Homily on the 31st Sunday after Pentecost.
Christ is Born! Glorify Him!
On Wednesday evening the Exarchate gathered at St Paul’s Catholic Church Coburg to celebrate our Lord’s Glorious and all Holy Birth. I would firstly like to begin by expressing my wholehearted thanks to the parish priest, Father Raymond Bugeja for his hospitality in allowing us to use his Church to celebrate the Divine Liturgy and afterwards using the parish presbytery for refreshments and nibbles.
Thus, just as the Holy family was barred from any form of accommodation, so too has the exarchate been barred by our so called “orthodox brotherhood” from using their Churches to worship God.
Our Exarchate is not one that is made of money as the institutional churches are. When all our clergy minister we do so freely and wholeheartedly - “You have received without pay; give without pay.” Mt 10:8
However, if we were to approach our so called “brethren” with a thick white envelope (money) I'm sure they would open their doors immediately. Whilst on the topic of money in the church I would like to take this opportunity to further give evidence on the horrific and disgusting way the institutional church conducts itself. The way it treats the faithful and using the Lord’s Temple as a market place rather then it's true purpose; a hospital for souls!
Therefore, there exists a rule within the orthodox church that does not allow the Church to conduct funeral services for a person who has ended their life via Suicide. Unfortunately, this topic is an extremely sensitive and difficult one to understand for it can be split and divided into numerous categories; making every case unique.
Having stated thus, there is priest whom I know that is part of another orthodox jurisdiction and
a family approached him asking if he would pray the funeral service for their loved one who had ended their life.
Thus, the preist knowing the Churches stance on funeral services for suicide victims said - “I'm sorry but the Church forbids me to do so, you are to have a civil funeral service for your loved one.” At which the family bribed the preist with an extensive amount of money; begging him to allow their loved one to have an orthodox send off.
Therefore, the preist unable to deal with the temptation of money gave in and accepted the family’s bribe later preforming the funeral and burial service.
Having stated thus, here we begin to see the cracks within the system - the faithful bribing and the clergy accepting the bribes; all in the name of getting their way and for profitable gain. We either wholeheartedly follow our Church and its rules or we rebel for what is right and just - conducting ourselves in a free and wholehearted manner all for the sake to follow Christ’s commandment to love thy neighbor!
Hence, treating all cases the same in saying no suicide victim can have an orthodox service would be unfair due to the individuality of each. Hence, just as the Apostle Paul exhorted to the people of Corinth regarding true Christian Love - Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Cor 13:4-7
Hence, if we begin to choose who is and isn't worthy of God’s mercy (to reach out) then we will be committing a grave error in becoming gods - Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord: Deu 6:4
Furthermore, the Apostle James exhorts - There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you--who are you to judge your neighbor? Jm 4:12 Therefore, the only things that we as Christians should be doing is praying for one another and give generously to those in need. The rest is God’s department. We do not need to worry about God passing on judgment for His love is endless and when He passes judgement, He does so in all fairness unlike man who is broken and tainted.
Having stated thus, this Holy Exarchate gives ALL people the benefit of the doubt, no one is ever turned away. All are welcome and wanted; invited to come as they are for Jesus desires all to be saved in Him who is the author of life!
"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. Jn 15:18
You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. Mt 10:22
Blessed are you when they shall revile you and persecute you; falsely vilifying you in all manner of speech on my account. Rejoice I say to you and excel in gladness, for your reward will be great in heaven! Mt 5:11-12
I’m sure that in one way or another we have all been hurt or offended for the faith we profess in Jesus our King and God. At times we may become so angry and other times we may just want to cry out in shear hurt and frustration.
Perhaps, such hurt is portrayed on home front; people from our immediate family the ones who should be showing the most support in all aspects of our lives.
Their comes to mind a passage in Holy scripter that truly helps me in times where people make fun of me or give me a hard time where Jesus exhorts - “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn “‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law— a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’ “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it. “Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. Whoever welcomes a prophet as a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever welcomes a righteous person as a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward. And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.” Mt 10:34-42
Thus, on Friday I spoke to my nonno (grandfather) to see how he was doing and asked me how was orthodox Christmas? I replied - “it was beautiful.” He then asked if there was a big attendance, I replied no it was nice and intimate about 10-15 people.” As always without fail he began to laugh saying - “Ha ha is that it? You guys will never grow into a Church you'll only be a small boy’s club! ha ha oh well that’s ok!
Hence, in the past I would become so worked up over such comments especially coming from someone who is meant to be proud of me; supporting me for any life style choice I make.
However, I now do not allow such things to bother me. I just remember that as long as I live in God and feel His All-Holy presence everywhere filling all things (Preamble prayer) my life is rendered whole and I don’t need the support of family or man for that matter!
Christ Emmanual has come into our midst to render all who wish to be saved whole! Via His great incarnation as the immaculate one, we now learn from He who is meek and humble of heart. Mt 11:29
May we not fear and not despair for Christ is always in our midst! Furthermore, if ever a person needs any cleric of the Exarchate all are available 24hrs a day for a chat and if we are occupied at that time an appointment will be made as early as possible. NO ONE is ever turned away!
Through the prayer of the Theotokos her spouse St Joseph, Lord Jesus Christ our God have mercy on us!
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