Homily on the 28th Sunday after Pentecost
As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed. Lk 17:12-14
This week a conversation arose at work regarding miracles, God and modern-day medicine. One of my collogues stated that it all comes down to luck; there is no such thing as miracles or God. Another collogue said that God simply doesn't care; that we create our own destiny via the actions we take in life.
Therefore, I stated politely that miracles are defiantly true and for those who do not believe in religion but rather believe in science, there have been recorded unexplainable instances were science could not explain why something has happened like ailments disappearing by themselves.
For example, I'm sure we have all heard of cases where a person has terminal cancer and is given several months to live; all of a sudden, the cancer disappeared - rendering the person healed of their infirmity where they go on living a long and fruitful life.
Moreover, I further stated that God is not a magician! He will not wave His wand and make our problems disappear. He has given us the knowledge to create medicines and procedures to preform life giving treatments so we must make use of the wisdom imparted us.
Thus, another fellow worker replied - “well you can't have both! You either believe in God and miracles or you believe in science and medicine!”
It is quite sad that people are still living in the past; following old outdated beliefs that their great-grandparents passed on. Furthermore, in no way, shape or form am I saying that the Church must conform to the modern-day world absolutely not! Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Heb 13:8 Thus is with His church and its teachings!
However, resolutions to problems/dilemmas of the past that no longer produce fruits (encourage positive change) must be revised. There is great need for the clergy of the world – from every jurisdiction to hold synods regarding thus; discussing how to resolve modern day problems using the same formulars that the Apostles once used.
One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan. Lk 17:15-16
The reason why miracles are less common today in comparison to the past is due to several factors. Firstly, many orthodox Christian jurisdictions have become “sell outs” as we say in our Australian native togue; meaning that they have conformed to the world rather than staying strong in their faith, customs and traditions.
An example of this is seen when orthodox groups change from their original observance “Old Calander” over to the New Calander which is truly worldly and not just a product of history like the protestant reformation. (World council of churches) Having stated thus, it is desirable that we all live in Christ and in the confides of His Church, yet there is inconsistencies for those who profess to be Christians do not truly confess Christ in His fullness – meaning every word and every commandment He has left us is truly not observed by all. Here begins the problem denomination!
Secondly, many people have de-spiritualized themselves via disbelief in the All-Holy-Trinity; further becoming unfaithful to Holy Mother Church when it comes to keeping the sabbath day holy (Sunday Liturgy), observing the fasts but most importantly attending the Divine Liturgy for the celebration of The Lord’s Holy Pascha and His Glorious Nativity!
Furthermore, the holy Fathers of the Church state very clearly within the cannons (Church rules/laws) if a person does not attend the Divine Liturgy on the feast of the Lord’s Pascha they have willfully and automatically Anathematized themselves (Excommunicated); severed themselves from Christ the vine. The only exceptions being is, if a woman is about to give birth, a life-threatening situation be it injury or sickness or if a person physically has no means to travel to a Church.
Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.” Lk 17:17-19
Lastly, when people are given a second chance in life via the Lord’s intervention some take it for granted. Hence, during the Ottoman rule, Greece had been attacked several times by the Turks resulting in the death of many orthodox Christians and the destruction of Holy Temples. So, the clergy decided to pray to the Theotoks (the True Birth giver of God) promising Her if she would save them from the tyranny of the Turks, they would rebuild the Church that was destroyed - dedicated to Her.
Thus, having compassion upon them, the Holy Theotokos besought the intervention of Her Son our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ and the Greeks were protected from the Turks. To this very day the Church that the Greeks promised to reconstruct in honor of the Theotokos is still in ruins! (Empty promises)
Therefore, God in His infinite wisdom knows if our intentions are pure or not. He knows that there are wolfs in sheep’s clothing and He will not fall for it; that's why Jesus warns us about certain clerics and people claiming to have supernatural gifts - Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Mt 7:15
Hence, just as Jesus exhorted in the Gospel of John regarding the hired servants - The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So, when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. Jn 10:12
Meaning that, there are many clerics that have become sell outs as stated previously and would risk the souls of each member under their care in order to gain wealth and clime up the ranks of the priesthood; lording over others becoming kings mounted on thrones!
Having stated thus, there are very few orthodox jurisdictions who have remained faithful to God throughout the centuries to this present day; adhering to Christ’s commandment’s and the Apostles. For this small minority of orthodox Christians miracles do occur! An icon may extrude Myrrh or Holy water. The prayers of the presbyter bring about healing both physical and spiritual; their prayer is energized by the power of the Holy Spirit and Holy communion tastes like Myrrh something that I have experienced countless times!
Thus, when one lives by the light and is not ashamed of it (Jesus); carrying it wherever they go so they and others may see, God has the chance to usher change; if we humbly ask for it and may give us signs of encouragement to reassure us, we are not alone! "No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, so that those who come in may see the light. Lk 11:33
In conclusion, as we enter the midpoint of Advent where we prepare our hearts to become the living manger for, He Who Is (inscription above any icon Christ) Emmanuel (God is with us); may we be true living testaments of the Lord’s immeasurable love for us via our actions. A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” Jn 13:34-35
Through the prayers of the Theotokos Lord Jesus Christ our God have mercy on us and save us!
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