Homily on the 28th Sunday of Pentecost Lk 14:16-24
St John Chrysostom writes in his Paschal homily, “If anyone is devout and a lover of God, let him enjoy this beautiful and radiant festival!
Although St John writes in the context of Holy Pascha, we can learn from his wise words in preparation for Holy Nativity.
The Lord has sent out the invitations for the great banquet! (the Mystery of Holy Communion within the context of the Divine Liturgy)
It is up to us to reply to His RSVP. Will we respond wholeheartedly with a Yes! or will we be like the rich and noble and reply with a No! Making excuses as to why we will not attend due to our own fears or perhaps Rebelion!
For us who have had a heterodox (Roman Catholic, Anglican, Protestant, Evangelical ect.....) upbringing it can be quite difficult and confronting to commit or even convert to the faith which is Orthodox, out of fear of what our friends and families may think or say.
Another major contributing factor to fear, is that which evil personified implants in our hearts making us think irrationally, which leads to delusion resulting in excuses, placing a barrier between us and salvation! (Jesus)
Rebelion, another notion which stems from the serpent of old.
Perhaps in years past we saw, heard or experienced something within the church which has rocked the very fabric of our being, making such an experience unforgivable; causing us to rebel at the very idea of attending a Divine service instead of turning to God for help and healing.
I would like to share a story from my past, something that happened when I was deciding to commit to Holy Orders within the rank as Deacon.
I would have many conversations with the Archbishop to prepare myself for ordination. There were many times where fear fell upon me and I began to doubt myself, asking myself if I had the ability and the qualities to fulfil the obligations within the ministry.
Furthermore, the sentiment of sinfulness and unworthiness also contributed to my decision making. There were many times where I would fall into a depressing state, a spiritual emptiness that affected all aspects of my life, including a strain in my marriage.
When I finally answered the Lords invitation with a Yes, that inferiority complex which once took hold over me, began to slowly deteriorate. I began to bask and feast of the Lord’s banquet amongst the communion of saints and family in Christ. (The Church) All the worries and cares had become irrelevant and insignificant.
Furthermore Holy Isaiah says in his forty-first chapter and sixth verse, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”
Moreover, Our Lord also reminds us in St Matthew’s gospel chapter ten verses twenty-nine to thirty-one, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your father’s care. And even the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So, don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
In addition, we read in Psalm thirty-three, “Taste and see that the Lord is good; partaking of Him, blessed are those who trust in Him! We also hear at the Divine Liturgy after the priest has communed with the precious blood of our Savior “Behold my lips have touched thy glorious mysteries; you O Lamb of God, have removed my transgressions and have purified my being!
Having stated thus, we are constantly being reminded to not be afraid; to place our worries, troubles, frustrations and fears onto Christ as He will perfect that which is infirm. Our main focus and objective should be moving on from what ails us; not on life's turmoil's. The shear fact of knowing that our Lord burns away any evils from us when we partake of Him in the Mysteries should be enough encouragement for us to take the plunge and fully immerse ourselves and trust in Him.
“Come to me all ye that labour and are heavy burdened, and I will give you rest; for my burden is easy and my yoke is light!” Mt 11:28-30
The immaculate conception, who is Emanuel (God is with us) comes to immerse Himself into the very fabric of our being. We have been called to meet Him in Bethlehem, where He asks us if He may be born in our heart that will serve as the manger. Will we allow fear and rebellion to take over or will we wholeheartedly prepare ourselves for the King of Glory who comes invisibly uborn by angelic hosts (taken from the Cherubicon) to come and rest within us?
Then the master said to the servant, “Go into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled!
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