Epistle: 1 Corinthians 5:9-6:11
Gospel: St. Matthew 13:54-58
Facing Immorality: 1 Corinthians 5:9-6:11, especially vs. 11: "...such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God." This verse is the source for the prayer of ablution used in Holy Chrismation. Also, it is the capstone of today's reading, reflecting St. Paul's desire that we keep the godly standards of the Church even while "rubbing shoulders" in and with the world.
Historically, St. Paul confronted a situation parallel to that in which we Orthodox find ourselves in contemporary western culture. The ethical standards of first century Greco-Roman society regarding sexuality, self indulgence, and material possessions were far lower than those which the Church teaches, very much like the situation in today's world.
As the gap between the ethical standards of the Church and the world have widened in recent decades, our congregations more frequently are having to cope with the behavior of members drawn toward the world's standards and tempted to abandon Christian moral basics.
In today's reading, the Apostle names an array of sins tempting his people: fornication, idolatry, adultery, homosexuality (vs. 6:9), drunkenness, gluttony, and extortion (vs. 6:10). Who has not seen fellow parishioners fall into these sins? Some of us have even been entangled in these offenses. St. Paul offers us three basic commandments for confronting immorality.
First, we are to sever Communion with Church members who live openly otherwise than as God prescribes. The Apostle is blunt about this: "I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner - not even to eat with such a person" (vs. 5:11).
Observe: St. Paul is not speaking of non-Orthodox, of members of sects and of other Churches, but about persons who profess the Faith of the Orthodox Church while flagrantly and plainly denying its ethical teachings. Obeying the Apostolic injunction to separate our selves from immoral persons can cause deep heartache, especially when one's own friends or family members are caught up in a particular sinful behavior. One is wise to seek and receive Pastoral support from a Priest when facing situations that are "too close to home."
St. Paul's second command addresses disagreements between Church members, which might involve personality differences, marital discord, parent-child conflicts, or business or parish problems. He emphasizes that these things should not be dealt with outside the Church, but with pastoral help. It is scandalous for Orthodox Christians to seek judgments from secular courts against a fellow Orthodox Christian, especially from judges and courts that are not Orthodox.
St. Paul's asks, "Why do you not rather let yourselves be cheated?" Strong medicine? Yes, but we have Pastors with wisdom and training in resolving conflicts among us. Further, the Lord Himself has given us a step- by-step method for resolving disputes (Mt. 18:15-35).
The Apostle's third command underlies the whole of his discussion concerning moral issues and may be stated thus: “With respect to unrighteousness, there can be no compromise.' Hence, he says, "the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God. Do not be deceived. Neither, [will persons who persist in such behavior], inherit the Kingdom of God" (1 Cor. 6:9,10).
Finally, consider the blessing of confession when sin entangles us! The Church has long known confession as the way to restoration akin to our first cleansing in Holy Baptism, for as we truly repent and confess, we leave the confessional renewed and strengthened in Christ.
O Christ our God, keep us ever warriors invincible in every attack of those who assail us; and make us victors, even unto the end, through Thy crown incorruptible.