Last Sunday, the 10th Gospel of St. Mathew spoke of faith. It reminded us that if we had the faith of a mustard seed we could move mountains. In thinking about faith, I reflected that we often hear that children are the Church of tomorrow. What dribble! Children and young people are the Church today; but they are not alone. We all assemble as the Church. I have a problem that many of you who know me can confirm, I tend to approach faith intellectually. I read, study and search out answers. The photos that I used today illustrates that which I envy, YiaYia’s simple faith and a child’s innocent faith.
We read in the Gospels, Our Lord says many times: “your faith has made you well.” (Mark 10, 52.) What is faith? In the 11th chapter of his Letter to the Hebrews, St. Paul has a beautiful reflection on faith. Parts of the chapter are read as Epistle readings on the Sunday of the Holy Fathers (the Sunday before The Nativity of Christ in the Flesh – Christmas) and on the Sunday of Orthodoxy (the first Sunday of Great Lent). But, I believe one of the most touching thoughts is captured in the very first sentence of St Paul’s Epistle:
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11, 1)
One of the strengths of the Church is that each of us learn from one and another. It is said we are all responsible for teaching children. The beauty is that we can learn from everyone in the Church. If only we stop and try to quietly follow the examples of faith around us; it will help our own spiritual growth. YiaYia can teach all of us. Grandma’s faith is born from years of prayer. Sittie’s trust in God gives us all an example, which will guide us. Last Saturday, we celebrated the Dormition of the Theotokos, the Panagia is the model of the Church; remember her words: “Behold I am the handmaiden of the Lord; let it be according to your word.” ( Luke, 1, 38) Trust in God, by putting things in His hands. YiaYia has learned the Theotokos’ simple faith; and she shows us this in her unbounded love. As we approach faith, we must learn both from YiaYia and from our children. Children share YiaYia’s simple trust in God. YiaYia’s trust is born from prayer, and a child’s trust is born from innocence. They are two examples from different ages of life, but are they really that dissimilar? Putting faith in God gives both, YiaYia and a child, a serene confidence and a peaceful reliance on His Love. Knowing that God loves us no matter who we are, should allow us to put our hearts at ease. We have children, YiaYia and what is more important the example of the Most Holy Theotokos to guide us. Let us declare, as did the father of the epileptic boy: “I believe; help my disbelief!” (Mark 9, 24). God Bless….dn g