Homily on the 31st Sunday after Pentecost.
But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. 2 Tim 4:5
Christ is Born, Glorify Him!
Before I continue on behalf of my wife Presbytera Lianna and I, we would firstly like to thank all who prayed for our little daughter Lucy who underwent an operation last month. The Lord who is the bestower of every blessing, the giver of life and the great physician of our human condition, has reached out in His infinite loving mercy; granting Lucy a fresh start to her young life so to speak.
Thus, her operation took no more than two hours; much shorter than the surgeons and all anticipated. The day after surgery the doctors came to see Presbytera and I. They expressed how pleased they were with how the operation went.
Each day while Lucy was in hospital she would have a different nurse who would check up on her and administer the different medications she was receiving. It was comforting to hear each nurse say how great Lucy was doing; further stating that they couldn't believe how quickly she was recovering.
Therefore, what was looking to be a long stay at the Royal Children's Hospital only turned out to be a one week stay; undoubtedly a quick recovery through Divine intervention as many stated that it was truly miraculous!
Hence, after only two weeks after surgery, Lucy was performing summersaults, jumping on the trampoline, riding her bike and doing everything a 3 year old child would normally do.
Thus, once again I thank all from the bottom of my heart for your prayers support and love.
Therefore, in todays epistle reading the Apostle Paul writes to the Apostle Timothy advising him (Tim) that his (Paul's) time on earth has nearly come to an end. Paul was also instructing Timothy to never loose sight of Christ as being a true Christian can at times be difficult.
In the Gospel of Matthew Jesus exhorts regarding the hardships one may encounter in order to follow Him (Jesus) ; “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Mt 7:13-14
As baptized Christians it is our ministry to bring the light of Christ into the world in order that all may see. It is also our duty to spread the Gospel of our Lord but not like the evangelicals and over-religious people that yell and scream in the street corners; but by the love, support and generosity we render wholeheartedly onto others.
Several months ago Presbytera and I were invited to an orthodox baptism which was lovely. It is always heart warming to see a young child becoming part of Holy Mother Church. However, one thing that I noticed which did not sit well with me was that, immediately after the service, the priest instructed the parents and godparents to follow him the side of the church.
Thus, they sat down on this little table in plain sight of the whole congregation and began to place one hundred and fifty dollar notes on the table; one, two three, four, five six and so on. After the photos had all been taken and people began to make their way outside, the father of the child came to me and said - "Great business it is being a priest! Sing a few songs do a dance and you score $500 in an hour".
As an Orthodox Christian I was disappointed, as an Orthodox priest I was ashamed. The institutional churches have become a "Great business" (as my friend stated) for men (clergy) who wish to make it big in the world.
Now there is no excuse to be setting a price on services such as weddings, baptisms, funerals ect. However, it is also impossible to keep a Church building running without finances. If the community wants a place were we can all gather and pray together, then we need to give what we can, when we can generously.
Some people are not in the position to give one hundred dollars, so they only give twenty because they have a low paying job and are the sole income earners; just as an example.
It is not right, especially for those who are doing it tough to be turned away because they do not have the funds to offer.
I have personally heard of a few friends that have been turned away in the Roman Catholic church because they couldn't afford a particular church or they felt as if it was over priced. One priest said to a couple - "Well this is the price, if you don't like it go to a smaller church or to a registry where it is cheaper.
These clowns dressed as priests should be ashamed of themselves, but don't worry, the way they've dealt with and treated others is the same way the Lord will do onto them. Jesus clearly states this within Holy Scripture: And the King shall answer and say unto them, ‘Verily I say unto you, in as much as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me.’ “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. Mt 25:40-41
Therefore, as we prepare for the great feast of Theophany where Christ immerses Himself into the river Jordan; which will sanctify these waters for us as a means of strength, healing purification and defence, let us recall the words of a great Father of the Church St Luke the Surgeon - Archbishop of Simferopol: "Drink Holy Water, the more often, the better. It is the best and most effective medicine. I'm not saying this as a priest, I'm saying it as a doctor, from my medical experience."
May the Lord grant us a blessed Thoephany through the prayers of the Holy Theotokos, St Joseph Her spouse, St Luke the Surgeon and of all the communion of saints in glory!
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 2 Tim 4:7-8
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