Numbers 9:13Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Failing to observe the feasts of Christ is not merely a trivial issue; rather, it poses the gravest of dangers. The law illustrates this clearly, stating that an individual who has not become impure 'for the souls of men,' who has not undertaken an extensive journey, and who faces no overwhelming barrier, will incur severe punishment if he neglects his obligations as mandated by the law. The term 'unclean for the souls of men' can refer, as I previously noted, to the slayers of the Lord, specifically the people of Judah. Conversely, the one described as being on a long journey—separated from Jerusalem, the holy Church of our Savior—denotes those who proclaim, ‘To the tree God is my father, and to the rock, you begat me’ (Jer.

The three groups that appeared at the lawful Passover symbolize the various ranks of individuals who will partake in the heavenly and earthly feast. The foremost group is elevated above the Judgment, while the second consists of those who face judgment, and the third encompasses those who will not stand before the Judgment seat. Those who rise above the Judgment are characterized by their flawless deeds; the judged include those whose actions have been tested here through the purifying fire of repentance, leading them to attain eternal life. The final group, those who do not approach the Judgment, is comprised of those who have committed no good works, destined for everlasting torment, as it is written, ‘The wicked shall not be raised up in the Judgment’ (Psalm 1:5).

In the Old Testament, a severe judgment is declared against anyone who, without a legitimate excuse, fails to partake in the Passover, symbolized by eating of the sacrificial lamb. ‘And the man, even if he be clean, and is not on the way, and forsaketh not the Passover, his soul shall be consumed of his people.’ This principle resonates in the New Testament as well: ‘Amen, amen I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man, or drink His blood, you have no life in you’ (John 6:53). This reflects the profound unity of the two Testaments, revealing God's eternal plan and His ongoing Providence concerning this vital Sacrament.