After they inquired (the apostles) why they could not rebuke the unclean from the man, he (Jesus) exhorted: "This kind can only be exposed and cast down by wholehearted profound prayer and sincere fasting!"
The above quotation taken from the account of the Apostle Mark (Mk 9:29) who was founding presbyter (Bishop) of the See (Throne) of the Church in Alexandria (Egypt) caused the Church to dedicate this 4th Sunday of Lent to the theme of Jacobs ladder (Gen 28;12) reiterated in the writings of a great Father from the monastery of St Catherine on the slopes of Sinai John Climacus (6-7 century AD) who encouraged his brethren to aspire to the heights of holiness according to ones capacity.
Furthermore, the skeptics of the modern age would say that prayer is a meditative theory which can enhance the mind for personal growth. Whilst evil personified is the product of ignorance - the various mental illnesses which could not be explained back then; now categorized as spook theory.
Scripture (the Gospels in particular) are rather clear when making a distinction with that which partaines to the disorder of the mind and body - along with that which belongs to the spiritual impure! Jesus is most clear about the latter in his exhortation about prayer and fasting!
Lent is truly the time as I have stated in previous posts: the springtime for our personal growth - the season where we clear away all that impedes our progress.
The spiritual life requires much effort and guidance from those who have lived, breathed, and experienced the power and grace of God in their lives through the immense sufferings undertaken. In addition, Spiritual guidance is a free gift from the Holy Spirit - no course can equip you with this extraordinary capacity however academically convincing it may seem!
The frightful situation in the Church is that many clerics (supposed spiritual fathers) have no idea due to the fact they have lost faith (the power of the Spirit working through the Church) and when one who is in desperate spiritual need approaches - they immediately palm them on to those who have no idea of what spirit is! It is one thing to have good sense and discernment to refer those who are sick in mind and body to our fabulous medical professionals, but another to actually preform spiritual surgery on those who are in total need of our prayers and God's grace!
The spiritual hospital that John Chrysostom called Church has become a center for palliative care due to the fact that the doctors have no time for the forgotten medicine (the grace of the Holy Spirit) - if only we had a few doctors.......most clerics have no idea not even good pastoral skills; how can one possibly become well if the medicine freely offered has been locked up in the store room and classified as myth (used by date expired)???
Throughout up till now my short episcopal ministry, many have come to me and I hear the same story over, over, and over again: "Father Bishop, I have been to councilors, psychologists, spiritualists, you name it and I'm getting worse. I can't face things anymore, I don't want to get up in the mornings, I'm sick of existing - I want to live and know happiness; please help me!" The problem is that healing can only take place within combined too cooperating with the grace of God! The greatest delusion is that others can heal - only God can heal within! Others who may do all they know and sincerely so can only place a band aid on the wound....it may appear to be healed but the reality is that underneath the surface of the skin - the wound is filled with infection and needs immediate surgery.
Again, if the Church is a hospital our GP's need to go back and learn (pray) - surgeons are scarce and those who should be able to attend have not even the qualities of an average nurse!!!This is a serious problem that needs major attention - this is what happens when the Church falls into the trap of a grand institution rather than the Kingdom; sinners and saints verses the black dress brigade and office hours time frame! People are hurting and want peace in their heart - the same peace that the Lord spoke of in which He alone imparts and the world cannot give!
On a personal note, I was chatting to one of our clerics about organizing venues for the Paschal services......I noticed the anxiety and perhaps disheartening sentiments due to so called churches (property managers rather than pastors) being picky with offering their space with rent (for the worship of God) for a few hours coupled with a long list of demands. He then reminded me of the Nativity homily I offered on Christmas Eve in which I stated "we are like the family of Nazareth - no room for us" yet I reminded him that God provides and as long as we believe wholeheartedly and safeguard the faith; He will dwell in our midst!
Then Jesus exhorted: "If you believe then all things are possible asked in my name!" Thus, the mans' father out poured his sorrowful heart onto him and was given the courage to acclaim: "I believe Lord, help my faith grow in you!" (Mk 9:23-24)
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