CYPHER & ANTI-CYPHER SERAPHIM SUNDAY 2ND MATTHEW - (21-07-2024)
Today's Gospel reading presents us with the exemplary faith of a man who is remembered throughout the centuries. It is the Roman centurion, who held an office equivalent to that of the captain of the army today.
This centurion, although a pagan, had an unparalleled love, a unique humility and an admirable faith. He truly believed that the Lord could heal his sick servant at a distance. This is the faith that gave birth to the amazing miracle. How great is the power of faith! The man who possesses such a living faith can overcome insurmountable obstacles and achieve the impossible.
That is why our Christ, admiring this faith of the centurion, proclaimed prophetically that people we do not suspect will enter the Kingdom of God. People like the centurion who will come from east and west, that is, from all parts of the world. And there will be left out the so-called believers, like the Jews who believed that because of their origin, they were entitled to a special place in the Kingdom of God. But the Lord cautions against this erroneous belief and overturns any such idea.
And today, unfortunately, too many clergy and laity think that by keeping only religious duties and external formulas they will secure a place in the Kingdom of God. Alas! But the Lord warns us that in the next life we will face many surprises. If we do not give priority and importance to our fellow human beings, but to the types we keep, then we risk being left out of the Kingdom of God. Also, many whom we consider unlikely to be saved will find mercy from God through repentance, while those who insist on considering themselves righteous, if they do not humble themselves, are in danger.
Let us pray that God will have mercy on us, that we may have a humble spirit and not allow ourselves to be corrupted by the dangerous spirit of self-justification. Amen!
Fr. Dem.
