Saturday, July 25

DYNAMIS, Clergy Support, July 27, 2009, Monday of the 8th Week APe

 

__________________________________________________________
1 Corinthians 9:13-18 (7/27)
Epistle for Monday of the Eighth Week after Pentecost

Worship I ~ Clergy Support: 1 Corinthians 9:13-18, especially vss. 14,
15: "Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel
should live from the gospel. But I have used none of these things...."

The First Epistle of the Apostle Paul to the Church in Corinth reveals
an immature and troubled congregation struggling with a wide variety of
problems. Since Divine worship is so central to the life of the Church,
it is not surprising that, among other problems, the worship of the
Corinthian Christians was fraught with several serious issues.

Now, in a series of course readings, follow Saint Paul as he addresses a
number of these problems. Despite two thousand years in time and
significant cultural disparities between then and now, it is amazing how
many of these problems may still be found in the Church today.

A cursory reading through this present passage reveals the Apostle
pressing to establish the principle that congregations should support
those who "...minister the holy things..." (vs. 13). Note, however,
that St. Paul exempts himself from all benefits under this rule (vs.
15). Instead, he places himself in a special relationship with those to
whom he had brought the Gospel (vss. 16-18). At the same time, he
reminds us that the support of those who minister at the Altar is 'a
given' of long standing tradition among the People of God, dating back
as far as the Mosaic Covenant (2000 BC) and to the 'temple service' as
well (vs. 13). Pointedly, the Apostle recalls that the Lord Jesus
Himself "...commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from
the Gospel" (vs. 14), referring, presumably, to Christ's directive in
Matthew 10:10 - simply another occasion of the well-known principle in
the Church (1 Tim. 5:18).

Unfortunately, the struggle to assure adequate provision for the clergy
still has not resulted in full support for all clergy. Occasionally,
historic circumstances have made it difficult to keep this command of
the Lord, as when the 1918 Bolshevik revolution in Russia abruptly cut
off all funds to the North American Mission, the major source of income
for most parishes here. Today, there are a few situations where failure
to support the Priest is defensible. Most of these are in new parishes
or in older parishes serving communities with declining populations.

Nevertheless, the basic, Scripture-attested Tradition absolutely extends
to clergy pensions and health coverage in this day and age. The entire
Church should assure that older Priests, when they are ready to retire
from the demands of full-time ministry, should be able to do so without
concern for personal, spousal, or family maintenance. Thank God our
Bishops and lay officers are making serious efforts to correct any
inadequacies connected with clergy support including retirement benefits
and essential health-care coverage for all Priests and families.

Another point in this passage was long ago noted by Saint John
Chrysostom: "As in the case of the priests 'of the temple'...so we see
here, 'of the Gospel;' and, as there he says, 'eat' so here, 'live,' not
make merchandise or lay up treasures." Bluntly, one does not undertake
the solemn duties of the Priesthood to become enriched. Of course, a
balance must be struck between adequate provision by parishes and
reasonable expectations by their clergy.

Finally, observe how the Apostle sought to avoid applying this rule for
his own support. He very carefully stated the principle so that the
Corinthians would not think he was seeking anything from them (vs. 15).
His "necessity" to "...preach the gospel..." (vss. 16,18) was derived
from the Lord. He was delighted to provide for his own maintenance,
because in supporting himself to preach the Faith, he experienced often
the free nature of grace, living as God provides (vs. 18).

O Lord, enkindle the hearts of Thy people to make adequate provision for
Thy Priests so they may serve Thee freely in the work of Thine earthly
vineyard for the salvation of our souls.

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Posted by Metropolitan SYMEON at 7/25/2009 0 comments Links to this post

Friday, July 24

DYNAMIS, Be Strong in Grace, July 27, 2009, Feast of Great-Martyr Panteleimon

 

__________________________________________________________
2 Timothy 2:1-10 (7/27) Epistle
for the Feast of the Great-Martyr & Healer Panteleimon

Be Strong in Grace: 2 Timothy 2:1-10, especially vs. 1:"You therefore,
my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus."

