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Fr Vazken
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A shift in emphasis from tolerating to finding a cross
star it|2 comments|September 15, 2008|474 reads
 
This Sunday's sermon on the Holy Cross expresses a different slant to the cross that I had not explored until this year, namely that the cross is not something that is tolerated, but explored, found and carried. Its an interesting shift in emphasis that I hope to probe further.

In celebrations and commemorations of Holy Cross events, we remember the power of the cross and the importance of crosses in our lives, i.e., the cross can be seen as a symbol of suffering and the difficulties we have in our lives. Much akin to the Noble Truths of Buddhism, which guide an individual on the path of suffering to peace, the cross has been seen as a necessary part of the salvific process. In the past I have even challenged the listener to think of resurrection only in terms of a crucifixion, that is, there is no resurrection without crucifixion. And so, in many ways we've set up the cross as a necessary evil that is - needs to be - tolerated.

But in this particular sermon I'm looking at the cross as something we should discover. In other words, Christ's commandment for us to pick up the cross and follow him, implies that we are to ADD the cross to our lives. So the crosses that we are burdoned with in life, aren't necessarily there to be tolerated, or even carried! Juxtapose Christ's command to pick up the cross next to His proclamation of giving us an abundant life and you have a formula that tells us to seek out the cross on the path to fulfillment. The suffering that is demanded of us by way of the cross points to abandoning the self, sacrificing for the greater good and finding a life of meaning.

Compare this to the "hokehankist gospel"
12:25 He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 12:26 If any one serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there shall my servant be also; if any one serves me, the Father will honor him.


Here's last week's sermon from the MyChurch archive. Its in Armenian waiting for an English translation (Anush: its time for a mp3 recorder for the translator in the echoing hallway?). Dr. Dekmejian has suggested student project to transcribe these - I'll have to explore that with him.


View details.
Elevation Holy Cross Sermon 2008
Sermon on the Elevation of the Holy Cross (Khatchveratz) recorded LIVE at the St. Peter Armenian Church and Youth Ministries' Center on 14 September 2008, Glendale, California. Language: Armenian

 
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Anush Avejic
 Anush Avejic
September 15, 2008
It's not a problem at all.  I can use my Zen to record the translation...but if you'd prefer a transcript, we can do that as well. 

Translation was a wild ride yesterday, but very fun nonetheless.  : )
Fr Vazken
 Fr Vazken
September 16, 2008
Deacon Ludwig shared this story with me - I thought it was very appropriate and should give everyone another opportunity to evaluate what we have in life. Thanks Ludwig! (I think it fits nicely in this week's podcast as well.)

“A present day monk tells the following beneficial story: “I was once walking with a very pious and humble man, when we were stopped on the street by an old man distributing small pamphlets. The old man asked us, ‘Are you saved? Have you accepted Jesus?’

“My humble companion said, ‘I only know that I am a sinner.’

“The old man answered my friend: ‘Jesus has saved me. I have the assurance of his salvation. I have conquered pride, lust, and sin. Praise God.’

“At these words, my companion very abruptly grabbed me by the arm, saying to the old man, ‘Leave us alone.’ But as we walked my humble friend began to cry bitterly. Embarrassed that others were watching, he controlled himself.

“I asked him: ‘Why are you crying like this?’

“He quietly answered, ‘As that man told us that, a strange voice in my mind translated his words, so that he said, “I have saved myself. I have assured myself. Pride, lust, and sin no longer bother me, for they have conquered me. God must praise me.” The mere thought of his blasphemy and the state of his soul crushed me. God forgive us all.’”