Homily for the Sunday of Venerable Mary of Egypt
By Fr. Daniel Sysoev
By Fr. Daniel Sysoev
In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit!
I congratulate all of you on the feast day of our Venerable Mother Mary of Egypt! As Mary of Egypt said: “The word of God is living and active, and it itself teaches a man.”
Therefore, we must learn spiritual truths from the example of Holy Scripture, tuning our soul so that it becomes God-like and not defiled, so that we may acquire deeds together with understanding. That is, we must unite within ourselves active virtues and the knowledge of God, and this union is given to us as an example in Saint Mary.
Our thoughts that we are sinful people, that we are insignificant, are refuted by the life of Mary of Egypt, who for more than seventeen years lived according to her passions and could not satisfy her lustful desire, being a prostitute. But having repented, she not only rose above sin, she reached unimaginable heights of holiness.
This shows us that we too can attain the unsetting radiance of God. We can become great merchants of God, and this is what we must strive for.
May the Lord, through the prayers of Mary of Egypt, protect us all!
May the Lord help you!
Source: Translated by John Sanidopoulos.
