On Choosing Faith
From LanceaSanctum
This sermon was given by Bishop J.W.Ghoren of Delaware, on the eve of his own annointing. The bulleted part of the sermon was specific to that event, and can be removed. This sermon is meant to follow readings from John 1:43-51 and the passage from the Testament which describes Longinus's destruction of the monastery and the Monachus's choice to follow him.
On Choosing Faith
Brethren,
What can we learn, for tonight's world, from these disciples' discovery of those whom they would follow, learn from and spread faith in? Well, tonight Faith is a fickle thing. As we live out our Requia, our faith is tested nightly by the Hunger and Sin.
Like Nathanael, we may find it hard to believe that a benevolent God could curse us so, or that a Holy Purpose could be found within us. Only when we find that God, and His Plan, waiting for us to come to Him, can we know that it is so. Yet the discipleships of Nathanael and the Monachus show us that we must choose faith before we can see what awaits us in it.
How can we choose faith?
First, we must listen to and learn from those who have much to teach us. As Nathanael accepted Christ upon his word and Monachus accepted Longinus upon his, we must nut shut out difficult truths or those who would bring them to us. Those among us who are the most effective predators and most pious believers are to be learned from. Even when we differ, we gain wisdom. Wisdom is a part of the foundation of faith. It takes a wise Kindred to look beyond Blood and Beast to something greater- whether that something is God or Community.
Second, we must follow those who know how to lead us. Even if it were not Divine, Blood is our purpose. Territory and money and status and influence are but tools, with which we can enhance our Predations, but which are are all too often the means by which we deprive fellow Kindred of of their purpose. By setting aside our pride, we can recognize and must trust those Predators who are fit to lead and discharge those concerns. In following good leaders, we achieve the second part of the foundation of faith: peace. We must be at peace to accept God's Dominion and take responsibility for our Requia. Let us take the examples of Nathanael and the Monachus, and be humble enough to follow those who lead us well.
Finally, through wisdom, when we are at peace, we can come to trust the Truths revealed in Scripture. As the Monachus accepted the revelations of Longinus, so must we put faith in those words as related to us by the Dark Saint. In the torments of Longinus and the rest of the Testament, we find a Kindred not unlike ourselves, but focused and made great by his Faith. God chose Longinus, but before his mission could begin, Longinus had to choose God as well. So must we choose Faith.
- Tonight we are focused especially on the leaders, teachers and traditions we follow. We have annointed two of our own to bring the Testament to others. We are joined this evening by our new Prince, Mme. Bayushi Komiko. Tomorrow, I shall be annointed once again in my own mission as Bishop of the Diocese of Delaware. And every night, we all struggle to balance our desires with the Traditions and laws that guide us. Let all who lead be faithful to their followers, even as they lead us to or enable us to find our Divine Purpose and Faith.
- As our Prince considers the laws of this domain, I urge some special restrictions on feeding to help ensure that our Purpose is not made useless by the pitfalls of modern life. Kindred should not feed from the clergy. Neither should they feed from charity workers, nor from first responders and nor should they take blood from Blood Banks. It is Sin to get in the way of mortals who serve purposes that work with our own Purpose.
By following those who know how to lead, we can find peace. By learning from those who have much to teach, we gain wisdom. By trusting in the Truths revealed in Scripture and through the Traditions, we can accept Faith. With faith, we can live out the purpose we are damned to fulfill - taking blood from the deserving. At peace, through wisdom and imbued with Faith, we are better Predators.
We are Damned.
But we can accept it.
We can thank Him for it.
We can use it for Him.
Then, Brothers and Sisters, we are Sanctified.
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