanuel, God with us, be glory, honour, and worship, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Copyright © 2024 The Rev. Adrian Augustus
