Joel 1:13Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Therefore, the priests, as stated, must not only undertake various labors but also embrace the labor of prayer: lamenting, weeping, and donning a veil, symbolizing the renunciation of comfort and rest, the embrace of a rigorous life, and the rightful and virtuous way of living a holy existence. Then, presenting a clear rationale for their efforts, it is articulated that upon ‘departing from the house’ of the Lord, they should offer ‘sacrifice and libation.’ This is a potent declaration: it does not imply a reduction or diminishment of the sacrifice and libation, but rather signifies a complete separation. This represents a grave and distressing reality for the leaders of the people when their followers find themselves unable to appease God in any way.

The holy priest who partakes of the Lord's Passover should fasten himself with a belt of purity and listen to the command along with the apostles: "Let your loins be girded and your lamps burning in your hands" (Luke 12:35). But he who has sinned and feels a burden of guilt should wear sackcloth, lamenting for their own sins or those of the people, and should return to the Church from which they have departed due to their transgressions, lying or resting in the sackcloth to atone for their past sins that have displeased God. Those who indulge in luxury in the king's palace are condemned (Matthew 11:8). Therefore, the priests must fasten their garments, weep and mourn, and rest in their vestments, for they are summoned to repentance by the prophet, who inquires, "Ministers of my God! Why has the sacrifice and offering, as mentioned previously, ceased within the house of God?" It is insufficient merely to weep or mourn and don garments of sorrow; they must also sanctify the fast and gather together. If all fasts were pleasing to God, He would not have instructed, "Sanctify the fast." As the Lord states, "I have chosen not a fast of this kind" (Isaiah 58:5). Moreover, in the Gospel, those who disfigure their faces to appear to others as fasting are rebuked (Matthew 6:16). During your fasts, as He declares, you strike with your fists and oppress the poor (Isaiah 58:3-4). Therefore, He now commands, "Sanctify fasting." The Manichaeans and other heretical groups fast, particularly the Enkratites led by Tatian, yet such fasting is more detrimental than excess and drunkenness. Call forth a gathering for healing, that through repentance we may be cleansed of our sins. The Hebrew term for assembly is asaga, which Simmachus translated as synod. Akilah refers to gathering days. Bring together the elders, those nearing the end of their lives, whose seasoned minds are more inclined to reverence and serve the Lord, as well as all the inhabitants of the land, of whom the prophet previously remarked (v. 2), "Hear this, you elders, and listen with the ears of all the inhabitants of the land," so that the elders and the inhabitants may be united in the house of God, which is the Church. And once they are gathered in the Church, forming one flock from the diverse assembly of priests and people, elders and common folk, then earnestly call upon the Lord in your hearts and say: