By Fr Georgios Lekkas*
The teachings of Christ challenge the established order of our worldly desires. In God’s vision, the first shall be last, the master shall be a servant, and the greatest shall be the least. Jesus Christ, embodying humility and service, exemplifies this divine reversal of roles.
As Christians, we often struggle with the temptation to blend the spirit of domination with that of service, leading to a distorted version of Christianity. History is filled with examples of how the misuse of power in the name of faith has resulted in dire consequences, marked by bloodshed and suffering.
Personal and collective failures may hinder the process of Salvation, making it a painful journey. The spread of the demonic spirit in the world calls us to reject the horizontal power structures and embrace the spirit of service, which brings peace and self-awareness.
Ultimately, death serves as the final opportunity for self-diminishment. Embracing death with a willingness akin to Christ’s sacrifice opens the gates of Paradise, allowing one to live in eternal love and service.
Rev. Dr Georgios Lekkas is a priest of the Holy Orthodox Metropolis of Belgium