He's Perverting Our Nation!
The accusations against Jesus were telling. When the leaders tell the Romans why they want Jesus killed, they tell on themselves!
I don’t know where it came from, but I have had two great interests in mind since I can remember—politics and religion. Strange, since my traditional Southern upbringing discouraged the mixing of the two realms of human endeavor. But there it was—a passionate interest in both, so much so that there was a time in my life when I had to choose whether to become a politician or a preacher.
With those interests, I have been involved in many “lively” discussions about both subjects, and it never ceases to amaze me that, no matter who the person might be, we all seem to think ourselves imminently qualified to speak about both of these subjects as if we were experts. Our positions are not only correct and clear, but everyone else should agree with us as well!
It would be funny if it weren’t so tragic at times.
Now that I think about it, my path into the ministry was heavily influenced by the firm belief that what I truly believe should shape and inform my actions and choices. I’m not quite sure why that sounds so radical to some.
Look at our Gospel Lesson today. It’s a long one. It’s Luke 23:1-31, 33, 44-56. We won’t quote the whole passage, but it is the section that tells us of Jesus’ trial before Pilate and His crucifixion:
At that time, the chief priests, the scribes, and elders of the people brought Jesus before Pilate. And they began to accuse him, saying, “We found this man perverting our nation, and forbidding us to give tribute to Caesar, and saying that he himself is Christ a king.” And Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” And he answered him, “You have said so.” And Pilate said to the chief priests and the multitudes, “I find no crime in this man.” But they were urgent, saying, “He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee even to this place.” Luke 23:1-5
Our Lord is accused of perverting the nation.
The whole charge against Him was that if we let this Man’s message be believed and accepted, our entire way of life would be destroyed.
Plus, they charged, His message was a danger to the political rulers as well.
He was a dangerous Man, according to His critics. And they were right!
But notice they are convinced the Lord and His message was going to “pervert” the people.” And they saw how His message “stirs up the people.” The Lord’s message was, and still is, disruptive to the “status quo.” No wonder discussions of religion are so heated. There is a lot at stake!
So, why have this passage before our eyes on this Cheesefare Week approaching Forgiveness Sunday?
What about all we’ve said prepares us for Great Lent and Forgiveness?
Simply put, a life enabled by being forgiven and able to forgive changes the whole world!
The world, gripped by selfishness, misunderstanding, and ego, sees the message of Forgiveness, mercy, love, and transformation as a threat, and it certainly is.
You see, my dearest if you are forgiven and able to forgive all the meanness, misunderstanding, and foolish pride of those around you, all of this is powerless to enslave you to bitterness, despondency, disappointment, and hatred.
If you can forgive and are forgiven, you are indeed free. You are a light to those who long to be forgiven and forgive, and you are a real and present threat to those who refuse to be forgiven and forgive.
All the debate, all the discussion, all the arguments become powerless to trap you in their desire to make you their slave, to reduce anyone to an “enemy.” The amazing grace of Christ’s destruction of death by His death creates a different way of life for those who dare to embrace it! Imagine giving up scorekeeping, holding grudges, remembering past attacks or mistreatment, and living your life free from all that emotional baggage! Why, you’d be able to love unconditionally. You’d be free from bitterness and anger. You’d be like God!
St. Raphael of Brooklyn was born in Beirut, Lebanon, in 1860. He was the first bishop consecrated in North America by St. Tikhon of Moscow and Bishop Innocent of New York. He was consecrated the Bishop of Brooklyn and served there until he died in 1915. During his ministry, St. Raphael founded 36 churches and traveled the country helping organize Orthodox Christians in the US. His tireless ministry reached all people, and his loving presence encouraged the faithful who had immigrated to the New World. The inevitable conflicts that arose during this time tried the ministry of this good man. He was instrumental in mediating disputes between different ethnic groups. One such incident drew such anger towards the bishop that his life was threatened but St. Raphael endured it all with patience and love. He is interred at the Holy Ressurection Cemetery on the grounds of the Antiochian Village in Pennsylvania.
Today, Great Lent is just a few days away. Forgiveness Sunday is upon us. Where do you need forgiveness? Where do you need to forgive? All the tools to make this possible are here in the Church. Every service is meant to strengthen you and help you enter into this freedom. Will you have the courage (and that’s what it takes) to accept forgiveness and extend forgiveness? You will be free and become a Normal Orthodox Christian to the extent you do.
P.S. Rejoice, O Father Raphael, Adornment of the Holy Church! You are Champion of the true Faith, Seeker of the lost, Consolation of the oppressed, Father to orphans, and Friend of the poor, Peacemaker and Good Shepherd, Joy of all the Orthodox, Son of Antioch, Boast of America: Intercede with Christ God for us and for all who honor you.
Fr. Barnabas Powell is the parish priest at Sts. Raphael, Nicholas, and Irene Greek Orthodox Church in Cumming, GA. He is also the founder of Faith Encouraged Ministries and produces the Faith Encouraged Daily Devotional on Substack. Watch the Faith Encouraged YouTube Channel here - https://www.youtube.com/@FaithEncouragedTV
