Everyone is Worthy of Mercy and Love

It is easy to love those who love us back, but even sinners do the same. This is reminder from Christ in the Gospel on the Second Sunday of Luke. (see Luke 6.31-36) As Christians we are called to higher form of love than what is easy in the world. We are called to love whether or not someone loves us back. We are called to love whether or not someone is nice to us. We are called to love even our enemies, because everyone is worthy of mercy and love.

The Church is above politics

Today’s Epistle Reading: St. Peter's First Universal Letter 4:12-19; 5:1-5 - BELOVED, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal which comes upon you to prove you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice in so far as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or a wrongdoer, or a mischiefmaker; yet if one suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but under that name let him glorify God. For the time has come for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? And "if the righteous man is scarcely saved, where will the impious and sinner appear?" Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will do right and entrust their souls to a faithful Creator. So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ as well as a partaker in the glory that is to be revealed. Tend the flock of God that is your charge, not by constraint but willingly, not for shameful gain but eagerly, not as domineering over those in your charge but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd is manifested you will obtain the unfading crown of glory. Likewise you that are younger be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble."

It’s political season, not that it really changes my thought for today, but since the Pope spoke about Trump’s “status” as a Christian, pundits have not shied away from either praising or condemning the Pope for his remarks. My post today has NOTHING specifically to do with Donald Trump, but everything to do with how the world speaks about the role of the Church. My comments today also are neither supportive nor against the Pope or Donald Trump.

The reality is that the Church is called by God, among other reasons, to be the conscience of the world. When the world is moving in the wrong direction, the Church must speak the truth of Christ. So long as the Church’s positions are supportive of our opinions, we tend to thank the Church for the support. But when the Church teaches something with which we disagree, then HOW DARE THE CHURCH get involved.

In today’s reading, Saint Peter calls the elders (the Priests and Bishops) of the Church to “tend the flock of God that is in your charge.” A shepherd loves his sheep, and would die for his sheep, But he also is willing to correct his sheep and steer his sheep away from danger. I often get the impression that the world would prefer a shepherd that only coddles his sheep. The Church is regularly reminded to love the sinner, but (as I have noticed) rarely does that include correcting poor behavior for the good of the sinner. If a sheep is headed for the ravine, does the shepherd not do anything in his power to protect the sheep?

Loving the sinner doesn’t have to mean endorsing the sin. In fact, it shouldn’t ever mean endorsement of sin. But likewise, calling something sin is not the same as judgment either. When the Church speaks out against behavior, even though leaders of the Church are ‘just as guilty’ as others, it doesn’t make the Church hypocritical; it reminds us that we are all sinners in need of God’s mercy.

Being in need of God’s mercy also doesn’t mean the Church has no authority to teach the truth of Christ. People many times quote the story of the woman caught in adultery found in John 8.1-11, as a defense against ANYONE telling them their behavior is wrong. But this is NOT what Christ said. The prohibition against judgment is  not the same thing as discernment. Calling a behavior a sin isn’t condemnation. Christ called acknowledged the behavior was sinful. And saying only God judges does not mean we are not called to identify sin. If anything it is supposed to mean we should be more merciful since we too are guilty of sin.

As the political season worsens, my advice is to be cautious of using the Church in your political battles. The Church is above politics, but that doesn’t mean the Church shouldn’t speak the truth of God when it is needed.

How Much is Enough?

A mother faced with her daughter’s serious illness, approached Jesus for help. “"Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed." (Matthew 15.22) But the Lord turned her away with what by modern expectations might be considered harsh. After putting her off; even telling His disciples that she should be sent away, said, “"It is not good to take the children's bread and throw it to the little dogs. And she said, "Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters' table." (Matthew 15.26-27) After allowing her to express her deep faith and humility in front of others, then He heals her daughter. What exactly was it that God wanted her to express to the crowd?

The mother had already expressed her belief that Jesus was able to heal her daughter. She had already proven her patience when she remained waiting for Him, even after being told to leave. But it was when she confessed that she didn’t want all His attention, nor did she expect any special treatment or anything for herself, but simply wanted her daughter to be healed from the demon. Then God granted her wish, and her daughter was healed from the very moment.

