This theme taken from the beatitudes also known as the Sermon/Homily on the Mount indeed highlight the call to discipleship and certainty of the promise to come; the joys and gladness many shall inherit! This weekend, we celebrate our patronal feast – the custodians of our Exarchate; the Holy Apostles who embraced the Lord’s RSVP and extended it to those who would come after them!
The reason our Holy Exarchate has been consecrated to the apostles is twofold…within my ministry over the years, I have and still encounter many who are unsure of what they believe, the origins of their faith, the cheap watered down version such may have become, and the need to go back to the Apostolic Faith.
As we know, we are surrounded by water, we have marvellous coasts and an extraordinary fishing industry – the best fish in town as it were. The majority of Apostles were fishermen, and they were commissioned by the Lord to become fishers of men and women. May I also point out our very own remarkable wonder in the world at Apollo Bay – the stone/rock pillars of the twelve Apostles!
Although, we are descended from the Italo-Greek Church present in Italy of ORTHODOX ROME, which is Katholic – universal: present everywhere, we are Australian, and the Church must always reflect the customs, traditions and mentality of the place it finds itself in via embracing its people in the context of the ancient faith. At Holy Pentecost, they all heard the wonders of God in their own language and mentality – we are to continue that and withstand any ethnic impositions which are out of place!
We are also honoured to house the relics of the twelve Apostles at which we venerate and ask their intercessions for our nation that it may perceive the Lord who desires to embrace all people. Truly, we are one and although many coming from various lands, yet we share ONE FAITH and sing with ONE VOICE: “GLORY TO GOD AND PEACE ON EARTH!” We are the ORTHODOX CHRISTIANS of Australia!
Apart from the usual homilies which would embody the scriptures and an exploration of such – it is also important to look at other themes, issues and perhaps visit various topics of conversations that have surfaced over the week; such which may have occurred in different settings and associates for that matter.
It is important that the clergy and believers do think about such issues because we must be familiar with what is going on in the minds of people outside our circle. Many people within the ecclesial platform think that we should be nurturing ourselves with our surroundings which of course is important, but we also need to step out of our surroundings; embracing the bigger picture which many times is canvased with doubt, uncertainty and controversy.
The fact of the matter is that we are all different; our thoughts, deeds, likes, dislikes, and convictions fluctuate due to surroundings. We then also tend to guard who we really are with the fear of being exposed to the harsh realities of human nature in general. How many times have we even gone against our will in order to bend and be acceptable to other in the hope that we would have a sense of belonging?
What about the fact where the Lord may have invested many great things (gifts) within us and although we have used some for the greater good, yet were afraid to use the totality of thus due to being ostracized - resorting to the parable of the talents? How many times have we had to limit our resources due to others around us placing hurdles in our path via their insecurity; limiting our functions - fuelled by jealousy in the knowledge that they can never become who they try so hard to be????
There also exists situations that may suppress the totality of our faith and spirituality and at times indeed test our endurance and commitment. It is indeed very hard to keep focus and have clarity within certain situations where our prayer life may be placed on life support due to intolerance by others around us - especially within the family unit.
Having stated thus, there also are strong currents that cast sands of doubt into the oyster of our faith especially when we lose a loved one and we can’t let go; the fear of the unknown and uncertainty of what shall be! There are various battles and it takes much resilience to rise again from the ashes – re-building one’s life from loss and betrayal!
Ill nourishment is indeed a great theme in this current age where many hunger and thirst for something greater; the call of the spirit to draw water from the fount of life. Yet, our resilience concerning these things many not train the same as one would for survival due to declining to deal with the collateral damage many religious institutions harbour.
We are also tempted to ask: “Why? What is the point to all this? Why should I bother in belonging to a community, church, an institution which destroys any spirituality I may have – parching my soul?” Unfortunately, not all leaders have been blessed by God! Not all churches are true centres of spirituality where people can be nourished! Career, comforts and institutional revenue indeed cripple thus – the blind leading the blind!
This week’s highlight was in the setting of a very warm welcoming lunch which was exquisite amongst good friends. These friends vary in age 40+ and all come to the table from different walks of life – a truly pleasant group which I may describe using the Lord’s words “the salt of the earth!”
Most of us there are believers in our own way except one old soul who for many reasons gave up on that which pertains to the spirit. He reminded me very much of Simon Peter in the early days where he would tease the Lord, yet when he could clearly see the evidence for himself – he’d resist and put up an endless list of reasons why he declines the RSVP. It was as if he would utter the Apostle Peter’s words in the boat at the Sea of Galilee stating: “Get away from me Lord!” (Lk 5:8)
However poor in spirit he may be, he is not ignorant of how things work, yet he asked a few of us: “Where is He then?” Many in the past and that day especially, tried to reason with him, but there is always a tug of resistance… my stance is that it is not for me to convince, but to be convinced within myself via my outward gestures which should be rendered sincerely and wholeheartedly.
Hence, he then turned to me and said: “Ok Father, would you kindly tell me where He supposedly is up there?” You just have to get that people like that may be severely damaged, and caught up in allot of things……Jesus never scolded his apostles and others when they became anxious and unsure….in fact he calmed them, I’m most certain he’d smile and would often grin via constantly saying onto them: “Be not afraid!”
