We are bombarded with messages about who we should be… Should we be “Keeping Up with the Kardashians”, keeping ourselves “Jerseylicious,” or believe that we can “do whatever we want” as Miley Cyrus recommends?
It is difficult to be a Christian, when we are told to be many different things at once. So how do we, in this day and age, figure out who we are supposed to be? Who do we follow? In the words of Saint Basil the Great, who we commemorate on January 1st, “Christianity is nothing more than the imitation of Christ.”
So let’s take a look at some of the words of wisdom from Saint Basil to see what life lessons we can learn. Use these quotations from Saint Basil to discuss with your family, friends, youth group, or your own personal reflection!
“The bread which you do not use is the bread of the hungry; the garment hanging in your wardrobe is the garment of him who is naked; the shoes that you do not wear are the shoes of the one who is barefoot; the money that you keep locked away is the money of the poor; the acts of charity that you do not perform are so many injustices that you commit.”- This quote of Saint Basil’s is a wonderful reminder, especially during the Christmas season, to remember those who are less fortunate. Many of us are blessed with full closets, drawers, pantries, and bank accounts. It is important to remember that while we collect things in our homes and in our lives, there are those that go without. If you have two coats, give one to a charity. If you have an extra dollar or two in your pocket, drop it in the Church basket or buy a homeless person a coffee. Always remember that what you do not use, someone else could! Also, read Matthew 25:31-46 for the parable from Jesus regarding the last judgment.
“Our entire life has but one goal and only one rule: to observe the commandments of God according to God’s pleasure.” – We get SO many messages about the goal or purpose of one’s life. Is it to obtain power, get a good education, get married and have children, be rich, etc.? Here, St. Basil reminds us that there is one only goal and one rule to life… observing God’s commandments and fulfilling His will. Sounds familiar, right? Of course it does, because Jesus Christ Himself reminds us of this in the Holy Scriptures! The Greatest Commandment is two-fold… Love God and Love Your Neighbor! Everything else we do in life starts from this commandment, this path, this rule. In fact, Jesus is the best example of this commandment. He loved God by following His will… and Jesus gave Himself up for US so that we might inherit eternal life! Read Matthew 22: 34-40 and consider how to show love for God and love for your neighbor every day. Also, who is your neighbor?
“It is impossible for a man to become a disciple of the Lord, when he is attached to any temporal goods or retains something, even in some small way that is opposed to God’s commandment.”- Saint Basil makes a very clear point! We cannot serve and follow the Lord while serving ourselves or other “idols” we make in this world. If you are too busy reading updates on Facebook or posting on Twitter, we do not have enough time to read Scripture or pray. If we are too concerned about making sure we are happy, we are probably too busy to focus on Jesus’ call to serve one another. If we are too consumed with getting what is “hot” in fashion and technology, we are probably too busy to give to others who need basics like food, clothing, medical care, and LOVE!! Read Mark 10:17-40 to see what Jesus says possessions and inheriting eternal life.
More Words of Wisdom from St. Basil the Great
“A good deed is never lost. He who sows courtesy, reaps friendship; he who plants kindness, gathers love; pleasure bestowed on a grateful mind was never sterile, but generally gratitude begets reward.”
“Truly unexpected tidings make both ears tingle.”
~Taken from the Department of Youth & Young Adult Ministries of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America: yyam@GOARCH.ORG