We could learn a lot from this mother, but the greatest is her deep faith and humility. She asked not for herself, but for her daughter. She didn’t ask for special attention from God, but just to be noticed. She was content in her heart to accept whatever the Lord offered her. Life is filled with opportunities for us to choose between our needs and the needs of others. Every day is a chance for us to confess in front of others that we seek God and are willing to accept whatever He has to offer at that moment. In our heart we will know it is enough.

Appearing to Care

Today’s Gospel Reading: Luke 16:15-18; 17:1-4 - The Lord said to the Jews who came to him, "You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts; for what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God. The law and the prophets were until John; since then the good news of the kingdom of God is preached, and every one enters it violently. But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away, than for one dot of the law to become void. Every one who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery, and he who marries a woman divorced from her husband commits adultery."  And he said to his disciples, "Temptations to sin are sure to come; but woe to him by whom they come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung round his neck and he were cast into the sea, than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin. Take heed to yourselves; if your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him; and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, and says, 'I repent,' you must forgive him."

It struck me this morning when I read the Gospel for today. Especially since the terrorist attack in Paris, it occurs to me so many desire to be SEEN as being compassionate that they will go to extreme ends to display their solidarity through Facebook and other forms of social media. I’ve grown tired of the various meme’s pulling at my Christian heart strings with pictures that show Joseph and Mary being “locked out of America” as refugees; as if CLEARLY one must be the chief hypocrite for even wanting to discuss the question of the recent refugee crisis. We are so preoccupied with APPEARING to care, I wonder how many of us really care in the first place. If we did.....the world would already be different.

So I will remain silent for now on the refugee crisis, not because I don’t have an opinion, but because I’m not sure the current conversation is even a conversation. If you have been a fan of my blog for any time, you know my thoughts about politics and faith, and you know my thoughts about wearing our faith merely as dressing rather than converting our hearts.

I received a text message yesterday from someone who wanted my advice on “how” she should be thinking about the refugee crisis. My response was that it is too deep for a text message. She shared with me that she was conflicted. I said, “You should be.” The problems of our world are real and the only way we will ever truly be able to address them is when we stop worrying about being justified by men, and start worrying about being justified by God.....but let me warn you.....that will mean MUCH more discomfort than merely posting a meme showing Native Americans rejecting the pilgrims because they no longer accept refugees. It will require genuine repentance in your heart and mercy from God.

Have people forgotten?

"Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents." (Luke 15.10)

With all the ranting about terrorism and bombing them back to oblivion, I can't help but wonder if people have forgotten this truth from God. 

And who is my Neighbor?

The Gospel tells of a certain lawyer who “stood up and tested” Jesus trying to trick Him. He asked a question many of us ask either directly or in the secret of our prayers, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” (Luke 10.25) Our contemporary society seems to be preoccupied with this question. In hospital waiting rooms every day, family members of terminally ill patients are asking doctors, “What can we do to save his life?” Hundreds of millions of dollars are spent each year, mostly during the last few months of life trying to achieve eternal life, or at least prolong death indefinitely.

The answer Jesus offers to us is not at all what we might expect. Following a dialogue with the lawyer and offering the Parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus says, “Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10.37) What exactly are we supposed to do? The Good Samaritan was the only one who actually went TO the dying man and co-suffered with Him, while all the others kept their distance. It was the Good Samaritan whom Jesus defined as our “neighbor” – turning upside down the hypocrisy of the lawyer. In order for us to have eternal life, we must go up close to those who are suffering and bear their suffering along with them.

The Samaritan “went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care o him.” (Luke 10.34) This was not at all what the lawyer had in mind when he proudly asked, “And who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10.29) presuming he had no equals, and that he was above the others. Eternal life was not something he would do for himself, but what he would do for others. So the next time you find yourself asking what can be done so you can live longer, consider the answer....and then go out and co-suffer with someone in need.

Crowning the Year with Goodness

Christ our God, Your kingdom is an everlasting one, and Your lordship is over all. You have made all things with wisdom and have established proper times and seasons for our lives. We give thanks to You in all circumstances and for all things. Lord, bless the beginning of our Church year with Your goodness. Grant that this liturgical year be for all of us a year of grace. Make us worthy with purity of heart always to praise You. Lord, glory to You!

Each year the Orthodox Christian Church begins the New Church Year with this prayer. September 1^st, as the first day of the Church Year, is also a day in which the Orthodox Church commemorates and celebrates God’s creation, which He gave for our salvation. In creating the Universe, God established the way we could find Him, and live in communion with Him. His creation – the birds of the air, the fish in the sea, the animals on the earth, and the vegetation that feeds the world – are all given to us by God for one purpose, to find Him.

