NOTES for Heb 9:1-7
In today's apostolic reading, the apostle Paul recalls the tabernacle of the first, Sinai covenant and the ark of the covenant. From deep antiquity, the "Holy of Holies" of that first tabernacle, the ark of the covenant, and its liturgical vessels came to be perceived, along with their own meaning, as a prototype of the Most Pure Virgin, a prophecy about Her. And this prototype entered the deepest consciousness and theology of the Church. We call the Mother of God the Tabernacle that contained the Uncontainable God and the ark of the holiness of the New Covenant. We say that, like the golden vessel with manna, She contained within Herself the Bread of life.
It is significant that the tabernacle, the "Holy of Holies," and the ark of the covenant were in the Old Testament the greatest gift of God, a tangible sign of His mercy toward His people. Therefore the greatest veneration from all people was fitting for them. And as we read these words today from the Letter to the Hebrews, we cannot help thinking that such a gift of the Almighty's mercy for us today is His Most Pure Mother herself. And venerating Her as the holy place of the Covenant is a wonderful source of joy for us, because in Her, as in the tabernacle of the Covenant, we meet God.