DYNAMIS!
A publication of St. George Orthodox Christian Cathedral
Wichita, KS
Saint Luke 6:17-23 (12/6-12/19) Archbishop Nicholas
Wonderworker of Myra in Lycia
Jesus is Here: Saint Luke 6:17-23, especially vss. 17,
18, 19: “...a great multitude
of people from all Judea and Jerusalem, and from the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon...came to hear [Jesus] and be healed of
their diseases, as well as those who were tormented with unclean spirits. And they were healed...for power went
out from Him and healed them all.”
What affliction, physical disease,
or unclean spirit is debilitating you?
Nothing?
That is remarkable. But
beware! It is perilous to imagine
that you are doing well, are free of demonic influence, and are in good
health. If you think so, then you
are captive to a serious delusion and far from true health, life and peace.
If you suppose that you are ‘doing well’
because you have enough of this world’s goods, then you have forgotten
that all the things that prop you up in life can be removed in a single
moment. Really we are poor. If we believe that we are ‘doing
well’ since we seem to be coping with life, then we have forgotten that
we are but one accident, breakdown or personal loss away from being made
helpless. We are not in
control. If we imagine that we are
‘doing well’ because at least we have our health, then we forget
that we can be stricken by incurable disease in the next hour. Our health is fragile. If we think that we are ‘doing
well’ and that temptations and dark powers have no influence on us, then
we are the most pitiable, for unclean spirits already have possession of our
hearts and minds. We are deceived!
Join the “great multitude,” for Jesus has come
“...down...and stood on a level place with a crowd of His
disciples...” (vs. 17). He is available; “...hear Him and
be healed...” (vs. 17). Accept your poverty and be blessed, for
the kingdom of God is yours (vs. 20).
Admit that you and I are but a moment away from hunger, ill health, and
vile temptations. This is a fallen
world where the Devil walks “...about like a roaring lion, seeking whom
he may devour” (1 Pt. 5:8).
But do not despair: “...the King eternal, immortal,
invisible...Who alone is wise” (1 Ti. 1:17) is speaking, offering healing
and freeing from demonic torment.
Come to Him and cry out!
The delusion that we are ‘doing well’ comes
straight from Hell. It is the
soothing voice of Satan himself.
Hunger for Truth and be fed (Lk. 6:21)! Let us weep for our sins and be forgiven
(vs. 21). Stand with Christ and be
ridiculed, reviled, and excluded (Lk. 6:22). Never forget: the idea that plunges into
confusion is the error that we are ‘doing well’ in life, in the
world, and in our self. Accept for
a minute that single deception as truth and we are instantly and dangerously
vulnerable. For this present
existence in all certainty will lash out and destroy what we think is going
well. On the other hand, Christ is
here, speaking and healing.
There’s hope!
This world operates on one, limited dimension of
reality. Meanwhile, change is all
about us, giving and taking away.
If we came of age, fell fascinated with all this life offers, and forgot
Him Who brings the kingdom of God, then still let us have hope. He stands speaking and offering Himself
and the eternal dimension. Never
mind what is past. Let it go. The reign of God cuts across this
God-created but disrupted existence.
At this moment, the unchanging Lord Jesus is here. Accept poverty, pray and hunger for Him
Who is before us in Person. Weep if
you missed Him before. Be fed from
His Table now. Rejoice today and
leap for joy; for, indeed, our reward can be great in heaven - for ever. Only
a false delusion can block our way and send us astray.
Listen to Archimandrite Ioannikios:
“As long as we do not want our mind [nous] to be imprisoned by vain and
cunning thoughts, let us give it the ‘loftier thought’ of unceasing
prayer. Let this become its
‘good change,’ its pleasure, its delight,
its nourishment - the sweeter-than honey, Name of Jesus.” Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of God, have
mercy on me a sinner.
Grant me, O Jesus my Savior, a gnawing hunger for Thee Who art the Food of the world.
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