THE DAWN WILL COME
First and foremost, apologies for not being a usual complete homily, yet as we know, we are all over seasoned with greetings and look forward to unwinding after the festivities.
For many of you the heading and sub would raise eyebrows – what the heck is a bishop doing playing video games???
I was introduced to the theme song of such by a very dear friend – its theme focuses on a better and brighter future provided we stand our ground; a rather good score music wise!
In actual fact, for those of us who follow the Byzantine Orthodox Calendar and are still in Advent – the awaiting of the Orient from on high (Jesus) to dawn and lead us out of the darkness of worldly empires into the light of his kingdom of mercy and peace.
It is a reminder of today’s gospel which recalls the invitation to the great supper the king has prepared where his friends/servants are way too busy with their affairs ignore his rsvp. (Lk 14: 16-24)
This gives us an insight into the Church and how politics, career and ambition side-tracks mission in crippling its function and causing collateral damage via spiritual bankruptcy!
This further highlights ecclesial parliaments resembling mythical dragons whilst launching fire at each other to safeguard prestige via setting up supposed canonical inquisitions against others; a clear sign of God’s absence!!!
Many western countries have celebrated the Gregorian Calendar observance of Christmas, we are all familiar with seasonal tunes which does the soul good – music is a means of connecting with the eternal if we are but willing to openness, listen and receive.
Considering what we have been through, we strive to have outlets in which we can draw strength from and most of us agree that music is a high ranking means!
I was thinking of what I was going to write as we all celebrate the western observance in one way or another; a time to gather with family and friends via sharing and preparing meals.
As the year winds down and a new one approaches - however uncertain it may be, we strive in hope to believe that things will get better; we pray that the Good Lord will see to it and are confident! Yet, when we hear of possibilities that may once again cripple our freedom – one day at a time is a good tune to mime!
Hence, when I was listening to the theme THE DAWN WILL COME I noticed an outstanding comment amongst the review section which highlighted the religious stupidity of current apocalyptic sentimentality.
It stated: “All this happened because of fanatics and arguments about the next world. It’s time we start believing in this one!”
This of course clearly exposes the need for the Church to stop playing games, clear away kingdoms of the past and live in the present. In no way does this mean that we are to remove holy tradition and doctrine, but we are to come down to the level of our people and get what they are saying, needing, and above all - going through.
We need to begin providing authentic and apostolic pastoral care like the saints of old via getting our hands dirty, putting away all the refineries and start back in square one so that the faith may bloom once again for the generations to come!
When I served in a Greek parish as a priest, I began simplifying things, providing services in English and young families started coming back. Yet, the older in charge mentalities objected: I was in their limited mentalities perverting the Greek identity – so much for Pentecost!
Hence, if we can no longer speak to our people and the divine services don’t energize our people in mind, body and soul; it then becomes a dead ritual which highlights that something is very wrong. St. John Chrysostom was very clear on this regarding traditions that do not edify to be placed aside immediately!
Furthermore, here in the diaspora, we are not in apostolic countries – not that we lack in apostolicity but such were not physically nurtured by the witnesses (saints) of the first centuries which cultivated the faith.
The Church (Holy Orthodoxy) never started properly here in Australia – we need to start again and gather all who are thirsty for the truth regardless of denomination and enfold them in the Ark of Salvation which is the Church via sound ministry and holy apostolicity.
There will be a golden year timeframe in the Church where we will be at liberty to re-use all that the Church in centuries past implemented in its practice – yet, we are far from that; it’s time for us to employ major catechesis for both clergy and laity!!!
Unless we are willing to risk as the good shepherd does, then we will still live in darkness and the dawn of a new Pentecost will not come!
In the Gregorian tradition (St. Gregory the Dialogist – pope of Old Rome 537-604AD) there are marvellous compositions of expectant joy which St. Gregory brought back to Rome from his studies, liturgical and pastoral experience in Constantinople. Amongst these compositions were the Great Book of Antiphons – based on the Byzantine lectionary of the Sundays and Solemnities.
Although various traditions were circulating (O Antiphons) attributed to Senator Boethius (480-524AD) expanded later on by Bishop Amalarius (775-850AD) These Advent Antiphons were brought to perfection in chant by St. Gregory.
Jesus Christ as:
1 Holy Wisdom
2 Blessed Lord
3 Tree of Jesse
4 Key of David
5 Orient of the East
6 King of Nations
7 Emmanuel
8 Shepherd of Israel
9 Son of the Blessed Virgin
Thus, just as the holy and wise awaited the time of promise and fulfilment, may we also learn to be attentive and encounter the Lord through the most unlikely of people! It is often through them that He conveys the course of direction we are to take. All experiences are to be seen in the light of growth via the gift of faith: hurdles that are overcome via the expansion of our vision - alike pot plants that are transferred into fertile soil.
Through faith you justified the forefathers betrothing through them the Church of the Gentiles. These saints now exult in glory for from their seed came forth a glorious fruit: She (Mariam Theotokos) who bore you without seed. Have mercy upon us Lord Jesus Christ through her prayers for the world as Mother of Christians.
Troparion of the Forefathers.
Comments