Pulling out of the rear entrance of the Saint Basil Campus yesterday, I was heading to a local gas station about 1.5 miles away to meet a gentleman in need of assistance. Just a block or two into my drive, I pulled forward a bit, checking the traffic before making a right-hand turn at a light. While waiting for a slow moving, on-coming car, its driver, a female in her 20’s, slowed down even more, straining to look at me, made eye-contact—then proceed to extend her right arm and provide me with a less than inviting visual sign involving her middle finger! Initially taken back, I laughed a bit, then was disappointed. I said a brief prayer for her, and continued on my drive to the gas station.
I was driving directly behind my admirer, who happened to be going in the same direction. She was obviously scared to see my car following behind her, as she repeatedly tried to speed ahead—only to be stopped by the multiple stop signs on the roadway. Eventually I turned into the gas station, and she waited in her car, watching from the street corner until I got out of my car—then she sped off hastily.
How unfortunate! I hope that this person learned a few valuable lessons:
1) You never know who you are dealing with; an act of disrespect and ignorance, such as she displayed, can turn dangerous if it was pointed at the wrong person. I hope that her scared, erratic driving after the fact is a sign of her understanding this—and will perhaps lead to repentance.
2) The way we interact with others, even a stranger on the roadway is a reflection of who you are—in turn impacting how you are perceived. This is precisely the reason why I have referred to her as ‘a female,’ and not as ‘a lady.’
3) Priests exists, and in America we wear identifiable clothing - the black shirt with the ‘Roman Collar,’ so that individuals may know who we are if they need assistance in some way. Although the thousands-of-years-old tradition of offering respect to clergy is a dwindling tradition/experience, nonetheless, we are available for assistance if someone is need. If she would have pulled into the gas station, the first thing I would have asked her is if she was having a bad day, and if I could help. ...that offer still stands if she is reading this blog.
This is a tremendous example for us all to be cognizant of the way we interact with others in all situations of life. Remember ‘the golden rule,’ coming from the message of Scripture, “Do to others as you would have them do to you.’ (Luke 6:31)
“Blessed are You, O Lord; teach me Your statutes.”
Psalm 119:12 . . . included in the Doxology Hymn
At the conclusion of the morning Orthros (Matins) service, a powerful and beautiful hymn is prayed, offering glory to God; the Doxology hymn. Amidst numerous recognitions of the glorious, benevolent nature of God, a request is made, taken from Scripture, “...teach me Your statutes.” (Psalm 119:12) Humbling and kinetic how those praying, ask God for contin- ued learning.
The Church, in the Doxology hymn, links the glory of God with our need to continually learn about Him. This link, and affirmation of Christian education is not segregated to any group within the collective faithful, but rather is a blanket statement that applies to all the faithful; young and old, male and female, ‘cradle’ and convert,’ etc…
The support God provides us in our journey of Christian education is found in His Church. For 2000 years, the Church has supported, and promoted the learning of the faithful about God, responding to the words of the Ethiopian eunuch who answered the Apostle Philip when he asked if he understood the Scriptures he was reading, “How can I unless someone guides me.” (Acts 8:31) Countless schools, catechisms, individual and group conversations have been offered by Christ’s Church to any and all who cry out the Doxological verse, “...teach me Your statutes.”
The Church today is no exception! Built upon the experience and continuity of 2000 years, the Orthodox Church continues to offer education to all who desire to learn and live a Christian life. Adult education, youth education, internet education — all available at Saint Basil’s for any and all who fervently pray the call of Psalm 119:12.
Adults: You are the example to the generations following you, including today’s children. Show them your love for God by encouraging them to learn about Him — sign them up for Sunday School, encourage them to get the most out of their experience there, ask them what they are learning.
Children: God has called you to honor and respect your parents, especially Our Father in Heaven! In order to honor and respect Him, we must try to know Him to the best of our ability — join the Sunday School program, so that you may learn about Our Father in heaven, His Holy Church, and how they are the foundation of our lives.
As the Church, the gathering of the faithful, both young and old, let us strive to not only sing the Doxology Hymn each Sunday morning, but rather live it, recognizing it as a compass — directing us to offer glory to God, and yearning to be taught about Him!
*Registration for both adult and youth religious education programs will take place this September, after the festival.
+Fr Luke Palumbis