On this Sunday of the Samaritan Woman, we hear from the words of St. Luke in the Acts of the Holy Apostles about the tremendous growth and zeal that was found in the earliest days of Christianity. The Pharisees had hoped that persecuting the Apostles, as well as martyring St. Stephen, might snuff out the fire of the Holy Spirit that was beginning to spread throughout the world. Instead, we heard how it was like throwing gasoline on that fire…which ignited The Faith throughout the entire region.
In Antioch, the growth of the faithful had progressed so much, that they Apostles decided to send Barnabas there to help instruct them. It was here that the scripture says he gave one admonition to those first Christians in Antioch: “τῇπροθέσει τῆς καρδίας προσμένειν τῷ Κυρίῳ.” (“With purpose of Heart, continue to cleave unto the Lord”)
When we hear from the Gospels and Epistles, we are meant to all enter into them…to put ourselves within its pages and direct the words and lessons from Christ and the Apostles towards our own ears. Just like in Antioch, the Orthodox Church today is receiving so many fish into her net. The Holy Spirit is working within so many people and leading them towards Christ. St. Barnabas comes to us all this morning and tells all of our catechumens, our inquirers, and yes, even those who have been in the Church since birth: “Continue to dedicate your heart and to cleave to Christ to the end.”
St. Barnabas said this to the new Christians in Antioch, and he says it to us this morning. He knew that there are many who begin to walk on God’s road willingly and with excitement. Yet as soon as the first obstacles appear, we often get discouraged and fall back into our old and sinful ways. I am willing to bet that many of the people that heard these words of St. Barnabas didn’t heed them, and when the first threat was made against them, or the first passion was inflamed within them, they turned their back on Christ. Perhaps some denied Him…or cursed Him…or worse yet, simply ignored His Love and impact in their lives.
No matter what the fallen world throws at you: “Remain dedicated, with all of your hearts, to Christ.”
A great example of what this looks like is found in the woman who encountered Christ at the well, St. Photini. After thirsting for so long, she was offered life-giving water from our Lord to which she would never thirst again. Her encounter with Christ changed her heart in such a way, that she continued to be nourished by Him, long after the crucifixion and resurrection.
History tells us how after St. Photini left her water pot behind, she made it her mission in life to awaken others to this new path with Christ. She started with bringing this life-giving water to her 5 sisters, as well as her 2 sons from her 5 illicit relationships. Her entire family eventually became incredible witnesses to Christ throughout the world.
After her son converted one of the military commanders in Carthage to Christianity, St. Photini was arrested, along with her family, and ended up in the company of Emperor Nero (one of the worst persecutors of Christians in history). During their time in captivity, the family was bribed, tortured, and imprisoned. Despite all of this, St. Photini did as St. Barnabas had suggested…and remained dedicated to Christ. It was that dedication…that fire…that bravery and holiness, that led to the daughter of the emperor himself Domnina, to be converted to Christianity and take the name Anthousa, which means “flower”.
What a beautiful image for us from the life of St. Photini! She remained so steadfast in her faith, that she was able to take that life giving water she had received from Christ, and nourish the ground in such a way that it brought forth so many flowers within the field…including that of the emperor’s daughter. This is what we too are called to do dear ones.
We find ourselves in the midst of the “Life Giving Well of the Church”. God has brought all of us to the well, and has called all of us to remain near to it…to draw from it when we thirst…to protect it when the enemy seeks to destroy it…and to offer it to a world that is thirsting for something more. May we all take this sacred responsibility seriously, as we continue with all of our hearts, to cleave unto the Lord our God!