Archpriest Viascheslav Reznikov’s sermon on the reading of the Gospel of Matthew 18:10-20. The first day of the existence of the Church of Christ on earth has passed. Yesterday, the Holy Spirit descended on the Apostles and communicated the fullness of the Divine gifts. The holidays are over, and St Peter and Paul’s Fast will begin in a week. Everything has been accomplished, everything has been given, everything has been revealed. The time of achievement is coming, the time of patiently bearing the seed and bearing spiritual fruit, which “consists of all goodness, righteousness, and truth” (Ephesians 5:9). And today, on the special day of the Holy Spirit, the Word of God gives the first instructions on how to live in the Church, in this community of the faithful, called, redeemed, and sanctified by God. First, “See that you do not despise one of these little ones” (Matthew 18:10). Who are these “little ones”? How does the Lord Himself speak about them? And He says, “Their angels in heaven always see the face of My heavenly Father” (Matthew 18:10). He says that for this purpose, He came to earth to “seek and save what was lost” (Luke 19:10). He says that if one of His sheep is lost, He leaves them all for its sake, and having found it, “rejoices over it more than over all the rest” (Matthew 18:13). It is clear that there are no “little ones” for the Lord, and He wants us to remember this too. But what if your brother caused harm? The Lord answers: “If your brother sins against you, go and expose him between you and him alone. If he listens to you, then you have gained your brother” (Matthew 18:15). First of all, in private, sparing his pride, believing that he acted not out of evil but out of ignorance - tell him honestly and directly. Wise people advise starting such conversations like this: “Forgive me, brother, this, and that confuses me.” If he does not admit guilt, “take with you one or two more, so that by the mouth of two or three witnesses, every word may be established” (Matthew 18:16). Perhaps the word of these people, as impartial, will be weightier for him. “If he does not listen to them, tell the church” (Matthew 18:17). The entire congregation, or the one who is authorized to speak on its behalf, is given the power to judge, relying on the word of God and the laws of the Universal Church. “If he does not listen to the Church, then let him be to you as a pagan and a tax collector” (Matthew 18:17). We usually do the opposite. We will remain silent with the sinner himself so as not to “get involved.” Let's find “one or two” to give vent to condemnation and indignation. And then we’ll slowly report it to the authorities. The Lord teaches us not to be afraid to reprove someone to their face and to find the strength to break with the stubborn one so as not to be a participant in the sins of others. The Lord also speaks about the great benefit of being together in one church. He says: “If two of you agree on earth about anything, whatever they ask, it will be done for them from My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in My name, I am in the midst of them.” Some, out of cunning or thoughtlessness, try to turn these words addressed to the Church against it. But what does “in the name of Christ” mean? This means reverently remembering everything He taught. And He came so that the world would not be divided into “twos” or “threes,” but so that there would be “one flock and one Shepherd” (John 10:16). And it is also said that whatever we ask will be given to us. But it is also said that before you ask, “test what is pleasing to God…. Take heed that you walk carefully, not as fools, but as wise, value your time, because the days are evil. So, do not be unreasonable, but know what the will of God is; and do not get drunk with wine, which causes debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your hearts to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:10, 15-19).
Source:
Archpriest Viacheslav Reznikov, Polnyi krug propovedei, Azbuka very [The ABC of the faith] |
