Our Holy Father Gregory the Theologian, Archbishop of Constantinople (390)
1 Corinthians 12:7-11; John 10:9-16
Polyeleos Feast. No fasting or abstention from foods.
Read 1 Corinthians 12:7-11
Christ is born! Glorify Him!
What is it about you that makes you a Christian? Some of us, if not most, would probably answer that question in the following manner. “I go to Church on Sundays… well, I used to because now I watch it on live-stream. I am a member of [insert parish organization] and we raise money for [insert project]. I say my prayers before meals and when I get up in the morning.” What can we note about this typical answer? First, it is about doing, and second, it is about me.
Have you ever considered that Christianity is more about being (with all activity born out of that being) and more about other than me? Take note of what St. Paul writes to the Corinthians about the gifts that the Holy Spirit bestows on the members of the Body of Christ, the Church. They are bestowed when one becomes a Christian (Baptism and Chrismation) which changes who we are. We become new creations, reborn in the waters of Baptism. And the gifts given by the Spirit are oriented toward others either in the Body of the Christ or toward those outside the Body of Christ (mission).
During this pandemic, when many of us cannot participate in the regular worship of our local parishes, we have an opportunity to realise what has been given to us, how to live deeply spiritual lives (being), to continue the mission of our Lord (other-centred, mission), and develop a deepened gratitude in our lives.