The blood of those who struggle
Jesus was leaving a certain town but upon approaching the walls of that city – two blind men were pleading with him saying: “Son of David, have mercy on us!” At that he entered into their hut and spoke onto them saying: “Do you believe that my mercy accomplishes that which your heart’s desire?” (Mat 9:27-28)
Belief in general these days has sadly conformed into tokenism – we have it at the back of our minds in the sense that we may have grown up with certain religiosity, but such may not be active when truly needed/warranted. Unfortunately our ideology of God can reflect as either confined to rituals, traditions, and rigorous structure, or a totally loose conception that is in a constant state of flux which undoubtedly backfires.
It is a rarity that we come to terms with ourselves and that which we hide inside especially when we are part of a structure that forbids certain avenues; wanting desperately to reach out but become bitter and perhaps begin to compensate – letting ourselves go. With that, our initial vision of what we embarked on – commitment to faith or service to a centre which supposedly represents thus can slightly cripple us if we are not strong; ultimately allowing currents of prevailing mentalities in our circle which overwhelm us.
We may know the faith, we may teach thus well and represent the institution we serve also with honour, but do we really mirror that same Jesus in the Gospel’s and administer that same compassion he charged his apostles, disciples and those after them to render? Or have we totally marred ourselves into otherness; a high society gents club where the average Joe (within our church) is not our problem?
Unfortunately, there is a trend especially amongst the clergy when one does not fit a certain clerical club to render life difficult for that person even if such may be one of deep faith. The problem these days is that the expectations are way too high and when standards begin to drop; crisis emerge! This is the problem with role models, especially for the youth who look up to such people in the sporting and arts fields; the media is filled with falls from grace as it were, yet these days it’s fashionable.
It is also fashionable for people to wear religious symbolism which have become décor, especially the very popular body art version made available via tattoo. One can’t help notice the contrast in the Italo - Greco world, where we have pagan and Christian symbolism intertwined. How many times have I heard it from the mouth of supposed Christians: “It keeps away the evil spirits!” If this is not a recipe for a quasi-voodoo cocktail, then I don’t know what is! This is what happens when there are two extremes; either mysticism has been ripped away from a centre of faith, or people can’t understand the language, culture and symbolism of what’s going on - becoming mumbo jumbo!
After we have peeled away all the fragilities of such, we are exposed to the bare essentials, which can be rather confronting - a shock to the system. Hence, at this point, are we ready to process that which we have discovered via the harsh experiences, whilst laying aside the anguish others have rendered us, and once again leap up and reach out onto that same Jesus who said: “Come to me!”
The world and its ways may pedal the logic of their wise in telling us that such (faith) is all wishful thinking. Likewise, the Church institution may present us with a God foreign to the one we have heard uttering unconditionally in sacred texts: “Love one another!” Is our faith truly great so that we can reach out beyond our walls that confine us like those two blind men, so that we may say: “I need you Lord! Please come to me!”???
They then affirmed their faith saying: “All is possible for your Lord!” At this he extended his hands onto them and touched their eyes saying: “Let that which you have desired now be bought to completion!” Hence, upon his words their eyes opened and then the Lord sternly warned them saying: “You are not to tell anyone what I have done for you!” Their joy could not be contained and this impeded them keeping the Lord’s command thus telling all in that district what wonders had been accomplished for them. (Mat 9: 29-31)
These days’ miracles which unfortunately are rare, certainly so in the diaspora, where comfort surrounds (a discussion for another time) yet when a grace is bestowed; it’s closed down – whitewashed! I have noticed such particularities, and to the anger of many in my position – they don’t like it when the Holy Spirit acts outside their comprehension via visiting others who are not of the fold!!! One of the first arguments I hear is: “It is not possible because that person is not a believer and not one of us!” Lastly, as similarly recorded in the following gospel passage: “It is demonic!”
How many people are blinded by employing a zealous subscription to the faith they follow, and when someone who is different comes in our midst and voices their creed - the zealousness kicks in and resembles animal instincts of an ambush of the prey! What melted hearts of stone in biblical times was nothing but LOVE, and this LOVE proved itself by voluntarily and wholeheartedly giving us the proof that nothing can separate us from him if we choose too.
Blood was that proof, and that lifeblood flowed through the veins of others who laid down their arms, and leapt in his arms through the means of witness via their own blood.
Words were that which placed people into an empty space – the means of their own confrontation, yet such words did not shake ones very foundations; these words rendered foundation!
