The Fifth Sunday of Great Lent: St. Mary of Egypt as a Model of Repentance
Gerald Largent
As we journey through Great Lent, the Fifth Sunday brings us to the commemoration of St. Mary of Egypt, one of the most powerful examples of repentance in the Orthodox Christian tradition. Her life is a profound testament to the transforming power of God's grace and the limitless mercy He offers to all who turn to Him with a contrite heart.
The Life of St. Mary of Egypt
St. Mary of Egypt lived in the 5th or 6th century and spent the early years of her life in extreme sinfulness, driven by carnal passions and indulgence. One day, out of curiosity, she followed a group of pilgrims to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. When she attempted to enter the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, an unseen force prevented her from stepping inside. Recognizing her sinful state, she turned to the Theotokos in sincere repentance, asking for guidance and help.
She then received the strength to enter the church and venerated the Precious and Life-Giving Cross. Following this life-changing moment, she withdrew into the desert beyond the Jordan River, where she spent nearly 47 years in strict asceticism, prayer, and repentance. Her life was eventually discovered by Abba Zosimas, a monk, who was astounded by her holiness. She received Holy Communion from him shortly before reposing in the Lord.
The Meaning of St. Mary’s Life for Us
St. Mary’s story is a powerful reminder that no one is beyond the reach of God’s mercy. Her extreme transformation—from a life of sin to one of deep repentance and holiness—demonstrates that true change is possible for anyone who sincerely seeks God.
1. The Power of Repentance – St. Mary’s life teaches us that repentance is not simply feeling sorrow for our sins but a complete reorientation of our hearts and lives toward God.
2. The Role of the Theotokos – It was through the intercessions of the Mother of God that St. Mary found the strength to repent and begin her journey toward holiness. This highlights the importance of turning to the Theotokos for help in our own struggles.
3. The Necessity of Spiritual Struggle – St. Mary endured years of solitude and deprivation to purify her soul. While we may not be called to the same extreme asceticism, Great Lent reminds us that spiritual effort—fasting, prayer, and repentance—is essential for our own growth in Christ.
The Fifth Sunday of Lent and Our Own Journey
The Church places the commemoration of St. Mary of Egypt on the Fifth Sunday of Lent to encourage us as we approach the final stretch of our Lenten journey. Her life reassures us that even if we have fallen short in our Lenten efforts, it is never too late to turn back to God with sincerity and humility.
As we reflect on her life, we are called to renew our commitment to repentance, intensify our prayers, and prepare our hearts for the coming Passion of Christ. St. Mary’s example gives us hope that, no matter how far we have strayed, the doors of divine mercy remain open to all who seek them.
May St. Mary of Egypt intercede for us and inspire us to embrace the path of repentance, so that we, too, may experience the joy of transformation in Christ.