[Asianunta]

My understanding is that we observe, we use our brains, we are cautious as Jesus advised us to be, but we leave judgement to God.

So, how does this relate to our everyday lives? Do we keep quiet? Do we allow unworthy men to continue on their merry way, as the Catholic church has done concerning its pederast priests? What do we do? Is prayer and silence our only options?

What do you think? How do others on this forum interpret the above passages?

Effie

Dear Effie,

I agree with you and of course with the passages from NT you quote and also I try to keep in my mind the saying of Christ: "Be wise as snakes and pure as doves." (please excuse the paraphrasing). So I agree that we need a balanced approach.

As Angela says I also struggle with this issue as I am sure most of us do because it cuts as a knife in the heart when such things are happening in our Church. But I try to remember that I am worse and leave it at that.

A balanced approach is that of Geronda Paisios, who when approached by some people who were concerned about what Patriarch Athenagora was doing and were complaining and said that they pray to God to take Athenagora so the Church would not suffer and be harmed by him, Geronda Paisios with his divine peace replied: "My sons I too pray for Patriarch Athenagora. I pray that God takes days from my own life and gives them to him so he can have time to repent in this life and not perish." (I have the Greek book but if someone has the English trans. can provide page reference.)

This response takes not into account what we feel, but the endless love of God. I am not saying I am like Geronda Paisios, but when I read his words on the matter it was a real eye-opener. Because all souls are His children. Why would I ask forgiveness and mercy from God for myself and be strict with the sin of others, whatever that might be? God gave us a great parable about this, (the one of the debtors). Also we state this truth in the prayer God taught us: "Our Father Who art in Heaven..."

On the other hand I am not saying we should follow heretics. You can read that St. Mark Eugenikos is one of my favorite saints because he defied the heretics in the Church with the love of God and his firm stance and loyalty to dogma. All Pillars of Orthodoxy are my favorite saints and I am convinced and believe in what they teach.

We need to pray and to ask God to do His Holy Will in our daily lives. He will not let us down. He will not abandon us.

Nina,

But I had no idea saying something positive is wrong. I understand not to say somethings for pride, but also saying nice things to someone is praising them, which is good for them. Not over doing it though!

Maybe some of our priests on this forum can shed some light on this subject.

In Christ
+Angela

Dear Angela,

I think it is a little misunderstanding. I did not mean being polite, nice, gentle, sincerely praising etc. to others (by all means we should). But judging, even in a positive way.

While I am not a priest, what I was taught and what I read from Fathers (sorry I can not recall now but if I come across texts I will post them for you) is that: any kind of judging, be that negative, or positive, is judging.

When I say "Oh that person is an angel because he has such a good heart, soul etc." I am judging. God says and Fathers repeat that we have no idea what really is in the heart of a person. We know nothing. Often we do not even know our own selves. Only God knows everything and everyone and has foreknowledge. That is why.