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by Chris Andreas
The following sermon has been provided by the Department of Stewardship
Ministries of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
"For
God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have
shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints and do
minister." (Heb. 6:10)
Wild beasts, crucifixions, tortures,
burnings, enslavement by outside conquerors: all grim reminders of the
trials and tribulations the Holy Orthodox Church has faced throughout
history. Even in these modern, difficult times the devil is still hard
at work constantly employing every possible trick to draw us away from
truth. We see secular, un-Christian values ever increasing in strength
resulting in a falling away from our Lord Jesus Christ, His teachings
and His Church.
Yet under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the
Church throughout her history has always withstood these harsh and
critical tests, then rebounded and flourished. "The gates of hell shall
not prevail against it," (Matt 16:18). Indeed, the Church and the faith
of her children seem to be strengthened during times of persecution.
History has shown repeatedly that through the faith, strength and
commitment of her faithful, the Church has always maintained her
enduring steadfastness. Never to be denied, she actively maintains her
growth and strength through the spreading of the Gospel truths and
through the caring and nurturing of her children. Whether these
children are six months old, six years or sixty years of age, they are
still the Church's children who are nurtured and cared for by their
mother.
In a very real way, the Church does behave as a true
mother raising her offspring. A mother nurtures her children when they
are young feeding them the bread and milk of life. She, as the keeper
and steward of the household, teaches them how to behave and how to
worship. She teaches them responsibility as they continually grow
toward adulthood. In part, as a result of the mother's efforts, they
are eventually enabled to assume leadership responsibilities of their
own. In the same manner, the Church acts as our true mother. She
teaches us our beliefs; she admonishes us in our behavior. Successful
upbringing results in our becoming responsible enough to eventually
acquire leadership roles within society and church communities. And all
of this is accomplished through her ministries.
Ministries are
an extremely important aspect of church life. They are the vehicles
through which the Church accomplishes her mission to the world and
whereby she exemplifies her Stewardship. Jesus said, "Go ye...and teach
all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit" (Matt. 28:19). This becomes possible only
through her ministries. When we speak about love, worship, salvation,
help and education, etc, all are done through ministries.
What
do ministries involve? They involve our personal Stewardship, our love,
faith, hard work, sometimes a humble sort of professionalism, and quite
often, financial support. This is true whether we speak of ministries
at the local or national levels. Without these very integral aspects,
we would have no ministries; we would have no support groups, either at
the pastoral or lay levels; we would have no youth programs, no GOYA,
no Sunday Church School, nor scouting programs; we would have no
Sacraments, no counseling; in short, we would have no Church.
What
do our love, faith, hard work, professionalism and financial support
embody? They embody selfless giving, selfless sacrifice. Whether we
work in the local parish, or with the Diocese or the Archdiocese, or
even within the world in general, we give of our time always utilizing
the talents that Almighty God has given us. We give of our financial
resources, whether into the general funds, or directly into those of
ministries that are close to our hearts. Sometimes we may even pick up
the tabs for a trip or an important event. We do so not begrudgingly,
but lovingly and cheerfully.
We read in 2 Cor. 9:6-8, "...He
which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth
bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Each one must do as he has
made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a
cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in
abundance for every good work." We also read of the results and rewards
of our Stewardship, "You will be enriched in every way for great
generosity, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God; for the
rendering of this service not only supplies the wants of the saints but
also overflows in many thanksgivings to God. Under the test of this
service, you will glorify God by your obedience in acknowledging the
Gospel of Christ, and by the generosity of your contribution for them
and for all others; while they long for you and pray for you, because
of the surpassing grace of God in you. Thanks be to God for His
inexpressible gift." (2 Cor. 9:11-15)
These are powerful
messages. Within our churches we have the ability to serve in anyone of
many ministries: Sunday Church School program, the scouting and
Orthodox youth programs, in the Ladies Philoptochos, as members of the
Choir, or as Altar Boys alongside our Pastors during holy services.
Sometimes we are called upon to assist those who are in dire need of
help, whether financially or morally, or to support the church purely
in a financial way. Wherever it may be, it is through ministries such
as these that the Church, both at the local and national levels,
flourishes and continues to grow both in Spirit and in numbers.
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