“And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)
Saint Ephrem the Syrian offers the following insight on these verses from today’s Gospel:
“On this day on which the Lord of all came among servants, let the lords also bow down to their servants lovingly.
On this day when the rich One was made poor for our sake, let the rich man also make the poor man a sharer at his table.
On this day a gift came out to us without our asking for it; let us then give alms to those who cry out and beg from us.
This Lord of natures today was transformed contrary to his nature; it is not too difficult for us also to overthrow our evil will.
Bound is the body by its nature for it cannot grow larger or smaller; but powerful is the will for it may grow to all sizes.
Today the Deity imprinted itself on humanity, so that humanity might also be cut into the seal of Deity.” (Homily on Our Lord, 21.)
On this day when the rich One was made poor for our sake, let the rich man also make the poor man a sharer at his table.
On this day a gift came out to us without our asking for it; let us then give alms to those who cry out and beg from us.
This Lord of natures today was transformed contrary to his nature; it is not too difficult for us also to overthrow our evil will.
Bound is the body by its nature for it cannot grow larger or smaller; but powerful is the will for it may grow to all sizes.
Today the Deity imprinted itself on humanity, so that humanity might also be cut into the seal of Deity.” (Homily on Our Lord, 21.)
Collect
O God,
Who wonderfully created the dignity of human nature
and still more wonderfully restored it, grant,
we pray, that we may share in the divinity of Christ,
who humbled Himself to share in our humanity.
Who lives and reigns with You
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Who wonderfully created the dignity of human nature
and still more wonderfully restored it, grant,
we pray, that we may share in the divinity of Christ,
who humbled Himself to share in our humanity.
Who lives and reigns with You
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Glory to the Father
and to the Son
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and will be forever. Amen
and to the Son
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and will be forever. Amen