Misconceptions were torn asunder whilst the reality of the human person, uniqueness and value were raised to great heights – the means of communion with the heart of our God! A revelation took place, and its message is that the divine is not above and beyond, but so very close to us as he exhorted various times: “The kingdom lives in you!”
The beauty of the Orthodox Liturgy which is the ancient faith, is that the Saviour’s very words become the reality encapsulated at the beginning of each Divine Liturgy/Eucharist where we are joined with heaven at the words: “Blessed is the Kingdom of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit!” This wonderful tapestry of sound that radiates colour, light, and energy is the means of savouring that which has been promised, that which many voluntarily gave their life; a witnessing of joy that never ends, and solid proof that LOVE DOES NOT DIE!
As Jesus was traveling further, the town’s people presented him with a man afflicted by a demonic entity which caused muteness. Thus, the Lord expelled it from the man to which the people marvelled saying: “No one has ever had such power to accomplish as we have beheld in the history of Israel!” At such a comment made in sincere faith, the Pharisees quickly desired to tarnish the reality of what had taken place stating: “He casts out demons by the power given them by their own demonic sovereign!” (Mat 9: 32-34)
Love does not die! The Church commemorates one such witness that followed the Lord at first because her love was lustful, but when the Holy Spirit held up a mirror to her face via the Saviours words; a love that mortified all desires via transcending mortal aspiring. Miriam Magdalena we know was a lass with a past, and one who loved life, the world, and all it can offer. Although I touched on spiritual entities in a previous homily; all I will say which was the case in Miriam’s previous chapter: when one follows worldly pursuits, and at times becomes enslaved via such – there are forces one can be exposed too in such avenues that can lead to emptiness and depression; nothing fills/satisfies anymore!
Looking at various centres of faith – they did not tend to treat these people (fragile humanity) very well, and often condemned them and executed them; we don’t have to look at the Middle East so much or deluded cults in the United States that render likewise, but supposed religious people and a few clerics tend to harshly brush such people off! It is a grand contradiction, and defiantly one that is alive and well amongst us – the problem is that we allow the Levitical law to hijack the Law personified (Jesus) who reminded that Judgment is his alone and he is the Immaculate one who can only cast a stone!!! (Jn 8:7)
Regarding the Judgement of others, St. John Chrysostom (347 – 407AD) who was a patriarch (archbishop) of the then prestigious Byzantine Patriarchal See (Patriarchal Seat of Administration) of Constantinople, reinforcing the Lord’s words regarding passing condemnation on others: “Do not judge others, for if you pass judgement for that same measure of judgement shall be allotted you.” (Mt 7: 1-2)
St. John then renders a heart-warming explanation (homily) regarding the Church and its function as a place of respite where those who serve are to mirror. Thus, the place and practice of healing as opposed to an atmosphere of incarceration; drawing from the Good Samaritan narrative (Lk 10:29-37) and the need of the divine physician amongst the fragility of the human condition “sickness” (Mk 2:17) exhorting:
“The Church is a hospital, and not a courtroom, for souls. She (The Church) does not condemn on behalf of sins, but grants remission of sins. Nothing is as joyous in our life as the thanksgiving that we experience in the Church. In the Church, the joyful sustain their joy. In the Church, those who worried acquire merriment, and those saddened, joy. In the Church, the troubled find relief, and the heavy-laden, rest!”
Furthermore, St. John also noted that the Institutional side of the Church could not let go of Pharisaic tendencies. Hence, the finest and best – not necessarily for God in the use of holy liturgy, but so that clerics could look glamorous in a rich liturgical tradition via their lust to resemble temple deities. Thus, forgetting their place and calling all who would follow to sacred service rather than to be served as pharaohs of the past. Therefore, the Lord clearly reminded his apostles and disciples of how to mirror him exhorting:
“The rulers of the gentiles along with their ministers, rule over their people exercising prestige with the title of benefactors and protectors of the community: THIS MUST NEVER HAPPEN AMONGST YOU! For, I who am the one who is great have come amongst you like the one who is the youngest of their brothers and as Lord, I am the servant of all! Greatness is measured by one’s humility, and I as Lord do not sit at table awaiting you to serve me, rather I have invited you to recline at my table, and as host I serve you and attend to that which is needful of my guests!” (Lk 21: 24-27)
When I was a young deacon, a wonderful elderly gentlemen who had served in the secret services both in Russia and here in Australia - whose son is a bishop, reminded me of a saying regarding chalices of wood and bishops with hearts of gold. He thus boldly stated: “Gone are those days for now we have bishops with hearts of wood and chalices of gold!” Furthermore, St. John Chrysostom encapsulated this in his homily upon the Eucharist of the poor exhorting:
“If you desire to adorn the body of the Saviour, then do not despise it when it is naked! Do not honour it in church with fine silk vestments while outside it is naked and numb with cold! He who said: “This is my body” and made it so via his word and command is the very same one who exhorted: “You beheld me hungry and you gave me no food!
