Truth in Love

Speaking the truth can sometimes be awkward or even dangerous. Saints were martyred because they spoke truth. Holy men and women lost their fortunes because they lived the truth. Even we are forced to discern, daily, whether it would be good to speak the truth or not.

In today’s reading from Saint Paul’s First Letter to Timothy, we hear that the struggle to maintain truth is not new in the Church. Even ‘back then’ there were some within the Church that felt they had the right to teach something different from the Apostles. Some things never change.

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope, to Timothy, my true child in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesos that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine, nor to occupy themselves with myths and endless genealogies which promote speculations rather than the divine training that is in faith; whereas the aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and sincere faith. Certain persons by swerving from these have wandered away into vain discussion, desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make assertions.

1^st Timothy 1.1-7

In the past few days I have watch numerous Orthodox Christians speaking out against the presence of the Pope of Rome at the Ecumenical Patriarchate. The irony of today’s reading isn’t lost on me. While many today cry HERETIC both to the Pope and Patriarch, we forget history.

We forget that for centuries the East and West continued to work toward reconciliation, meeting together and praying for unity. The “Great Schism” was in flux for centuries. Ultimately, only after the Fourth Crusades, did East and West end dialogue until the mid-twentieth century.

The purpose of their gathering isn’t to pretend we are suddenly reunited after more than a millennium. The purpose is for us to be dedicated to reconciliation, following the ancient custom of dialogue and prayer. Lest we forget, Christ Himself prayed for unity in the Church.

There is no doubt in my heart that East and West are devoted to “love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and sincere faith.” There is also no doubt, nor any evidence to the contrary, that the Ecumenical Patriarch will remain firm in Orthodox Dogma. So, let’s move on.

If we can dare for a moment to move past the global ecclesiastical fascinations, we come to our own heart and conscience. Rather than accusing ‘far away’ leaders of heresy, we must look to our sins and hypocrisy. We are far more distant in our acts of love that we should be.

Today is the commemoration of Saint Philaret the Merciful of Amnia. He dedicated his life to serving others out of his own lack of prosperity. His own family was known to complain he was ignoring his own family in exchange for others. God always gave him ‘enough’ for his family.

This saint reminds me of an elderly lady I once knew. A widow living in retirement said to me once, “I just don’t understand. I just keep giving it away and God keeps giving it back.” Her love and devotion to others never once put her in ‘need’ but always blessed her.

There was no doubt her heart was committed to the sort of love that Saint Paul encouraged in today’s reading. I never knew her to turn away another human being, even for a chat and few words of comfort. I dare say, if the some today would refuse even to chat with the Pope.

So, here’s our challenge for the remaining time of the Nativity Fast. STOP worrying about global Orthodox politics and START worrying about those around you in need. We have enough work to accomplish in our local parish and city.

There is nothing to fear in a few days of dialogue and prayer. There is much to fear in ignoring the needs of those around us. Rather than wasting your breath crying HERETIC, use your breath to bless those you meet on the street. That’s real love, even if it is awkward sometimes.