Our Venerable and God-bearing Father Euthemius the Great (473)
Polyeleos Feast. Abstention from meat and foods that contain meat.
Hebrews 13:17-21; Luke 6: 17-23.
Read Hebrews 13:17-21
Christ is born! Glorify Him!
Today’s reading from the letter to the Hebrews begins with an exhortation to be obedient. In his commentary on this passage (Homily XXXIV on Hebrews XIII, 1, 2.), St. John Chrysostom remarks that both anarchy and disobedience to rulers are evils and “a cause of ruin.” He says: “A people not obeying a ruler is like one which has none; and perhaps even worse. For in the former case they have at least an excuse for disorder, but no longer in the latter, but are punished.”
As in past times, people today are uncomfortable with the notion of obedience. Chrysostom also picks up this tension. Just as he said anarchy and disobedience to rulers are evils, he noted that some people would remark that “there is also a third evil, when the ruler is bad . . . for it is better to be led by no one, than to be led by one who is evil.” To this, Chrysostom explains that we should always flee and avoid a ruler if he is wicked “in regard to faith,” even if he were not a man but an angel! However, even if a ruler lives wickedly, we should be reminded that Christ said: “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do” (Mt. 23:2-3). Those with spiritual authority might so happen to live wickedly and as hypocrites, but their words can still be worthy of obedience. We should do as they say but not as they do.
Ultimately, those who have spiritual authority over us are responsible for us. They are the ones “who must give account” for their ministry over us at the judgement seat of Christ. Since their responsibility is to take care of our souls, it benefits us to be obedient to them and not cause them grief. We ought to pray for them, that they may live honourable lives.