Homily on the Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee.
This Sunday begins the three week preparatory stage leading to Holy and Great Lent; also known as the Trisagia (Three)
In today's gospel acclamation we here about the publican and pharisee that go to the temple to pray; the publican in the only way he knows how (from the heart) and the pharisee with long winded prayers – beating his chest and reciting many verses out of Holy scripture to show others that he knows the faith inside out.
If I may put it into perspective in today’s day and age it would be like a rough tradesman (publican) who has abandoned the faith to pursue worldly pleasures; however now has returned to God in sorrow – wishing to be embraced by God in forgiveness.
Thus, the pharisee could be compared to “Church administrators” - people who are in charge of more or less running the Church; using this title as a means of being in control and seeking the admiration of all ranks of clergy but more so from the humble faithful servants of the Lord’s flock!
“Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ Lk 18:10-13
Furthermore, in today’s epistle the Apostle Paul writes to the Apostle Timothy reminding him what Christ spoke about in the gospel of Matthew; regarding ill minded people who will seek to twist scripture in order to gain financially or to separate people from God’s love - Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Mt 7:15
However, Paul writes - In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 2Tim 3:12-13
Today reminds me of something that happened when I was 16 years old; serving as an altar boy at St Clair's Catholic Church in Thomastown Melbourne.
There was an older Italian lady who was a member of the Italian church committee and also was a reader of the epistle of the day. She was also a very faithful woman of the “charismatic movement” (a movement that tracked many good souls into a vacuum - a completely derailed, deluded and repugnant form of worship; if that’s what we can call it! A spiritual Schizophrenia)
Such groups are of course filled with good misguided souls but also encourage mal intention individuals within its ranks to have a manipulative form of dominion over many which causes community breakdown.
Thus, this lady did not like the parish priest at the time Fr Andrew Camilleri because he would stand up to her; defending the older beliefs of the Catholic Church and none of this new age mambo jumbo! As many older Catholics are, he was totally against the charismatic movement.
Hence this lady began backstabbing Fr Andrew in making all sorts of horrible stories and remarks about him; attempting to convince other parishioners that he wasn’t a good pastor. This was all due to gain the admiration from the Italian community and perhaps kick him out of St Clair’s – bringing a new aged paster who would not object to any form of the charismatic movement and other such non-Christian practices!
I recall one day when I was visiting Fr Andrew however, I was not feeling well at the time. As I walked past the Italians having their charismatic service this lady noticed that I was not my usual self. So, she dragged me into one of the church pews and the next minute I was surrounded by 10 older Italian ladies who put their hands on my head and began babbling gibberish to which I felt extremely uncomfortable.
Unfortunately, in evangelical protestant circles anyone can lay their hands on others yet in the epistle of the Apostle James first bishop of Jerusalem he states very clearly that it is the presbyters and his deacons alone who can lay hands upon those who are sick. Hence the ordained ministry!
She then proceeded to tell me “in confidence” the Italians say confidence however the birds of the sky find out about their “secrete” that Fr Andrew was and I quote “No good priest” because he didn’t like their prayer group.
Thus, I being faithful to my priest and close friend told him what had happened to me and what was being said about him. The next week onwards that lady never spoke a word to me ever again. Father Andrew had advised me that he had put her in her place and from that day until Fr Andrew passed away, she never caused trouble again.
Therefore, although this all happened in a non-orthodox setting it shows us how manipulative people are especially when it comes to having things their way. Our Metropolitan Archbishop can recount countless events that he has personally endured in the Catholic, Russian and Greek orthodox state Churches that would make anyone wonder how he stuck around!
Having stated thus, there will always be ill willed/minded people who will attempt to disturb the peace as it were. However, a short prayer that comes to mind; helping and supporting me in times of hardship is the prayer of St Joannicius (752.AD) "My hope is the Father, my refuge is the
Son, my shelter is the Holy Spirit. O Holy Trinity, Glory to You."
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 2 Tim 14-15
In conclusion, may we never stray from our faith in Christ always adhering to the teachings of the Apostles, Fathers and Mothers of the Church. If we remain anchored onto Christ in the turbulent seas of life; any obstacle that comes our way is easily dealt with because we will have the communion of Saints by our side interceding for us!
Through the prayers of the Theotokos and Her spouse Joseph, Lord Jesus Christ our God have mercy on us and save us!
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