Learn the Truth Through the Cross of Christ

For many shall come in my name,

saying, I am Christ (Mt.24, 5)

An old legend is saying about a strange incident happened in life of St.Martinian. One day he was studying the Holy Scripture in his cell and heard a light knock at the door. “Come in”, - said the monk. The door opened and a handsome stranger with an eagle look, dressed in beautiful clothes was standing in from of him. “Who are you?” – asked St.Martimian. “I am Christ”, - said the stranger.

Commanding voice and proud statue did not intimidate a humble monk. Having looked at him he asked: “Where are the wounds from the nails?” He noticed that the wounds, integral part of Christ, were missing. King’s statue and expensive clothing could not testify the authenticity of the guest. Well cared-for hands, all in rings, did not have a place for a sign of crucifixion.

Exposed for lying and evil intensions, Stan – because it was truly him – ran away really quickly.

We can use a good lesson from this legend. A lot of things are covered with the name of Christ nowadays. How to recognize the true faith, how to figure out all new beginnings and doctrines, that are intended to replace everything old, sanctified by centuries? The holy monk did find a solution to this question: he was looking for the signs of crucifixion on the vision of human glory that appeared unto him.

Gospel would have lost it’s power without Christ’s death on the cross, without His redeeming sacrifice. The cross of Christ is the basis and center, illuminated by bright rays of peace, joy and hope. Everything that does not bear the signs of crucified Savior, that does not have the spirit of Christ and contradicts to the Gospel teachings, can not be called by the Christ’s name, can not belong to him and does not come from God. “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God” (1 Jn.4, 1)

(Translated from “Every Day is a Gift from God. Diaries of an Orthodox Priest”, author unknown)
Translation by Tatiana Rozzell copyrighted 2009/2010. All rights reserved