Citizen Columns
Question
In reading sacred scriptures, it seems religious figures want to challenge our complacency. So why do so many churches settle for mere respectability?
Answer
At a time when churches are losing respect I would like to stand up for "mere respectability". The Christian scriptures include a huge variety of voices, and not all of them are perpetually challenging and prophetic. And that is appropriate, because there comes a time when what's needed is not more stirring, but more settling down. Just simple existence as a church can be a prophetic challenge to the rest of society (indeed, just wearing a cross, in some parts of the world, can earn abuse and persecution). Yes, some Christians and churches raise their voices, just as there are Christians in every age who courageously challenged social sins and personal indifference to love of God and neighbour. And the rigorous Orthodox Lent is an annual rebuke of all lukewarm Christianity. But it also takes a certain courage to live peacefully, not attracting attention, offering a place of spiritual oasis, and even respectability.
I recently presided at the funeral of someone who had been living on the streets. "Mary" had slept by the outside wall of the church on many nights in the last couple of years. She rarely came in to the church, largely because she didn't feel worthy. But at her funeral there she was in her casket, well-dressed, at peace, surrounded by the beauty of the icons, the incense, the clergy in vestments, the solemnly joyful music of the Orthodox funeral service. Many of the thirty or so friends who attended were lso from the streets. And the comment that came back to me was about the dignity she was given, a dignity that eluded her most of her life.
The great Russian saint, Seraphim of Sarov said "learn to be peaceful, and thousands around you will find their salvation." We certainly shouldn't confuse social respectability with true peace, but I believe that all those good people who out of Christian conviction tend to the day to day life of their parish communities are also serving the Lord and His people.
Father John Jillions
|
