Being Open: 2 Corinthians 6:11-16, especially vs. 13:
"Now in return for the same [openheartedness] - I speak as to children - you also be open."
St. John the Theologian says, "If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God Whom he hath not seen?" (1 Jn. 4:20). Consider this corollary: if a man claims, my heart is open to God,' but has closed his heart to his brother, he is a liar: for he that is not openhearted to his brother whom he hath seen, how can he be open to God Whom he hath not seen? The truth of this corollary illumines today's reading: in these verses, the Apostle appeals to the Corinthians to open their hearts to him (2 Cor. 6:11,13). Simultaneously, he confronts them with the reality that by restricting their affections toward him (vs.12), they are in danger of becoming enmeshed with "unbelievers," practicing "idolatry" (vss. 14 16), and severing their relationship with God.
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Take note of the Apostle's point. If they are walling themselves off from him, the barrier will inevitably also close them off from God. Where then will they go? back to the darkness of paganism, idolatry and the demons? St. John Chrysostom notes how much the Apostle functions here like a good parent, like a father asking a wayward son, "What art thou doing, child? Dost thou despise thy father and prefer impure men filled with ten thousand vices? Knowest thou not how much better and more respectable thou art than they?" If a tiny, new first-century congregation were to cut themselves off from relationship with the Apostle, they surely would have been overtaken by the dominant pagan culture around them. Therefore, St. Paul posed five questions to them to expose the implication of their closed hearts. These questions are pertinent for all Christians tempted to close their hearts against the Faith, the Church, or their brethren. The alternatives are secularism, schism, heresy, paganism.
"For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness?" (vs. 14). "Fellowship" in this question refers to "sharing" or "partnership." The question solemnly reminds us that it is impossible to be isolated spiritually. One's heart will inevitably be yoked to something or to someone. The fearsome thing about the alternatives to our Faith is what is available. Where can one go? It is horrifying to consider throwing over the power of the Resurrection, the incredible Love of God, the door of repentance, the way to theosis, and the heavenly worship. For what?
"And what communion has light with darkness?" (vs. 14). The present day fascination with "Eastern" religions should hold no attraction for Orthodox Christians. Let anyone who contemplates abandoning the light of Faith in Christ the Life-Giver for the darkness of the life-denying hope offered by Eastern religions realize that he is in flight from God's good creation.
"And what accord has Christ with Belial?" (vs. 15). There can be no agreement between Christ and paganism. Behind all idolatry and heresy is "Belial." The word itself is borrowed from Hebrew and suggests "worthlessness" or "perdition." It refers to Satan and specifically to joining Satan's rebellion. Let us never harden ourselves against the work of Faith and thereby present ourselves to the devil.
"...what part has a believer with an unbeliever?" (vs. 15). St. Paul began this section with the image of being "yoked" (vs. 14). To be united to Christ is to be yoked with Love (Mt. 11:29). Hardening one's heart against fellow Christians or the Lord leads to slavery and to being yoked with unbelievers. The first steps may be imperceptible, but guard well our great Treasure!
"For what agreement has the temple of God with idols?" (vs. 16). The Christian Church is the Temple of the living God. Christ is among us. Let us not sell our birthright for pottage! Let us love one another, that with one accord we may confess the Trinity, one in Essence.