By Abbot Tryphon, October 29, 2019
Without good works faith does not dwell in our hearts
The very moment faith enters the soul is that moment when we turn toward God in repentance and recognize we cannot live without Him. As we grow in our faith we come to realize we must remain in a continual state of repentance, for grace abounds in the heart of the man who is repenting. We come to see the truth that the saints were those who never ceased to call upon the Lord in repentance. Never did they think themselves worthy of anything but God’s wrath, and their continued plea was for God’s mercy.
This humility spawned God’s love in the hearts of these saints, and works of love and mercy grew out of God’s indwelling love within their hearts. Their works showed forth that their love and good works came out of that deep state of repentance, and their love was the proof of God’s indwelling Spirit in their hearts. Saint Gregory the Great said, “The proof of love is in the works. Where love exists, it works great things. But when it ceases to act, it ceases to exist.”
If we do not do good works, love does not dwell in our heart, and we have no faith. “Yea, a man may say, You have faith, and I have works: show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works (James 2:18).” The Liturgy reminds us, only those with faith and love may draw near to receive the Holy Mysteries. Our participation in the Body and Blood of the Lord provides each of us with the opportunity to be Christ-bearers in the world in which we live, and others will know we belong to Christ, “by our love” (John 13:35).
With love in Christ,
Abbot Tryphon
~Abbot Tryphon, The Morning Offering, https://blogs.ancientfaith.com/morningoffering/2019/10/faith-without-works-is-dead/
Imitating Christ
By Abbot Tryphon, November 2, 2019
What does the Lord require of us?
As we examine how we live our lives as Christians, we look to those who leave an impression of goodness, kindness, and humility, as examples of the person we would like to become. That saintly person, by their every example, exudes the humbleness of the Lord, and love seems to be palpable when we are in their presence. Such a person didn’t just appear, for these are not the natural traits one finds in most people. Such humility and kindness are developed over time, for this person has sought out the grace of God, and has made, sometimes since childhood, every attempt at giving back the love and goodness they received from the Father of Lights.
Such a person desires, on a daily basis, to become more like Christ. The humility of the Lord becomes their personal standard, for such a person is quick to forgive, quick to grant justice, and desires to be kind to everyone who comes into their presence. This person does not fabricate such sweetness of soul as though he were a politician running for office, for it is the Lord Himself Who dwells in them, and it is Christ in them Who is full of justice, kindness, love, and full of mercy. “He has shown you, O mortal what is good; and what does the LORD require of you? but to do justice, to live kindness, and to walk humbly with your God (Micah 6:8).”
With love in Christ,
Abbot Tryphon
~Abbot Tryphon, The Morning Offering, https://blogs.ancientfaith.com/morningoffering/2019/11/imitating-christ-3/
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