Potentiam

Homily on the 5th Sunday after Pentecost Holy Apostles

When he arrived at the other side in the region of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs met him. They were so violent that no one could pass that way. “What do you want with us, Son of God?” they shouted. Mt 8:28-29

In today's gospel proclamation, the two demons have affirmed Jesus to be the Son of God. All who were present had now heard from the very mouths of the fallen powers who once served Him Who Is, (Inscription on the icon of Christ) that He truly is the Son of the Most High; confirming all that was written in the old law!

Furthermore, the demons make a statement which the Holy prophet Jerimiah foretold- The fierce anger of the Lord will not turn back until he fully accomplishes the purposes of his heart. In days to come you will understand this. Jer 30:24 Another confirmation that Jesus is the Messiah/Emmanuel! (God is with us) “Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?” Mt 8:29

A few days ago, after I had finished work, I was traveling on the train with a work collogue. Halfway during my journey, I noticed a middle-aged man looking at a young teenage girl in an inappropriate manner- so I just kept a close watch in case something happened. Several moments later the man begins to make horrific comments that where sexual in nature.

I noticed the young girl had music headphones in her ears however it was evident that she could hear this man because the fear in her face was noticeable. The man then asked her if she could hear anything he was saying; at which the girl shook her head and lowered it the way a dog would put his tail under his legs when it feels threatened. 

A moment later the man asked her if she wanted a drink, at which was my last straw! I had waited for someone to say something in defense of the young girl but not one person out of the 40 or so people on the train stood up for the poor girl. I yelled out “leave her alone!” at which he replied- “She can't hear me; she has headphones in.” In a much firmer tone, I exclaimed “I don’t care I said Leave her alone!”

Thus, the man walked away and left the carriage while everyone else was left looking at me like I was some psychotic maniac!

Having stated thus, the reason why I have recounted this event is not for my self-edification and self-admiration- on the contrary! I am and have been since a child, like a little chihuahua puppy that runs away the minute someone yells “BOO”! The only reason why I was able to stand up for this young girl is due to the fact I strive daily to live in Christ and to live a true and authentic Christian life; remembering the words of our Saviour- for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Mt 10:20

Hence, it is beyond heartbreaking to see what kind of a society we have become, where no one has the courage to stand up for a CHILD! Jesus clearly exhorted in the gospel of Matthew- “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. Mt 18:6

Thus, all we need to do is to take a step back and look at what “Political Correctness” has made us become- spineless, cowardice CLOWNS! We pick and choose what is easier to speak up against but the difficult situations/problems in life we shrug off; using all sorts of excuse under the guise of “Political Correctness” which is obviously encouraged and fueled by evil personified and its plans for the destruction of the Lord’s creation! (Humanity) A prime example of such being the “Black Lives Matter Movement” that I spoke about in a previous homily.

In the book of Revelations Jesus clearly states- I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other!  So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. Rev 3:16-16

Therefore, we have become an over sensitized race where we have to walk on our toes in order not to offend the next person. Forgive me, but if something is out of order and God has commanded me to keep strong in regards to a certain issue then to offend or to not offend I shall stand up and speak out because the Lord’s commands it to be so! ei speaking up for the girl on the train! 

Moreover, if more of us would only allow God to be present within our lives and we were to forget about all the little insignificant things that we blow out of proportion, then humanity would be a much happier place! However, we obviously do not want to live in a stress-free world because we continue to enforce our own self-made ideologies and belief's upon others; therefore, creating an imbalance within society and disrupting the peace as it were! None the less, it is true that certain brands of fundamental so called Christians, put us off seeking God in their twisted state of mine- which is a result of suppressed humanity which obviously is a time bomb, evident in cult settings and the malice and hatred of vigilantes and extremists either going on a shooting rampage or threatening the lives of fellow broken people; trying to cope in this blunder of society called “church” or Christian living!

In addition, covid 19 is continuing to cause havoc in the world- however the Christians out three that are filled with pride and arrogance acclaiming that they are untouchable from this disease may have a nasty surprise coming! To have faith and trust in God is one thing but to go around with head up high saying that such are exempt from this disease due to the fact that they are so called “champions of orthodoxy” is another. Arrogance and pride steam from one place alone; the kingdom of darkness. Hence, why there have been numerus cases of covid within the Orthodox communities (Serbia)- killing the faithful and clergy!

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter5:6-7

This Coming Monday the Exarchate celebrates its patronal feast day of the Holy and Laudable Apostles, Peter, Andrew, James and John Sons of Zebedee, Phillip, Bartholomew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Matthew, Jude the brother of James, Simon the Zealot and Matthias who replaced Judas Iscariot.

These Holy men are to this present day prime examples of who we should all be living out our Christian faith; fearlessness and trust in God is how they lived every moment of their lives! May they be a constant encouragement for us when we are uncertain about when to speak up for others and how to go about doing so. Again, as our Lord exhorted- “do not worry about what you will have to say, for the Holy Spirit will speak on your behalf!” Mt 10:20

Through the prayers of the Theotoks, Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on us!