DYNAMIS!
A publication of St. George Orthodox Christian Cathedral
Wichita, KS
Thursday, December 20, 2007 Nativity
Fast
Hieromartyr Ignatios,
Bishop of
Kellia: Exodus 32:1-7,
15-28
Epistle: Hebrews 10:35-11:7
Gospel:
Foreshadows ~ IV * Sin
and Shame: Exodus 32:1-7, 15-28 LXX, especially vs. 27: “Thus
saith the Lord God of Israel, Put every one his sword
on his thigh, and go through and return from gate to gate through the camp, and
slay every one his brother, and everyone his neighbor, and every one him that
is nearest to him.” A few idealists have longed to return the
Church of today to the “New Testament Church,” an imagined entity
of pure and uncorrupted fellowship and practice. Such longing is fantasy, springing from
confused thinking and failure to read Holy Scripture with the Church.
The present passage records one more example
from the long history of the People of God in which men from among the chosen
took upon themselves to fashion the Faith to their own liking. Yes, there have been heretics and schismatics who have asserted themselves and their
God-given liberty “as an opportunity for the flesh” (Gal.
5:13). Sadly, sin does arise in the
Church and brings shame on God’s People and the Gospel of Christ. Read this present passage carefully and
learn how easily you may be corrupted (Ex. 32:7). Further, pray to God that He will aid
you and all of us to remain honorable members of His Church and heirs of His
Kingdom.
A symptom of which to be wary, one that should
alert us to spiritual danger, is impatience with those
whom God has provided to guide the Church.
Let us be cautious within ourselves when we find irritation in our
hearts toward our Bishops or Priests.
“When the people saw that Moses delayed to come down from the
mountain, the people gathered themselves together” (vs. 1). They grew restless waiting for the
Prophet to return, and so they descended on Aaron like a mob, not to express
fears and concerns, but to demand action.
Notice the two imperative verbs, “Arise, make us gods....” (vs. 1). How
ready they were to cast Moses aside rather than to wait until God should send
him to them again (vs. 1).
“Be subject unto God, O my soul, for from Him is my patient
endurance....I shall not be moved from hence” (Ps. 61:5,6
LXX).
Next, be attentive to the subtle temptation of
making gods in your own image.
There is a special danger in this scientific age to discount the
possibility of falling into idolatry.
The action of the Israelites seems so unsophisticated, demanding
“gods who shall go before us” (Ex. 32:1). Yet, the modern mind has proved quite
capable of being captivated by things and ideas and of falling into the trap of
giving persons, programs, movements, or theories the worship and devotion that
is due to God alone. Doing so is
idolatry, the making of other gods.
The temptation is especially active as men are inconvenienced, fearful,
or insecure. “Let the peoples
give Thee praise, O God, let all the peoples praise Thee” (Ps. 66:3 LXX).
Finally, in this passage there is a warning
against another sin sure to shame us before God: desiring to have our Faith be
nothing but feasting and dancing, craving only the pleasures, and being
unwilling to undertake any of the efforts required to remain “on the
Lord’s side” (Ex. 32:26).
What of the four seasons of Fasting, what of self-examination and
confession, what of regular attendance at worship,
what of sacrificial giving? Let us
beware of becoming “scattered” to the “rejoicing” of
our “enemies” (vs. 25).
“O Lord, before Thee is all my
desire, and my groaning is not hid from Thee. For in Thee have I hoped, O Lord; Thou
wilt hearken unto me, O Lord, my God”
(Ps. 37:9,15 LXX).
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