Our Holy Fathers refer to the Church as a boat, an instrument that helps us in our journey towards Salvation. This is a very beneficial metaphor, because too often we begin to think we are passengers on a cruise liner, rather than servants on Christ’s vessel.
If we consider the Church as Christ’s Boat, with the exclusive purpose to lead us towards Salvation, it would be most fitting to regard Christ as the Captain, the Holy Spirit the Wind that pushes Her sails, and the Bishops and Priests the Managers of the rudder. Each member of the community has a responsibility on Christ’s Boat. No one can linger on deck and play shuffleboard or lay poolside waiting for a Pina Colada. Being a passenger on this Christ’s Boat requires work. We all need to fulfill our necessary obligation.
Developing a relationship with the Captain of the Boat (Christ) is the most important function of a crewmember. The first edict of a disciple is obedience. We must be willing to submit our own desires for the will of Christ’s Holy Church. Judas was the only disciple to forge his own will upon Christ. He did not understand Christ’s mission, and tried to create a scenario that fit his own agenda. We all know the outcome of Judas’ work. In Matthew 22:37-39, Christ commands, “love the Lord God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind,” and, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” The only way to love God and your neighbor is to be sacrificial in your kindness. A disciple of Christ looks outward to the needs of his neighbor, rather than selfishly inward to his own desires.
For a sailor to be successful in his journey he must know and understand the winds. The Holy Spirit is that wind. The Church is given the promise of being guided into truth by the Holy Spirit. “However, when He, the (Holy) Spirit of truth, has come, he will guide you into the truth. (John 16:13).” Filling the sails of Christ’s Boat with the “Truth of the Holy Spirit” guarantees that we deny ourselves and live for the good of the rest of humankind. Often, we pray that the “Holy Sprit fills that which is lacking.”
If you have ever been on a sailboat, you know that by neglecting the rudder you risk the chance of sailing aimlessly, in no direction, going nowhere. The Bishops and Priests are the managers of the rudder, they are to ensure that the programs and ministries of the Church are aligned with God’s Will and lead Christ’s people on a Sacramental life towards Salvation. Trusting them, allowing them to be the vessels His love, and praying for their well-being is an important aspect to the maintenance of the voyage. In the liturgy, we pray, “For our Archbishop Gerasimos, and all the clergy and laity.” Continue to offer prayers and supplications for the leaders of your church.
The standard, the rule, and the benchmark for every ministry the Church offers are to promote Christ’s love through the Orthodox Faith. Nothing should be done or planned without the mission of the Church in mind. As mentioned previously, too often we lose focus of the Church being the instrument that leads us towards Salvation and consider it a recreation cruise liner. Often, I have referred to myself as a Social Director for a Cruise Ship – much like Julie from the “Love Boat” (for those that remember the program). All ministries conducted by the Church should strive towards the ultimate mission of the Church: to be with the Lord in His Kingdom.
Of course, Sacraments, Liturgical Services and Bible Studies lend themselves to this goal. The outsider looking at them can see that these functions of Church ministry directly affect the Faith of the individuals of the Church. How then do Youth Outings, the Festival, our Dinner Dance, the building Campaign, and our Stewardship Drive promote the objective of the Faith?
Any and all interaction between members of the Church lead towards the opportunity to Faith Development. Christ said, “Where two or three are gathered in my name, there I will be also.” There I will be also (PERIOD). Our Lord didn’t say, “except for when you are dancing, at a ballgame, talking about construction, or ways to give. He said, that when two or three gather, He too, will be present. Everything we do must be centered in Christ, guided by the Holy Spirit, and meant to Glorify GOD! That’s it.
As we sit and ponder the future of our parish, we can sit back and watch, point a finger and be naysayers, or we can grab an oar! My suggestion is, “GRAB AN OAR.” Christ’s Boat has left the dock and is on track, focused on the mission of Salvation. Many are rowing! HARD! They are tiring. Some are on for the ride, it is fun to be a part of something; but notice there is very little space between being a part of something and being apart from something. GRAB AN OAR!
Our parish is a source of strength and a light for our community. These past several months we have witnessed holiday dinners for our deployed Military families, collection of funds for those affected by the fires and shooting, the tremendously hard work of our Rescue Mission volunteers, Philoptochos’ support, and the way our Parish Council has encouraged leadership! The future of the parish includes growth and expansion, that will only happen if all GRAB AN OAR!! For more information on how to GRAB AN OAR, please call or contact Fr. Gary. There is always room on Christ’s Boat!
