Homily on the 10th Sunday after Pentecost
1 Corinthians 4: 9-16; Matthew 17: 14-23.
One thing that is certain is that we live in a time where the words of Saint Paul seem to echo true as to what is happening in the experiences of many Christians around the world. Christianity used to be admired and supported as people knew the truth that it guides men’s hearts to the All-Holy Trinity.
Now in this day and age, Christians are openly mocked and called names – even threatened with the loss of their lives – while the rest of the world and media do nothing. Moreover, the secular world has made it a sport to see who can blaspheme the name of our Lord and Saviour the most – turn on the tv or open any book – how many times is the name of our Lord and Saviour spoken in vain?
However, one thing that is true and has never changed is that what seems like foolishness to the world is in fact the medicine it so desperately desires (1 Corinthians 1:18). Many people are thirsty for the truth of the Gospel of the All-Holy Trinity. Yet many people are led down the paths of delusion and deceit afforded by false faiths and anti-gospels of pride and self-love.
Whilst it is good to respect one’s self it is equally important to recognise that there is more in this life than fulfilling the desires of one’s egos. Mankind, by virtue of our being created in the likeness and image of the All-Holy Trinity (Genesis 1:27), is built to be in a relationship with the All-Holy Trinity.
Why do celebrities who have it all – money, cars, houses, lovers and fame often end up on the path to self-destruction?
Put simply, the things that this world holds up as being the most important are not vital for our flourishing as human beings. In fact, there have been various studies over the years into centenarians (People who live to 100+) seeking to find out what is the secret to their longevity – one thing that comes across, again and again, is that these people who live to 100+ have a strong connection to the All-Holy Trinity and their communities – family and beyond.
Moreover, many of these centenarians have been through some of the most difficult times in our history (WW1 and WW2) and often had to do backbreaking work to support their families and communities.
Therefore, it is evident that if one trusts in the All-Holy Trinity one will trust that all will work out – our Lord and Saviour commands us to not worry but place our trust in Him (Matthew 6: 25-34). Whilst it is true that each and every one of us will have challenges in our lives it is even more important to acknowledge that if one trusts in the All-Holy Trinity and works with Him that these challenges can be overcome!
Take the Holy Apostles, they suffered horribly for their work in Christ’s vineyard – they were beaten, threatened and each and every one of them martyred for their faith in the All-Holy Trinity! Yet, they did not despair they knew that better things awaited them and that no matter what the world tried to do to them that the All-Holy Trinity had their back!
If God be for us who can be against us (Romans 8: 31)? Truly those who hate Christians for our faith in the All-Holy Trinity cannot harm the spirit – no matter what they try to do to Christians! Whilst in Western countries we still have it relatively easy in many parts of the world to be known to be a Christian is to be treated the same way the world of their time treated the Holy Apostles!
Therefore, let us as believers in the truth of the Holy Gospel of our Lord and Saviour not be afraid for if we do as Christ has commanded us and show His love and light to the world we will be blessed by His grace!
Christ the God-man knew that men’s hearts are weak and that is why He instituted the Holy Mysteries of the true Church -the Orthodox Church - to provide us with spiritual nourishment for our journey home – one of the most important of these being the Holy Mystery of the Eucharist! This is why frequent reception of the Mystery of the Holy Eucharist is a vital part of our spiritual defence against the attacks of the evil one and his fallen minions!
Let us be a sign of hope for a fallen world not a group of angry people flaying about like a fish out of water! One big problem with many Christians today is they have forgotten that Christ did not call us to be political activists!
Instead, we as the Communion of Saints (the Orthodox Church), are called to through our actions and prayer to show the light and love of Christ to this fallen world! Yes, we can know that some things being promoted in the secular world are not in line with the truth of the Gospel - it is not for us to try and take away the free will of others!
We are simply called to be a sign to the world of the love of the All-Holy Trinity and through the love that we show people show them that the All-Holy Trinity loves them! Never a soul was brought to true faith by a mad man screaming at the top of his lungs – ‘you are all doomed to Hell if you do not repent!’
Whilst Christ did make it clear that damnation is a possibility for wilfully refusing to do that which the All-Holy Trinity has called us to do - He always approached the lost sheep with a look of love and concern for their wellbeing – physical and spiritual!
Love is what softens even the coldest heart, not rhetoric and politics! Leave politics to those who have sold their souls to the world and all its passing rewards! We as Christians are called to accumulate heavenly treasures and not treasures which cannot be taken with us (Matthew 6: 19-21). This does not mean that we cannot make a living and provide for our families and retirement but rather that money must not be the sole focus of our lives!
Rather, let each and every one of us, with as much or as little as we have, be of service to those around us in whatever way we can! This can be as simple as lending someone some money or helping them buy food or clothes or helping them in their garden!
Finally, let us truly make prayer a central part of our lives for as mentioned before we are called to have a deep relationship with our Lord and Creator. We are called to make our lives as acts of prayer -each deed of love done for another is the offering of a prayer to the All-Holy Trinity.
This is why monastics work in their communities and beyond because it is through these acts of faith and charity they are brought closer to their Lord and Saviour! Moreover, even non-monastics are called to some form of service no matter how small.
Life can be hectic leaving what seems to be little time to devote to our relationship with the All-Holy Trinity but if we dedicate even just one minute to telling the All-Holy Trinity that we love Him then we are on the right path! The All-Holy Trinity is present to us even in the smallest act of prayer.
Therefore, try and pray to the All-Holy Trinity whenever one can even in the smallest of moments – it could be whilst going to one’s car or having one's tea break at work – every prayer counts and is heard by the All-Holy Trinity!
Let us pray that this week we see even the quickest of moments as opportunities to pray to the All-Holy Trinity!
Lord Jesus Son of the Living God, thank you for your gifts, I love you, have mercy on us sinners.
Comments