11th Grade AY2024 Final Book-Chapter 3 PDF

Lesson 3: The Salt of the Earth Lesson Goals I can realize that as Orthodox Christians we are called to act with integrity. I can discern that integrity is the work of the Holy Spirit. I can identify the sacramental preconditions for indwelling of the Holy Spirit. “You are the salt of...

Lesson 3: The Salt of the Earth Lesson Goals I can realize that as Orthodox Christians we are called to act with integrity. I can discern that integrity is the work of the Holy Spirit. I can identify the sacramental preconditions for indwelling of the Holy Spirit. “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.” - St. Matthew 5:13 The Sermon on the Mount (St. Matthew Chapters 5 to 7) by Christ Himself serves as the foundational text for Orthodox Christians, profoundly shaping the principles of ethical behavior and moral decision-making within the faith. In this pivotal sermon, Christ calls His followers to a higher standard of conduct that transcends conventional notions of justice and morality. He emphasizes the importance of internal motivations and intentions, urging believers to act righteously not merely in public view for the sake of appearances, but sincerely and humbly as a reflection of their faith. This teaching underscores the call to integrity, urging Christians to align their actions with the divine will, fostering an environment where love, compassion, and mercy can flourish. Our faith profoundly informs not just how we interact with others but also how we approach the challenges and dilemmas we face in daily life. The teachings of Christ, particularly those illustrated in the Sermon on the Mount, illuminate the path of ethical decision-making by encouraging self-examination and self-sacrifice. As believers, we are reminded that our choices should consider not only the immediate consequences but also the eternal implications of our actions. By understanding ourselves as partakers of God’s grace and recipients of His forgiveness, we are empowered to extend that same grace to others. This modeling of Christ’s love calls us to prioritize the 14 wellbeing of our neighbors and to engage with the world around us in a manner that reflects our commitment to the principles of Christian ethics. Jesus teaches that believers are called to be “the salt of the earth” (St. Matthew 5:13). We play a vital role in the divine plan. Salt, alongside food and water, is an essential element for sustaining life. Animals instinctively search for sources of salt, often risking their safety in the presence of predators, due to the scarcity and value of salt in the natural environment. We are also “the light of the world” (St. Matthew 5:14-16), emphasizing our special purpose in benefitting the broader community through right worship and good works. The essence of true worship lies in reconciling humanity with God. Good works, motivated by our faith, should flow naturally from a heart transformed by Christ (St. James 5: 18). Integrity, defined as doing what is right when no one is observing, is crucial for Christian living, as Christ elevates the standards of the Mosaic Law to focus on the intentions of the heart rather than mere adherence to rules. This includes a call to reject hypocrisy, reminding followers not to judge others harshly for faults they themselves possess. Instead, Jesus encourages self-reflection and reconciliation, urging believers to forgive generously and interact justly in all relationships, following the principles of the Silver and Golden Rules. Such ethical behavior is vital for fostering compassion and justice in society, ensuring that even the most vulnerable are protected. Furthermore, the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding and shaping our behavior cannot be understated. Through sacramental practices and participation in the liturgical life of the Orthodox Church, believers cultivate a deeper awareness of God’s presence within them, aiding them in discerning right from wrong. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit provides internal guidance that fortifies one’s resolve to act justly and lovingly, even in difficult situations. As Orthodox Christians, we recognize that our faith is not a mere set of rules to follow but an active expression of our relationship with God and His creation, informing our choices and inspiring us to take actions that are just, compassionate, and reflective of the light of Christ in the world. By embodying this faith-informed approach to life, we fulfill our role as “the salt of the earth,” positively influencing those around us and drawing them closer to the truth of God’s love. Christian behavior is fundamentally different from an animalistic ethic of justice, as it is rooted in the promise of eternal life through God. For Christians, the pursuit of worldly resources is not the ultimate goal; rather, these resources serve merely as tools for 15 achieving a higher purpose. If Christians are citizens of an eternal kingdom, the desire to covet or steal something as trivial as an apple, which provides only temporary satisfaction, becomes absurd. Instead, the apple should be shared to help someone in need. The concept of punishing the wicked and rewarding the righteous to sustain group identity does not align with Christian