UNCTION

SOOTHING REALITIES – A COMMAND OF SERVICE 

As the day of preparation drew to a close with the evening at hand and Sabbath fast approaching, Joseph of Arimathea who was one of the presbyters that believed in Jesus as rightful King of the Kingdom of God at hand – went to the Roman Governor to ask for the Lord’s body to be handed him for burial. Although Pilate had heard the presbytery stew over what was expected concerning Jesus, he inquired onto the centurion who oversaw the crucifixion regarding the time of death. MK 15:43-45

Today the Church commemorates those disciples that worked in the background, that weren’t so much in the spotlight, but followed the Lord in his ministry and contributed according to their own means. The women disciples tended to the domestic needs whilst the two prominent and secret disciples who were presbyters of the temple took that leap of faith to reach out in the end and give the Lord a fitting burial however in haste due to the Sabbath laws.

It is custom that we speak of people from the past in terms of the past….but in the Orthodox Church, there is no such thing, because these are very much alive today as they were back then. In actual fact, at the beginning of each Divine Liturgy (Eucharist) the celebrating presbyter or bishop, makes the sign of the cross over the altar with the book of Gospels - raised high whilst chanting: “Blessed is the Kingdom of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit – onto ages of ages!” 

This very invocation raises awareness that the heavenly Church is joined with the pilgrim Church on earth and as the apostle Paul states: ‘We are surrounded by the cloud of witness’ (Heb 12:1) – those who gave testimony to the Lamb (Jesus) via blood, works, and faith!    

Therefore, he authorized Joseph to take the body into his care. Hence, Joseph hoisted the Lord’s body down from the cross and wrapped Jesus in the new linen cloth he had previously purchased – laying him in his own new tomb hewn out of the rock. Thus, a stone was then rolled against the entrance of the tomb which was witnessed by the women disciples who followed the Lord’s passion. MK 15: 46-47

As we know, unction was not only a ritual that was commended for setting apart (sacred) or commissioning (consecration) for religious purposes, but it was the means of giving honour (anointing) someone via the liquid perfume provided from the art of scented oil. Hence, the four gospels present us with these following disciples as the Myrrhbearers:

MARIAM THEOTOKOS – the Mother of the Lord and step mother of Joseph’s elder brothers children

MIRIAM MAGDALA – the woman who Jesus turned her shame into her fame via outpouring love

MIRIAM CLEOPHAS – the wife and widower of Joseph’s middle brother Cleophas

MIRIAM BETHANIA – the elder cousin of the Lord and sister of Lazarus from Bethany

MARTHA BETHANIA – the younger cousin of the Lord and sister of Lazarus from Bethany

JOHANNA CHUZA HERODIA – a disciple and wife of Chuza the steward within Herod’s court

SUSANNA GALILEEA – a disciple who was a fellow Galilean in the Lord’s ministry district

JOSEPH ARIMATHEA – a respected presbyter of the temple (a brother of Joseph of Nazareth) from the city of Arimathea (where he set up shop in the tin merchant trade)

NICODEMUS JERUSALEME – a respected presbyter and servant of the high priest in Jerusalem

When the Sabbath had passed and it was early dawn on the first day of the week, the women disciples Miriam Magdala and Mariam Theotokos went to the tomb. As they approached the earth quaked as an angel of God descended from the heavens and came to role away the stone covering the entrance of the tomb. As they drew near, they could see the radiant glow streaming from him which was like lightning – this very fact made those on guard faint with fear at such as sight. MK 16:1-4

Although we have this rather supernatural and vivid account which is the equivalent of a tsunami as we are better acquainted with in recent times, yet there is a hidden message that must be made visible regarding our state of being. It’s lovey hearing nice words and perhaps a dreamtime account of what could be etc.….but when we are totally surrounded by dark clouds of oppression and everything is going wrong – we really can’t see the road ahead until we are brought over, or even forced to come to a standstill; waiting for the storm clouds to pass! 

