THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
Would you also like to behold the altar of grace? This altar was not erected by Bezaleel or any other human but is established by God Himself; not constructed of mere stones, but of a essence more radiant than the heavens—of enlightened souls. But does the priest enter the most sacred place? Indeed, you who offer the sacrifice of love can approach an even more profound sanctuary, where only your Father, who observes you in secret, dwells (Matt. 6:6), unseen by anyone else.
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You might wonder, “How can it be unseen when the altar is open before us?” The remarkable truth is that at that moment, the double doors and veils render the sanctuary empty, yet now, when you present a sacrificial offering among the people, you do so as though you have stepped into the holy of holies, approaching with reverence. If you act not for the sake of human recognition, even if the entire universe were to witness, it would remain hidden because you performed it for God alone. God did not merely state, “Do not perform your righteous deeds before men,” but added the reasoning: “so that they may see you” (do not perform before men for the purpose of their gaze) (Matthew 6:1). This altar consists of the very components of Christ, and the body of our Lord Himself serves as your altar. Reverence Him: upon the body of the Lord, your offering takes place. This altar holds more awe than the new altar or even the ancient one. Yet, there is no cause for alarm. This altar is wondrous due to the offering made upon it, while that altar—the altar of grace—is remarkable because it comprises the very sacrifice that sanctifies it. Additionally, this altar transforms from a stone by nature to a sacred object through the presence of Christ’s body, and that altar is astonishing because it embodies the body of Christ. Thus, more fearsome than this altar is the one at which you, a layperson, stand. What value will Aaron hold for you in comparison to this? What significance do the offerings or the bells have? What is the holy of holies? Is there even a need to contrast the altar of grace with the ancient altar, given its brilliance? In the meantime, you revere this altar for receiving the body of Christ while you disregard that which is the body of Christ itself, often neglecting it in its destruction. You can find such an altar everywhere—in streets and squares—and you can present your sacrifices whenever you desire, for here too, the sacrifice is sanctified. Just as the Jew stands before the altar, invoking the Spirit, you also call upon the Spirit, though not with speech, but through your actions. Nothing ignites or sustains the Spirit’s fire like the abundant oil poured forth. If you wish to understand what happens to that which is placed upon the altar, come, and I will reveal it to you as well. Now, what aroma, what fragrance arises from this altar? It is glory and gratitude. Where does it ascend? To heaven? No—above heaven, and beyond the “heaven of heavens,” it rises to the very throne of the King. “Thy prayers,” it is written, “and thy alms have come to remembrance before God” (Thy prayers and thy alms have come up before God) (Acts 10:4). Earthly incense does not extend far into the air; however, this transcends even the highest heavens. And though you may be silent, your deeds proclaim loudly, forming a sacrifice of praise; not the body quenched, nor the skin scorched, but the discerning soul offering its own. Such a sacrifice is more precious than all of humanity. Therefore, when you encounter a poor member of the faithful, envision that you are looking upon an altar. When you see such a beggar, not only should you avoid insulting him, but you should treat him with dignity; and if you witness another mocking him, intervene, and defend him. In doing so, you may find hope for pardon from God and receive the promised blessings, available to all through the grace and kindness of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom be glory with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.