The strength of the Saints should amaze us, for they seem superhuman,
being steadfast in suffering, unwavering in fidelity to the Lord, and
utterly committed to obeying God's commandments without compromise.
Their ability to work unstintingly at whatever task God called them is
humbling. This strength of the Saints came solely from "...the grace
that is in Christ Jesus" (vs. 1). The evidence from the records of the
lives of the Saints reveals Christ as the Source of the abundant grace
of His faithful ones.

Thus, Saint Paul calls upon us - just as he did upon Timothy - to
"...endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ" (vs. 3). The
verb, "endure," from, "synkakopatheson," means literally, "to suffer
affliction with." "with" enters into the meaning from the prefix
"syn-." There are different paths for translating the verb. Some add
the word "me," so that the verse reads, "Suffer hardship with me as a
good soldier...." (ASV). The warrant for "me"is the context from which
St. Paul wrote the letter - he was a prisoner (vss. 9,10). Others apply
suffering to all good soldiers of Christ. Yes, truly, suffering is
generic for Christians, whether one views the struggles of discipleship
socially, spiritually, or physically (as with those we call confessors
and martyrs).

The Holy Fathers consistently underscore the necessity of spiritual
suffering on the path to theosis: "...genuine compunction is
undistracted pain of soul in which it gives itself no relief but hourly
imagines only its dissolution; and it awaits, like cool water, the
comfort of God." Tradition affirms that "...pain of the heart is
essential for salvation....he who is without pain bears no fruit." As
the Apostle says elsewhere: "For as the sufferings of Christ abound in
us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ" (2 Cor. 1:5).
Suffering and grace always are conjoined.

The Apostle Paul also urgently advises us to resist mindless submission
to "...the affairs of this life..." (2 Tim. 2:4). A fruitful effort in
Christ depends on our keeping the demands of this existence subservient
to the greater work of being in Christ. Avoid whatever disturbs union
with Him. Tito Colliander puts it clearly: "We must free ourselves as
much as possible from all fuss and flutter and ado over vain things."
Yes, when we serve the Lord, be not "...troubled about many things," but
always keep in mind that "...one thing is needed..." (Lk. 10:41).

In addition, Saint Paul is quick to prompt us to apply our energies to
keeping the Lord's commandments, for one is "...not crowned unless he
competes according to the rules" (2 Tim. 2:5). On the one hand, never
forget that we are in a competition that has eternal outcomes. On the
other hand, grace is given to us in Christ so that we may approach God's
eternal demands and commandments with confidence and hope. Therefore,
do not despair because "...by the deeds of the law no flesh will be
justified..." (Rom. 3:20), for grace and the law are joined in Christ,
"...even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ..."
(Rom. 3:21).

Yes, the path of the Saints that the Apostle Paul teaches is demanding
and exacting, plainly setting difficult work before us. Still, "...the
hard-working farmer must be first to partake of the crops" (2 Tim.
2:6). Let Saint John Cassian encourage us, for "...as a rule, someone
who works is attacked and afflicted by but a single demon, while someone
who does not work is taken prisoner by a thousand evil spirits."
Listless Christians face rebuke from the Master, and may meet worse
retribution (Mt. 24:48-50). But do not despair; we have grace from God
in Christ. "...strive to subdue [listlessness] through patience,
prayer, and manual labor."

O God of our Fathers, Who ever dealest with us according to Thy
meekness, remove not Thy mercy from me; but by their intercessions
direct my life into the way of peace.

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Posted by Metropolitan SYMEON at 7/24/2009 0 comments Links to this post

DYNAMIS, Building up Others, July 26, 2009, Seventh Sunday after Pentecost

 

__________________________________________________________
Romans 15:1-7 (7/26)
Epistle for the Seventh Sunday after Pentecost

Building up Others: Romans 15:1-7, especially vs. 2: "Let each of us
please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification."

