Jan 2, 2926
Sts. Basil the Great & Gregory Nazianzen, Bishops & Doctors
Brethren dearly beloved,
Hear the voice of God, who is neither mocked nor deceived. Confusion is an abomination; rebellion is the mother of ruin. “Order is the bond of peace, and confusion the mother of strife,” saith St. Basil the Great. Where order falleth, there the soul falleth; where submission is rejected, there charity is wounded; where authority is despised, chaos reigneth, and sin goeth unrestrained. Yet the mercy of God remaineth, that those who repent may be restored.
Marriage is a holy ordinance, ordained by God, and not a playground for desire. Within it, authority and obedience must be observed. St. Gregory Nazianzen declareth, “He ruleth best who ruleth himself first.” If the man governeth his passions, he governeth rightly; if the woman obeyeth in virtue, she preserveth the household in peace. When both submit to God’s ordinance, the home becometh a sanctuary of order, charity, and grace.
Man is entrusted with headship, not for pride, nor for indulgence, but for sacred burden. “Authority is given not for exaltation, but for care,” saith St. Basil the Great. Yet let no husband despair, for this headship is not a yoke alone, but a calling. God giveth strength to him who governeth in righteousness, and He blesseth the house where order and fear of God dwell.
Woman is commanded to obey, not as one degraded, but as one who preserveth peace and virtue. Submission is no weakness; it is a protection and a shield. Where two contend for mastery, the house is torn, and charity is slain. Where both yield themselves to God’s law, harmony flourish, and the home is sanctified. God seeth the heart, and mercy attendeth the willing and faithful.
Marriage is honourable when guided by fear of God, by prayer, and by moderation. “Marriage is honourable,” saith St. Basil the Great, “when it is governed with moderation and sanctified by prayer.” Let no man think that he hath failed utterly if he hath stumbled; let no woman despair if obedience is difficult. God forgiveth the repentant, strengtheneth the striving, and crowneth the faithful. “Marriage is not condemned, but indulgence is judged,” saith St. Gregory Nazianzen.
Brethren, deceive not yourselves. Judgment awaiteth us all. “Whether virgin or married,” saith St. Basil the Great, “each shall give account, not of his state, but of his works.” Yet God is merciful to those who humble themselves and strive. “Blessed is he who hath judged himself here, that he may not be judged there,” saith St. Gregory Nazianzen. Take courage, therefore, and order your household rightly; govern yourselves with fear of God, love your spouse with patience, and submission shall bring peace rather than oppression.
Let the man rule with vigilance, humility, and love; let the woman obey with grace, charity, and strength. Let the passions be subdued, pride humbled, disorder rooted out. In this obedience and order, God’s blessing descendeth, mercy is poured out, and the household becomes a temple of His grace.
To the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, be glory, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.