Today’s reading from Isaiah proclaims,
Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! (Isaiah 5:20)
When I read these words, I first thought of the groups who are attempting to dismantle our society. But this is Great Lent. The Church asks us to focus on our own sins, not our neighbor’s shortcomings. St. Ephraim reminds us of that lesson every time we complete his prayer.
How many times have I justified my ungodly behavior, thereby twisting evil and good? How often have the darkness of passions clouded my heart, displacing the light of God’s grace? Can I begin to recount the times an angry thought or argument festered in my mind, pushing out the sweetness of prayer for rancor?
There is much turbulent fear in our society, and I am not suggesting inaction. However, we are called to be the light of the world. How can we do that when the light within us is darkness? Our Lord’s light is dampened when we do not wage war against the passions. Therefore, our focus should be oriented inwardly.
If we do not win the battle in our own hearts, we will only amplify the darkness and bitterness around us. Repentance is the cure. Through it, we can pray, “Preserve the good in Thy goodness, and make the evil to be good by Thy goodness” (St. Basil’s Liturgy).
As the world continually demands our attention and outrage, may God instead lead us on the path of introspection and repentance this Great Lent.
Thank you for this post. You explained the ideas simply.
Many non believers claim that vice is good and we criticize the world…
But as for us?
Some still avocate that Peter was the chief whereas he managed the questions, the debates, and was obliged to convoke the Assembly because they had to remain one, and they say it is good. How many victims?
Others claim that every personal threat, illness, humiliation, tragedy is a cure gifted by God whereas families, individuals are destroyed by robbery, violence, rapes and after those words – despair. Is it always the will of God? And is it good to insult God?
Some divided the body of Christ because of one misunderstood word about the nature of Christ. There was condemnations, violence, emigrations, death… After centuries, they understand the mistake but no repentance, and still judge others because of power and primacy. Has something changed? Is it good?
The victims of Rome, the children who became adults do not wait their repentance anymore. Is it good that there is no repentance?
Is it good to see pictures of our authorities with theirs?
Do you believe in the power of example? As every priest, you certainly teach that way.
How can we not suffer because of their decisions?
How can the world believe with such examples?
Saint Anthony said: “If the faith is jeopardy, speak!”
Some come, others leave, and many do not come to orthodoxy because of some of that.
And our faith is already theologically divided.
According to the Holy Scriptures, there should have been a Holy Synode.
How comes it did not occur?
If it does not come from above
Why priests are not acting for that?
And do not count on us, most of us are not aware and I know by experience what happens, what wars happened between patriarchates, when even politely, calmly we utter those facts – intrigues and silent or angry ostracism.
But still, the Holy Scriptures do not change as the Saint’s devotion.
I am degrading, I have been poisoned and received no help.
I have no country.
Heresies and pride as usual are crushing people.
Yet, I am a sinner and I will try to repent farther.
The Queen of Ethiopia has already made her claims before the world.
Time is running.
I wish you to understand what I wrote and anyone can check.
I pray God He could enlight our authorities.
Hello Gabriel,
As the last part of my article states: “If we do not win the battle in our own hearts, we will only amplify the darkness and bitterness around us. Repentance is the cure. Through it, we can pray, “Preserve the good in Thy goodness, and make the evil to be good by Thy goodness” (St. Basil’s Liturgy).
“As the world continually demands our attention and outrage, may God instead lead us on the path of introspection and repentance this Great Lent.”
May God lead us both toward repentance rather than being outraged at the actions of bishops.