As you did it not to the least of these, you did it not to me!” Honour him then by sharing your property with the poor. For God does not seek chalices of gold but delights in golden souls! Hence, what good is it if the holy altar is overloaded with golden vessels whilst your neighbour is dying of hunger” Start by satisfying his hunger and with whatever is left – tend to the liturgical items!”
Therefore, that which caused a radical change (the source of healing and deep nourishment) in the life of Miriam Magdalena was that very same mercy God rendered onto various women in biblical history, as opposed to the stance the Pharisees took – using such women as scape goats (stoned for the crime of adultery) particularly in this occasion in order to have Jesus arrested (he defying their purpose) earlier. He (Jesus) asked that poor soul a question after he disbanded them via uncovering their hearts secrets (writing their names on the sand and their sins alongside): “Where are they that condemned you? I will not condemn you!” (Jn 8:10-11) God can never back down on his law of mercy!
Such was similarly rendered to the woman of the well in Samaria (St. Photini) who would only come to draw water in the heat of the afternoon to avoid everyone’s slander! Again, LOVE made itself a dwelling in the hearts of those who thought were remotely far from him, and for them to feel that they were worth love – that in itself brought them to their knees; metanoia/a total change!
Such was Miriam’s commitment to the gospel of the Lord that she fearlessly out of true untainted love for Christ went to Rome and began helping the church grow in those regions. We may see her with a red egg in various icons and that may bring to mind the paschal red dyed eggs we use – the tradition is ancient and was also a revered custom amongst Roman Christians before the Latin invasion.
Miriam was invited by the Emperor Tiberius to a banquet for the emperor was fond of her and knew her origins. Yet, when he teased her regarding the Lord’s resurrection – he affirmed that: “The possibility of Jesus rising from the dead is the same as the egg before you turning red!” At that the egg not only turned red but started bleeding……
Not many know the next chapter of this account, but Miriam then spoke up about how Jesus was staged and unjustly condemned which moved Tiberius to summon the high presbytery of the Jews Annas and Caiaphas to Rome for trial – one (Annas) died violently (intestines erupted) off the coast whilst the other (Caiaphas) suffered an enormous stomach tumour who then was later executed.
On the subject of justification, there has been that many concoctions of all sorts which are quite blasphemous, but laying that aside and the Dan brown conspiracies, we probably are aware of the various art works (Da Vinci’s Last Supper) that portray Miriam Magdalene close to Jesus as opposed to John…..I would like to make clear that art was the ONLY powerful means to make a point NOT ABOUT THE FAITH but about WHAT WAS GOING ON IN THE CENTRES OF FAITH AT THAT TIME!
We all witnessed the stupidity at the Paris Olympics where certain agendas tried to besmirch the Christian Faith…. (A grotesque presentation of the Passover Meal in the Da Vinci setting) this happens because Christians in general have become soft and when too accommodating, our own dignity is trodden on. Yes, there are nut cases (zealots) who destroy and put people off the faith within, but there are also nominals which in effect contribute to such outcomes.
In addition, we may be familiar with the heresy of Iconoclasm (726-842 AD) where holy icons were defaced/destroyed due to the ill understanding of the Second Commandment: “I am the Lord your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt; there are no other gods but me! You shall not make idols of anything that lives in the sky or upon the earth, or in the waters. You are not to worship these or render ritual onto them, for I am the Lord your God, and am most displeased at those who turn to these.” (Ex 20:4-5)
Altar Tomb within the Basilica of St. Appolinaris – Ravenna Italy.
Book of Revelation cover page from a Bible of a disolved monastery.
In some instances, the icon of Christ was replaced with the symbol of the Lamb in order to discourage veneration. This (Iconoclasm) of course was rectified at the Second Council of Nicaea (726-787 AD) which ratified veneration of holy icons in the light of the Incarnation as seen in the Gospel of St. John: “He who has seen me (Jesus – God the Son) beholds the Father!” (Jn 14:8) – awarding the first Sunday of the season of the fast (Great Lent) as the Triumph of Orthodoxy.
