114. Корабль

We see in the world that there are ships built for various needs, which sail the seas and move from place to place. Like a ship at sea, the Holy Church is at peace. The church is like a ship. A ship sails on the sea - the Holy Church abides in the sea of ​​this world. The ship is controlled by the helmsman - the Holy Church is controlled by the helmsman - Jesus Christ, our Lord. While a ship floats on the sea, it is subject to every storm, bad weather and winds and is shaken by waves - the Holy Church, while it remains in the world, is exposed to every storm of troubles, misfortunes and temptations, and is shaken like waves by the temptations of this world, and suffers from the persecution of those who love the world. But the Pilot, Jesus Christ, told her about her as a consolation: And the gates of hell will not prevail against her (Matthew 16:18). A ship, sailing on the sea, strives for its refuge, towards which it goes. The Holy Church, dwelling in the sea of ​​this world, strives for the quiet haven of eternal life; there will be peace for her. Those on the ship think and think, and always wish that the place they are going to reach safely. Thus, true Christians who are in the Holy Church always have this in mind, they always try and care about this, so that they can come to the haven of eternal peace. For this reason, they do not care about temporary and worldly treasures, such as honor, glory, wealth and other things of this world, but are content with what they have from the goodness of God. They speak to the apostle: We have brought nothing into the world; It’s obvious that we can’t take anything out of it. Having food and clothing, we will be content (1 Tim. 6:7–8). Shipbuilders, when a great storm and bad weather comes, have the custom of plunging anchors into the depths of the sea and thus strengthening and preserving their ship. Thus, true Christians, when a great storm of temptation and adversity arises against them, cast the anchor of their hope into the depth of God’s mercy and promise and His most holy oath (Heb. 6:17–19). And they approach Jesus, as their Helmsman, with prayer and tears, saying: Lord! save us, we are perishing (Matthew 8:25). The prototype of the Holy Church is Noah's Ark. Various animals, livestock and birds were collected in Noah's ark. So, different peoples, like wild animals, gathered into the Holy Church. And so the foreigners, and Tire, and the people of Ethiopia - they were there. Every person will call the Mother of Zion, and Man was born in it, the holy prophet sings about the Church (Ps. 87:4-5). It’s wonderful that in Noah’s ark the fierce beasts were meek and agreed with each other. It was God’s command, and so they put aside their cruelty and ferocity, otherwise they would not have been able to fit in the ark. So those who have entered the Holy Church put aside their former morals, such as brutal and bestial ones, and become meek, concordant and peaceful among themselves. For through baptism all are renewed and perceive the most holy character of Christ, and so are numbered among the Holy Church. Therefore, it is written in the Acts of the Apostles about the first Christians: The multitude of those who believed had one heart and one soul (Acts 4:32). All the people, animals, livestock and birds who were outside the ark at that time perished under the water. Likewise, all people who are outside the Holy Church perish forever. Christian, consider whether you are inside the Holy Church. The church is holy (Eph. 2:21; 5:26–27). Her sons must also be saints. Compare your character with the rule of the word of God and note whether it is similar to that. It depicts the new man (Eph. 4:24) or the true Christian and son of the Church. What is the use of being called a Christian, but not being a Christian? to be numbered in the Church before people, but in the eyes of God to be like a monster, outside the Church? All lawless people and those who live outside the Church live in the pride and pomp of this world, although they boast in confessing the name of Christ. What fellowship does righteousness have with iniquity? What does light have in common with darkness? What agreement is there between Christ and Belial? (2 Cor. 6:14–15). Think about this, Christian, and repent, and correct yourself, and pray. May you be a true member of the Holy Church, and may you be saved from the coming wrath of God, like Noah from the global flood. Judge for yourself how it is possible for someone who flatters, deceives and cunning, like a fox, to be inside the Holy Church; to one who steals like a wolf; to the one who rages and rages like a fierce lion; to one who lusts like a horse; to one who is angry like a viper; to one who is proud like a peacock; to one who overeats and is voluptuous like pigs; to one who desires and seeks worldly things so much, as if he were a pagan who does not have the hope of eternal life, as if he will live forever in this world, and as if he has not heard about the resurrection of the dead and eternal life? But what can we say if all the bestial morals are shown in one person? This one is already worse than cattle. It is not the appearance and image, but the inner disposition of a person that shows a person. You will see for yourself, Christian, that it is impossible for a faulty Christian who has not been cleansed by repentance to remain within the Church of God. Such a one is in danger of perishing forever, just as everyone who was outside Noah’s ark perished, unless he repents and corrects himself. Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God (1 Cor. 15:50). And outside are dogs, and sorcerers, and fornicators, and murderers, and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices iniquity (Rev. 22:15). Repent and correct yourself, and change yourself, and change your bestial disposition into a Christian one, and so, having been renewed, you will be a true son of the Church, remaining in the good hope of eternal life. You might be interested in: