Today's Sermon in a Nutshell: A "Gem" of a Story.

Today's Sermon in a Nutshell: A "Gem" of a Story

Once upon a time, in a faraway land, three men were traveling through the desert. And because it was so hot during the day, they journeyed by night, when the temperatures were cooler. There was no moon to guide them, but the multitude of stars in the dark sky emitted enough light for them to walk without stumbling.

When they came upon a small creek bed, the weary travelers stopped to drink and refresh themselves. As they did, the Archangel Michael suddenly appeared out of the darkness and spoke to the men in a loud, booming voice. 

Obviously, these men were startled, but there was also a strange feeling of calmness. The Archangel told them not to be afraid but asked them to gather stones and rocks and fill their pouches and pockets until they were full. Then, they could continue their journey. 

The three bewildered men obeyed and did what the Archangel asked, filling all their satchels and pockets with stones. When they finished, the Archangel said, “Be on your way. In the morning you will be both glad and sad.” And with this, the Archangel disappeared just as suddenly.

The men rose and continued their journey; in awe of what had just happened, and wondering why they were given such a strange and mysterious request.

As they traveled, however, the extra weight of the rocks soon became burdensome and, one by one, each man began to take stones from their pouches and pockets and throw them to the ground. As morning neared and the sun began to rise, most of the stones they had been carrying were discarded, but as they reached deeper to toss more aside, they were shocked to find that the remaining stones and rocks had miraculously turned into rubies, diamonds, emeralds, and other precious gems!

The men were overjoyed at seeing their new-found treasure, but this gladness soon turned to sadness as they realized all the potential jewels which they had discarded throughout the course of the night.

We, too, are on a journey: the spiritual journey of Great Lent; traveling through a land darkened by sin and temptation. Yet the voice of God, through His Holy Church, beckoned us at the beginning of the Great Fast to voluntarily undertake certain challenges for the betterment of our soul and relationship with Christ. 

Sadly, right about now, during this fourth week of the Fast, we begin to wonder if these efforts and mortifications to the flesh are enhancing or hindering spiritual progress. Perhaps the rigors of fasting are taking their toll, along with the added church services, prayers, and scripture reading. They might seem “bothersome,” and there is temptation to discard them just like the rocks and stones in the story.

Yet if we can persevere, stay the course, and complete the journey we have set for ourselves – even with its manyfold challenges and obstacles – we will find that what we once considered burdens are transformed into the spiritual jewels of wisdom and virtue in the treasure of our Faith.

Fr. John