HUMILITY LEADS TO SANCTITY
The Lord took his disciples and began to journey towards Jerusalem – they were amazed that he would do so in the hope of his promise, yet afraid about what may occur. At this he took the twelve aside and addressed them regarding all which would take place. (Mk 10:32)
The following is taken from my encyclical entitled; The Mystical Body of Jesus Christ – this highlights the Sunday Gospel passage written by the Apostle Mark who was first Bishop of Alexandria/Egypt – although the following is taken from Matthew, such account shed’s light upon the subject of service DIAKONIA TON KRISTOS! (Diaconate/service of, with and in Christ)
The Apostles themselves were at odds with one another: “A dispute arose amongst the twelve in whom should take charge and the category of decent regarding the authority of each.” (Lk22:24) – The Zebedee twins (James and John) also caused friction via their mother’s bidding at who’s request are to be seated on either side of Christ’s throne. “Hence, their mother pleaded with him (Jesus) saying: “Grant that these two sons of mine will be seated – one on your right hand and the other by your left in your kingdom to come!” (Matt20:21)
The Apostle Paul reminds the churches in those days that there is only one Bishop or more precisely one Lord of the Church and that is Jesus Christ; there was a tendency for groups claiming authenticity and exclusive fellowship with certain Apostles and Disciples “Many of you exhort your membership with I Paul, others Apollos, then there are allegiances to Cephas, but you maintain to profess Christ. Has Christ been divided? Was I Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptised in my name?” (1Cor 1:12-13)
Paul reminds them that there is only one person we are to follow in which we have been baptised and robed in “Have you truly understood that we all have been baptized into Christ and have shared in the merits of his death – thus dying with him, being buried with him, and via the Fathers love are raised in the glory of Christ’s resurrection becoming a new people who live and walk in his light? (Rom 6:3-4) Thus Jesus IS the stone of salvation as acclaimed in the 18th Psalm by David the King: “I love you my Lord who fills me with strength for you Lord are the unshakable stone, the fortress, and the deliverance within the turbulence of my life; truly you are the living God who shelters, upholds, and secures victory for me over my foes – my fortress and salvation!” (P18:1-2)
Therefore, with the above notion- it is important to note as members of Christ’s Church that Jesus has indicated all leaders (Apostles) of His Church are equal! Thus in the account of the Apostle Luke it is stated: A lingering dispute which was brewing over time arose amongst them about who should be regarded as the greatest amongst them.
The Lord knowing their hearts, reminded them that “The rulers of the gentiles along with their ministers, rule over their people exercising prestige with the title of benefactors and protectors of the community: THIS MUST NEVER HAPPEN AMONGST YOU! I who am the one who is great have come amongst you like the one who is the youngest of their brothers and as Lord I am the servant of all! Greatness is measured by one’s humility and I as Lord do not sit at table awaiting you to serve me, rather I have invited you to recline at my table and as host I serve you and attend to that which is needful of my guests!” (Lk 21: 24-27)
In this last Sunday of Great Lent, the Church focuses on two people in the journey of our communion – Miriam of Egypt (344-421 AD) and Zosimas of Palestine (460-560 AD). The contrast of the two is the story of how one’s holiness was brought to humility within true DIAKONIA and the other’s shame was transformed into fame in the humility of her state which reflected holiness. The whole account is available on the webpage of the Orthodox Church of America. I present the account in a nutshell so to speak/write with the following as an alternative.
On one hand we have Zosimas who was a monk and presbyter thus raised in a monastery since he was quite young….and on the other we have Miriam who was of Egyptian nobility thus ran away from home – loved life and indulged in its pleasures to the point of inviting others to enjoy the pleasures of the flesh. Zosimas tried hard in the ascetic life (contemplative observance) whilst Miriam enjoyed earth bound pleasures and yet came to excel in asceticism via grace – a bit like the story of the prodigal son who came to his senses.
It was custom that in the monasteries of Egypt and Palestine – the monks would leave its precincts for all of Great Lent and dwell in the desert as hermits thus returning for Holy Week. Yet whilst Zosimas was in the contemplative mind frame, he freaked out when he saw Miriam coming towards him especially because she was naked. After clothing her with his cloak she told him her story which brought the monastic to tears and humility before this woman was rendered.
Miriam unfolded her story in the context of the Mystery of Absolution (confession) affirming her conversion. She was in her native town on the slopes of the Nile and a pilgrim boat came to take people to Jerusalem for the feast of the Exultation of the Lord’s Cross. She saw this as a golden opportunity to have fun with a variety of young men who sure enough thus indulged.
Yet, when she followed the crowd to the basilica of the Holy Sepulchre, she like others approached the doors, but as she attempted to walk in three times – it’s as if an invisible force was withholding her access. This then was the mirror to which she saw herself for the first time and lamented over how far gone and empty she had become….. After which she saw an icon of the Theotokos above the doors hence appealing to our Mother in asking her to intercede for pardon from the Lord: a burden lifted off her imminently and she couldn’t get in quick enough to render thanks………
This week I had the privilege of serving two funerals of extraordinary people who in many ways carried their own cross like we all do, but through suffering they were made strong. In other words, its people like these from the old school as it were that give us a sense of reality in sifting out the anaesthetic of stupidity: the cotton wool treatment we give (its ok) tends to weaken the human mind and not allow room for personal growth, accomplishment and immunity from harsh realities.
The first I served in the capacity of music ministry - he was a renowned doctor of psychiatry and minister of the Methodist congregation. When asked why he turned to God his response was simply: If I followed the world I would have landed myself in all sorts of avenues and I would not have a dignified place in society. The reason WHY – as a kid I witnessed and experienced a dad who drank himself silly and dished out violence towards mum, me, and the others….I had to make things right and acquire peace within.
Secondly I served in the capacity of Bishop for a service of a not so renowned person, but he was a man of courage, strength, faith and had to grow thick skin so to speak/write from the beginning in order to survive. He was a cobbler by trade, but as a kid he escaped the war in the area of Florina on the border of Greece and Macedonia. Thus migrated to Poland and was placed in an orphanage….yet in the neighbouring orphanage he found the love of his life to which after harsh realities in Poland, they came to Australia and settled despite the various barriers encountered. Towards the end of his life which deteriorated when he lost his love, he refused to be comforted by medical care. When asked why he stated: I bare my pain in the belief of my saviour who bore the cross so that through his wounds I am made strong in spirit.
When we think of any kind of suffering, we tend to whitewash it with various means…..but when we come to the realisation that through suffering we become organic people not synthetic, we can relate too and with others – extending onto them our ear, aid and experience so that they too may come to wholeness. The path to wholeness is not easy, there are many falls, many reservations, but it’s when we are given courage – fed and nourished by the strength of those who truly care, we begin to grow, sort ourselves out and strive to become!
As we come to the conclusion of our Lenten observance which is the springtime within, may we begin to cultivate the terrain of our persona and allow ourselves to be watered by the love and mercy of God (Jesus). May we draw froth onto the Lord’s Pascha with an abundant harvest and have the grace, humility and willingness to bring these fruits (our gifts given us) to the table so that those who are lacking in various areas may be found not wanting (filled): resurrection within (dignity restored).
Keep in mind that the time for me to ascend the Temple is coming and with this comes the betrayal where I the Son of Man will be handed over to its administration; they will condemn me and deliver me to the godless. Mocking, scourging, acts of indignities along with condemnation shall be cast on me until they will have their way and kill me. Yet remember that on the third day I will rise!!! (Mk 10:33-34)
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