THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
The sacred nature of Christ was prefigured by the Passover offering of the unblemished lamb; likewise, the redemption of humanity through the sufferings endured by Christ was anticipated by the salvation represented by the firstfruits offered during the Passover; further, the process of sanctification was symbolized by the consumption of this offering. We have previously discussed these aspects. Now, we must examine the additional requirements specified in the law regarding how one should prepare for consecration, how to approach the sacred, and the life one should live after becoming a participant in the sacred.
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For this reason, the lawgiver provides us with a metaphorical understanding through the practice of circumcision, stating, "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, while circumcision is a partial act, it does not inherently confer virtue upon an individual; being uncircumcised could be as commendable as being circumcised. Indeed, Scripture indicates that the Israelites were rebuked for this very issue: "For all these nations are uncircumcised, but the whole house of Israel is uncircumcised in heart" (Jer. 9:26). Genuine circumcision involves a transformation of the heart, making the individuals acceptable and pleasing to God. This transformation involves shedding the physical pursuits inherited from our ancestors, a process signified in the law by the requirement of physical circumcision, which parallels our natural birth and the coverings we bear from it. Therefore, those who cling to a life of fleshly desires cannot achieve communion with Christ. "Circumcision is that we who worship by the Spirit of God... do not place our confidence in the flesh" (Phil. 3:3). Only a heart that is detached from earthly matters is capable of true service to God and intimate union with Christ in spirit. The initiation of this circumcision is epitomized in the suffering of our Lord, who disregarded His own flesh to accept circumcision on our behalf. This sacrament is represented in our baptism and is realized in our lives through Christ. "In Him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not performed by human hands, but by putting off the sinful nature, not the circumcision of Christ; having been buried with Him in baptism" (Col. 2:11-12). Thus, unless one has renounced worldly inclinations, they remain an outsider and will not partake in the holiness of Christ, who descended from heaven. To enter heavenly realms, one must first become like the heavens, as no one can ascend to the divine without forsaking earthly ties. By putting the old self to death through the grace bestowed in baptism and engaging diligently in spiritual endeavors, one will draw closer to Christ and be united with Him.
It must be clarified who is permitted to partake in the Passover. Uncircumcised individuals were excluded from eating the Passover meal; thus, foreigners and slaves needed to undergo circumcision. Similarly, no one may become a participant in Christ without first shedding the excesses of human nature and purifying themselves from the inherited impurities of the flesh. The model of this transformation is found in the physical act of circumcision, as the prophet Jeremiah admonishes the people that their obstinacy must also be circumcised (Jer. 4:4). Therefore, let us hasten towards the blessed fellowship with Christ, seeking to cleanse ourselves from the evils of the world so that we might be made holy through the virtues of the Spirit. Let none turn back to worldly ways; rather, let us eagerly pursue... the omissions, thereby liberating ourselves from the dominion of the adversary of this age and stepping into the freedom of Christ, to whom be glory forever. Amen.
It would be inappropriate to perceive circumcision merely in the literal sense as a prerequisite for consuming the Passover. Instead, if one interprets circumcision spiritually, its profound meaning will become clear, allowing one to glorify God. Circumcision pertains to the generative faculties, for from birth, humanity is veiled; this veil must be discarded so that one may behold truth with an unveiled face, rather than viewing it through the corporeal mask we bear. However, once liberated from the fleshly form, you will arrive at Christ, uniting your spirit with the Lord, sharing in the holy and salvific communion that is anticipated in the consumption of the sacrificial offering. Therefore, be circumcised in spirit and collectively relinquish the sinful body of flesh alongside Christ, as Paul teaches, "You were circumcised in Him with a circumcision not made by hand, but by putting off the sinful nature, a circumcision of Christ" (Col. 2:11). Thus, by severing all self-centeredness, ambition, and indulgence in pleasure, partake of the divine sustenance that leads to heaven, liberating you from oppressive powers, freeing you from toil, and offering you a glorious and blessed path to God through Christ Jesus our Lord, to whom be glory forever. Amen.
“No foreigner shall eat it.” I do not cast pearls before swine, nor bestow holy things upon dogs. One who has previously served sin must first circumcise their heart and, upon being freed from the bitter bondage of sin, approach the sacrament with dignity; then, liberated, they can partake of the Passover, for "Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law" (Gal. 3:13).