Origen, an insightful, third-century Biblical commentator of Alexandria,
sought to anticipate and deflect overly-hasty and preemptive resistance
to the above admonition of Saint Paul: "But perhaps someone will say
that Paul is contradicting himself here, because elsewhere he says: If I
please men, then I am not a servant of Christ [Gal. 1:10]. In answer it
must be said that it is one thing to try to please others is order to
get their praise and quite another to please them in order that one's
own life might be blameless, so that those who meet us may be edified by
what they see and here. We are not called to please others by doing
things which are against faith, honor and piety....Note that Paul
himself says this, when he adds that in pleasing our neighbor the
purpose is to edify him." May our life in Christ edify our fellow
members in Christ, for such is pleasing to the Lord.

The standard for building up others is the Lord Jesus. His life, His
example received and shared with other disciples will edify them
"...according to Christ Jesus" (Rom. 15:5). We must measure every scrap
of our intention, speech, and action toward others against the Lord
Jesus as God's invariable Standard. He is sufficient reason for us to
bear with the weaknesses of others (vs. 1), be patient (vs. 4), seek to
strengthen other people in all sorts of ways (vs. 4), work with others,
and share what we have in Christ (vss. 5, 6). We must aim constantly
that we glorify God and treat others with kindness. Remember: the Lord
is ever kind and merciful to us (vs. 7).

Edifying others is not as overwhelming as it might appear, for God
graciously gives us the Holy Scriptures to guide us in forming our deeds
and words rightly (vs. 4). Saint John Chrysostom understood that "...we
have many battles to fight, both inward and outward," even in the work
of building others up. Hence, we are greatly blessed in having at our
disposal a Divine guidebook with worthy Pastors, and Christian
companions to illumine us on the way. That is ground for solid hope
(vs. 4). Do not despair, but press on with the task of upbuilding others.

Often, the weaknesses of others may seems to confront us (vs. 1). Bear
with their limitations even if they should inhibit the edification of
other Christians. How? Knowing that God is the One who transforms our
paltry efforts into true edification. Yes, our stumbling and fumbling
He uses to His glory, if we will abandon ourselves in His hands. It is
so much easier to put up with the failings of fellow Christians, and to
do so quite humbly and gratefully, if we will entrust the work to Him
Who does "...all things well" (Mk. 7:37).

Edifying others requires a depth of patience, strength, and comfort that
God alone gives. Hence, remember always that we are Christ's and that
He is the Master of this work. We must quit troubling ourselves. Be at
rest in Him. We must put forward our best and leave the outcome to
Him. Turn to Holy Scripture (vs. 4), read, learn from it, inwardly
digest its Divine wisdom and strength, and permit God to fill us through
it pages - to fill our hope that cannot be dimmed.

Notice the Apostle's prayer: "Now may the God of patience and comfort
grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ
Jesus..." (vs. 5). Ask, and God will show us the places of commonality
that we share with others. This is especially true when we are working
in circumstances that promise to be fraught with conflict and
differences of opinion.

If we intend to "...glorify the God and Father of our Lord..." in speech
and action (vs. 6), then our efforts will not be wasted. We will be
able to treat the most difficult of our fellows with kindness (vs. 7),
and God will help us overcome that which affronts and offends others.

Grant, O Master, Who lovest mankind, enlightenment of my spiritual
powers, faith unashamed, love unfeigned, increase of wisdom, and the
fulfillment of Thy commandments.

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Posted by Metropolitan SYMEON at 7/24/2009 0 comments Links to this post

Thursday, July 23

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Parish Closes


On July 12, they saw the church close following its 10 a.m. service..
"It was pretty emotional," said Greg Stamos, a local lawyer and Holy Trinity member. "A lot of longtime parishioners, some from out of state, came back for the final service.
Some 55 parishioners heard the Rev. Joel McEachen, their pastor for the past 35 years, bless their spiritual and physical well-being in a service the Greek Orthodox call Artoklasia. They heard him memorialize ancestors who passed on over the decades. And they heard him encourage them to take their faith to a new Orthodox church.
"I told in my Father's home there are many mansions," he recalled. "That every place the divine liturgy is heard is one."
Posted by Metropolitan SYMEON at 7/23/2009 0 comments Links to this post

