20th Sunday in Ordinary Time
R. Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.
Written by Br. John-Marmion
Once, on Mount Athos, there was a monk who lived in Karyes. He drank and got drunk every day and was the cause of scandal to the pilgrims. Eventually he died and this relieved some of the faithful who went on to tell Fr. Paisios that they were delighted that this huge problem was finally solved.
Fr. Paisios answered them that he knew about the death of the monk, after seeing the entire battalion of angels who came to collect his soul. The pilgrims were amazed and some protested and tried to explain to him who they were talking about, thinking that he did not understand.
Fr. Paisios explained to them: "This particular monk was born in Asia Minor, shortly before the destruction by the Turks when they gathered all the boys. So as not to take him from their parents, they would take him with them to the reaping, and in order that he wouldn't cry, they just put Raki (an alcohol) into his milk for him to sleep. Therefore he grew up as an alcoholic. There in the monastery, he found an elder and said to him that he was an alcoholic. The elder told him to do prostrations and prayers every night and ask the Virgin Mary to intercede on his behalf to help him to reduce by one the glasses he drank.
After a year he managed with struggle and repentance to make the 20 glasses he drank into 19 glasses. The struggle continued over the years, and he reached 2-3 glasses, with which he would still get drunk."
The world for years saw an alcoholic monk who scandalized the pilgrims, but God saw a fighter who fought a long struggle to reduce his addiction. As Bob Goff said, “Grace never seems fair until you need some yourself.” Grace is amazing! And it’s for everyone! So let’s spread that grace around – once we’ve received it -- like tossing rice at a newly married couple as they walk down the steps of the church at the end of their wedding ceremony, like the splashing of water around everyone in the pool when someone “cannonballs” in, like how rain falls on flowers and weeds, like how Jesus says to honor your father and mother and to love your enemies.
This is how to taste and see how good God is!
In what area of your life do you need to experience grace? Or, what prevents you from sharing grace more freely with those around you?
Br. John-Marmion is a monk with the Brothers and Sisters of Charity at Little Portion Hermitage Monastery in Berryville, AR. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education and Master’s Degree in Divinity. At present, he is the monastery’s Guest Master. He released his debut EP, Five Loaves, with NOVUM Records in 2022. Previously, he served with NET Ministries in various capacities. Br. John is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Pastoral Care and Counseling.
Pray with today’s psalm.