Therefore, when the old fellow asked me about the divine, I simply smiled and re-echoed the Lord’s words in my own way: “Don’t go looking for him up there somewhere…..he is in you for the kingdom is within!” (Lk 17:21) He was somewhat surprised at the answer but there was a sense of calm and satisfaction on his part at which he did not rebut!
It is truly important for us to come to a realization that the Lord’s presence and the presence of those with him truly live in the intimacy of our being – however we may at times be oblivious too. Although we are given liturgical grace via the mysteries/sacraments etc., yet he is very much part of us or should I say: “We are very much part of him!”
This is the reason why we the Church have fating periods within the liturgical year, so that we can prepare-train ourselves to be in full synchronization –mind, body, spirit! Personal prayer is very important for it is our communing with God….unfortunately, many advocate communal prayer harboured in prayer groups, and bible study obsessions. Communal prayer is sufficient within the context of the liturgy and divine services for anything out of that leads down other avenues which derail us from the genuine article!
Apart from the ecclesial platform which is so messed up via the lust of power, and prestige by those supposedly in charge, we the people need to stand our ground and say: “Enough is enough!” “If you clowns can’t work it out amongst yourselves, we will try to do the best we can with what we have!” “Let my prayer be guided by the Holy Spirit who lives in me and if and when I should grow – he will always provide even by sending me others he has chosen to aid in his Name!”
A few days ago, we celebrated St. John the Baptist’s birthday who is very important not only within the bloodline of the Lord’s extended family, but also via teaching his students to excel in their studies via unveiling onto them Holy Wisdom personified!
As we know, John’s father Zacharias was a priest in the temple and back then if your dad and grandfather is a priest – you also need to take up this obligation and serve. Yet, John like Sampson before him was a Nazarite – a monastic of the Old Covenant. He would not touch alcohol, and abstain from certain foods due to the fasting requirements; all monastics were vegan!
Yet, at 13 years old when he was called upon to serve, John washed his hands from the temple presbytery for he could see that things are not as they seem, nor are godly men in charge. Hence, he abandoned everything and went to live in the wilderness so that he could commune with God via humble prayer and endurance. This very same path was taken by Sts. Athanasius and Anthony of Egypt – the moving away from the trappings of institutionalism which cripples the Church!
Hence, when John and other Old Testament saints before him quote portions from the scriptures, it was because these readings and prayers were the daily rhythm of their spirituality which they learnt at the temple from a young age. Thus, when John quotes the prophet Isaiah (Is 40:2) concerning the Lord’s coming, he tells his disciples Andrew, and John that Jesus is the one who comes, is the fulfilment, is the lamb of God who they must follow! (Jn 1:29)
This Saturday evening within the vesperal Divine Liturgy, we shall be ordaining our Rev. Archdeacon Matthew to the Holy Priesthood of Christ. Matthew and his wife Arcdiaconessa Liana came to us in a moment of extreme difficulty, uncertainty, and the loss of children. Yet, the Lord heard the cry of their hearts and healed the state of their being via making them whole in him!
The Lord has been faithful to them via their wholehearted fidelity to his Church in moulding their lives as a potter does the clay (Is 64:8) and granting them two beautiful daughters who have been churched from the womb and know that which is sacred. They have been refined like precious metal that must withstand the heat of the furnace in order to complement their lives and move onto greater things. (Prov 17:3-13)
These two servants of God have come to the true realization that service in Holy Orders is something great and not a weekend affair; it is rendering witness every day, hour, and moment onto the Lord in with and through their lives. It has been extremely difficult within these 6 years for them to settle into the rhythm of ecclesial prayer and living – oftentimes been misunderstood by family and friends; why? How? What for?
Yet they have come to the full realization that to follow the Lord (not in the cult encouraged state of affairs) means at times being detached in a certain sense from the normal routines and associates. To follow the Lord means that priorities and combinations in life are rearranged by his Spirit. It is the place where the Church becomes one’s family who comes to your aid when you are in need, who forms your mind when you are perplexed, and who bestows life which replenishes and gladdens your being when the well of your soul has run dry!
May I ask you all to keep Archdeacon Matthew and Arcidiaconessa Liana in your prayers as the grace of the Holy Spirit comes upon them and strengthens, transforms and renews them in the ministry of priesthood granted onto the Very Reverend Father Matthew at which he is supported and complimented by his wife Presbytera Liana in their rendering witness to the Gospel of Christ and his Kingdom to all who are truly called!
This Sunday’s Gospel passage (Mt 6:22-33) renders comfort and reassurance when we behold the beauty of nature around us and certainty of its progress and nourishment – the same TLC God desires us to have. Therefore, we are never alone and must not feel abandoned especially when we struggle through our insecurities, weaknesses, anxieties, and depressions…He will always send aid onto us!
Hence, like the apostles and disciples who fought the good fight, ran the race and kept the faith; we are called to embrace once again the totality of that very RSVP and reshape the lives of those around us via identifying within them wounds we too may carry! How joyful it is when one can reach out onto others and let them know not to be afraid, not to fret thinking they are far and lost; sharing your journey with them so that via the testament of your own pain and their fragility – we may all rise again on wings of prayer!
Holy Apostles of Christ our God – pray for us!
“Therefore, strive to seek the Kingdom of God and place it as your first priority via resembling his righteousness in all things; for all grace and goodness shall be given onto you!” (Mt 6:33)
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