Joel 2:26Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

And my people shall never be disgraced; you will witness that I am present among the people of Israel, for I am the Lord your God, and there is none other like Me. My people will not face everlasting shame. The reality of the Incarnation is plainly evident, revealing that He who lowered Himself and took on human form would choose to dwell among the inhabitants of the earth, as stated in Philippians 2:7. In this way, He was indeed present 'in the midst of Israel,' enabling us to escape disgrace and be freed from shame, after death had been confronted and sin eradicated, while true understanding was ushered in. We no longer worship 'the creature rather than the Creator' (Romans 1:25); we acknowledge no other God apart from Him. Consequently, we are enriched by the assurance of hope (2 Corinthians 1:7) and have faith in eternal life, embracing a life characterized by holiness and righteousness.

This represents the greatest of blessings, not merely to indulge in them excessively, but rather to offer thanksgiving to the source of all good gifts. For those who express gratitude and cherish God's mercies, He assures that His people will never experience disgrace. However, if the Jewish people find themselves in shame now, it is not because the living God has failed in His promises; rather, they themselves have become unworthy of those promises. They have shown ingratitude towards the Benefactor, labeling the Master of the household as Beelzebub, and they have slain the Heir, failing to produce the required fruits in due season while seeking to usurp the inheritance (Mark 12:7).

Those who have endured hunger will be filled and give thanks to the Lord, acknowledging His wonderful provision for them. Only a miracle can account for the abundant harvest of bread, grapes, and olives produced in a single year, equivalent to what typically arises over several years. The Lord assures that His followers will never be disappointed in their trust in Him, even in times of distress, provided that their hope is accompanied by acts of devotion such as those they have offered in this instance. This reflection is intended to be read on the eve of the Great Lent, highlighting the strength of fasting paired with genuine repentance and practiced openly. This was the fast that the Lord demanded from the Israelites during their affliction from locusts. For Christians to seek God's favor through fasting, they must adopt a similar approach.