THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
The purity of Christ was prefigured by the paschal offering involving the unblemished lamb; the deliverance of humanity through the sufferings of Christ paralleled the salvation granted through the firstfruits of this sacrifice; and the act of sanctification was symbolized by the consumption of the sacrifice. This has been previously addressed. Now, it is essential to examine from the remainder of the law how one who is to receive consecration ought to prepare, how they should approach the holy elements, and the manner of life they should adopt after participating in these sacred things.
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The law has given us a metaphorical guideline for those wishing to associate with Christ, as indicated in the rite of circumcision, where it is stated, “This is the statute of the Passover: no foreigner shall eat it; but every slave bought with silver, when thou hast circumcised him, may eat it.” Thus, circumcision was merely a shallow observance, lacking intrinsic value, since there seemed no difference between the circumcised and the uncircumcised. Conversely, the Israelites faced rebuke from God because, “For all these nations are uncircumcised, but the whole house of Israel is uncircumcised in heart” (Jer. 9:26). True circumcision involves a transformation of the heart, which renders one who is spiritually circumcised pleasing and acceptable to God, as it removes the physical veil inherited from our ancestors that must be shed. The law, in mandating the circumcision of the physical members, symbolically highlights birth and the coverings that accompany us from birth. Thus, one who does not forsake their earthly existence cannot achieve communion with Christ. “For we are the circumcision, who serve God in spirit and do not place our confidence in the flesh” (Phil. 3:3). Only a heart liberated from worldly desires can genuinely worship God and unite with Christ spiritually. The initiation of this circumcision is found in the Lord’s sufferings for us, who disregarded His physical being and accepted circumcision for our benefit; this sacrament is embodied in our baptism and manifests in our lives according to Christ’s example. “In Him you also were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, having been buried with Him in baptism” (Col. 2:11-12). Therefore, until you abandon your fleshly inclinations, you remain an outsider and will not share in the fellowship of the holy Christ, who descended from heaven; one must himself be heavenly to pursue celestial matters, as no one can ascend to the divine without relinquishing the earthly. Consequently, by first putting to death the old self through the grace of baptism, and diligently engaging in spiritual pursuits, you will draw closer to Christ and attain unity with Him.
It is necessary to clarify who was permitted to partake of the Passover. No uncircumcised individual could partake of it; if foreigners or slaves wished to eat, they had to undergo circumcision. Similarly, no one can fully partake in the communion of Christ without shedding human excess and purging oneself from the bodily impurities inherited from our ancestors. The model of this circumcision was the physical rite of circumcision. Therefore, as the prophet Jeremiah indicated, your stubbornness must also be circumcised (Jer. 4:4). Let us therefore strive for blessed communion with Christ and cleanse ourselves from worldly evils, empowering ourselves through spiritual virtues; let no one regress into the worldly ways, but let us pursue... the avoidance of distractions, so that we do not remain under the bondage of the ruler of this age, but transition into the freedom of Christ, to whom belongs glory forever.
Is it not equally inappropriate to interpret circumcision merely as a command from God for anyone wishing to eat the Passover to be circumcised beforehand? Understanding circumcision sacramentally reveals its deeper mystery and glorifies God. Circumcision pertains to the procreative members. From birth, you, human, wear a veil; this veil must be cast off so that you might perceive the truth openly, refraining from viewing it through the earthly husk of the body. Once liberated from the corporeal body, then you, as a spirit, will approach Christ and, united with the Lord, will become one spirit, sharing in the holy and redemptive communion alluded to by the act of consuming meat. Thus, be circumcised and cast away the body in union with Christ, as echoed in Paul’s words: “you are circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, the circumcision of Christ” (Col 2:11). Therefore, sever all selfishness, ambition, and love of pleasure, and instead partake of the divine nourishment that elevates one to heaven, liberating you from evil powers and fatigues, while providing a glorious and blessed pathway to God, through Christ Jesus our Lord, to whom belongs glory forever.
“No foreigner shall eat it. I do not cast pearls before swine, nor give holy things to dogs. He who has previously served sin must truly circumcise his heart and, freed from bitter bondage, approach the sacrament with dignity; thus, having gained freedom, he will be ready to partake of the Passover, since “Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us” (Gal. 3:13).