Sermons and Spiritual Reflections
Sermons and spiritual reflections of our cathedral
Do Not Seek Miracles — Seek Christ
Sermon on Thomas Sunday (Antipascha)
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Today we continue to celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. This day is special not only because we are still rejoicing in Pascha, but also because it reminds us of those Christians who, sadly, are very many in modern world.
These are the ones who do not want to believe the words of Holy Scripture, who do not trust the teachings of the Holy Fathers of the Church, but instead seek logical explanations. They want to see and to touch. And, unfortunately, this desire often gives birth in their hearts to doubt and unbelief.
I remember my time at the Holy Pochaiv Lavra, where many pilgrims would come. And perhaps 95% of them asked the same questions: Where are the
miracle-working and myrrh-streaming icons? Where are the incorrupt relics of the saints? Where is the cross that bleeds? Where can we hear voices or see a divine light?
When we would tell them that the most important thing in the life of every Christian is to seek God and His holy will, to change one’s life through repentance — not to chase after signs, extraordinary events, or miracles — most of them did not want to hear this.
Some people spend large amounts of money to go to Jerusalem for Pascha, hoping to see and touch the Holy Fire. Others travel to Mount Athos hoping to witness miracles, perhaps even to record something extraordinary on camera, like seeing the Mother of God walking among them.
Such people are similar to the leaders of Israel who demanded signs from heaven from our Lord Jesus Christ.
Of course, many will say: “What is wrong with seeking miracles? Does this not strengthen faith? Did not the Apostle Thomas strengthen his faith when he saw Christ?”
But, dear brothers and sisters, there is a danger here — even a deception. For the Lord said that only the pure in heart shall see God.
The Apostle Thomas did not chase after signs or miracles — he was seeking Jesus Himself. He longed for his Lord. He was deeply shaken by what had happened, and he was in great sorrow and inner struggle. This suffering clouded his understanding. But the moment he saw Christ, he returned to faith, to love, and to deep devotion.
Those who do not seek God, but only seek miracles — even if they see them — will not strengthen their faith. Because their faith is not spiritual, but outward and emotional. After a short time, they will begin to look for explanations. Doubts will come, and unbelief will follow.
Even if someone from the dead were to appear to them — or a saint, or even Christ Himself — they would likely say it was only imagination.
Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, let us remember:
True and unshakable faith is not born from seeking miracles or signs from heaven. It is born from the purification of our hearts from sin, through repentance, and a sincere desire to seek God, His holy will, and His Heavenly Kingdom. Amen.
Fr. Ivan Symchyna
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Saint Vladimir’s Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral
2000 Tecumseh Rd E
Windsor, ON N8W 1E2
Canada