Faith Opens the Mind and the Heart to God

On the Seventh Sunday after Holy Pentecost, the Romanian Orthodox Parish of Saint Stephen the Great and Saint Nectarios was blessed by the pastoral visit of His Grace Bishop Ioan Casian. The hierarch celebrated the Divine Liturgy together with Fr. Petre Busuioc, Administrative Vicar and parish priest, in the presence of numerous faithful who gathered to celebrate the parish feast.

At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, the hierarch delivered a homily based on the Gospel reading of the day, which recounts the healing of the two blind men and the mute man possessed by a demon. He also reflected on the commemoration of the Holy Fathers of the Fourth Ecumenical Council.

The Bishop explained that the Holy Fathers gathered at the Council of Chalcedon in 451 "expressed, in the theological and cultural language of their time, the truth of the Church's faith concerning the Person of our Savior Jesus Christ: true God and true Man, possessing both the divine and human natures united in one Person without confusion. This reminds us of the importance of the Church's faith and teaching, which guide us on the true path of salvation in Christ."

Reflecting on the two blind men who followed Christ, His Grace Bishop Ioan Casian emphasized that they did not call Him the "Son of David" by chance but recognized Him as the One promised by God through the prophets. Recalling King David, the Romanian hierarch noted that he remains "the teacher of repentance, one who experienced both the greatness of God's calling and the fragility of human sin." Through his repentance, David bequeathed to the Church the treasure of the Psalms, which remain an indispensable part of Orthodox worship.

David is the model of one who knows both the height of God's calling and the weakness of fallen humanity, but also the restoring power of repentance. Therefore, when the two blind men call Christ 'Son of David,' they recognize Him as the One who comes in the line of the prophets, the righteous, and the inspired kings of the Old Testament, the bearer of God's Word.

It is remarkable, however, that the Lord does not perform the miracle before the crowd, but only after entering the house. Christ does not always act in the same way. Sometimes He asks questions, sometimes He does not. In this instance He asks the two blind men, 'Do you believe that I am able to do this?' Certainly, Christ knew the hearts of all people and did not need this confession for Himself; rather, He sought it either to strengthen their faith or for the benefit of those who were present.

Their answer is simple yet profound: 'Yes, Lord.' They no longer address Him merely as 'Son of David,' but now call Him 'Lord,' taking a further step in their confession of faith by recognizing Him as God. Then the Savior touched their eyes and said to them, 'According to your faith let it be to you.'

This touch reminds us that God works through visible signs. In the Church we have the waters of Holy Baptism, the Holy Chrism of Chrismation, the bread and wine transformed into the Body and Blood of Christ in the Holy Eucharist, and the blessed oil of Holy Unction. These tangible elements of our world become bearers of God's grace.

By saying, 'According to your faith let it be to you,' the Lord teaches us that faith is essential on the path to healing."

Continuing his reflection, the Bishop of Canada explained that such openness toward God cannot exist without faith: "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. We need this openness; it is faith that opens our minds and hearts to God.

The hierarch also encouraged those present to become people of prayer and charity, reminding them that the Gospel also reveals the importance of those who bring the suffering before Christ. In a world where information is more accessible than ever, yet conflict, injustice, and poverty continue to exist, we need generous hearts, open minds, and attentive listening to the Word of God in order to respond to the many challenges of our world."

In conclusion, His Grace Bishop Ioan Casian returned to the teaching of the Holy Fathers of the Fourth Ecumenical Council, emphasizing that they bore the responsibility of defining and safeguarding the Orthodox faith. The Church today shares that same responsibility: to preserve and proclaim the truth of the Gospel as it has been handed down through Holy Scripture, Holy Tradition, and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

At the conclusion of the celebration, marking the 25th wedding anniversary of Fr. Petre and Presbytera Alina Ioana Busuioc, and within the context of the Church's commemorative year dedicated to holy women, His Grace Bishop Ioan Casian presented Fr. Petre Busuioc with the Diocesan Diploma of Merit, while Presbytera Alina Ioana Busuioc received the Diploma of Merit together with the Centennial Cross of the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Canada, in recognition of their devoted service to the parish, the steadfast support of the community, and the sacrificial ministry shared by both of them. Additional distinctions were also awarded to benefactors and donors of the parish.

The celebration concluded with a festive agape meal, to which all those present were invited. The meal was lovingly prepared by Presbytera Alina together with the women of the parish. It provided a joyful opportunity for Christian fellowship and crowned a day filled with spiritual joy for the entire parish community.

(notes by Nun Ana Bulgariu)