teachings. Indeed, in the Sermon on the Mount, Christ teaches that God provides for both the righteous and the wicked without discrimination, indicating that Christians should show love and compassion to all, regardless of their moral standing (St. Matthew 5:45). How can we do all this? The answer lies in the understanding presented in the Elevation of the Mysteries in the Holy Qurbana: “With us is the One Holy Father who created the world by His compassion. + With us indeed, Amin. With us is the One Holy Son who redeemed us by His precious sufferings. + With us indeed, Amin. With us is the one Living Holy Spirit who is the Perfector and the Fulfiller of all that has been and all that will be. May the Name of the Lord be blessed forever and ever. + With us indeed, Amin.” As members of the Holy Church, we truly blessed as we have God! We are able to become perfect like the Father (Matthew 5.48) through the Sacramental life and teachings of the Holy Church. This process is called theosis. We also have our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, not only as our role model (John 15.12, Matthew 16:24) but also with us when we are gathered in fellowship (Matthew 18:20). And with the Holy Spirit within us, we are able to reflect God as He is “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). The Guidance of the Holy Spirit In our lives as Orthodox Christians, we recognize that the voice encouraging our understanding of right and wrong comes from the Holy Spirit working within us. This divine guidance invites us to strive for perfection, which requires honest self-examination and above all humility. When we reflect on our own faults and shortcomings, we are less inclined to judge others harshly. Instead, we find common ground with those who may struggle similarly, fostering empathy and understanding. 16  When faced with sin—whether through our actions or the anger of others—we are called to respond with humility and self-sacrifice, exemplifying Christ’s teachings. For instance, if we are confronted in anger or treated unjustly, we should remember that we, too, have experienced anger. By choosing not to retaliate, we embody Christian virtue and invite others to reconsider their actions. This continual self-examination can be challenging, and at times, we may feel overwhelmed by our imperfections. However, we must find hope in the understanding that our journey toward holiness is not reliant solely on our strength, but on our faith in the Holy Spirit. This faith shapes our decisions and leads us to discern right from wrong in every aspect of our lives. As we navigate ethical dilemmas—whether they pertain to personal identity, happiness, or success—we should frame our decisions within an eternal perspective. This means that, instead of focusing on immediate or material concerns, we should consider how our choices reflect our commitment to serving God and His creation. The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in this process of discernment. In the life of the Church, the Holy Spirit is present through the sacraments. For example, Holy Baptism signifies the beginning of our spiritual journey, washing away sin and marking our rebirth as new creations in Christ. Following baptism, we receive Holy Chrismation, which anoints us as members of God’s Royal Priesthood, sealing us in purity and protecting us from external evil influences. The Holy Qurbana, or the Eucharist, deepens our connection with Christ, allowing us to partake in His Body and Blood. As Scripture reminds us, “You are what you eat,” meaning that through communion, we incorporate Christ into our very being, which strengthens us in our faith and guides us in our ethical decisions (2 Corinthians 4:6-7, Romans 8:10). Orthodoxy emphasizes the significance of Baptism not merely as a singular moment of forgiveness but as the beginning of a lifelong journey towards knowing God and His love—this process is called theosis. As we continue to partake of the Holy Qurbana, we enable our children and ourselves to grow closer to God, fostering a deeper understanding of His will. 17  In addressing contemporary ethical issues, walking in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16) becomes paramount. By allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us, we are better equipped to tackle the complex moral challenges of today. This commitment to walking in the Spirit ensures that our actions reflect Christ’s love and teachings, helping us to navigate the pathways of life with grace and integrity. What is important for us is to work together with the Holy Spirit. Remember that God is Love, and He never forces us to do anything against our will. We need to continually seek to emulate God’s love and striving for holiness in all that we do. Reflection Questions 1. From where do we derive our understanding of ethical behavior as Christians, and how do the Sacraments bring us help to align with this source in our daily lives? 2. How does the Christian perspective on justice differ from more conventional ideas about favor and disfavor, particularly as illustrated in the Sermon on the Mount? How can understanding this inform our moral decisions today? 3. In what ways can we apply the concept of walking in the Spirit to understand and address contemporary ethical dilemmas? 18