Look, the One who instructed against carrying a bag and a sack permits sustenance from the same Gospel message. Indeed, it is stated, "In the same house ye shall abide, eating and drinking what they have: for worthy is the labourer of his wages." If we accept peace, we ought to remain in the same household, enjoying their provisions, in order to receive earthly benefits from those to whom we bestow the eternal blessings of our Heavenly Kingdom. Hence, Paul, regarding this matter as significant, states, "If we sow to you spiritually, how much more shall we reap to you bodily" (1 Cor. 9:11). This acknowledgment is noteworthy: "Worthy is the labourer of his wages," indicating that the means for support are already counted among the rewards for labor. Thus, the reward for preaching starts here and finds its fulfillment in the vision of Truth. We should understand that there are two rewards for one work; one is found in this life, while the other awaits us in the eternal dwelling. The encouragement we receive now should motivate us to strive earnestly for the ultimate reward. Hence, each preacher of the past sought to proclaim the Word not for immediate compensation but to gain strength for their ministry. Anyone who preaches mainly for worldly reward or recognition forfeits their chance for the Eternal Reward. Conversely, those who speak to inspire a love for God, or those who receive earthly support to sustain their preaching, do not hinder themselves from gaining the reward in the heavenly realm, as they only take what is necessary along their journey.
Yet, what shall we, the Shepherds, say of ourselves, who receive rewards yet fail to act? We mostly partake of the offerings of the Holy Church, yet neglect to labor sincerely for the Eternal Church through our preaching. We must reflect on the condemnation we deserve for receiving rewards without true labor. While we survive on the contributions of the faithful, how invested are we in their spiritual well-being? We accept their offerings as restitution for their sins, yet we rarely exert ourselves through prayer or preaching to help them overcome those same sins. Few among us openly justify themselves. Additionally, if there are influential people in the world, they may receive undue praise for their errors so that they might not lose the gifts they have given when challenged. We must remember the truth of Hosea: "The sins of my people are a snare" (Hosea 4:8). Those who indulge in the sins of others, fearing they might lose their earthly rewards, do harm without realizing it. Likewise, we who depend on the faithful's offerings, if we indulge in silence, are certainly consuming their sins. How grievous is it before God that we take the fruits of iniquity while contributing nothing against sin through preaching! Blessed Job spoke of this: "If the earth cried out against me, even its reins cried together; even its power was eaten without price" (Job 31:38, 39). The earth protests against its owner when the Church rises against its shepherd. Its reins cry out when the faithful are stirred by the preaching and the admonition of their elders, encountering something that provokes grief for their shepherd’s life. A responsible steward does not partake of the fruits of the land without payment; the diligent shepherd gives the labor of the Word beforehand to ensure he does not take from the Church's rewards.
We truly reap the fruits of our labor when we receive the Church's support in conjunction with our preaching efforts. As preachers of the future Judge, who will proclaim His coming if we remain silent? Hence, each of us must strive, according to our capacity and strength, to warn the Church of both the fear of the coming Judge and the hope of the Kingdom. Those unable to persuade everyone in a unified call must, with whatever means they can, encourage one another individually, nurturing faith in the hearts of their congregants through private conversation and gentle exhortation. We must heed the words directed to the Holy Apostles, which also apply to us: "You are the salt of the earth" (Matthew 5:13). Being the salt means we must transform the souls of the faithful. Shepherds, consider that you guide God's animals. Concerning these creatures, it is said through the Psalmist, "Thy animals dwell upon her" (Psalm 67:11). Often, a block of salt is given to livestock so they may lick it and improve. Similarly, the priest among the people should embody this rock of salt, carefully tending to each individual according to their circumstances so that those who interact with him may be infused with eternal life, as by the flavor of salt. We become the true salt of the earth only if we enrich the hearts of those who listen. Those who share this seasoning with others do not withhold the preaching of the Word. We indeed preach the truth when our actions validate our message, when we are filled with divine love, and when we cleanse the daily wrongs of life through tears. We are humbled when we earnestly reflect on the deeds of those who came before us, causing the evident glory of the Fathers to reveal our lives as inadequate by comparison. We are genuinely humbled when we examine the commandments of the Lord and endeavor to perfect ourselves in light of the holiness attained by those we honor.