The created world, which the Church also uses during each of the Mysteries (Sacraments), has been created to bestow God’s grace upon humanity through His Church. He created us in His Divine Image, so that we could grow into His Divine Likeness. By celebrating, honoring, and blessing His creation, we are offering it back to Him in thanksgiving for the many blessings He has given to us in our daily struggle to grow closer to Him.

When the Church asks God to bless the year with His Goodness, we are expressing our total dependence upon His loving mercy and guidance. Without the created world, we would not know God. In each and every miracle He performed, it was THROUGH His creation that He revealed His power and love to the world. And it was THROUGH His creation, becoming PART of His creation, that He ultimately saved, saves, and will save us.

I invite you to take the opportunity this year to make a new commitment to Christ. I invite you to make the time each week to include time with God in His Church, surrounded by others in His creation, to grow closer to Him. I encourage you to invite Him into your life, and to ask Him to crown your year with goodness and mercy.

If you want to grow closer to God, His has given His creation and His Church to assist you. May God crown your new year with goodness, mercy and blessings.

A Story of Two Visions

In the Parable of the Publican and the Pharisee, we hear the story of two visions. Each man had a vision, but only one man had the proper vision. Each man was in Church, but only one man had the vision to see God. Each man was a sinner, but only one man had the vision to see their own sins. One man could see the sins of others, but it was the other man who went away justified. It was the Publican who had the vision to see his own heart needed to be healed by God. It was the Publican who had the vision to beg God for mercy.

Life is about vision; not physical vision, but vision of the heart. The Pharisee, the righteous man who obeyed the law, used his vision; but he could only see the sins of others, even thanking God that he was not like all those other sinners. The Publican, a man of sin, also used his vision; but he was able to see his own sin. Two visions; one saved the sinner, while the other condemned the righteous.

You also have vision? Do you use your vision to see the sins of others, or do you use your vision to see your own sins? Do you use your vision to look into your heart and beg God for mercy, or do you use your vision to look into the lives of others, and thank God you’re not like “all those other” sinners? You also have two visions; one will save you, while the other will condemn you.

Which vision will you use?

Don’t Miss the Point of the Orthodox Way of Life

The Feast of Saint Matthew the Apostle and Evangelist celebrated this coming Sunday offers an important perspective of the life of the Church. When Jesus called Matthew, who was a tax collector and sinner, to be one of His Disciples, it opened to door for all sinners to enter the Church. “Now it happened, as Jesus sat at the table in the house, that behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples.” (Matthew 9.10) But the religious elite were not happy with such riffraff sharing the same table with them.

Seeing their cold hearts, Jesus said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” (Matthew 9.12-13) The very purpose of the Jewish Law of sacrifices and prayers and daily offerings were so that the people of God might grow more loving and more merciful. In the case of the religious elite, the opposite had occurred. They had grown cold to those who were not as “holy” as they were.

Jesus was quoting the Prophet Hosea in His response to the elite. The Prophet was speaking about those who were quite “religious” but their inner hearts were cold. The full quote says, “I desire mercy rather than sacrifice, and the knowledge of God rather than whole-burnt offerings.” (Hosea 6.7) If the Law of Moses was meant to purify their hearts, they had forgotten the purpose of the sacrifices and offerings in the first place. This is why Jesus said, “Go and learn what this means.”

The Orthodox way of life is meant to draw us closer to God and purify our hearts. If we look at the Orthodox way of life as nothing more than a list of chores we must check off before we die, we will have missed the entire point. Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen.

Our Journey from Childhood to Adulthood

When Jesus called His Disciples, He said to them, “You will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.” (Luke 6.35-36) Saint Paul, quoting the Old Testament, reminds us that God had promised to become our Father long before He called His disciples. “I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” (2 Corinthians 6.18, 2 Kingdoms 7.14)

Once we are Baptized and Chrismated into Christ, we ARE the children of God, but just like “normal” childhood, we still have some growing to do. This is why Saint Paul said, “Therefore having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” (2 Corinthians 7.1) Our Christian life is a journey from childhood to adulthood.

