Homilies from the Menaion for Every Day of the Year: September 26

The Month of September 

Day 26

27. How We Should Regard Sinners Who Are Perishing

(From the Life of Saint John the Theologian)

When we see that this or that person has fallen into the depths of evil, some among us revile him by calling him evil, while others simply say, “He has only himself to blame!” Is this worthy of Christians, and is it right? No, it is not worthy of Christians, and it is very wrong; for the Lord did not teach us to treat sinners as we do, nor did He Himself treat them as we treat them. Recall at least one instance from His life. What did He say to the Pharisees who brought a woman caught in adultery before Him? “He who is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her!” And what did He say to the woman? “Woman! Where are your accusers? Has no one condemned you?” — “No one, Lord,” she answered. Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and sin no more” (John 8:1–11). Therefore, we should not act toward sinners who are perishing as we do, but should act somewhat differently. How?

In one of the cities of Asia Minor, Saint John the Theologian took a great liking to a certain young man. After instructing him in the truths of the Christian faith, he baptized him. But since he himself had to continue on his journey, as he departed he entrusted his new disciple to the care of the bishop of that city. The bishop did not justify the trust that Saint John had placed in him: he taught the young man to read and write, but paid little attention to his conduct. The young man, probably still not firmly established in the faith and in the law of the Lord, was led astray by a bad example and gave himself over to vice. Finally, joining himself to some frivolous companions, he formed a band of robbers, became their leader, and robbed travelers on the roads.

It happened that John passed through the same city again. He immediately asked about the young man, and they told him everything that had happened. He was deeply saddened and, summoning the bishop, began to reproach him for his negligence.

“Return to me,” he said, “the treasure that I entrusted to you for safekeeping. Return to me the young man whom you were supposed to teach to follow the law of the Lord.”

The bishop answered with tears, “The young man is lost; he has died in soul, having given himself over to a depraved and lawless life.”

“Is this how you were supposed to care for the soul of your brother entrusted to you?” John said. “But give me a horse and a guide; I will try to find him and save the one whom you have caused to perish.”

The Apostle indeed set out and reached the place where the robbers lived. They seized him and brought him before their leader. When the young man saw John, he was so ashamed that he fled from him. But John followed him, calling after him:

“Return, my son, to your father! Do not despair of the mercy of the Lord. I will take your sins upon myself; only repent and listen to me, because God Himself has sent me.”

Overcome by the Apostle’s words, the young man stopped and fell at his feet, not daring even to look him in the face, so ashamed was he of his deeds. John, however, kissed him with a father’s tenderness and brought him back with him, rejoicing as a good shepherd rejoices when he has found a lost sheep. He began once again to instruct him, calling him to repentance and pointing to the infinite mercy of God, who is always ready to receive the repentant sinner.

As he listened to him, the young man completely turned away from evil, whereas he surely would have perished if the Holy Apostle had not cared for him with such love.

Therefore, brethren, we should not regard sinners who are perishing with malicious delight, condemnation, contempt, reproach, or hatred, but with compassion, love, and gentleness, and we should pour the balm of mercy upon their sinful wounds.

We have given you an example from the life of the Holy Apostle. Consider, then, how he regarded the one who was perishing. John sacrifices himself and enters the den of robbers in order to save the sinner; he addresses him as the most compassionate and loving mother would address her beloved and dear child; he weeps with him. And what do we see? We see that a good attitude toward the sinner also bears good fruit. The sinner is overcome by the Apostle’s love and is restored once again to the flock of Christ.

In view of this, just as John acted toward the one who was perishing, so must we all act. We must do so, on the one hand, out of Christian love, which should embrace all, and, on the other, perhaps for our own benefit as well.

Know, brethren, that just as great is the misfortune of the person who sins, so great is the virtue of the one who turns him away from sin. Listen to what the Apostle James says:

“Brethren! If anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins” (James 5:19–20). Amen.

Questions for Discussion 27:

1. What did the Lord tell the woman caught in adultery to do after the Pharisees brought her to Him?

2. After teaching the young man to read and write, what did the bishop pay little attention to?

3. What did John urge the young man not to despair of?

4. By what was the sinner overcome, and to where was he restored?

5. According to the words of the Apostle James, what awaits the one who turns a sinner from the error of his way?

 

Source: The Cheti-Minei: Homilies for Every Day of the Year (Book 1: September, October, November) by Archpriest Viktor Guryev. Publication of the Russian Panteleimon Monastery on Mount Athos, 1896. Translated by John Sanidopoulos.