Numbers 28:2Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The types of offerings suitable for the new month and for the Sabbaths, as well as for fasting and the Feast of Tabernacles, are not explicitly detailed by the Lawgiver in the book of Leviticus. However, he elaborates on these topics with great thoroughness in the book of Numbers. Shall we explore this in depth, addressing each aspect individually? Palladius replies eagerly in agreement. Cyril then points out that the Divine law emphasizes the importance of presenting sacrifices during feasts. It seems essential that in these moments, we should present to God the fragrance of our lives in Christ, akin to the aroma of incense, offering ourselves as a pleasing burnt offering. This aligns with the exhortation that we should "present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, for your reasonable service" (Rom. 12:1).

In our pursuit of faith, we must ensure that our actions are exemplary, for this constitutes the complete and perfect offering, as the Lord instructs us regarding our gifts and sacrifices to Him: ‘Take heed that ye offer sacrifices unto Me on My feast days, neither separating nor taking away anything, but offering sacrifices full, undefiled, and perfect.’ The Lord's feast day is marked by the presence of perfect virtues. These virtues become complete when the triumphant spirit forsakes the temptations of indulgence, worldly distractions, and physical bondage, surrendering entirely to God without straying from the course of righteous intention, dedicating the time of his affection neither to extravagance nor to toil. Only the wise individual partakes in this victory, for it is rare to encounter a soul unencumbered by such passions.