THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
Gentiles were strictly prohibited from entering the temple and were profoundly detested for attempting to do so. What can I say about entering the temple? Moreover, the Jews themselves faced severe penalties as the law strictly forbade them from associating with Gentiles. The prophet Haggai addressed these issues by proclaiming judgment and calling for retribution against such unlawful unions through marriage. However, the situation is different for us; the Church, embracing all with great generosity, opens her arms wide to welcome every nation of the world. The early proponents of our faith were given a clear mandate from the Only Begotten when they heard Him command: ‘Go ye therefore and make disciples of all nations’ (Matthew 28:19).