Not of the World - Fr. Gregory - September 29, 2024

In today’s Gospel reading, Christ contrasts the kingdom of this world and the kingdom of the world to come, his kingdom. Fr. Gregory focuses on this contrast in today’s sermon, and he encourages us to to be in the world but not of the world.First, he clarifies the meaning of the term 'world,' which can be used in two different and opposite ways. It can reference God’s creation, the product of his goodness and subject of his love. God called the world 'good' and 'very good,' and Christ came to be the savior of the world. However, 'world' can also be used to reference creation in rebellion against God. In John 15, Christ tells us that there is enmity between him as this world, which is beset with sinful passions. To be in the world but not of the world, we must remember that our primary identity is found in Christ. We must view the world through the Christian lens and live our lives as witnesses to what Christ has done for us. Fr. Gregory encourages us to have moral courage, speaking the truth in love as St. Paul writes.As Christians in the world but not of the world, let us immerse ourselves more in the church than in our culture.