John 21:15-25 (Matins)
Ephesians 4:7-13
Matthew 12:4-17
God has entered our living web of life. Our lifeworld is a "wet chemistry" in which each thing organically interacts with everything. With God's human conception and birth, everything instantly has changed. Where everything once had bloomed only to wither and die, He has set a Living and Eternal Breath and a Beating Heart at the center of all. Such is the quality of the Gospel atmosphere and ever after. He bids us to breathe His Breath (Jn 20:22). He calls us to pulse with His Heart (Jn 7:38). He commands that we follow Him, that we might abide in His Love, which is Life. For the Kingdom of Heaven has drawn near, and all we need do is take the next step, which is ours to do.
But how shall we follow God? What shall we wear? What shall we do? What shall we say? This morning, we reflect on two paths. The first imagines how to ascend by considering equality with God a thing to be grasped (Phil 2:6). So he arrays himself in glorious vesture. His religion attains the highest rigor of many prayers and much fasting and many tithes.
But the second does not seek lordship (Mt 20:25). He dresses simply. His head is bowed in humility. His words are few. And the seat of the imagination, which is the heart (Gen 6:15, Lu 1:51), is broken. This man's humble prayer will become the kernel of Christian life: "O Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner."
How shall we follow God? We must hold ever fresh in mind God's most extraordinary act. It is not victory over death, for that is His Nature. It is not sovereignty over life, for that is His Element. It is the never-before and saving act of emptying Himself of His Divine Splendor (kenósis) in order to shepherd His scattered flocks and bring them Home.
How shall we follow God? Let us empty ourselves. Let our heads be bowed. Let our words be few. And let us embark towards the ever-opening horizon of lowliness. For there we shall meet with the poor and the humble who are first to enter the gate of Heaven.
In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.