On May 26, on Sunday of the Paralytic we had a celebration at our St. George Church. It was headed by our Rector, Archpriest Igor Tarasov. Fr. Igor returned after a two week trip to Kiev, Ukraine.
Following the reading from the holy Gospel the Rector preached a sermon. He discussed the miraculous healing of the paralytic performed by our Lord Jesus Christ. In particular, Fr. Igor pointed out that the state of the paralytic reminds us of the state in which the whole human kind was living before Christ. It was due to sin.
Fr. Igor said, “The human kind was spiritually paralyzed. It needed a Savior, a great Healer. But who could become such a Healer, such a Savior? In many legends and myths the people whom we call the Gentiles thought that it should be a great man, a hero. Other people, the Jews, who believed in one God and had a prophecy of the Messiah, also believed that such Messiah should be a human person. However, it was impossible for any man because human kind is sinful. It could be done only by God, but God willed to do it by becoming also a Man.”
“The whole attitude of waiting for a man, for a hero to save is reflected in today’s Gospel. The paralytic says, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up…” (Jn. 5, 7). He put his trust on men and he was unsuccessful for many years. He should have learned from the Scripture saying, “Do not put your trust in princes, in the sons of men, in whom there is no salvation” (Ps. 145, 3)”.
“Jesus was the Son of God, thus He could help the paralytic. So, He can help all the people in need, in sufferings, in pain. For He even conquered death.”
“On the other hand, the people who follow Christ, who are united with Him, can also become the partakers of His power. They continue His miracle working and the mission of salvation. In today’s Epistle we heard that Holy Apostle Peter was able to heal the paralytic also. And he was able to raise a recently dead young woman. St. Peter healed by the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 9, 34). And it is not accidental that today’s Epistle mentions that the followers of Christ were already called “Saints” (Acts 9, 32). People dedicated and belonging to God are saints. Such people are able to conduct the divine grace and the will of God. If we put our trust on God, He can act through such men.”
Fr. Igor concluded his homily saying, “Let us put our trust in God. Let us be faithful to our calling as Christians. Let us strive for being the partakers of our Lord’s grace and the conductors of His power. Let us also acquire this power in the Church where we can meet the people dedicated to God, the Saints of our days. The Church is our House of mercy, our healing place, a place of God’s graces. Let us belong here and become a part of our Lord’s Resurrection.”
After the Liturgy Rector and parishioners enjoyed delicious meals at our common coffee hour.