When the Doors of Mercy are Slammed Shut
This world is filled with people who are suffering, and estranged from God. People who need the healing that the Church has to offer, are often excluded from the very place that can bring about wholeness, often because we exclude them from our midst. We exclude them because we judge them for their perceived unworthiness. They are either from the wrong side of town, or the wrong race of people, or otherwise seen as unfit to be standing beside us in church.
A few years ago a person wrote, asking if I would be willing to talk to a friend of his who had been told by an Orthodox priest that there was no place for her in his parish. This woman was an inquirer, and had decided she wanted to become Orthodox. When she shared with this priest that she was a lesbian, the priest told her there was no place for her in his parish. Despondent, she walked away. The hospital of the soul was closed to her before the therapy could even begin. (She never did call me.)
I know of another situation where a priest told a young man he should consider the protestant church down the street, because the parish was Greek Orthodox, and since he was not Greek, he’d feel more “comfortable” with those other Christians.
We spend a lot of time talking about the Orthodox Church being the true Church, yet construct walls to keep “certain people” from entering. We spent a lot of time talking about the truth and beauty of Orthodoxy, but are quick to turn the Church into a private club, where anyone who is not like us, is to be excluded. Christ’s Church is good for us, but the doors are slammed shut for people who are not like us.
It is imperative that we let the Church be what she was founded to be, the Seat of Mercy. By practicing mercy we drive out the passions that diminish our love for God and neighbor, and bring healing to ourselves and those around us. By practicing mercy, we open the doors for an abundance of grace to bring salvation to everyone, and, in the process, flood our own hearts with God’s love. By welcoming everyone, we recognize our own unworthiness, and see everyone else as our brothers and sisters. We wish for them, what we already have for ourselves.
It is not about entitlement. The Church is a hospital, and everyone, despite their illness, must be made welcome.
With love in Christ,
Abbot Tryphon
Photo: I was delighted with a suprise visit from some wonderful old friends from my college days. We’ve all really gotten ripe.
Friday September 23, 2022 / September 10, 2022
15th Week after Pentecost. Tone five.
Fast. By Monastic Charter: Strict Fast (Bread, Vegetables, Fruits)
Martyrs Menodora, Metrodora, and Nymphodora at Nicomedia (305).
New Hieromartyrs Ismail, Eugene, John, Constantine, Peter, Basil, Gleb, Basil, John, Nicholas, Palladius priests, Hieromartyrs Meletius and Gabriel, Martyr Symeon, Virgin-Martyr Tatiana (1937).
New Hieromartyr Warus bishop of Lipetsk (1938).
Venerable Paul the Obedient of the Kiev Caves (13th c.).
Venerable Prince Andrew, in monasticism Joasaph, of Kubensk, Vologda (1453).
Synaxis of the Holy Apostles Apelles, Lucius, and Clement of the Seventy..
Martyr Barypsabas in Dalmatia (2nd c.).
Blessed Pulcheria, the Empress of Greece (453).
Sts. Peter (826) and Paul (9th c.), bishops of Nicaea.
Synaxis of All Saints of Lipetsk.
Venerable Cassian, abbot of Spaso-Kamenny and St. Cyril of White Lake Monasteries (1469).
St. Salvius, bishop of Albi (584) (Gaul).
Venerable Finian of Ulster (Ireland), abbot (579) (Celtic & British).
St. Theodaard of Maastricht (668) (Neth.).
Translation of the relics of St. Egvin, bishop of Worchester.
Translation of the relics of St. Ethelwold, bishop of Winchester.
The Scripture Readings
Galatians 4:8-21
New King James Version
Fears for the Church
8 But then, indeed, when you did not know God, you served those which by nature are not gods. 9 But now after you have known God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you turn again to the weak and beggarly elements, to which you desire again to be in bondage? 10 You observe days and months and seasons and years. 11 I am afraid for you, lest I have labored for you in vain.
12 Brethren, I urge you to become like me, for I became like you. You have not injured me at all. 13 You know that because of physical infirmity I preached the gospel to you at the first. 14 And my trial which was in my flesh you did not despise or reject, but you received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. 15 What then was the blessing you enjoyed? For I bear you witness that, if possible, you would have plucked out your own eyes and given them to me. 16 Have I therefore become your enemy because I tell you the truth?
17 They zealously court you, but for no good; yes, they want to exclude you, that you may be zealous for them. 18 But it is good to be zealous in a good thing always, and not only when I am present with you. 19 My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you, 20 I would like to be present with you now and to change my tone; for I have doubts about you.
Two Covenants
21 Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not hear the law?
Mark 6:45-53
Jesus Walks on the Sea
45 Immediately He made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while He sent the multitude away. 46 And when He had sent them away, He departed to the mountain to pray. 47 Now when evening came, the boat was in the middle of the sea; and He was alone on the land. 48 Then He saw them straining at rowing, for the wind was against them. Now about the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea, and would have passed them by. 49 And when they saw Him walking on the sea, they supposed it was a ghost, and cried out; 50 for they all saw Him and were troubled. But immediately He talked with them and said to them, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.”51 Then He went up into the boat to them, and the wind ceased. And they were greatly amazed in themselves beyond measure, and marveled. 52 For they had not understood about the loaves, because their heart was hardened.