Gather in the Lord
“He that is not with Me is against Me; and he that gathereth not with Me scattereth abroad.” Matthew 12:30
Christianity is a religion of asceticism, instructing us to store up our treasures in heaven, where the benefits have eternal value. Throughout the New Testament we read of the importance of struggle, where focus on the acquisition of a humble and contrite heart is paramount to what it means to be a Christian. The Lord Jesus Christ tells us that if we are to be worthy of Him, we must be willing to take up our cross and follow Him. We are to be a people whose true homeland is Christ’s Kingdom, which is within. Christ Himself calls us to holiness, and this change of heart can only be brought about through struggle.
Our world places a great deal of emphasis on being comfortable, and we tend to avoid anything that does not bring pleasure. If being open about our Christian faith invites ridicule, we remain silent. If keeping the fasting rules of the Church prevents us from enjoying evenings out with our friends, we ignore the fast. If voicing disapproval when hearing our Christian faith being trashed, makes us appear less cool, we choose to go the route of the politically correct. Is it any wonder we are therefore unprepared to stand firm when faced with real trials that come our way, having avoided the very things that would transform us into strong, committed Christians?
If we embrace Christianity with dedication of heart and mind, we will receive the power to live in this world, filled as it is, with temptations and disappointments, yet remaining true to our vocation as a holy people. Committing ourselves to being full-time Christians empowers us to live our lives in such a way that we give glory and witness to the very Christ Whom we worship. If, however, we avoid ascetic struggle, and choose to keep our Christian faith sidelined, and rejecting real commitment, we will ultimately have become Christian in name only. For those who, out of laziness or personal selfishness, choose to relegate fasting, private prayer, and even church attendance, as something done only when we feel “in the mood,” we will stand before the Throne of God with a darkened heart that cannot withstand the power of God, and eternity will be for us a lake of fire.
With love in Christ,
Abbot Tryphon
P.S. I have instructed our novice, Brother Basil, to continue posting my articles to the blog until I return to the monastery (his picture is below the one of myself taken in the hospital). I am currently recovering from my back surgery complications at a skilled nursing rehabilitation facility and I ask for your prayers!
Tuesday July 23, 2024 / July 10, 2024
Tuesday of the 5th week after Pentecost; Tone III
Venerable Anthony of the Kiev Caves, Founder of Monasticism in Russia († 1073)
Monk Antonii (Anthony) of Kiev Caves
Holy 45 Martyrs at Nicopolis in Armenia († c. a 319): Leontius, Mauricius, Daniel, Anthony, Alexander, Meneus, Janicita, Sisinius, Biriladus, and others
Martyrs Bianor and Silvanus of Pisidia (4th C)
Martyr Apollonias of Sardis (3rd C)
Holy Schemamonk Siluan of the Kiev Caves (13th-14th C)
Saint Basil, Bishop of Ryazan
Placing of the Venerable Robe of Our Lord Jesus Christ at Moscow (1625)
Icon of the Mother of God of Konevets
The Placing of the Precious Robe of the Lord at Moscow (1625).
The Scripture Readings
Romans 14:9-18
9 For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.
10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.
12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.
14 I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.
15 But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.
16 Let not then your good be evil spoken of:
17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
18 For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.
Matthew 12:14-16,22-30
14 Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him.
15 But when Jesus knew it, he withdrew himself from thence: and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all;
16 And charged them that they should not make him known:
30 He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.