GOSPEL MESSAGE & RECORDING
Have we been angry lately? If we have, today in the Gospel reading, Jesus tells us that we have committed murder. Have we had lustful thoughts lately? If we have today in the Gospel reading, Jesus tells us that we have committed adultery. Have we coveted someone’s possessions lately? If we have today in the Gospel reading, Jesus tells us that we have committed theft.
This sounds outrageous. That is, the practical outcomes of being angry, lustful or covetous are not the same as murder, adultery or thievery. For example, if you murder someone, you will go to jail. On the other hand, being angry will cause spiritual damage to our souls, but in terms of any other outcomes—there are none. The point Jesus is making is this: if we think, or consider, that those who have murdered, done adultery, or stolen something are worse people than us, then we are wrong. We should always consider ourselves as sinners. If fact, we should consider ourselves not so far from those who are incarcerated.
Humility: In another way, Jesus is attempting to form our minds to become more humble. Rather than having a sense that we are somehow better off because we go to church, receive communion, go to confession, participate in church activities or are priests, deacons, bishops or lay-leaders, these things should make us more humble. The path of the Orthodox faith is laid out to make us more and more humble. If we participate in the Orthodox way of life we will become more humble and thus more like Christ. And, therefore, when we look at the criminals on the news, we will not see ourselves as greater or better, but only thank God that by His grace we are kept from such gross sins. Then, our prayer life will not only be for us but also for them.
Help: Another perspective that we can take from this Gospel reading is that we require help, not to the degree as those who have committed crimes; nevertheless, help is necessary. Help comes in the form of confession with a Priest, counseling with the Priest, counseling with a clinical counselor or therapist. In a way, not directly, but indirectly, Jesus is saying that our sins have the propensity to lead to sin that can destroy our lives, our families and our career. For example, sever anger issues can lead to murder and such cases have happened. Habitual sexual desires gone unchecked can lead to adultery. These are just but a few examples. The point is we all need help with our sin problem. The issue is that sometimes we don’t want to get help because of our pride and self-arrogance. Such people will NEVER overcome their sinful behaviors.
Unpacking: But for those who do seek help, they will begin to unpack their sinful behavior by looking back into their life history. By doing this, they will come face to face with trauma and negative experiences that may have triggered their sinful behaviors. The details of how this is done in a clinical setting are beyond the scope of this sermon. However, the point is that unpacking our past and dealing without a traumatic and negative adult and childhood experiences, will provide insight into why we behave sinfully. Furthermore, find solutions on how we can treat our sinful habits so that we live a life that is fulfilling and pleasing.