There is an old story about a priest who noticed that one of his parishioners had stopped attending church. Concerned, he visited the man at home. They sat quietly before a roaring fireplace while the man explained why he no longer needed to attend church. Without saying a word, the priest took the fireplace tongs, removed one burning coal, and placed it away from the fire.
Within minutes, the coal grew cold. The priest then returned it to the fireplace, where it immediately began glowing again.
The man looked at the priest and said, “Father, that was the best sermon you’ve ever preached. I’ll see you Sunday!”
Sometimes the greatest lessons are the simplest.
Today’s readings from Saint Paul and the Gospel of Luke offer us a few powerful reminders about living our Orthodox Christian faith in a world that desperately needs hope, truth, and love. We are reminded. that Christianity is not simply something we believe. It is something we live.
Your Faith Should be Seen
Saint Paul tells us, “Conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time” and “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt.”
What wonderful advice for today’s world!
We live in an age when everyone has something to say, but fewer people seem interested in listening. Social media has given everyone a microphone, and unfortunately, not everyone knows when to turn it off! Some people wake up in the morning, reach for their phones, and before they have even brushed their teeth, they’re arguing with someone they’ve never met!
Saint Paul offers another way.
He reminds us to speak with grace, act with wisdom, and make the most of the time God has given us. Notice that Saint Paul doesn’t tell us to win every argument. He tells us to speak graciously. There is a difference between proving someone wrong and helping someone discover what is right.
Our faith should be visible in how we treat the waiter at a restaurant, the cashier at the grocery store, the person who cuts us off in traffic, and especially the members of our own families. And yes, that includes the relative who insists on discussing politics at Thanksgiving dinner. Sometimes the most Christian response is a little patience, a kind word, and perhaps another helping of mashed potatoes.
My friends, people may never read the Bible, but they will read our lives.
The question is not simply whether people know we are Orthodox Christians. The question is whether they can recognize Christ in us.
You Were Sent by Christ
In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells His disciples, “He who hears you hears Me, and he who rejects you rejects Me.”
Think about the extraordinary responsibility contained in those words.
Jesus entrusted ordinary human beings with a great mission. His disciples were not wealthy celebrities or powerful political leaders. They were ordinary people with weaknesses, doubts, and fears. Yet, Christ sent them into the world to proclaim the Kingdom of God.
When the seventy disciples returned, they were overflowing with excitement. They exclaimed, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name!”
Can you imagine their enthusiasm? They probably sounded like children returning from their first successful fishing trip. “Lord, you should have seen what happened! It was unbelievable!” But Jesus immediately reminded them that their authority came from God, not themselves. That is an important lesson for every Christian.
Sometimes we become so impressed with our accomplishments that we forget the One who made them possible. We build successful careers, raise families, establish businesses, and accomplish wonderful things. These are blessings, but they are not the ultimate purpose of our lives. Christ does not ask everyone to preach from a pulpit, travel to distant countries, or perform extraordinary miracles.
He does send every one of us into the world. Parents are sent to teach their children. Grandparents are sent to pass along wisdom and faith. Young people are sent to stand for what is good and true. Every one of us is sent to bring encouragement where there is despair, forgiveness where there is resentment, and love where there is loneliness.
Never underestimate the difference one faithful person can make. A telephone call can lift someone’s spirits. A visit to someone who is sick can restore hope. A sincere apology can begin healing a broken relationship. You do not need to change the entire world. You need to be faithful in the part of the world God has entrusted to you.
Find your Greatest Joy in Belonging to God
The disciples return rejoicing over their accomplishments, but Jesus responded, “Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you; but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
What an extraordinary statement!
Jesus reminds His disciples that their greatest joy should not come from what they accomplish, but from their relationship with God. We desperately need that message today. Our culture measures success by wealth, recognition, popularity, and possessions.
How much money do you make?
What kind of car do you drive?
How many followers do you have?
How many people liked your latest post?
Sometimes I wonder whether we have become so concerned about how many people follow us online that we have forgotten the importance of following Jesus Christ!
Our Lord offers a completely different measure of success. He tells us that the greatest blessing is knowing that we belong to God. Our careers will eventually end. Our possessions will pass to someone else. Our accomplishments may eventually be forgotten. But our relationship with Christ has eternal significance. That is why the Church continually invites us to return to what truly matters.
Through prayer, we speak with God. Through Holy Scripture, we hear His voice. Through the Divine Liturgy and Holy Eucharist, we enter into communion with Him. And through acts of love and mercy, we put our faith into action.
Not everything in life will be easy, but whatever challenges we face, Christ remains with us. Our greatest security is not found in what we possess, but in the One to whom we belong.
Three Things to Remember This Week
My brothers and sisters, as we leave church today, remember these three simple things:
First: Let your faith be seen. Speak with kindness, act with patience, and allow others to encounter Christ through you.
Second: Remember that Christ has sent you. Find one person this week who needs encouragement, forgiveness, or a helping hand.
Third: Rejoice in what matters most. Your greatest blessing is not your wealth, accomplishments, or popularity. It is your relationship with Jesus Christ.
When we stand before the Lord, I doubt He will ask how many Facebook followers we had, how large our bank accounts were, or whether we always won our arguments. But He will certainly care whether we loved, forgave, served, and remained faithful. So this week, be a little kinder. Pray a little more. Forgive a little faster. And perhaps, spend a little less time looking at your phone and a little more time looking into the faces of those God has placed in your life.
The world does not need more people who simply talk about Christianity. It needs more Christians who live like Christ.
May our Lord grant us the wisdom to live faithfully, the courage to serve joyfully, and the humility to remember that our greatest blessing is what God has done for us through Jesus Christ.
To Him be glory, honor, and worship, now and forever, and unto the ages of ages.
Amen.
