Twenty-fifth Sunday after Pentecost, Tone 8; Post-feast of the Entrance of the Mother of God; The Holy Apostle Philemon and those with him
Ephesians 4:1-6; Luke 10:25-37
Nativity Fast.
Read Ephesians 4:1-6
“Families, become what you are!” These are the words of St. John Paul II in his famous letter to families written in 1981. Anyone reading this can understand these words instantly because we all are members of families, and like it or not, we have to work to be a family. We are at the same time born into a family or group of people and yet must make the active decision to embrace that identity and maintain that bond.
Today we read St. Paul’s address to the Ephesian Christians from prison. Despite being separated from them, he is united to the church in the one body and one Spirit and one Father above them all. Despite the tremendous hardship they are united. Yet, this is not enough. This unity is something which must be maintained. St. Paul uses the word “τηρεῖν” which means “to keep, observe or guard.” In other words, unity must be protected and watched over, it must be strived for.
In our confusing and fear-filled times, it is tempting to seek out and identify enemies, oftentimes from our own family, the Church. We might be disappointed by certain decisions made by our Fathers – the bishops, priests, etc. Guarding our unity in these situations means resisting the knee-jerk reaction of immediately condemning through an emotional response and, instead, seeking the good in what is said. However, this guarding equally entails doing the hard work of seeking clarification of what is being said and implemented. The Lord has loved us enough to give us Fathers, not tyrants. We are sons and daughters, not slaves. The Lord wants to enrich His one Body here with all of you, not simply your blind obedience. Love has to be free if it is to be love!
As we continue to journey toward Bethlehem with the Holy Family during this Advent Fast let us in all sincerity and courage strive to guard our unity!