ROCOR Hierarch Reposes

Bishop Ambrose of Vevey, Switzerland, has reposed, MEMORY ETERNAL!
Posted by Metropolitan SYMEON at 7/23/2009 0 comments Links to this post
Bishop Ambrose of Vevey, Switzerland, has reposed, http://bit.ly/PDTxC MEMORY ETERNAL!
Posted by Metropolitan SYMEON at 7/23/2009 0 comments Links to this post

DYNAMIS, Living Sacrifice, July 25, 2009, Saturday of the 7th Week APe

 

__________________________________________________________
Romans 12:1-3 (7/25)
Epistle for Saturday of the Seventh Week after Pentecost

Living Sacrifice: Romans 12:1-3, especially vs. 1: "I beseech you
therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God that you present your bodies
a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God...."

Saint John Chrysostom observes that by this entreaty the Apostle speaks
of "presenting" our bodies to God in the sense of "furnishing" them to
the Lord or "placing them at His disposal," and so he explains: "Ye have
given them up to another. For even they that furnish the war-horses
have no further interest in them. And thou too hast presented thy
members for the war against the devil."

Hence, to surrender our bodies to God is to make a "living sacrifice" of
ourselves to Him for we hand over the control and functioning of our
lives to the Lord solely for His purposes. It is a surrender from the
heart, a giving over of our "reins" to God - a fundamental, spiritual
and moral act that nullifies self-indulgence. Within the context of
this hand-over, St. Paul describes "living sacrifice" to God as
spiritual worship (vs. 1), fighting off conformity to this world in
favor of working with the Holy Spirit for total personal renewal and
transformation (vs. 2), and embracing God's will humbly as the only
good, acceptable, and perfect way to live (vss. 2,3).

The Apostle equates the "living sacrifice"with "reasonable service"
(KJV, NKJ) or, alternatively, with "spiritual worship" (RSV, NAB). The
Orthodox Study Bible (1993) points out that in the original, the noun
'latreia' "is best translated 'worship'" since the root of the word
means to "bow down." In contrast with the worship that God provided to
His People anciently under the Mosaic Covenant, Christian worship, as
Saint John Chrysostom states: "...needeth no wood or matter under it;
but our fire liveth of itself, and doth not burn up the victim, but
rather quickeneth it." "Living sacrifice" is "spiritual ministry,
conversation according to Christ."

In this brief passage, Saint Paul does not take time to speak explicitly
of the Holy Spirit as the One Who makes it possible for us to fight off
conformity to this world and become transformed and renewed throughout
our entire beings (vs. 2). He has already referred to the Spirit
earlier in the Epistle as the One Who dwells in us to "...give life to
your mortal bodies..." (Rom. 8:11), enabling us to "...put to death the
deeds of the body..." and live (Rom. 8:13).

It is clear that with the aid of the Holy Spirit received in Baptism and
Chrismation, we may become a "living sacrifice" to God in and through
our bodies. We ought to struggle to avert our eyes from evil, stop
speaking filth, and avoid putting our hands to what is wrong. Instead,
we should, in the words of Saint John Chrysostom, "...let [our] hands,
and feet, and mouth, and all other members, yield a first-fruit unto
God. Such sacrifice is well pleasing...."

As we work with the Spirit in this manner, we become transformed by His
grace and our "minds" are renewed. The Greek word "nous," translated
here as "mind," does not refer to cognitive faculties, but rather to
what Saint John of Damascus calls the "purest part" of the soul, "...for
as the eye is to the body, so is the [nous] to the soul." Conceive of
the "nous" as the deepest part of our spiritual being where we are able
to know and meet God - and to be healed.