Thus, it is written of Moses: "This man shall make a brazen laver, and stand it brazen of the mirrors of the fasting women, which are fasted at the door of the tabernacle of the vision" (Ex. 38:8). Moses constructs the basin for the priests' cleansing, allowing them to enter the Holy of Holies, for the law of God commands us to wash in repentance, so our impurities do not defile the sacred mysteries. This laver is formed from the mirrors of the fasting women, for these mirrors are the commandments of God into which holy souls constantly gaze to check for blemishes. Sinful thoughts are corrected, and the radiance of the soul is renewed by reflecting on God’s commandments. When they delve deeply into these commandments, they discern the divine truths to hold dear and those to shun. While in this life, they cannot enter the Eternal Tabernacle. Yet, the fasting women remain at the entrance to the Tabernacle because holy souls, who bear the burdens of the flesh, longingly await their eternal entrance. Moses fashioned this basin from the mirrors of women, as the Law provides a means of contrition for our sins, revealing the Heavenly Commandments that the holy souls cherish. When we diligently observe them, we notice the blemishes of our inner being. Recognizing these flaws, we are crushed by repentance, and in this sorrow, we find a kind of cleansing in the laver made from the mirrors of those fasting women.
However, while we reflect upon our own faults, we must remain vigilant regarding those entrusted to our care. Our sorrow over personal failings must not distract us from our duty as guardians of the flock. What good comes from loving ourselves if we neglect those around us? Conversely, what benefit is gained if, in loving others excessively, we abandon our own well-being? God instructs us to bring pure wool for the Tabernacle's adornment (Exodus 25:4), so that our love may flourish before Him, manifesting love for both Him and our neighbors. A sincere love for the Creator naturally leads to a true love for ourselves. Pure wool signifies a soul ignited with love for both self and neighbor, grounded in the truth. Yet we must note that zeal for righteousness against our neighbors’ wrongdoing must not extinguish our gentleness. A priest’s anger must be measured and intentional, not reckless. We must balance patiently bearing with those we correct while also addressing the faults of those we tolerate, ensuring that a lack of either trait does not lead to irritation or excessive leniency.
The temple was adorned with lions, oxen, and cherubim in its foundation (2 Sam. 7:29) for a reason. Cherubim symbolize fullness of knowledge, while lions represent fierce intensity, and oxen convey gentle perseverance. Thus, the foundations showcase both aspects. The expression on the temple signifies the priests; they bear the responsibility of administration, acting as a foundation that supports the weight of their role. It is vital that priests possess both wisdom and the capacity for fear and tenderness. The balance involves tender-heartedness alongside the gravity of their intention, ensuring that neither harshness dampens meekness nor does meekness lead to weakness. The challenge rests with those who are burdened by excessive wrongdoing, and so, my dear Bishops, I express my sorrow. I have learned that some administer for gain, selling spiritual grace, reaping benefits from the transgressions of others. Why do you forget the Lord’s command, "You receive, you give" (Matthew 10:8)? Why do you fail to recall how our Redeemer cleansed the temple by overturning the tables of the money-changers and driving out the merchants (John 2:15-16)? Who are the sellers of doves in God’s temple today if not those who charge for ordination? The Holy Spirit descends through this very ordination, hence selling doves symbolizes the sacrilege of profiting from sacred rites. The Lord condemned the sellers of doves, affirming their denial of rightful priesthood.
Sacred teachings denounce simony, demanding that those who seek to charge for spiritual orders be stripped of their priestly roles. Thus, the seats of dove sellers are overturned whenever those who solicit payment for spiritual grace are deprived of their authority. Numerous hidden evils plague leadership, often priests pretend to be virtuous before the people while avoiding any shame in their private lives. A day is approaching—the day is imminent—when the Shepherd of Shepherds will reveal all deeds, and He who exercises judgment over His flock will also confront the leaders. He entered the temple and personally fashioned a whip of cords to drive out the wicked merchants. Just as He punishes subordinates through their shepherds, He will directly judge the shepherds themselves. This is a reality many struggle to accept, as such judgments frequently occur away from public view. Truly, the time will come when that Judge appears, and no one can conceal themselves in silence or escape His scrutiny.
Additionally, dear brethren, one matter deeply troubles me about the existence of pastors. Yet I address you cautiously, aware that I share this burden equally, even as we are compelled by the harshness of our times. We have become ensnared by worldly ambitions, valuing external honors over the duties expected of us. We neglect the ministry of preaching, and ironically, though we hold the title of Bishops, we bear no actual power. Those we should lead stray from God while we remain silent; they wallow in immorality while we do not stretch out a hand to correct them. Each day, souls perish from their iniquities, and we obliviously watch as they move toward destruction. If we neglect our own lives, how can we hope to correct others? Engaging with earthly responsibilities desensitizes us, making us less receptive to heavenly matters. When ingrained in worldly pursuits, our souls grow hardened, unable to soften toward God’s love.
THEOSIS