Every child is guided by teachers, mentors, and parents to become the most they are meant to be, and in every way we are children of God. He has given us His Church as teacher, mentor, and mother to guide and shape us as we become children of God. We are never quite complete; as Saint Paul says, we are “perfecting holiness” through the life of the Church. However, even though we may still be children, we are STILL children of God, and He will never abandon us on our journey.

The Forgiveness Challenge

With all the commotion making its way through the internet lately about the “ALS Ice Bucket Challenge” it planted an idea in my mind. What if we all took the “Forgiveness Challenge” instead? It requires no money. It requires no cold water. It requires no internet or social networking account. It requires only your desire to forgive everyone who sins against you EVEN IF they cannot repay you for what they have done.

In the Gospel of Matthew, we hear the ultimate “Forgiveness Challenge” explained. “’Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.” (Matthew 18.21-22) This is followed by the parable of forgiveness (Matthew `18.23-35) which includes a king (God), a servant (you) and another servant (someone else). The king has called all his servants to settle their accounts with him, but in the face of not being able to repay the king, the servant (that’s you) begs to be given more time. The king, moved by compassion, forgives the entire debt. However the servant (that’s you again) refuses to do the same for the other servant (that’s someone else) so he is thrown into debtors prison (that’s hell) until he repays the debt, which we already know he cannot do.

Jesus “called you out” for the ultimate “Forgiveness Challenge” when He says, “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.” (Matthew 18.35) You have 24 hours to complete this challenge or risk a lot worse than a bucket of ice water.

“They do not need to go away.”

With these words Jesus admonishes those who believe they are unable to give the sort of care needed for those around them. When the Disciples were not yet graced with the presence of the Holy Spirit, their weakness and doubt often was translated to become a lesson for those around them and for us today. In this example, Jesus was healing the multitudes when the disciples reminded Him, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is already late. Send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages and buy themselves food.” (Matthew 14.15)

Since they only had five loaves of bread ad two fish, they did not believe they had the ability to help the people. I believe most of us today would have, and often DO HAVE the same reaction. Our resources are so few, barely enough for us, that we could not possibly help those around us. And yet Jesus says, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” (Matthew 14.16) More than five thousand were filled that day with only five loaves and two fish.

When we allow our resources, no matter how few, to be used by God to help others, great things can happen. When we put the needs of others ahead of our own immediate needs, miracles can happen. Most especially when we allow God to work through us, lives will be saved. Next time you consider how little you have to offer, remember that God can accomplish greatness with what you already have. “They do not need to go away. YOU give them something.”

What is the Perfect Prayer?

This is a common question among Christians. Instinctively we know that we must pray, but often times we get confused about what to pray? Indeed, when the Lord was asked this, His response was to pray the “Lord’s Prayer,” but sometimes even this prayer doesn’t calm our nerves. I can imagine this must have been the situation for two blind men who approached Christ. I can imagine a life without sight can be very difficult and that they would have needed something more.

So they offered the perfect prayer, “Have mercy on us!” (Matthew 9.27) Why was this prayer so perfect? They knew God. They believed in Jesus Christ as “Son of David,” so they were faithful Jews. They had such a strong need for Him, they went after Him. I imagine they must have rushed to keep up with Him as they cried out, “Son of David, have mercy on us!” Christ, knowing their faith, asked them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” Do what exactly?

What happened next, I believe is what makes their prayer so perfect. They simply asked for God’s mercy, nothing more-nothing less, and they received their sight. What was lacking wasn’t faith, but awareness that God knew their struggle. In their particular case, God was able to respond to their need by restoring their sight. He was compassionate in their anxiety, and they were comforted.

Sometimes we need simply to be aware of God’s compassion so that our anxiety may pass. In those times consider the perfect prayer, and seek God’s mercy. Maybe your eyes will be opened to your true needs.

The Scriptures and Great Lent - Saint Mary of Egypt

A special study of the themes and Scriptures readings for the fifth Sunday of Great Lent.

Severe Illness and Death

I had the honor of praying with three different families this week following the death of loved ones who had suffered from serious illnesses. In each case, while there was grief, there was also a sense of relief at the lack of pain and suffering their loved ones FINALLY were enjoying.

I also lost my mother almost three years ago following a serious illness, so I have personal experience with this hand-in-hand concept of relief-grief. I think is must be similar to a salve that a skilled doctor smears on a wound in order to help it heal. Sometimes the salve burns before it sooths. I believe serious illness sometimes sooths and acts like a salve for our grief. In fact, I think illness and death, taken in this context help each other.

