Share What You Know

It is an unfortunate saying about the Church. People call the Church, “The Best Kept Secret in America!” I say unfortunate, because keeping the Church a secret is sin, plain a simple. Christ wants us to allow our light to shine. He even sends us out to all nations to baptize them. Still, people keep the Church a secret, to our shame.

It may even be worse when we keep the wisdom we have learned secret from our fellow Christians. It is almost as if each parish of the Church is in competition with the other. I can’t tell you how many times in the past thirty years I have witnessed Church committees discovering ‘the other’ parish was successful because they figured out a new ‘trick’ of the trade. Rather than reaching out to learn from each other, both remain isolated, to our shame.

Brethren, conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer every one. Tychicos will tell you all about my affairs; he is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts, and with him Onesimos, the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of yourselves. They will tell you of everything that has taken place. Aristarchos my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions if he comes to you, receive him), and Jesus who is called Justos. These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. Luke the beloved physician and Demas greet you. Give my greetings to the brethren at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. And when this letter has been read among you, have it read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you read also the letter from Laodicea. And say to Archippos, “See that you fulfill the ministry which you have received in the Lord.” I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my fetters. Grace be with you. Amen.

Colossians 4:5-11,14-18

In honor of the commemoration of Saint Luke the Evangelist today, the Church offers us this passage from Saint Paul. I want you to notice two things about this passage. First, the ancient Church leaders were constantly visiting each other. Second, the same leaders were constantly sharing wisdom with each other through writings.

Parishes didn’t consider themselves ‘isolated’ or ‘free agents’ of some sort of church movement. We hear that Tychicos and Onesimos traveled from place to place to, “tell you of everything that has taken place.” These ancient witnesses brought hope and faith across great distances through their network of visitations.

Many also wrote letters and, as in the case of Saint Luke, Gospels and histories of the Church. Some writings became parts of the Scriptures. Other writings have been maintained for spiritual edification. Unfortunately, some writings have been lost to history.

The ancient network of Christians has been maintained, albeit sometimes only technically, within the parish system throughout the world. Through the global “Local Churches” the network is maintained through official channels the Church calls synods and councils. The church is not immune to human ego failings either. Over the centuries, this network has not always been peaceful and smooth.

We are living in some of the not-so-smooth eras today. As we experience tensions between the Church of Constantinople and the Church of Moscow, we are remined that unity requires effort. It can be easy to allow these global tensions to affect our local evangelist work. How can we be fighting internally, and at the same time preach unity in Christ?

This week I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone. Find a different local Orthodox Christian Church, one with whom we are in communion, and attend services this week Sunday. Before you attend, reach out the local priest and introduce yourself to him. Ask about local customs so you don’t offend anyone in the parish. To assist you in choosing a parish, click here for a listing of all Canonical Orthodox Churches in the United States. I would also suggest your let your spiritual father know, so he can guide you.

Once you are within the walls of your sister parish, think of today’s letter from Saint Paul. Experience the broad network of truth the Church has to spread the gospel of Christ. You may be surprised by your visit. Don’t be a ‘know-it-all’ but be willing to share your story. Be willing to share what you know for the glory of God. It is the most ancient communication between parishes that exists.

What does this have to do with tearing down the walls of the best kept secret? We can’t share our faith with others until we can share with each other.