I’d like to mention that the temple of Jerusalem was fully decorated with iconography, and the Ark of the Covenant itself, was commanded by God to have the image of angelic beings overshadowing it: “The Cherubim are to have their wings spread upwards in overshadowing the Ark as the means of veiling my presence which safeguards. They shall face one another as they look upon it; for it is the place where my mercy rests!” (Ex 25:20)
Therefore, holy icons were then replaced via such groups (iconoclasts) by images from creation. An example of this is the sacrificial lamb rather than a portrait of He who is the Lamb as stated previously….let’s not mention he (Jesus) imprinted his own face on the veil and also the imprint on his own burial shroud. This, the shroud was stolen from Constantinople, passed through various hands and finally brought to the basilica in Turin.
Regarding the veil (mandylion) It must be noted that we are not to confuse this shroud/mandylion with that of St. Berenice “acquirer of victory” who was the woman that Jesus healed of her internal and external bleeding when she touched his garments (Lk 8:43-48) She Berenice became later known in the West as Veronica who wiped the Lord’s face on the way to Golgotha producing the imprint on the cloth being the: VERO ICONA – True Icon!
Thus, there was an Assyrian ruler (Abgar) who heard about Jesus, for he (Abgar) suffered with various skin and blood conditions; wanting to see Jesus for he believed in that which was reported concerning the Lord. Thus, he sent his accomplished artist (Ananias) along with a letter of invitation (to which the Lord declined but promised to send one of the apostles later on) to at least sketch out his face. However the artist perched himself distant from the crowds in endeavouring to sketch out his (the Lord’s) likeness; he could not because as he reported to the king after several attempts – light radiated from his face!
Therefore, Jesus sent his cousin/brother ‘the jealous one” Jude to the king in Edessa/Urfa imprinting his face on the towel which when beheld by the ruler; immanent healing occurred! Thus, after the Pentecost, Jude was assigned Dean of the Disciples in Assyria to which that same king/ruler became a disciple of the Lord and aided the Church to flourish in those lands.
Hence, returning to the Second Council in the year 787 AD held in Nicaea (IZNIK Turkey) such Non Apostolic groups were then known as the ICONOCLASTS those who opposed the veneration of Icons. These began protesting and paved the way for what happened in Germany and England with the protestant reformers who not only whitewashed churches but violently destroyed that which is sacred.
One of the Church Fathers, St. John Damascene (675-749 AD) reinforces the apostolic mindset regarding the Incarnation and the veneration of holy icons exhorting: “Often, doubtless, when we have not the Lord’s passion in mind and see the image of Christ’s crucifixion, his saving passion is brought back to remembrance, and we fall down and worship not the material but that which is imaged: just as we do not worship the material of which the Gospels are made, nor the material of the Cross, but that which these typify!”
“We honour such icons because the act of honour is not to the wood, pigment, and painting, but this honour we give is transferred directly to the prototype!”
“Thus, I do not worship matter, I worship the God of matter, who became matter for my sake and deigned to inhabit matter, who worked out my salvation through matter………..I will not cease from honouring that matter which works for my salvation. I venerate it, though not as God. For anyone who constantly seeks God will surely find him for he is present everywhere and fills all things!”
Regarding iconoclasts defacing that which is holy, deluded individuals are always clearly at odds within themselves due to insecurity and identity complexes. These very same culprits as the pages of history unfold, tend to climb ecclesial ladders and often derail the function of the Church – the mandate to leap out of its comfort zones in order to go to those who are in darkness due to all sorts of reasons.
The greatest tragedy is that those who supposedly administer in His Name are the greatest freaks! These have not understood the purpose of the Incarnation (although they may understand the theory of its theology) yet they are the equivalent of doctors without medicine (useless)! In many instances, such become ridiculous in taste and matters pertaining to the sacred.
When we bring sacred space to mind, Sacred Patrology introduces us to Hieromartyr Hyginus (136-142 AD) who was a native of Greece and a Bishop of Rome. In consideration for Tabernacle (dwelling place) of the Most High, it is of vital importance that Hyginus emphasised a tenant of the Old Covenant Church as commanded in the Exodus (Ex 30:22-33) that all things pertaining to God be consecrated via the Oil of Gladness; the Myron (sacred peace unction) of the Tent and Sanctuary in the Wilderness: Holy Ground!
