Leviticus 3:8Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Cyril. Concerning both the sheep and the goat, He establishes a singular principle; the same sacrificial rite was conducted for both, with the differing sizes of the animals serving as a significant reflection of the devotion and honor of the individuals presenting the offering. One animal is abundant and excellent, symbolizing heightened piety, akin to the appearance of the calf; another is less impressive, represented by the sheep; while the goat, being smaller than the sheep, signifies an even lower measure. This aligns with the parable in the Gospel where the fruitful ground yielded harvests of "a hundred," "sixty," and "thirty" (Matt. 13:8:23). Palladius. Concord.

The individual presenting the offering places their hands upon the sacrificial animal, as if to signify that their deeds (since hands represent actions) are encompassed in this act of sacrifice.