“It is not enough to abstain from harming others; one must also do much good to achieve salvation,” Patriarch Daniel reminded the faithful last Sunday during his sermon at the Chapel of St. George the Great Martyr in the Patriarchal Residence.
Reflecting on the Gospel reading about Christ’s dialogue with a rich young ruler (Luke 18:18–27), Patriarch Daniel emphasized, “Today’s Gospel warns us that it is not sufficient to fast often, pray diligently, or abstain from sin and indulgences if we are not also merciful.”
Mercy as a Reflection of God
Why is mercy so crucial? “Because merciful love or showing kindness to those in need is the beginning of man’s resemblance to the Merciful God,” explained the Patriarch. “God desires not only our gratitude towards Him but also our mercy toward those in need.”
The Patriarch contrasted the rich fool, preoccupied with earthly pleasures and indifferent to spiritual matters, with the rich man in this Gospel passage, who was a believer, devout, moral, and concerned with the salvation of his soul. However, even this faithful man was reminded by Christ that his good deeds were not enough.
“Jesus Christ uncovered a hidden spiritual illness in the rich ruler: greed for wealth. He was too attached to his earthly possessions,” the Patriarch explained.
The Call to Spiritual Freedom
When Christ urged the young man to free himself from the bondage of greed by giving up his wealth to the poor, the ruler became sorrowful. “He was saddened because he was presented with a material loss in exchange for a spiritual gain he could not yet understand,” observed the Patriarch.
In a surprising turn, Jesus did not insist further. “The Lord left him in his sadness, as this sorrow marked the beginning of the ruler’s internal struggle,” said the Patriarch.
“Jesus proposes but does not impose; He invites, but does not compel; He advises, but does not pressure. He offers immediate guidance but patiently waits for a free response, foreseeing a slow and eventual conversion aided by God.”
A Journey of Transformation
According to tradition, the rich ruler eventually overcame his attachment to wealth after a prolonged spiritual struggle and with God’s help. “He sold his possessions, distributed the proceeds to the poor, became a disciple of Christ, and later served as a bishop in Asia Minor,” the Patriarch recounted.
The Patriarch highlighted that many wealthy individuals throughout history have followed Christ’s counsel to transform their earthly riches into heavenly treasures. “Many became monks, benefactors, or founders of churches and social institutions, using their wealth to support the work of the Church.”
A Call to Mercy During Advent
Patriarch Daniel concluded with a prayer, asking God to help the faithful during this Nativity Fast. “Along with prayer, fasting, confession, and more frequent Communion, may we also practice mercy, striving to resemble the Merciful God.”
Photo: Lumina Newspaper
Representative photo: Basilica.ro / Mircea Florescu
