DYNAMIS!
A publication of St. George Orthodox Christian Cathedral
Wichita, KS
Wed.,
Dec. 13, 2006
Nativity Fast Ven. Herman of
Alaska, Wonderworker of America
Kellia:
2 Kings (2 Samuel) 12:13-20 Epistle: 1 Timothy 5:22-6:11 Gospel: St.
Mark 8:30-34
Church As
Community III ~ Slaves and Teachers: 1 Timothy 5:22-6:11, especially vs. 6: “Now godliness
with contentment is great gain.” The Christian communities of the first century knew well
the needs of a large number of their members who were slaves, persons both
owned by or in debt-servitude to masters who mostly were not Christians. When masters and slaves both were
Christians, the problems could be complicated (see the Epistle to Philemon).
The counsel of the Church to slaves - which
St. Paul states in this reading - did not challenge the social institution of
slavery. Rather the Apostle
encouraged slaves to “count their own masters worthy of all honor, so that the
Name of God and His doctrine may not be blasphemed” (vs. 6:1). Note the Apostle’s counsel to those who
had Christians as masters: they were to “serve...because those who are
benefited are believers and beloved” (vs. 2).
These first century admonitions of St. Paul
transfer quite well to the arena of work in contemporary society. We who have managers, employers,
supervisors, and directors ought to count them “worthy of all honor” (vs.
1). St. Paul’s reason is key:
“that the Name of God and His doctrine may not be blasphemed” (vs. 1). Every relationship related to the
workplace - with superiors and subordinates, peers and colleagues, customers
and others - should be honored for God’s sake, rendering to society and its
claims on us what rightfully is theirs, and retaining always for God those
things which are His prerogatives (Mt. 22:21).
Let each of us, in whatever station we find
ourselves, remember that we are teachers.
May our lives instruct in the “wholesome words...of our Lord Jesus
Christ, and...the doctrine which accords with godliness” (vs. 3). Otherwise, we betray Christ. To live the Faith is not right words and
pious gestures. Rather it has to
do with determining when to
“flee... [all kinds of evil] and
pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness” (vs. 11).
Be careful of pride. Rather, consider the grace of our Lord Jesus. He withholds wrath against us -
“slothful and sinful” as we are - not destroying us in our transgressions; but
in His compassion seeking to raise us up as we “lay in despair” (Morning Prayer
to the Holy Trinity). Beloved, He
calls us to reshape our lives in the Light which is Himself. Perhaps, He may humble us, making us
least among men, but He calls us, claims us, takes us as His own - that is true
joy!
The proud, as St. Paul says, “knowing
nothing...[are] obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which
come envy, strife, reviling, evil, suspicions, useless wranglings of men of
corrupt minds and destitute of the truth....” (vss. 4,5). Reverse the image and reflect on Christ’s
humble ones (Lk 6:20-22). They
know all things, are filled with peace, and have no quarrel with anyone. Their Truth is the Incarnate Word Who
gives His peace to His own. Each
one has Christ’s peace in his heart.
While the world gains peace through wars and treaties, “let not your heart be troubled,
neither let it be afraid” (Jn. 14:27).
Consider who we are tempted to envy. We have greater riches than the world’s wealthy. If we bring strife into the world (Mt.
10:34-37), it is because men prefer darkness (Jn. 3:19); but let us never sow discord.
The Lord Jesus assures us that we are blessed
when reviled, when men “say all manner of evil against [us] falsely for [His]
sake,” (Mt. 5:11). He releases us
from corrupt minds. He sets the
Way before us that we might cleanse ourselves and be pure, “even as He is pure”
(1 Jn. 3:3). Rejoice! We can be
His slaves forever. Let us
celebrate our Teacher and Master Who hath saved us. Let us begin serving today, from this moment, from the
eternal now where Christ reigns.
Glory to
the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: both now and ever, and unto
ages of ages. Amen. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. Glory to Thee, O God.
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