The Spirit, working in our "nous" enables us "...not to think of
[yourself] more highly than you ought to think, but to think soberly, as
God has dealt to each one..." (Rom 12:3). Thereby, we are empowered to
exhibit "...what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God"
(vs. 2). True Orthodox Christianity is not a gnostic, inward change
detached from behavior and daily action, but an inner transformation
that produces a sober reevaluation of ourselves that manifests in
tangible efforts at living a life worthy of our calling in Christ (Eph.
4:1).

O Lord, make straight our path; establish us all in Thy fear; guard our
life; make firm our steps by the Power of Thy Holy Spirit and the
intercessions of all Thy Saints.

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Posted by Metropolitan SYMEON at 7/23/2009 0 comments Links to this post

Wednesday, July 22

DYNAMIS, Promise and Progress, July 25, 2009, Dormition of the Righteous Anna

 

__________________________________________________________
Galatians 4:22-31 (7/25)
Epistle for the Feast of the Dormition of the Righteous Anna

Promise and Spiritual Progress: Galatians 4:22-31, especially vs. 28:
"Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are children of promise."

Saint Paul refers to a story from the age of the Patriarchs (Gen.
15:1-8; 16:1-6; 18:9-14; 21:1-7), which he says is symbolic (vs. 24).
Grasp his point, embrace his message, and "...Rejoice, O barren, You who
do not bear! Break forth and shout..." (see vs. 4:27, from Isaiah
54:1). God will instruct you about two mothers and their sons and your
heart and soul relationship with Himself, the life-giving and Holy
Trinity. The birth of Isaac and Ishmael, a bit of history, is a parable
to encourage you to trust, be patient, rely on Divine promise, and wait
for God to enliven your spirit. It is about not getting ahead of God.

Both "Convert" or "Cradle" Orthodox can reach the point of feeling
spiritually stale: you sense you are "not getting anywhere" in your
prayer life, the Liturgy has lost its delight, the sermons are not
challenging. You go to confession for the same old sins and see no
progress in getting free of them. You know what's going to happen at
Church, and, when you pray at home - well, you just spin your wheels.
There are times when, plainly, you are bored. You wonder what happened
to the delight, the joy, the spiritual life you had? You are ashamed,
disappointed.

The Genesis story is our story: Abraham was getting old. The first time
God spoke to him, he jumped up, left home, and moved to the promised
land. It was beautiful! God promised him children to inherit the land
and possess it. He moved around, prospered - but no heirs. Would the
promises ever be fulfilled? Sarah his wife understood his heart. She
suggested that he have a child by her slave girl. At least he would
have an heir. But after bearing Abraham a child, the slave girl scorned
his wife. This was not what God had promised. The form was there.
Ishmael was his flesh and blood son; but Abraham did not receive the
wonder, delight, joy and life for which he hoped. He was ashamed and
disappointed. Is his story close to home? How easy to be impatient,
bored, grow stale - to make greater efforts to enliven ourselves
spiritually.

Saint Seraphim of Sarov has wise things to say about spiritual
activity. His first point is that "...we must begin with a right faith
in our Lord Jesus Christ, The Son of God, Who came into the world to
save sinners...." Faith is "right" when we trust solely in Christ to
enliven our pious efforts at obtaining the grace of the Holy Spirit,
because Christ our God "...brings into our hearts the Kingdom of God and
opens the way for us to win the blessings of the future life." No
matter how hard we try, how consistent we are, how diligent, if we
fundamentally trust in the efforts we are putting forth more than in
Christ, we simply will spin our wheels and grow stale. Christ says,
"...the Son gives life to whom He will" (Jn. 5:21), for "...as the
Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in
Himself..." (Jn. 5:26). Trust in Christ!

Saint Seraphim has a second point: he raises the question of why do all
the pious things that can aid our life in Christ? Because we professed
Christ once and believe in Him, it is very easy to slip into the mindset
of supposing "...that the Christian life consisted merely in doing good
works." No! There is a purpose for the pious activities: to acquire
thereby "...the grace of God's Spirit. Such ways of life based merely
on doing good without carefully testing whether they bring the grace of
the Spirit of God are mentioned in the patristic books: 'There is
another way which appears as good at the beginning, but it ends at the
bottom of hell' (Prov. 16:25)."

