What's behind the curtain?
During the Holy Qurbana this past Sunday, my 8-year old turned to me a few minutes after the curtain was closed prior to the procession of the Eucharist and asked me, "What happens behind the curtain?".
For those not familiar, the Indian Orthodox Church along with other Oriental Orthodox churches use a curtain rather than an iconostasis to separate the altar and Holy of Holies from the rest of the Church.
While silently thanking God not only because my son was asking questions but that I actually knew the answer, I watched with much humility how easily he accepted my answer.
This reminded me of Mathew 18, when Jesus says,
For many of us and for many who are unfamiliar with our Church and our Faith, it's difficult to accept several points of the doctrine such as Living Presence that don't make sense when using the standards of this world.
Hence, one of the highest priorities for all of us is to seek answers to all our own doubts and questions, thereby removing the obstacles for us to completely believe. Blessed are those who believe without questions, but definitely all the right answers exist within the Orthodox Faith for those who seek the Truth with humility and open hearts.
Kevin Allen interviewed the Dean of St Vladimir's Seminary Fr John Behr in an Illumined Heart podcast on Apostolic Succession (on which I'll post more thoughts soon).
Not surprisingly, Fr Behr gives a much better explanation of this towards the end of the podcast, i.e.,
When prompted by Kevin Allen about how to respond to Charismatic or Pentecostal believers who would argue that they "feel" the Holy Spirit during their worship, Fr Behr answered quite simply,
As Fr Behr said, if we don't completely believe and understand, then we need a "further discussion", and in my opinion the living Church should prioritize ensuring that all members can find both the audience as well as resources to help them find their answers.
Fr Behr summarized that this will not be easy, but he expressed hope that everyone will be challenged to "think about their Faith actively". When we strengthen our own personal Faith (for which Christ Himself advised that we "humbles himself like this child"), we in turn strengthen the living Church.
For those not familiar, the Indian Orthodox Church along with other Oriental Orthodox churches use a curtain rather than an iconostasis to separate the altar and Holy of Holies from the rest of the Church.
While silently thanking God not only because my son was asking questions but that I actually knew the answer, I watched with much humility how easily he accepted my answer.
This reminded me of Mathew 18, when Jesus says,
"I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
For many of us and for many who are unfamiliar with our Church and our Faith, it's difficult to accept several points of the doctrine such as Living Presence that don't make sense when using the standards of this world.
Hence, one of the highest priorities for all of us is to seek answers to all our own doubts and questions, thereby removing the obstacles for us to completely believe. Blessed are those who believe without questions, but definitely all the right answers exist within the Orthodox Faith for those who seek the Truth with humility and open hearts.
Kevin Allen interviewed the Dean of St Vladimir's Seminary Fr John Behr in an Illumined Heart podcast on Apostolic Succession (on which I'll post more thoughts soon).
Not surprisingly, Fr Behr gives a much better explanation of this towards the end of the podcast, i.e.,
Each person has to be responsible for themselves coming to Church and being a member of the Church. Why are you coming to this Church is what we should ask people ... just because my parents did and my parents before that did? Or is it because I believe that here I encounter the Lord of all Creation of this history, the one sitting at the right hand of the Father, tangibly .. perceptibly .. and become His Body.
And, if that's your answer, well, say that! But, if its not your answer, well then we need a further discussion.
When prompted by Kevin Allen about how to respond to Charismatic or Pentecostal believers who would argue that they "feel" the Holy Spirit during their worship, Fr Behr answered quite simply,
Well, I would ask them which Holy Spirit .. there are many gods out there, but for us there is One God the Father, One Lord Jesus Christ, the one that we know was crucified and was saved according to Scripture, whom we know through the inspiration of the Spirit by whom alone we can call upon Jesus as Lord ... all of that, with the breaking of bread that he also received and handed down to us .. this is what we know. What Christ are you talking about, and what Spirit are you talking about?
As Fr Behr said, if we don't completely believe and understand, then we need a "further discussion", and in my opinion the living Church should prioritize ensuring that all members can find both the audience as well as resources to help them find their answers.
Fr Behr summarized that this will not be easy, but he expressed hope that everyone will be challenged to "think about their Faith actively". When we strengthen our own personal Faith (for which Christ Himself advised that we "humbles himself like this child"), we in turn strengthen the living Church.
Comments
I think that we should respect all Christians alike, even though our doctrines may be different we must exercise tolerance in understanding other sects of Christianity.
For does it not say that; In the beginning the earth was covered with darkness and void and it was the "spirit" that came down and flew upon the waters. And when the Prophet Samuel anointed Saul as King over Israel the "spirit" came down upon him.
And I believe that the Bible go's on to say that the "spirit came upon David many times. Was it not this "spirit" that came upon Elizabeth and the unborn John the Baptist when she saw Mary. And was it not this same "spirit" that came down upon the 3000 people on the day of Pentecost.
Then how can one ask "What Spirit" or "Which Spirit is this". For it is none other than part of the Holy Trinity itself The Holy Spirit.
That my friend is the Spirit we Pentecostals and Protestants allow to lead our services. I hope this letter finds you well.
Peace by with you
http://www.svots.edu/Faculty/John-Behr/Articles/Orthodoxy.html
I think first and foremost, Fr Behr is challenging us to understand "why" we worship, and if we dont have answers then seek them!
But, definitely he's very direct in his thoughts on Orthodoxy. As mentioned before, would love to hear more on your thoughts, especially on Reformation and effects on the teachings of the Church
This one reminded me of that concept of "second naivete." We accept things as children because we are open and innocent and trusting. It's called naivete but is a proper condition of childhood. Eventually we begin to critique what we observe and are taught. It can be a time of disillusionment, but also is another important stage in growing up.
A third stage, some say, is a "second naivete." We go back to what has been passed on to us and find the deeper truth in it. We go beyond the stage of criticism to enter more deeply into the mystery of what we have been learning all our lives. It is like entering a second childhood, in a way, and maybe that is what Matthew 18 is calling us to.