Tuesday, December 21, 2004 Nativity Fast
Virgin-Martyr Juliana of Nicomedia
Kellia: Exodus 32:1-7, 15-28 Epistle: Hebrews 9:8-10, 15-23 Gospel: St. Mark 8:22-26
Exodus 32:1-7, 15-28, especially vs. 27: "Thus says the Lord God of Israel, 'Put
every man his sword on his side, and go to and fro from gate to gate throughout the camp, and slay every man his brother,
and every man his companion, and every man his neighbor.'" There have been those who have idealized the "New
Testament Church," and have sought to return the Church to some imagined time of purity and uncorrupted fellowship.
Such longing is fantasy, springing from wishful thinking and a failure to read the Scriptures. St. Paul points out very
clearly that "while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Rom. 5:8). Even among those who knew the Lord Jesus in the
flesh, even among the beloved Twelve whom the Lord Himself chose, there were those "who would betray Him" (Jn. 6:64).
And after the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, still there were those who tried to trouble the Faithful and "pervert the Gospel
of Christ" with their own ideas (Gal. 1:7).
The present passage records one more example from the long history of the People of God in which men from among the
chosen took upon themselves to fashion the Faith to their own liking. Through the centuries there have been heretics and
schismatics who have asserted themselves and their God-given liberty "as an opportunity for the flesh" (Gal. 5:13). Sadly,
sin does arise in the Church and brings shame on God's People and the Gospel of Christ. Let us read this passage carefully
and learn how easily we may be corrupted (Ex. 32:7). Also, let us pray to God that He will aid us to remain honorable
members of His Church and heirs of His Kingdom.
A symptom of which to be wary, one that should alert us to spiritual danger, is impatience with those whom God has
provided to guide the Church. Let us be troubled within ourselves when we find irritation in our hearts toward our Bishops
or Priests. "When the people saw that Moses delayed to come down from the mountain, the people gathered themselves
together" (vs. 1). They grew restless waiting for the Prophet to return, and so they descended on Aaron like a mob, not to
express fears and concerns, but to demand action. Notice the two imperative verbs, "Arise, make us gods...." (vs. 1). How
ready they were to cast Moses aside rather than to wait until God should send him to them again (vs. 1). "Be subject unto
God, O my soul, for from Him is my patient endurance....I shall not be moved from hence" (Ps. 61:5,6 LXX).
Next, let us be attentive to the subtle temptation of making gods in our own image. There is a special danger for people in
this scientific age to discount the possibility of our falling into idolatry. The action of the Israelites seems so
unsophisticated, demanding "gods who shall go before us" (Ex. 32:1). Yet, the modern mind has proven quite capable of
being captivated by things and ideas and of falling into the trap of giving persons, programs, movements, or theories the
worship and devotion that is due to God alone. Doing so is idolatry, the making of other gods. The temptation is especially
active as men are inconvenienced, feel afraid, or are insecure. "Let the peoples give Thee praise, O God, let all the peoples
praise Thee" (Ps. 66:3 LXX).
Finally, in this reading there is a warning against another sin sure to bring us shame before God: the desire to have our
Faith be nothing but feasting and dancing, craving only the pleasures and being unwilling to undertake any of the efforts
required to remain "on the Lord's side" (Ex. 32:26). What of the four seasons of Fasting, what of self-examination and
confession, what of regular attendance at worship, what of sacrificial giving? Let us beware of the desire to "break loose,
to [our] shame among [our] enemies" (vs. 25).
"O Lord, before Thee is all my desire, and my groaning is not hid from Thee. For in Thee have I hoped, O Lord; Thou wilt
hearken unto me, O Lord, my God" (Ps. 37:9,15 LXX).