What do I mean? When my mother was suffering from cancer, the pain of seeing her with no treatment possibilities was soothed by the death process as I knew she was finally comfortable. The pain I experienced in my mother’s death was soothed by knowing the illness had finally been healed. You might think one would have been easier without the other. But, in living the experience, I can say that each gave a deeper meaning to the other. Without the other, there would have only been pain without the soothing salve.

I think God gives us many gifts we don’t recognize in the midst of our pain and suffering. At the very least, serious illness allows us the opportunity to share the last days in love and peace, leaving nothing unsaid, while we say our goodbyes. It allows the chance for forgiveness and reconciliation. It allows us to see clearer than before, just how much God’s grace fills our lives. And all these soothe our aching hearts. For that, I am thankful.

Tomorrow is the Saturday of Souls, a day which the Church commemorates ALL the faithful who have died since the establishment of the Church. It is a day for us to remember, and pray for, our loved ones who are face-to-face with God praying for us. It is a day we can be soothed by God’s loving embrace.

May their memories be eternal.

Judgment is Coming; Do You Know the Criteria?

On the Third Sunday of the Triodion, the Church commemorates “Judgment Sunday” during which we hear the Last Judgment as found in Matthew 25.31-46. We all know the story, “I was hungry and you fed me….” But do we know WHY the Church offers us THIS story on THIS particular Sunday?

Many people believe that God is going to judge using a scale with “sins” on one side, and “good deeds” on the other. So long as the “good deeds” outweigh the “sins”, many believe, we will be saved. THIS IS FALSE, and the based upon an incorrect interpretation of the story. First, we must realize that Jesus Christ is not just telling us a story. He begins with the words, “When the Son of Man comes in His glory…”indicating that these are events THAT WILL take place, and we should be fully aware of them.

Second, and the main point of Judgment Sunday, is that God will judge every person based upon how much they love the Lord. If we love the Lord enough to “see Him” in the poor and destitute, we will be saved. Christ identifies Himself with the poor and destitute. In the Gospel, we understand that “the sheep” (those who were saved) expressed their love for God in how they treated the lowest of society. It would be easy to love God, but because they could love others who were outcasts, they inherited the Kingdom of God.

As we draw closer to the Great Fast, the Church is urging us to search deep within our hearts. Do we love God enough to love the homeless strangers in prison? Great Lent isn’t “just about” fasting. It is about purifying our hearts, using the spiritual tools of the Church, so that we “see Him” in all people. THEN, and ONLY THEN will we inherit the Kingdom of God.

The Pain of Coming to Your Senses

In the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15.11-32), Jesus tells us of the journey of the youngest son of a father, who wants to go out on his own. He demands to collect his inheritance early and strikes out on his own. His father, loving and supportive, allows his son to leave the safety and comfort of home. Aside from the demand for an early inheritance, many of us can relate to, and maybe even admire, the courage of a young man going out on his own. But that is where the story takes a turn for the worse.

The young man took his inheritance and, “journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living.” (Luke 15.13) After losing everything he possessed, he was left to eat pig slop, “and no one gave him anything.” (Luke 15.16) All those he knew in this far country were no help in his pain. He was suffering from some very poor choices. Jesus said, “He came to himself,” (Luke 15.17) and chose to return to his father, not as a son, but as a servant. At least he would have food in his stomach and a roof over his head.

This young man expressed humility by returning to his father, and his father “ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.” (Luke 15.20) He had been welcomed back to the family and FULLY restored to his original place in the family. The young man’s humility gave him not just a roof and food, but a family and a home.

This man represents each of us and the choices we make in life. Many times we find ourselves suffering from the poor choices we make, and none of our friends helps us. It only takes the willingness to humble ourselves, admit our poor choices through Holy Confession, and we will be FULLY restored by Christ to His family – The Church! We will not receive simply food and a roof, but we will have Communion with God in Heaven! We don’t have to remain with the pigs, when our Father welcomes us home.

Pride and Self Esteem

Triodion Day 2 – Fast Free Week

Yesterday we heard the Parable of the Publican and the Pharisee in which the sinful pride of the Pharisee would not allow him to see his sinfulness, but rather thank God for his goodness. In our current self-driven society in which we teach our children to consider their own happiness and value ahead of all others, this parable I suspect falls on deaf ears. We are EXPECTED to congratulate, thank, honor, praise, salute, and even feature the GOODNESS in ourselves, but at the expense of humility and proper self evaluation. We are EXPECTED to downplay sinfulness in our children in the name of self esteem.

