On the sixth Sunday after Easter, during the Divine Liturgy in St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Cathedral of Kyiv, His Beatitude Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine delivered a sermon dedicated to the spiritual vision and openness of hearts to the knowledge of God’s truth.
Addressing the faithful, the Primate recalled a number of Gospel readings of the time after Easter, united by a common theme. These passages tell about the apostle Tomas, myrrh-bearers, healing of the paralytic and, conversation with the Samaritan woman, as well as the healing of the man born blind. In all these cases, people had the opportunity to be convinced of the truth of Christ’s Resurrection and His Divine power.
However, as bishop Epifaniy noted, one important condition is required for seeing the truth – sincerity of heart. The Lord reveals Himself only to those who have a sincere desire to accept this revelation and are ready to choose the latter between human beliefs and God’s truth.
According to the Primate, God does not expect reckless faith from anyone. He allows us to explore His works, because He knows our limitations. However, He reveals Himself only to those who recognize their own capacity for error.
Therefore, this Sunday’s Gospel reading, dedicated to the healing of the man born blind, reminds us that the choice is ours – whether we will open our eyes and hearts to God, or remain spiritually blind, like the Pharisees of Christ’s time.
His Beatitude Bishop wished everyone to be among those whose eyes and hearts are open to the truth of God, in order to multiply the knowledge of the truth through faith.