I once came across a marvellous description of this account offered by a basilian French monk who truly captured the significance for the everyday believer. It was not presented as a case study where the academic criteria of analysis was the foundation of such, rather, it was a call for renewal. Hence, I would like to share this quotation wholeheartedly because very few can capture the eloquence of such a statement that is only the result of effort and divine grace. Thus, in his book The Year of Grace of the Lord Rev Father Lev Gillet of blessed memory devoted to this commemoration affirms:

“When the angel of the Lord come to take away the stone from the sepulchre, he does not roll it gently away. It is not an operation which can be accomplished without effort, without a deep and violent upheaval. An earthquake is necessary. In the same way, the removal of whatever obstacle separated us from Jesus cannot be thought of as a partial adjustment. It is not a matter of taking off or rearranging some loose stones, of modifying some details and leaving the whole as unchanged as possible. In this case too, an earthquake is needed. It is to say that change must be total, reaching into every aspect of our being. Conversion is a spiritual earthquake.” p185

Seeing that they were troubled he addressed the women disciples and said: “Don’t be afraid for I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here – he has been raised as he promised! Come closer and behold the place where he once lay. Thus, you must go quickly and tell the Apostles that he is risen and awaits you in Galilee where you shall meet him! This joyful message has been commanded me to relate to you!” MT 28: 1-5

Overwhelming emotions of the above gospel account has truly stood the test of time…….yet it is not easy for joy to grow in the midst of sadness, struggle, and the odds haunting one at the end of every day, week, month and year. The other day I was asked to assist at a funeral in the capacity of music ministry….a good 45 minutes before the service, a very humble and kind-hearted lady of 84 years from that parish whom I know well approached me and just wanted someone to hear her out.

She said: “Father Bishop, I don’t tell people much about my past, and yes it does eat me up at times, but I’ve learnt to immune myself from past hurts with God’s grace to cope, yet, now and then it comes up and hurts me….do you mind if I can share it with you?” At this I laid my hand on her head and shoulder as a means of prayer, and support whilst saying: “You know I was ordained to help console the hearts overcome with sorrow….don’t be afraid – open up; I’m here for you!” 

Then she brought me back to her very early years when she migrated from Italy with her young family and her story just made me appreciate the call to ministry and let’s face it….most of the religious people inside the Church are the very ones that seek to destroy one’s integrity. Unfortunately, these sentiments of aggressive and malevolent behaviour are the result of (a) insecurity (b) uncertainty, (c) status and membership (club like). Yet, its dear souls like this lady that keep me and a few good others in the ministry - preventing me and other few good clerics from walking away and retiring to a monastery.

Therefore, she described how her young husband of 24 years and her being 18 worked hard to make a living; bringing up the kids…..couples back then truly relied on one another to make things work! Furthermore, there were no relatives or extended family here – it was a solo endeavour! Yet one morning after the Easter weekend the police come around, sat her down – luckily there was an officer of Italian descent who helped break the language barrier, and said: “Signora, (Dear Lady) I’m very sorry to tell you this and we will help you as best we can……but your husband was killed this morning as he was on his way to work!”  

The poor woman was totally destroyed because not only was the love of her life and soulmate violently ripped from her, but the worst thing was; denied access to say goodbye to him due to his body being totally crushed by a semitrailer that failed to see him alongside on his motorbike. She then continued: “I went blank through the funeral service and was not myself for days, yet I had to double my strength and grow up the kids in silent sorrow – all I had was my faith which promised me that one day I’d see my love again!”

What can one possibly say in such circumstances? People don’t want grand explanations or theories, – being there and listening to them conveying such pain onto you is for them soothing in itself; the gift of presence! After all, the greatest gift we can give to another human person is the gift of presence, the gift of our time!

 As they were leaving the tomb to convey the great news Jesus stood in their midst and warmly greeted them. Miriam Magdala worshiped and kissed his feet, whilst Mariam Theotokos embraced her son and glorified him. Therefore Jesus reassured them by confirming the words of the angel saying: “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to journey to Galilee and I shall meet them there!”  MT 28:6 -10

Hence, we believe in the certainty of faith which the Communion of Saints affirmed, where from the womb of the Church (the Old and New Testament Covenants) the Bible (Holy Scripture) was born, that Christ came amongst us in the flesh, died, arose from death, and will come again in glory! (Apostolic Creed/Profession of Faith)

Unfortunately, Church history has groups which spring forth like weeds that choke the vegetation because they have rebelled against such apostolic creeds and ecclesial criteria - disqualifying their existence. This of course was forewarned by the Lord himself in St. Matthew’s Gospel stating: “Beware of false prophets who come in sheep’s clothing, yet they devour their prey as wolves!” (7:15)

These day’s people are obsessed with the Book of Revelation which has become “the gospel” rather than the words of the gospels reiterating to not be afraid, keep watch, and pray for the Lord has triumphed over the tribulations and deceit of the world. The Book of the Apocalypse was only inserted into the Canon of Scripture with much reluctance in the late 4th Century AD and inserted only as a tribute to the beloved apostle St. John.

