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06th in Matthew (The Epistle Lesson). 2004 Ocala "Love must be sincere. Cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves." Romans 12:9-10 As you may know, except for a few changes because of special Holidays, the Epistle and the Gospel lessons are repeated in the annual cycle, year after year. Last year around this time, we heard the same Gospel Lesson we heard today. My sermon was based on the Lord healing the paralytic, to the amazement of all, who were present. Witnessing the miracle, they all praised God and thanked Him for the healing. And in all this harmony of feelings, the envious Pharisees, even though they also had witnessed the miracle, their envy like poisonous venom came out, and they sought to minimize the supernatural act. They came before the people and declared that the Healer had cast out the demons in the name of the prince of demons! Truly, a prime example of how fanaticism and envy can blind a person. Today though, I would like to speak to you about the Epistle Lesson, which is a sermon in itself. St. Paul wrote to the Christians of Rome a powerful lesson of admonition in the 12th Chapter, verses 6 to 14. He says that, since we have received the various spiritual gifts through the Holy Spirit, we must exercise these gifts for the general welfare. If the gift is prophecy, let us use it in proportion to our faith. If it be serving in the Church, let us give our fullest. If it be teaching, let us convey the truths of the Lord. If it be encouraging or consoling, let us lead people to the ways of God. If it is contributing to the needs of others, let us give generously and cheerfully. If the gift is leadership, let us govern diligently and prudently. If it be showing mercy to our fellow humans, let us do it cheerfully and with kindness. Then, St. Paul enlarges the picture, to give us the prescription toward perfection. He says: "Love must be sincere. Cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves." "Never be lacking in zeal, but keep the spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. He gives us a beautiful and healthful trilogy by stating: "Be joyful in hope, -- patient in affliction, -- faithful in prayer. Share with people who are in need. Strive to be hospitable." By following this prescription or trilogy, the Christian gradually ascends the rungs of the spiritual ladder to achieve perfection. However, the question may be posed. How in the world can a person living in a secular society, maintain a heart full of devotion? Indeed, it is possible, when we essentially keep the sense of our wonder alive. When we do this, in essence we have an opening of ourselves to the world around us, and to the God above us. It helps us think of this spinning planet we call home, which may be tiny in space and yet so marvelous. We marvel at the rhythm of planets and moons spinning so smoothly and independently around one another in perfect harmony. Thus we are in complete agreement with the Psalmist David, who said: "Great are You, O Lord, and awesome are Your works, and there are no words sufficient, to adequately sing the praises of Your marvelous works." For instance, the light, which we so take for granted, is surely a remarkable phenomenon, as we perhaps can realize during an eclipse of the sun. We cannot live with depth, if we don't sense the dependence on the powers God implanted in the universe. The birds, the bees, the animals, the flowers, the vegetation, the forests, the elements of the wind, the rain, the snow, and so forth. There is no question, that we generally take all these for granted. But, if we really stopped to think about the many blessings and forces around us, we would shudder before their mystery. To be spiritual, and at the same time inhabit the secular world, one needs reflection; that is, a continuous life of thought, when we wrestle with the natural questions which confront philosophers and scientists. The unexamined life, is a shallow life. We should want to see and understand the world as a true artist does; with form, and with meaning, that evoke joy and distress, because art, is not simply concerned only with the lovely. Spirituality in a secular world demands character. So many have traveled the world over, and learned much of other cities and nations, with their different cultures, as did Ulysses according to Homer; yet, they have not become better, as a result of their adventures. They simply have remained as adventurers only, without them having gained the greatness of soul. How then, does a person acquire character; and of what sort is it to be? Of course, the first seeds are planted in a healthy family atmosphere. Then, as one matures, he or she must be able to set noble ideals before oneself. If he, or she is fortunate to have sincere friends, they also can help with their wisdom and concern. A fundamental ingredient in the building of character is the rigorous exercising of one's discipline, as regards to his or her mind and emotions, sometimes doing disagreeable jobs as they come up, but most importantly, doing today's job today! The ancient Greeks defined the virtues as courage, prudence, temperance and justice. These from antiquity, after more than two thousand years have been, and are basic virtues. But, Christianity added, or rather completed the list, by adding, faith in God, hope for the blessed Kingdom for Eternity, and love that emulates the gracious charity of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. From today's Epistle lesson the 12th verse of the 12th chapter is very powerful and expresses the fundamentals, that constitute a well rounded strong character. St. Paul gives us the following trilogy and admonishes us: ""Be joyful in hope, -- patient in affliction, -- faithful in prayer." Just think for a moment; where would we be without hope? In our personal life, in the life of our family, in the community, in our work and in our Nation. Hope is the oxygen of life. Without it, we could not live a normal life. It has been said, "give me the hope of tomorrow and I can sustain everything today." In one of our hymns during a special evening Service, there is a short hymn which states: "The Father is my hope; the Son is my refuge; and the Holy Spirit is my shelter; O Holy Trinity have mercy on us." After St. Paul admonishes us to be joyful in hope, he tells us to be patient in affliction. The seasoned Christian knows, and believes, that oftentimes the trials and tribulations come as a test of our character. And it is that in these moments we must remember, believe, and give substance to our Lord's words: "Through your patience you will be able to win your soul." We must never forget„ that the Lord does not give us a trial, greater than the power with which to sustain it. The life of job in the Old Testament is the classic example of total patience and dedication to God. He was the wealthiest person in the whole area where he lived. He had 10 children, and vast fields, as well as flocks of sheep and cattle. One by one though he gradually lost everything; his children, as well as his vast possessions. Topping everything, he contracted a form of eczema with ulcers on his legs, which the passing dogs would lap up. His wife and friends would tell him "what kind of God is He, who brought you to this most miserable point?" His answer was: "The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the Name of the Lord forevermore." St. John the Chrysostom, who gave us our Liturgy, took the last part of Job's declaration of faith and included it as the last hymn of the Liturgy before the Dismissal. Because of this unconditional believer, we often mention that we should have the patience of job. Lastly, the third part of St. Paul's trilogy is, "to be faithful in prayer." Prayer, simply defined, is our conversation with God. In words, in thoughts, and in deeds, we express our prayers thanking Him for His love and mercy. We must always be conscious of not taking things for granted. Just a quick look at nature all around us, and we can appreciate the greatness and majesty of God, and how in wisdom He has created all things, visible and invisible. Oftentimes, when I'm in my car traveling the highways, or sitting somewhere outdoors in contemplation, I marvel at the Lord's works. My eyes and my mind feast on the grand beauty of nature. This is also a form of communicating with God, and in adoration to be thanking Him for all, and in all. I really would want you all during some hour today, to open up your Bible and turn to the 12th chapter of St. Paul's Epistle to the Romans; to meditate on it in some quiet corner of your home after giving the television set a rest. By meditating, you will sense a fulfillment, and in essence, you will be giving substance to your faith. Amen.
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