Human efforts alone lack faith in God. God promised a son and heir to
Abraham by Sarah, so a conceptual act by itself would never bring the
grace of God by promise. We "...are children of promise." The grace of
God is promised by faith in Christ Who brings the Spirit.

Thou, O Christ, give life to everything and rule everything: help me
trust in Thee alone.

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DYNAMIS, Marriage and Monasticism, July 24, 2009, Friday of the 7th Week APe

 

__________________________________________________________
1 Corinthians 7:35-8:7 (7/24)
Epistle for Friday of the Seventh Week after Pentecost

Christian Marriage IV ~ Marriage and Monasticism: 1 Corinthians
7:35-8:7, especially vs. 38: "So then he who gives her in marriage does
well, but he who does not give her in marriage does better."

In the portion of First Corinthians that precedes the Epistle for today,
one will find the clear truth that it is by embracing the Apostolic
desire to please the Lord above all things that makes it possible to
overcome the force of self-indulgence within ourselves and to serve
Christ faithfully - to "...serve the Lord without distraction" (vs.
35). That truth and those words were the final challenge of yesterday's
Epistle and the basis for the teaching in today passage.

In this present reading, Saint Paul reviews two life-choices a Christian
may encounter - betrothal and remarriage. The Apostle invites us and
every disciple to look more deeply than many ever do both at celibacy
and at marriage as worthy vocations.

Foremost, note that Paul is careful not to put a "leash" on any
Christian, except in terms of what is "proper" (vs. 35). He allows
Gospel imperatives to restrain Christians against improper behavior,
thoughts, and passions. Significantly, the Saint does not promote one
state in this life above another except as a pragmatic response to a
"...present distress..." (vs. 26). Such can arise because "...the form
of this world is passing away" (vs. 31). But always the love of Christ
constrains us to live rightly in this world until death or the Lord's
return. Yet remember: because of its fallen state, this world will
always tend to draw us away from the Lord Jesus.

How then should we live? In what state? Does 'being married' pose a
barrier for living as a Christian? Should we embrace monasticism as
some ultimate solution? Paul reassures fathers and their eligible
daughters that they do not sin by marrying and giving in marriage (vs.
36). Similarly, the father who chooses to continue supporting his
daughter when she has aged beyond the years of marriage "...does
well..." (vs. 37). The issue for everyone is not which state of life to
embrace, but whether one is "...steadfast in his heart..." toward the
Lord (vs. 37).

What are some of the reasons for preferring either the celibate life or
the married life? It would not be because one state is of greater
"purity" than the other. Saint John Chrysostom states plainly the
wisdom of Holy Tradition against that sort of view: "And if any persons
have been hindered by the marriage state, let them know that marriage is
not the hindrance, but their purpose which made an ill use of
marriage." The theologian Paul Evdokimov echoes Saint John plainly:
"Yet, the future of the world depends on a solution tailored to
mankind. It is not 'in spite of marriage,' but in its fulfillment that
spouses live the supernatural and holiness of their union....the nuptial
'kenosis' unveils its secret only to the eyes of God and to no others."

The key to primary life-shaping decisions, Evdokimov teaches, is neither
to accept the banalities that the modern world promotes, settling for
the "...licentiousness of legalized mating," nor is it to flee into the
vocation of monasticism out of frustration with the whole corrupt
culture and its lustful pledge of allegiance to the "kingdom of
intercourse." Rather, he affirms in a classic Orthodox manner, "...a
balanced asceticism helps one understand that the life of the body and
the soul, in celibacy or in married life, is an art of the spirit;
chastity stands at the beginning of these two expressions of an integral
Christian humanism, turned toward the End," which, of course, is Christ,
"...the Priest of mystical and pure marriage."

