Sweet Innocence

Homily on the 5th Sunday of Pascha.

Now those who were scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but the Jews only. But some of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.

Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch. When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.

Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul. And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. Acts 11:19-26, 29-30

Watching your children grow is one of the most heartwarming things we as parents have been blessed with. I have noticed that week after week my daughter Mia is so excited to attend her kinder learning center. She will begin to prepare herself the night before by preparing her own lunch, her own cloths and will ensure her hair is looking impeccable.

Thus, pondering on the way my daughter prepares herself and the excitement she has to attend kinder, I realized that this is how all Christians should feel when it comes to attending the Divine services of Holy Mother Church! Dose not the Lord Himself wait for us to meet Him with that same anticipation as a child has?

Hence, when Christ says - "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. (Mt 18.3) He (Christ) means having the same zeal as a child.

Therefore, the Divine Liturgy and all Divine services within this Holy exarchate are prayed in English; a universal language that the majority of people can understand and be healed via Christ’s teachings and that of our Holy Forefathers!

Sadly, many orthodox jurisdictions pray the Divine Services in ancient Greek, Slavonic and many other ancient languages. Thus, because of this reality within the Church the faithful attending these services are becoming fewer and fewer. Who in their right mind would spend several hours of their life listening to a few people speaking gibberish – given the fact that many who attend do not understand the language nor content thereof!

Hence, the reason why each and every one of us attend the Divine Services is to be renewed, replenished and fulfilled with the saving words of our Lord and Saviour! If we cannot understand what Jesus is conveying to us through Holy Scripture and Patristics (writing of the Holy Fathers) then how does one find the answers to life's mysterious questions?

Returning to the topic of children, the other night whilst I was in my home chapel my daughter Mia came in and said - “Daddy, Daddy wait for me! I want to say hello to Jesus too and light candles for Me, Lucy mummy and you!”

This is what we should strive for! This is what our prayer should be - “Lord, turn my heart into the heart of a child.” or as the Holy Prophet David wrote in his 51st Psalm - “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me”.

Therefore, may we prepare ourselves with excitement and anticipation for the next Divine service we attend. May we open our minds and hearts onto God so that through that service He may reach out and connect with us on an intimate level; the true meaning of mercy! (To reach out)

Through the prayers of the Holy Theotokos and Her spouse Joseph of Nazareth, Lord Jesus Christ the healer and physician of our minds, bodies and souls, have mercy on us and save us.