The reality of the Incarnation of the Word shows us that God wanted to establish a relationship with humanity. He desired to befriend mankind, so He came down to us, took on our human form, bore our pains and sufferings, and resembled us in everything except sin.
The concept of friendship is based on an agreement between two parties. This friendship can occur either when both are on the same level or when one is greater than the other. In the latter case, the greater party must humble themselves to the level of the other for friendship to be possible. Without this humility, true friendship cannot exist. Similarly, the Lord God willed to humble Himself by taking on human form so He could befriend the weak and sinful humanity.
When we contemplate how the great (God) sought to befriend the weak (humanity), we see that the Incarnation of the Word demonstrated His love for humanity, and we see this ultimate form of love is full of humility and submission. But, when we also say that God became incarnate to sanctify and redeem humanity, then, we are describing the outcomes of this divine friendship that God established with humanity. Through this friendship, the great (God) lifted the weak(humanity) to His level. As a result, the weak, sinful human was sanctified, purified, and lifted above material concerns because he became a friend of the Holy, Almighty God. Through this friendship, human weakness, impurity, and sin were eradicated.
However, how can we reconcile this with the fact that, even now, humanity remains impure and sinful, and people still experience evil thoughts just as before the Incarnation. Even some saints, upon examining their consciences, considered themselves to be the worst of sinners?
As people come closer to God and deepen their friendship with Him, they will become holy and pure, despite their weaknesses and awareness of sin. However, if they distance themselves from God and weakens their friendship with Him, they will increase in wickedness and darkness, even if they suppress their desires and increase their ascetic practices and spiritual exercises.
Now, how can we practice what God has done for us, and sustain the friendship He has established in our lives?
If we truly believe in the Lord and what He has done for us, and how He befriended us, then we must make Him our model and example throughout our lives. Just as He was, so must we be, and that is how our behavior should be toward everyone: the great and the small, the leader and the follower, the saint and the sinner. There should be no distinction, for all are equal.
During His time on earth, the Lord Jesus gave us the greatest model to follow in His relationships and friendships with all segments of society, especially the weak, the sinners, and the marginalized. Through this friendship, He was able to lift these poor souls, restore them, and change the direction of their lives.
As an example let us look at what Jesus did at the wedding at Cana (John 2:1-11 ESV). Jesus went, sat among them, and shared their ordinary lives without the slightest hint of superiority or aloofness. What an amazing example of humility! And what was the result?
Their eyes and hearts were opened to this great friend who humbled Himself and came down to share their joys. A mutual affection developed between them and Him and He provided them with life-giving wine, awakening them from their drunkenness and directing them toward the narrow path that leads to salvation through the shedding of blood.
This is the essence of evangelism to the world for the salvation of souls. We must humble ourselves to those around us, love them, and befriend them. Only then their hearts open up and receive the Word and the fruit of salvation. Amen.
Father Matta El-Meskeen
Translation of an Article by Father Matta El-Meskeen. Published in St. Mark Monthly Review in January, 2023.