Why then does the heavenly host exhibit unusual movement, transforming the small openings and subtle pathways used by angels into grand entrances for the triumphant entry of the Conqueror of death and the Redeemer of humanity? There is clarity in the original celestial interpretation of the Prophets' words, yet when spoken at the earthly Temple’s gates, they naturally call for relevant application.
Does this not signify the entry into the temple that will be sanctified by the gracious, mysterious presence of Jesus Christ, the King of glory, who desires to sit upon the temple's throne, just as He reigns at the right hand of God the Father in heaven? He seeks to impart grace from this place, as He bestows glory from above. However, what does it imply that the eternal gates are commanded to be uplifted, even as this command is given before temporal gates, which are material, and thus cannot understand or execute this command? To resolve this perplexity, we can refer to the words of the Apostle Paul regarding the temple and its sanctity: ‘For the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.’ The temple of God serves as a tangible representation of the spiritual temple, which embodies the true believer; thus, the holiness of the temple reflects the holiness of the Christian, and the sanctification of the temple signifies the believer's sanctification.
Therefore, during the consecration of the temple, when the call is made to the eternal gates, it pertains to the undying soul, to its free will, aspirations, and love, through which it can embrace God. When it is proclaimed that the gates should be uplifted, this encourages each individual to elevate their will away from base, earthly concerns toward sublime, heavenly matters, to raise their sorrowful thoughts and desires, to open wide their hearts through faith, and to expand them with love in communion with the limitless God.
If this interpretation of the Prophets' words and the rite of consecration appears overly simplistic to some, let them consider the clarity found in the utterance of another Prophet, who addresses those who honor God, collectively referred to as Israel: ‘Prepare yourself to meet your God.’ Let them recall the promise of God's visitation, which, instead of being metaphorical regarding gates or the temple, speaks directly to the believer and the loving soul: ‘If a man love Me, he will keep My words; and My Father will love him, and we will come unto him and make our abode with him.’ Thus, it is spoken to you, beloved soul—‘prepare yourself for the meeting with your God.’ How shall you prepare? When should you anticipate Him? Where might you encounter Him? Let us reflect more deeply.
Man is not fashioned to exist in separation from God. If the human soul is indeed the breath of life from the mouth of the Lord, as Genesis attests, then the intimacy between breath and the one who breathes should echo the closeness between the soul and God. A state of separation from God is fundamentally abnormal. To understand the root of this estrangement, we must acknowledge the truth articulated by the Prophet: ‘Your iniquities have separated between you and your God.’ Consider the first humans after their initial transgression: ‘And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day,’ which reflects man's original communion with God. Yet, ‘Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God’—this illustrates the sinful seclusion from God. Notice that our compassionate God approaches humanity even in sinful states; however, sinners often are not prepared to encounter God and flee from Him.
This dynamic does not cease in the paradise alone; after humanity's expulsion from paradise, God continues to reach out to the sinner to draw them back to Himself. He does not hesitate to engage even Cain, the one who committed fratricide, yet the sinner often moves further away, as Cain pronounces his own separation from the divine. Thus, from the dawn of creation, God has been reaching toward humanity, drawing near in nature, Providence, miracles, revelations, the law, and the prophets, culminating in His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Pay attention, attentive soul: do you not hear ‘the voice of the Lord God walking’ not only in paradise but throughout all creation? Will the wayward soul assert that it hears nothing of the divine? We respond: God remains unchanged and active; if you fail to hear Him, you are simply distracted. Since the eternal and omnipresent God is always and everywhere accessible, you can encounter Him at any time and place. Yet, due to sin, humanity turns away and withdraws from God; owing to inconsistencies and weaknesses, we are not always attentive; due to spiritual blindness and earthly numbness, we often overlook the gentle spiritual workings of the divine.
There are specific occasions and contexts where the divine invitation is particularly clear, urging man to prepare for God’s coming. ‘This will I do unto you, O Israel,’ says God through His Prophet, ‘prepare yourself to meet your God.’ While there is no need to investigate the particulars of God's actions toward Israel, from the prophetic message, it is evident that He warns of justice and accountability. For our current discussion, we acknowledge that God indeed performs specific deeds to capture humanity's attention, to make His approach known, to summon them for a meeting with Him, and to instill in them His saving intentions, beckoning them toward alignment with divine will.
‘Thy processions are seen, O God,’ proclaims the Psalm. Even if we have not witnessed extraordinary displays of divine majesty, such as those seen in mighty upheavals at Sinai, do we not recognize the subtler manifestations of God, which approach us at various moments? Life's disturbances often leave us feeling a vacancy, prompting us to seek beyond the distractions of earthly joys, which suddenly lose their appeal. Illness, grief, loss of peace, separation from devoted companions, betrayals by those we trust, persecution, scorn, and unexpected calamities might lead us to an awareness that worldly affections no longer satisfy; a longing arises that the material cannot fulfill. Do you comprehend what this is? It is the subtle yet undeniable ‘procession of our God,’ the ‘voice of the Lord walking’ that moves towards your soul, clearing the path from the distractions surrounding it. Accordingly, ‘as He performs these acts,’ He invites you, ‘prepare to meet your God, O Israel’—prepare your soul through the decisive rejection of worldly attachments that may obstruct the reception of God with an undivided heart.
When the dread of the future and the fear of divine judgment invade our conscious minds, awakening us from spiritual slumber; when our conscience illuminates our inner darkness, exposing all, even our hidden sins; this is but the ‘procession of God,’ both just and merciful, pursuing sin while simultaneously drawing near to the sinner in grace. Do not futilely hide yourself, as Adam did; do not condemn yourself further from God, as Cain did; ‘prepare to meet your God,’ with genuine remorse, tears of repentance, and a commitment to amend your ways.
Do you sense the upliftment and clarity of heart surrounding you when you act rightly, when you engage in fervent prayer, when you enter the house of God, when you heed His word? Understand this is the ‘voice of the Lord God walking in paradise’ within you, the kind invitation, the gentle knock at the heart's door from Him who declares: ‘Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any man hear My voice and open the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.’ Do not squander this precious moment; do not close off from the approaching Savior; ‘prepare yourself to encounter your God,’ opening your heart’s door through faith, love, and sincere willingness to receive and faithfully follow His guiding suggestions.
Herein lies the essence of gracious encounters. Those who lovingly await and diligently prepare will find their God frequently and intimately, enabling them to echo David’s proclamation: ‘I have set the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.’ Look favorably upon our Savior, Lord, and His Mother, who connects with all humanity; as well as those who seek to draw young hearts closer to You through the purpose of this sacred space. May You be ever-present and active in Your holy and sanctifying blessing, both now and in eternity. Amen.
THEOSIS