Heart (Change of)

“...mere outward confession of sin is not what God desires, but an inward change of heart.” (Orthodox Study Bible, 1 Kingdoms 15:24-26)

“…time and again…Jesus prohibits those He cures from spreading the good news of their healing. Most often, they do not heed His command, and then thousands more from that same locale come for His blessing. It is not out of mere modesty that Jesus tries to dissuade those He heals from spreading the word about Him. Rather, He wants to avoid being associated with sensationalism. He has come to save humankind, not just to perform miracles that effect bodily healing. He has come to call people to repentance, to a change of heart, to a turning back to God. But, according to the Gospels, many in the crowds that follow Him just don’t get it.” (Archpriest Steven John Belonick)

“ [St. John] Chrysostom warns, "There is nothing worse than that man should measure and judge of divine things by human reasoning"…The great preacher says that heresies flow from attempts to apply human thinking to the divine will and works of God. We might add that when the Gospel is preached in terms that conform to human ways of thinking, it loses its power. The casual Christianity that is so prevalent these days is a prime example of this powerlessness. Preaching that strives to conform to the world's standards does not convict, and hearing without conviction does not bring about a change of heart.” (Fr. Basil)

“The original audience of Christ and of the Evangelist Luke were Jews and their original hearing of the parable would have pitted the righteous and godly Pharisee (the good guy) versus the heretical sinner and apostate Publican (the bad guy). The original listeners would have agreed with the sentiment each character expressed as simply being honest about themselves. But then Christ’s conclusion would have confronted everything they thought true, for Christ tells them it is the Publican who is seen as righteous by God. All the original listeners to the parable would have had their entire worldview challenged and they would be forced to see the Parable’s characters in a new way. Even more importantly they would see God in a new way. For God does not see things the way we do. God is looking into our hearts and is not distracted by all the pious prater and practice we do. God perhaps is not as interested in righteous people as they are in themselves.” (Fr. Ted Bobosh)

“This example of the publican reminds us of what it really takes not only to become holy but to bring healing to the world around us. Because he unlocked the kingdom, he was healed. When we learn to truly pray, everything is restored in life….[it] is not so much that we need to go out and take part in protests and parades to effect change, no! Likewise, posting self-righteous posts online and even too much political talk within the parish, none of these things will really glorify God or change the world. The change that will affect the whole world is right here (in the heart). We don’t transform the world through the waving of banners, but through the changing of the banner of our hearts. For this reason St. Seraphim of Sarov said, “acquire a spirit of peace and thousands around you will be saved.” (Fr. James Guirguis)

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