Lesson #1 to ponder from the Bishop’s Homily (25 August 2024)
It is of the essence to reflect on a pivotal moment in the life of the church and its community. The key message is that “Business Will Not Be As Usual,” emphasizing that after the ICCEC European Diocese’s 40th anniversary, both the church and individual believers will undergo significant changes. These changes apply not only to the institution but also to personal spiritual lives. The one single invitation to us that stands out is to listen to what God is saying to their hearts and underscores the need for introspection.
A central theme is derived from Matthew 16:13-19, where Jesus asks His disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” Peter’s answer, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God,” is highlighted as a profound revelation that stems from close communion with God. The question, “Who is Jesus to you?” is posed as a crucial reflection point for all believers, serving as the foundation of faith. It is important to stress that the church is more than just a physical building but over and above anything else, it is the living body of Christ. Jesus’ statement, “I will build My church,” shows His personal ownership and commitment, inviting believers to become co-builders with Him.
This call to action involves using one’s God-given talents not just for personal gain but for the service of others and the building of God’s kingdom. Furthermore, we have to seriously acknowledge the evil present in the world, urging us not to focus on political or societal conflicts but to recognize that the true battle is against spiritual forces of evil. Despite Christ’s victory over evil, believers are called to stand firm and continue the fight by putting on the armor of God. In conclusion, we are called to reflect on how we can contribute to God’s work through our unique gifts and talents.
We are being challenged to offer our God-given abilities—whether in business, cooking, teaching, or other skills—as an offering to God, actively participating in the building of His Kingdom on earth. The ultimate goal is to align one’s life with God’s purposes, transforming daily work into a form of worship and service.
The following questions prompt reflection on the core themes and encourage a
deeper understanding of the homily’s spiritual teachings.
- What is the key message of the homily, symbolized by the phrase “Business Will
Not Be As Usual”? - What significance does the ICCEC European Diocese’s 40th anniversary hold for
the church and individual believers? - How does the homily encourage believers to engage in introspection? What is
the invitation extended to the congregation? - In Matthew 16:13-19, Jesus asks, “Who do you say that I am?” Why is Peter’s
response, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God,” considered a profound
revelation? - How does the question “Who is Jesus to you?” serve as a foundational
reflection for all believers? - What does Jesus’ statement, “I will build My church,” reveal about His
relationship with the church and His role in building it? - How does the homily define the church beyond its physical structure? What
does it mean for believers to be “co-builders” with Christ? - What is the homily’s perspective on the evil present in the world? How are
believers encouraged to respond to it? - What does it mean for believers to “put on the armor of God” and continue the
fight against spiritual forces of evil? - How are believers challenged to use their God-given talents in the service of
God’s kingdom? How can daily work be transformed into a form of worship and
service
Lesson #2 to ponder from the Bishop’s Homily (25 August 2024)
The Church’s Role in a Changing World: From The Great
Commission to the Benedict Option
The church’s mission, rooted in Jesus’ Great Commission to “make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19-20), has been central to its purpose for over two millennia. However, the COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges as lockdowns and social distancing measures prevented physical gatherings. In response, we as a church adapted by livestreaming services, maintaining a connection with congregants despite the lack of in-person worship. This highlighted the importance of embodied community, reinforcing that the church’s true calling is to gather physically for worship and fellowship.
During the pandemic, our church also became a crucial support system, offering food, aid, and services to people in need, many of whom were not church members. Yet, as the world recovers, the question remains: where are these people now? Have they integrated into the church community, or have they drifted back to their former lives, disconnected from the spiritual support they received during the crisis?
Reflecting on these issues, the church can draw inspiration from the Benedict Option, named after St. Benedict, who in 500 AD responded to the chaos following Rome’s collapse by forming disciplined, faith-centered monastic communities. These communities became havens of order, prayer, and study, preserving knowledge and fostering the revival of civilization. Today, the church faces similar challenges, with societal disorder and disconnection requiring a renewed focus on creating intentional faith communities.
Ultimately, the Great Commission remains the church’s guiding mission, but to thrive in the modern world, the church must balance its outreach efforts with deeper community-building. Whether through digital innovation or adopting the principles of the Benedict Option, the goal remains to draw people into a life of discipleship, spiritual growth, and hope found in Christ.
The following questions cover the key themes of mission, adaptation during the
pandemic, community building, and drawing inspiration from historical models
of faith like the Benedict Option.
- What is the church’s mission as described in the text?
- How did the COVID-19 pandemic challenge the traditional practices of the
church? - What was the primary adaptation made by the church during the pandemic?
- What did the experience of the pandemic highlight about the nature of the
church’s community? - In what ways did the church support people during the pandemic?
- What concern does the text raise about the people the church helped during
the pandemic? - Who was St. Benedict, and how is his response to the collapse of Rome relevant
to the modern church? - What was the significance of the monastic communities formed by St.
Benedict? - What does the text suggest the modern church can learn from the Benedict
Option? - What balance does the text suggest the church needs to strike to fulfill its
mission today
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