What Saint Paul and Holy Tradition alike uphold are free decisions of
free persons to marry or not, because of being "...in the Lord" (vs.
39). In Christ, marriage and monasticism are one. If such life-choices
are open to us, they will only be resolved before Christ in prayer.

May all of us, Thy servants, shine like the stars of heaven in Thee, O
Lord our God.

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Posted by Metropolitan SYMEON at 7/22/2009 0 comments Links to this post

Tuesday, July 21

DYNAMIS, Marriage and Service,July 23, 2009, Thursday of the 7th Week APe

 

__________________________________________________________
1 Corinthians 7:24-35 (7/23)
Epistle for Thursday of the Seventh Week after Pentecost

Christian Marriage III ~ Marriage and Service: 1 Corinthians 7:24-35,
especially vss. 32, 35: "But I want you to be without care...that you
may serve the Lord without distraction."

In the readings for the last two days, Saint Paul reminds us who profess
to be Christians that we were "...bought at a price..."(1 Cor. 6:20),
should seek to "...glorify God..." (1 Cor. 7:23), and that in all that
we do we are to serve Christ as His worthy slaves (1 Cor. 7:21,22). In
whatever state we happen to find ourselves in this life, residence,
family or employment, use the graces that come with membership in Christ
to "...please the Lord," (1 Cor. 7:32), for His will governs all.

Through the centuries, serving God remains a priority matter for the
serious Christian. The Church lives in heightened awareness of the
impending, imminent return of the Lord. As Saint Paul reminds, in
whatever age, "...the time is short..." (vs. 29). After two thousand
years, whenever we recite the Creed, we are declaring that the Lord
"...will come again to judge the quick and the dead." Sadly, His return
is not an urgent matter for some members of the Church despite the fact
that at death, or when He comes, each one will face Christ's dread
judgment. It is better to ask, 'How may I serve the Lord now without
distraction?' (vs. 35)!

The Apostle suggests a starting point: we must place our primary
attention on serving the Lord from our present life-situation. But,
"...let each one remain with God in that state in which he was called"
(vs. 24). If we are married, "Do not seek to be loosed from a wife,"
and if we are loosed from a wife, "Do not seek a wife" (vs. 27); for
"...it is good for a man to remain as he is" (vs. 26). Worrying about
being married or fretting at not being married are simply distractions
from the primary issue of Christians in this life - 'pleasing the Lord'
(vs. 32). However, the Apostle wisely knew that not all can or will
desire to be as absorbed as he was at every moment in the work of the
Church and of the Master.

Saint Paul understood that the concerns of family life do bring
"...trouble in the flesh...," and so he says, "...I would spare you"
(vs. 28). Not because he thought marriage was sinful! Rather, "...even
if you do marry, you have not sinned..." (vs. 28). The Apostle desires
for each of us to emphasize the things of the Lord, "For the form of
this world is passing away" (vs. 31).

The Apostle saw plainly enough that "There is a difference between a
wife and a virgin [an unmarried woman dedicated to God]. The unmarried
woman cares about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy, both in
body and in spirit. But she who is married cares about the things of
the world - how she may please her husband" (vs. 34). His concerns are
appropriate still, yet those who are married, as much as is possible,
should seek to live in evangelical urgency. Seriousness about the
Lord's work ought to be primary for Christians, so that, at least in an
ultimate sense, "...even those who have wives should be as though they
had none" (vs. 29).

The best way to achieve such a detached state is to hold uppermost in
our consciousness the transitory nature of this present existence. If
we are among those who are grieved, remember that all things are passing
away. Those in grief will be able to act "...as though they did not
weep, those who rejoice as though they did not rejoice, those who buy as
though they did not possess, and those who use this world as not
misusing it" (vss. 30,31).

For Christians today, Saint Paul's advice may seem stringent or
radical. However, the People of God always are blessed in adopting a
robust, Apostolic urgency for the Lord, for He is true Life and will
draw us out of the slough of secularized, self-pleasing indulgence.
Christ will renew us as members of His eternal family to "...serve the
Lord without distraction" (vs. 35).

