The third Sunday of the Triodion, known as Judgment Sunday,
is focused on putting our faith into action. If you recall, as a preparation
for Great Lent, we have been focusing on a journey of 1) Spiritual
Self-Examination (Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee) 2) Coming to our Senses
and CHOOSING to return to the Father (Sunday of the Prodigal Son) and this
week, 3) Putting our faith into action.
Saint James reminds us, “Faith without works is dead.”
(James 2.26) Nothing makes that more clear than the Gospel reading about two
groups of believers for Judgment Sunday. “I was hungry and you gave me food; I
was thirsty and you gave me a drink…..I was hungry and you gave me no food…” etc.
(Matthew 25.31-46). Both groups believe in Christ and both are His disciples.
But only one group put that faith into action.
We have been discussing that state of affairs of our faith
in Christ over the past few weeks. We have been challenged to consider our
weakness and our sinfulness. Now the Church is calling us not just to admit
that we need to repent and live our life for Christ. The Church (and therefore
God) is calling us to actually LIVE it in the way we treat others.
When you consider how you are living your life for Christ,
please consider this: It wasn’t the sinners that were condemned. They repented!
It was those who did nothing with their faith that were condemned. It was those
who chose NOT to see Christ in others that were faced with eternal suffering.
Great Lent is just one week away and it is your chance to put your faith into
action this year and live your Greek Orthodox Life as it if it really means
something to you.
Ready……..Get Set……GO!
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