Regarding groups that sprung up as weeds, we have an exaggerated theme which is repugnant to Holy Scripture called RAPTURE! Not only is this an erroneous teaching, but it is the product or more precise, a HERESY (Departure from Doctrine) – a total misinterpretation by a gentleman (John Nelson Darby 1800-1882AD) and his movement (The Exclusive Brethren – dispensationalism and futurism) in the 1830’s.

Therefore, this delusion which is present in various Christian groups pontificates the notion of an exclusive affair where the good will be taken up and spared the tribulations of the world whilst the bad and the ugly will suffer them! Christ in no way comes 3 times (birth) (secretly) (publically), but only twice - he came onto us as Emmanuel, he ascended and is given us via the power of the Holy Spirit in the Blessed Eucharist via Apostolic Succession he himself imparts, and will come again in the fullness of his glory at the Last Day!

Again, this false doctrine is a deadly misinterpretation of the Apostle St. Paul’s first letter to the Church in Thessalonica (4: 16-17) where no rapture is mentioned. In Greek (Arpagisometha) emphasises the encounter of the presence of God which will fill all things, and the English translation reading – “being caught up in the clouds” means just that – alike the presence of paradise in the mandorla around Christ in Holy Iconography! 

Hence, the Second Coming is a public affair, where all shall be subject to the righteousness of God! Let us take the Holy Martyrs of the Communist Yoke as the Par Excellence of such an example in the light of the words of the Prophet St. Isaiah regarding those who follow in the footsteps of Christ: “Through his wounds, we are healed!” (53:5)    

Some likeminded folks who subscribe to this heresy (the rapture/millennialism) try to claim their ideology based on St. Matthew’s Gospel (24:40-41) where out of a set of pairs (couples) one is taken from each. Yet, they fail to see here the emphasis on the notion the very same holy text of St. Matthew’s Gospel with the notion of separating the wheat from the chaff. (3:12)

Unfortunately, this heresy is a phenomena festering within Evangelical and Pentecostal groups. I am alarmed at many of our people who are falling for this rot which clergy are not addressing because many are either not interested, ignorant, or are self-obsessed in running their club so to speak/write! Many people are derailing and entering into a quasi-hysterical mind frame filled with this rubbish which is becoming cancerous to their spiritual life!!!

Let us not mention the poor misinformed souls going around purchasing candles because of fear of the days of darkness when supposedly evil personified shall be roaming around and all doors and windows need to be shut and tightly locked. If evil wants to come in, it will because we are dealing with that which is spirit – the fallen powers who pass through walls. It is only our faith that repels such in conjunction with sanctified items! That same faith that the Lord affirms in St. John’s Gospel, especially to St. Martha of Bethany regarding her brother (St Lazarus) being raised: “If you believe, you will behold the Glory of God!” (11:40)

Returning to that same John Darby, he/his ideology gave Charles Taze Russel 1852 – 1916AD (founder of Jehovah’s Witness 1872AD) the mindset of the reign of Christ’s Kingdom for a few hundred years. This symbol of the eternal sovereignty of Christ which was misinterpreted by the former two gentlemen was clearly rejected/condemned at the Church Council of Ephesus (the condemnation of Nestorianism which derailed the theology of the nature of Christ) -by the Fathers of the Church in 431AD.

Let us then place all that which is not of the fruit of the Apostles who grew the Church at that first Pentecost far away from our faith journey. Rather, let us be nourished by that which the Fathers of the Church who many were disciples of disciples of the Apostles themselves, refresh us with sound doctrine – the outpouring of the Holy Spirit who anoints our inner being as the oil of gladness and myrrh of healing and nourishment which seals his people in the faith that truly is a gift baring abundant fruit!

You commanded the myrrh bearers to rejoice O Christ our God for your dried up the tears of our first mother Eve by your glorious resurrection. Hence, for the wondrous love you have for your creation, you commanded your Apostles to preach you as the resurrection and the life of all that is – bestowing eternity to those who in physical death descend into the tombs.

Kontakion Hymn of the Myrrh bearers.