by Fr. Gabriel Bilas –
As Orthodox Christians, this constantly being surrounded by material prosperity makes our goal of living the angelic life with Christ so much more difficult, because eventually, just as has happened in our own culture, we have lost sight of the answer to that question: What does it mean to be rich?
I was reading from the works of Bishop Augoustinos of Greece this past week, who was commenting on St. Paul’s Epistle today where he says that “God is rich…(not with billions of dollars) with mercy. “
His Grace said: “Certainly, God is very rich. He is the only one who could be called rich. But O how different He is from the “rich” of this world! Everything He made, He didn’t make for Himself, but for mankind. And he made it all in abundance, so that nothing would be lacking!”
In other words, God pours forth his riches upon all of creation, giving every living thing everything they need in this life.
Are you hungry? Here is fruit from the trees, bread from the field, milk from the cows, fish from the river, and meat from the animals.
Are you thirsty? Here is water from the sky, filtered by the reeds, and filling the rivers and the lakes. Drink and be satisfied!
Are you cold? Here is cotton from the fields, and wool from the sheep to make clothing, to protect yourself from the harshness of the weather.
Are you sick? Here are herbs from the earth and medicines to cool the fever.
Are you bored? Look around and gaze at the beauty of the world. Gaze at the stars and wonder at the grandeur of the heavens. Listen to the music of the birds, and the movement of the ocean waves.
Are you sad or experiencing difficulty like so many out there who are missing loved ones during the Nativity Season? I give you the Church, acting as a blanket to comfort you and to pull you through your losses.
Not only do we have the ability to taste food, see the sky, smell the flowers, and feel the grass beneath our feet, but God has also given us a brain to think and to judge with. We were given a conscience to decipher what is right and wrong. We were given the riches of freedom to choose good or evil. We were given wealth through the Holy Scripture and the church, to illuminate our paths so that we don’t get lost!
What does it mean to be rich? To participate and be in communion with the mercies of God, who has given us EVERYTHING we need to draw closer to Him.
—————————————————
Excerpts from sermon posted on St. Mary Magdalene Orthodox Church website. (Minor organizational edits to optimize readability and emphasize key points made by Chris Banescu..)
