WRITTEN TH. KIRYGMA
«Foolish discussions,» good deeds, and the glory of God.
Often, we Christians—who are otherwise faithful and well-meaning—get caught up in endless discussions about trivial matters. In fact, we often even end up in heated exchanges with our fellow believers, who may hold a different opinion than we do. The most common source of disagreement is the letter of the Law.
The Apostle Paul, however, in today’s Epistle reading describes such discussions «useless» and «futile». And he recommends taking the lead in good deeds as a remedy. For the good deeds of love are what are most beneficial to people.
(The Apostle to the Gentiles concludes his letter with entirely practical instructions: He asks Titus to come to Nicopolis in the winter, where he has decided to spend the winter. And this passage from his letter transports us to his era and to common human needs, firmly establishing the authenticity of the text and, by extension, of the entire New Testament).
In response to the same need of the «good deeds» This is also mentioned in today’s Gospel reading: Our Lord reminds the faithful that they must be visible and not hide themselves. Not, of course, to show off, but quite the opposite. The responsibility of Christians is great because their kingdom and their way of life resemble a city built on a mountaintop. That is why their life is visible to others.
Christians must spread light—not through their words, but through their good deeds. These are not limited to charity, nor to social activism, nor even to parish construction projects, but also to humility, repentance, understanding of our brothers and sisters, and love… The faithful of Christ are debtors. They owe selflessness. They owe sincerity. They owe a presence in times of suffering and need.
And, in the end, this is how the «Our Father, who art in heaven». Not with worldly honors and titles… Not with fanaticism, false devotion, and factionalism…
But, by humbly imitating Him—His self-sacrificing selflessness, His sacrifice on the Cross, His long-suffering, His love…
One such imitation is «His glory».
Rev. P. Mariatos