And yet….the Christ lifts up the sinful publican who recognized the need for God’s mercy. Jesus says, “I tell you this man went down his house justified rather than the other.” (Luke 18.14) I often find that because our society expects so much praise, most people reject any discussion of sinfulness or the need for repentance. And yet….Jesus says “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4.17)

When we entertain pride in our “goodness” we tend to ignore repentance. We tend to think we are “all ready” for heaven. We tend to visualize ourselves as holy. We tend to live in total denial. The Triodion is designed to inspire us to turn away from pride and return to the understanding that we all need God’s mercy, and begin to repent. Then once the Great Fast begins (this year on March 3^rd) we will be of a proper mindset to engage in the spiritual struggle of growing closer to Jesus Christ.

Call – Obey – See the Lord and Be Saved!

If you desire to see the Lord with all your heart, first you must call out to Him. Then you must listen for His voice. When you obey Him, then you will see. And sometimes, you will have to ignore the advice of those around you. This was the way it worked for the blind beggar in the Gospel of Luke 18.35-43.

When the beggar heard Jesus of Nazareth was passing by, he called out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” But many tried to silence him because Jesus was an important person. “But he cried all the more, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me!’” And Jesus took notice. He was healed of his physical blindness because he could already see with his spiritual heart what those around him could not see with their physical eyesight.

If Jesus is speaking to your heart, don’t allow those around you keep you quiet. Call to Him and He will hear you. Come to Him and He will meet you. Love Him and He will save you. It works the same for you today as it did for the blind beggar then. And God will say to you, “Receive your sight; your faith has made you well.”

2013 New Testament Challenge – Day 5 (Matthew 13-18)

Every year I participate in a special effort called the New Testament Challenge sponsored by a priest of the Orthodox Church in America. He encourages Christians to spend the Christmas Fast, also known as Advent) reading the entire New Testament as a preparation for Christmas. Each year I have done this, it has been blessing to me and I pray this year will be no different. As part of the New Testament Challenge, I endeavor to blog a bit about the reading for that particular day. I may miss a few, but I pray for those who follow this blog (NOW ALSO ON FACEBOOK) it will be a blessing.

“Let us pray to the Lord, that we may be made worthy to hear the Holy Gospel.” This call, heard immediately prior to the reading of the Matins Gospel, has been on my mind the past few weeks. It is also said during Paraklesis, which we celebrate each Wednesday evening in Florence. My question is, “Aren’t we all worthy?”

Today’s readings for the New Testament Challenge begin with several parables from the Lord. When asked why the Lord teaches in parables, He said, “Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.” (Matthew 13.11) I believe, taken in context of several other passages today, confirms that the Lord will not allow “just anyone” to understand His Gospel.

“But blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears for they hear; for assuredly, I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.” (Matthew 13.16-17) “All these things Jesus spoke to the multitude in parables; and without a parable He did not speak to them, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, ‘I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things kept secret from the foundation of the world.’” (Matthew 13.34-35) “He who has ear to hear, let him hear!” (Matthew 13.43)

If the Lord openly has declared that not all people will be honored with understanding His Gospel, we should be fervent in our prayers to “be made worthy to hear the Holy Gospel.” This has a double urgency, in my thoughts. If we HAVE been chosen by God to hear, and therefore understand, the Gospel, but we choose to ignore the message of hope, we are all the more in danger of eternal torment.

“The Son of Man will send out His angles, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness.” (Matthew 13.41)

Don’t you want to be worthy of hearing the Gospel? The flip side of the coin is that we will hear the word of God and not comprehend its blessings and continue to live in darkness until God chooses to shed His light on us. But even to this, though not a part of today’s readings, God has already prepared. “Therefore He has mercy on whom He wills, and whom He wills He hardens.” (Romans 9.18) If God has chosen to hide the truth from your heart, it is God’s will, and therefore Saint Paul comforts with these words of hope. BUT we should WANT to understand God’s word so that we can be saved. It would be our condemnation if He chooses to count us worthy to understand the Gospel, and we respond with unbelief! To quote Saint Paul, “Μη γένοιτο – Certainly not!” (Romans 9.14)

Until tomorrow….pray for worthiness!