When the stranger is listening
As a monastic priest, my cassock and beard attract the attention of those around me, and it is therefore clear that I must always watch my words and actions, lest people judge Orthodoxy in a negative way, by what they might see in me. What I say or do in public is either a good witness for Orthodoxy, or a terrible betrayal of my Orthodox Faith.
What any of us say or do makes a difference, either for good, or for bad. Parents, like priests, must also guard their speech and their actions, for children do pay attention, even though we often think they do not. How couples interact with each other in front of their children does have an impact on the children.
We Christians are all called to imitate Christ, and are given ample chances every day to be Christ in the midst of those around us. There is so much negativity in our world, and so much sadness. Let us make it our daily task to counter all that is wrong with our world, and be a joyful light in a world of darkness and despair. Reaching out to everyone, both in public settings and in the privacy of our homes and work places, can make all the difference for those around us who struggle in a world filled with disappointments and sorrow. Let the stranger we meet see the light of Christ in us, and be encouraged by our warmth, kindness, and our love.
With love in Christ,
Abbot Tryphon
Photos: 1) Father Photios Dumont, rector of Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Seattle, together with his wife, Presbytera Katherine, came to the monastery on Sunday. Father Photios, a long time friend and supporter of the monastery, concelebrated with Abbot Tryphon and Hieromonk Paul. 2) A selfie with three young men, all members of the lay Brotherhood of the Salish Sea, spent a few days in retreat at the monastery. Two of the men brought along their young sons.
Monday July 27, 2015 / July 14, 2015
9th Week after Pentecost. Tone seven.
Apostle Aquila of the Seventy, and St. Priscilla (1st c.).
New Hieromartyr Constantine priest (1918).
New Hieromartyr Nicholas priest (1933).
Venerable Stephen, abbot of Makhrishche (Vologda) (1406).
Martyr Justus at Rome (1st c.).
Venerable Ellius (Hellius) of Egypt (4th c.).
Venerable Onesimus, of Magnesia (4th c.).
Martyr John of Merv (Turkmenistan).
Venerable Nicodemus of Mt. Athos, spiritual writer (1809).
Sts. Vladimir and Agrippina wonderworkers of Rzhev
St. Marcellinus of Utrecht, priest (8th c.) (Neth.).
St. Joseph the Confessor, archbishop of Thessalonica (Greek).
St. Heraclius, patriarch of Alexandria (246).
The Daily Scripture Readings
1 Corinthians 11:31-12:6
31 For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. 32 But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world.
33 Therefore, my brethren, when you come together to eat, wait for one another. 34 But if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home, lest you come together for judgment. And the rest I will set in order when I come.
Spiritual Gifts: Unity in Diversity
12 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant: 2 You know that[a] you were Gentiles, carried away to these dumb idols, however you were led. 3 Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit.
4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.
Matthew 18:1-11
Who Is the Greatest?
18 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
2 Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, 3 and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.
Jesus Warns of Offenses
6 “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea. 7 Woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes!
8 “If your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life lame or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into the everlasting fire. 9 And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire.
The Parable of the Lost Sheep
10 “Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven. 11 For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost.