Message of Abbot Paul - Wednesday 26th October 2022

Today is the feast day of the great martyr and patron saint of Thessaloniki, St Demetrius, born there in the year 270 and martyred in 306, during the persecution ordered by the emperor Galerius. Almost 60 years’ ago I lived in that beautiful city and studied in the Aristotelian University. I often visited his church, a typical Roman basilica, and prayed at his tomb, so it was a lovely experience for me to be able to join in the Divine Liturgy of the vigil on YouTube followed by in the procession around the city of his icon and relics. It really was a glorious sight and reminded me of one of the great modern Greek poet Cavafy’s description of a procession of priests and bishops in Constantinople. At times I have a deep longing to be in Thessaloniki again, taking part in the living faith of our Orthodox brethren. At least I have many happy memories to treasure and give thanks for.

 

​In today’s Gospel passage from Luke, (Lk 13: 22-33), we read “Through towns and villages Jesus went teaching, making his way to Jerusalem.” Someone asks him a question, although we’re not told where. “Sir, will there be only a few saved?” This is a question we ourselves still ask today. Jesus’ reply is a warning more than anything else, that encourages us to add our efforts to his gift of salvation. “Try your best to enter by the narrow door, because, I tell you, many will try to enter and will not succeed.” It’s a narrow gate that leads into heaven and, although salvation is God’s gift to us in Christ, nevertheless we have to make our own contribution to achieving that goal. Jesus then goes on to tell his hearers a parable, one they need to hear.

 

“Once the master of the house has got up and locked the door, you may find yourself knocking on the door, saying, ‘Lord, open to us’ but he will answer, ‘I do not know where you come from.’ Then you will find yourself saying, ‘We once ate and drank in your company; you taught in our streets’ but he will reply, ‘I do not know where you come from. Away from me, all you wicked men!’ Then there will be weeping and grinding of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and yourselves turned outside. And men from east and west, from north and south, will come to take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God. Yes, there are those now last who will be first, and those now first who will be last.” Although Jesus began by telling his hearers that they should try to enter by the narrow door, here the door is shut, and once shut, it cannot be opened. Hence, they must get to the door before it is closed by the owner of the house. People will come from all over the world and pass through that doorway, but those who are late, for whatever reason, will not be allowed in, no matter how familiar they are with the householder or how much they plead with him. Little wonder that the first will now be last and the last first. Jesus invites us never to take our eyes from him and always to be awake to what he is doing. If we are with Jesus, then we will know well in advance when the door is about to close and we will enter in good time. In other words, don’t put off entering the household of the faith and never leave there for whatever reason. Good advice for us as well.