THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
And not only he, but also Ishmael and all those who were part of his household were circumcised. It is crucial, beloved, to recognize that it makes a difference whether a healthy part of the body is removed or one that is unwell. Physicians may sometimes amputate a diseased limb, yet the discomfort in such cases tends to be less severe. Here, the member is severed in a lifeless state, having already lost its vitality. And there stands an aged man—one who has reached a hundred—enduring his suffering with acceptance, striving to obey God’s command and inspiring both his son and all his household to demonstrate fervor in fulfilling God's command promptly. Observe how virtuous a man he is; he models the way for all his servants to follow.
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What I shared yesterday is reiterated today: since the time of Abraham’s initial circumcision along with his household, God ordained that children should undergo circumcision at an early age so that they might subconsciously bear this physical transformation without anguish. Yet, beloved, let us also recognize here the profound compassion of God and His ineffable goodness towards us. In the Old Testament, circumcision was primarily about suffering and labor with little benefit beyond distinguishing the Jews from other nations; however, our circumcision—referring to the grace of baptism—is a painless remedy, a source of countless blessings, and fills us with the grace of the Holy Spirit. It does not demand a specific time for its administration as the former did; rather, individuals at any age—whether youthful, middle-aged, or elderly—can receive this spiritual circumcision, which is bearable and alleviates the burden of sin while granting forgiveness for all transgressions committed throughout life. Thus, our merciful God, aware of our profound weakness and our need for a powerful remedy amidst unhealed suffering, has arranged for our salvation through the bath of renewal, enabling us, having cast off the old self—marked by sinful deeds—to embrace the new and walk in the way of virtue.
Let us not, I implore you, be less grateful than the unfeeling Jews. They took great care to avoid mingling with Gentiles after receiving the sign of circumcision, and through their own wickedness, they often surpassed even the Gentiles. We, having received the circumcision of baptism, must conduct ourselves with care. I do not suggest we avoid all contact with Gentiles; rather, let us remain steadfast in our virtues and, even in our interactions with them, lead them towards godliness, edifying them through our exemplary actions. This is why the Lord permits both the righteous and the wicked to coexist, so that the unrighteous may benefit from the righteous, and the ungodly may be guided toward holiness. God desires the salvation of our souls above all else. Let us not be negligent, either for ourselves or for our neighbors; we must take care to order our lives in a manner pleasing to God, and attend to our neighbors, letting our virtues shine forth to instruct those who observe us without words. For if we uphold virtue, we will experience great benefit ourselves and positively influence non-believers. Conversely, if we give in to negligence, we risk incurring severe punishment and leading others astray. Just as virtuous living brings us divine rewards both for our own righteousness and for drawing others into virtue, sinful actions hold us accountable not only for our own failings but also for causing others to stumble.
Let this not be true for any among us gathered here; rather, let us all direct our lives towards the edification of those who witness us, that we can stand confidently before the judgment of Christ and receive the indescribable blessings yet to come, through the grace and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ. To Him, along with the Father and the Holy Spirit, be glory, power, and honor, now and forever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.