I am a pilgrim on this earth; direct my steps to the fulfillment of Thy
will, O Master.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

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Posted by Metropolitan SYMEON at 7/21/2009 0 comments Links to this post

Monday, July 20

DYNAMIS, The Non-Believing Spouse, July 22, 2009, Wednesday of the 7th Week APe

 

__________________________________________________________
1 Corinthians 7:12-24 (7/22)
Epistle for Wednesday of the Seventh Week after Pentecost

Christian Marriage II ~ The Non-Believing Spouse: 1 Corinthians 7:12-24,
especially vs. 20: "Let each one remain in the same calling in which he
was called."

In the year 593 BC, a young slave in the Babylonian empire attained his
thirtieth birthday. Had he been free, he would have begun serving as a
priest after the tradition of his fathers, but such was not to be.
Instead, God placed His hand upon him to fulfill the special work of
being a Prophet among his fellow slaves in a land where they "...sat
down" by the waters of Babylon and wept remembering Zion so far away and
so inaccessible (Ps. 136:1).

That young slave was the Prophet Ezekiel (Ezek. 1:1-3; 2:1-8). Some of
us, like Ezekiel, have awakened in the course of life to rediscover
that, before and above everything else, the hand of the Lord God is upon
us, that we are members of His People, that we are Orthodox Christians.
When this realization dawns our "...first love..." (Rev. 2:4) compels us
to examine our lives and our relationships in this world in the light of
God's claim upon us.

Aware of God's claim, the Apostle Paul directs you and me to consider
our lives, our purpose, and God's call upon us as Christians. Whether
we were united to the Lord in infancy and grew up in the Church, or were
drawn to the life in Christ as an adult makes little difference. When
the consciousness of our calling from God awakens within us by the grace
of the Holy Spirit, and as long as our hearts desires to abide in the
Lord (Jn. 15:4), all priorities and relationships come under God's
demand that "first things" truly be first. If we are married to another
who does not practice the Faith or of we have parents or children who
are not believers, God calls us to the struggle of being faithful where
we are.

The Apostle affirms the supremacy of our first allegiance as a Christian
- to serve the Lord, for "...he who is called...is Christ's slave" (vs.
22). Ownership defines the limits in our lives. Christ's rule over us
is ultimate, not subject to compromise. Even when a spouse is not a
practicing Christian, belongs to another Faith, has no religion, or is
apostate from the Church, we are not "...slaves of men"(vs. 23) and must
not follow them. Follow Christ, your Master.

If false ideas, practices, and demands from our loved one intrude on our
prior call in Christ, remember Whose we are and to Whom we shall
answer. Married persons should not consider leaving their partners who
are not believers, at least for that reason alone - even if a spouse
scorns the Faith - so long as they are "...willing to live with..." them
(vss. 12,13).

Saint Paul requires us to look at the immeasurable good that God may
accomplish through our relationships with unbelievers, particularly
those close to us, and most especially a spouse or family member. "For
how do you know...whether you will save your husband" or your wife
(vs.16)? There is a potential. As Saint Peter urges, "Wives, likewise,
be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the
word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives" (1
Pet. 3:1). Instead of giving up on the relationship, do as Paul says:
"...rather use it" (1 Cor. 7:21). We can take this station in life as
the field of labor that God has set before us. Participate with Him in
His saving work. Let Him bring the results.

The primary task for us as Christians is to serve Christ, and if
possible "...in the same calling in which [we were] called" (vs. 20).
"...if the unbeliever departs, let him....God has called us to peace"
(vs. 15). Departure may come through desertion, divorce, or by what
Saint John Chrysostom calls a bid to "...take part in...ungodliness on
account of thy marriage." Let the other go. We must follow Christ in
all peace with God and with all others as we are able.

Unto Thee we commend ourselves, and each other, and all our life, O
Christ our God.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

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Posted by Metropolitan SYMEON at 7/20/2009 0 comments Links to this post
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