Therefore, Hyginus then ordered all Churches – meeting house rooms, catacombs, and places of worship to be officially consecrated via sacred Chrism (infusion of Divine Grace in Christ) which rendered the space sacred so that the earthly Communion of Saints could meet the heavenly in dignified and holy surroundings.
Interior of St. Andrew’s Church - Great Durnford UK
Interior of St. Botolph’s Church – Hardham UK
In Western Christendom (the remnant thereof) there exist beautiful Norman and Medieval Churches, apart from a few existing in originality, a large number of them were rebuilt in a Victorian manner due to structural integrity issues. As we know, various aspects were either defaced or removed in the dark periods of the Reformation. Without getting into a theological debate, it is sound to employ the word ignorance and how it becomes a channel for evil to thrive in the context of Sacred Space - religious architecture and liturgical sensitivity.
It is obvious that when there is no fellowship space in an old ecclesial building, such is made according to good taste which allows distinction in elegance rather than the resemblance of a storeroom, a playground, and some sort of gathering/worship space. Thus, the Church building is a temple and not one’s lounge room or veranda! A place that is consecrated onto God and should never be sold (as done many times over) but handed down to those who will keep the integrity of worship and reverence!
Further, when one comes to terms with sacred space, or elements thereof which are no longer used, these should be reverenced as a relic of yesteryears tradition. One ought to have the intelligence of reverently recycling its usage in the context of today, or leave it all together as a venerable artefact. The Baptistery is the womb of the Church where people are reborn in Christ, yet some (due to newer constructions) as seen in such places have defiled its (the former font) usage – degrading it to a common greenhouse ornament which holds pot plants and other such things.
Yet, we have also beheld how Covid 19 has in many ways made us think outside the box. People and companies (withholding funds) objecting to such – a revival of those who are beginning to heed to what our faith teaches and bestows.
After this event, Jesus went about various villages and entered the local synagogues where the people gathered to hear him open the scriptures; revealing the kingdom of the promise to come as the gospel of truth. With this, he reached out onto many and healed those afflicted with all types of disease. (Mat 9: 35)
On Friday the Church commemorated one of her beloved medical saints by the name of St. Pantaleimon (284-305AD) who was a young physician in Christian Turkey. He was much loved by those in authority in particular by Emperor Maximian (250-310AD). Yet, when Pantaleimon treated various Christians who Maximian gave orders to be burnt - relationships began to sour.
It was within that timeframe that Pantaleimon was giving treatment to three saintly presbyters Sts. Hermolaos, Hermippos, and Hermocrates who in turn would answer questions regarding the faith. At this stage, the young physician was of pagan origin although his mother Ebbula was a Christian yet died earlier on.
Pantaleimon was intrigued by the holy presbyters, yet it was difficult for him to convert being a man of science and a protégé of the grand Euphrosynos of Nicomedia. It so happened that one day a child lay dead on the road for he was bitten by a viper - Pantaleimon was moved with compassion yet he realized that science has limits.
Thus, remembering the conversations with the holy presbyters and the various miracles Jesus of Nazareth bestowed, he took the leap of faith and asked in the name of Jesus that this child would be speared and revived: the dead child began showing signs of life and via the prayer of faith and Pantaleimon’s skill of medicine – restored the child to health.
At this, Pantaleimon was baptised and worked hard for the Church and all people in need – his own father Eustorgias too converted after his son healed a blind man via laying his hand on his eyes in the name of Jesus. Yet, jealousy raged amongst his peers when people came to Pantaleimon and their clientele declined dramatically; Pantaleimon never charged the poor and needy!
Furthermore, his colleges denounced him to the emperor under the charge of healing enemies of the state (Christians) at which the same emperor ordered Pantaleimon to retract, yet with that he confessed Jesus even more by healing a paralytic in front of the emperor – this fuelled his rage and warranted the saints’ execution via various means; finally resorting to beheading at which his executioners begged pardon.
SANCTE PANTALEI ORA PRO NOBIS DEUM!
We who have been given strength are not to boast in such pleasure, rather, we ought to carry the scruples of those who are weak. Let pleasure be awarded to our neighbours through our good works so that they be edified. Christ never pleased himself nor boasted, but as it is written: “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” These very things have been written for our edification, so that through the virtue of patience, we may be comforted with the gift of hope the Scriptures render. (Rom 15: 1-4)
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