Homily on the 26th Sunday after Pentecost.
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. This is why it is said:
“Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you. Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord. Eph 5:8-19
Whilst serving time in prison the Apostle Paul wrote to the Church in Ephesus (a region of modern day Turkey) reminding them how to conduct themselves as Christians; further reassuring them to not lose heart and reminding them that they belong to the Lord who is present in ALL places and fills All things with His grace!
These days many people have lost touch with the spiritual side of the faith. Many have forgotten what it is like to physically feel and recognize the love, power and energy of the All-Holy-Trinity working with and in them on a daily basis.
Thus, although many Christians pray regularly, attend the Divine services and know Holy scripture from back to front, they find it difficult to get in touch with the spiritual side of the faith because society has desensitized the population; making us think that in order to believe we must see!
However, we tend to forget what Jesus said to the Apostle Thomas after His (Jesus’) resurrection - “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” Jn 20:29
Thus, I as a priest totally understand the daily struggles and at times I also struggle with this for it is part of our human fragility. There have been times where I have tried to justify things supernatural in nature; giving a scientific explanation as to why something has occurred. This may be as a result of many things; one being embarrassed of what others may think or say about us if we admit believing in the unexplainable/supernatural! Having a wild imagination as children.
However, Jesus also reminds us in the Gospel of Matthew - “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Mt 18 : 3
Hence, the institutional church has forgotten the criteria of childlike humility. Instead, it has placed all its focus on “sin” rather than salvation and to approach the Lord your God as He has created you for He loves you as you are!
Unfortunately, in Western and now Eastern Christendom the churches have taken the notion of “sin” and punishment to an unhealthy and a quasi-demonic level; an example of such would be refusing Holy communion before going to confession.
Yes! It is favorable to clean the soul via confession before we receive the Lord into our hearts via Holy communion however, if we have forgotten or we are short of time what does it matter? The Holy Mysteries wash away all stain of sin as Jesus exhorted - This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins! Mt 26:28
Moreover, as our Metropolitain Raffaele stated in one of his Paschal homilies – If someone invites you to their home for a dinner and you refuse to eat or partake of the meal they have prepared for you; that is a great insult: more so when the host of that supper is God who offers you Himself in the Bread of Life and the wine of gladness!
Therefore, God desires worshipers in Spirit and in Truth: “Come as you are broken and fragile and I will make you whole!” For where we lack - God provides. Where there is good - God perfects. Where there is love - God abides!
Thus, as we approach Holy Nativity let us prepare our hearts to receive the King of Glory Emmanual “God with us” to enter our very persona that His loving radiance may shine through us onto all who desire to be saved.
Having stated thus, to all who celebrate the Nativity of the Lord of the 25th of December our Holy Exarchate extends onto you a blessed and Holy Nativity. For those who struggle with the spiritual; may Emmanuel enter your heart and give you the grace to become like children so you may enjoy the signs and wonders His grants us every single day through His love for us!
May God bless you, your families and may He embrace you as His children via the prayers of His Glorious Mother Mariam Theotokos and Her Husband Joseph! Amen
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