Homily of His Excellency Msgr Selim Sfeir Maronite Archbishop of Cyprus
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
“If anyone says to you, “Look! Here is the Messiah!” or “There he is!” do not believe it.
The liturgical season of the Holy Cross is the period for the Maronite Church to consider the immanent return of Jesus Christ at the end of time. The readings of the Divine Liturgy, the morning and evening prayers of the clergy and of the religious during this season point to the expectation of our Lord’s return in glory. The gospels and the liturgy both suggest that the time of tribulation preceding the return of Christ will be terribly confusing, and even some of the faithful will be seduced and fall of away from the truth.
As Maronites, our Church is imbued with the monastic spirit. The monks keep alive in the Church the spirit of the shepherds of Bethlehem: they are “watchers in the night” looking into heaven and listening to the angels. The order of their days and nights allows them to meditate and contemplate the brilliance of the Logos in creation and in redemption. Just as monks rise in the dark of night to sing the praises of God while the world slumbers, so the Maronite Church rouses the faithful to readiness for our Lord’s return.
The Maronite Church looks to the monk, St. Maron as its father and teacher and sees in him a most excellent example of one, who, because of his intimacy with God was able to identify the false Messiah’s of his day.
The great upheaval resulting from the collapse of the Roman empire reverberated throughout the Church and gave rise to heresies and schisms.
Like one who stands vigil, performing the duty of a sentry, St. Maron could see the enemy and recognize the heresies from the high post of contemplation and prayer. A life of continuous prayer – which isn’t impossible – will be the greatest defence from falling away in the hour of trial.
Prayer
O glorious St. Maron, by your great intimacy with God, you recognized the heresy of your day and saved your followers from spiritual ruin. Protect your children scattered throughout the world and grant us the grace of final perseverance in the grace of Christ.
+Selim Sfeir
Maronite Archbishop of Cyprus