The Service of Blessing of the Children for the New School Year

Since our children will be going back to school this week, we will call upon our Lord this Sunday to bless them.

Priest: Blessed is our God always, now and forever and to the ages of ages.

People: Amen. Holy God. Holy Mighty. Holy Immortal, have mercy on us (3).

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

All‑holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, forgive our sins. Master, pardon our transgressions. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for your name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come,

thy will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

and forgive us our trespasses

as we forgive those who trespass against us,

and lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

Priest: For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.

People: Psalm 34 (read)

I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the LORD; The humble shall hear of it and be glad. Oh, magnify the LORD with me, And let us exalt His name together. I sought the LORD, and He heard me, And delivered me from all my fears. They looked to Him and were radiant, And their faces were not ashamed. This poor man cried out, and the LORD heard him, And saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him, And delivers them. Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him! Oh, fear the LORD, you His saints! There is no want to those who fear Him. The young lions lack and suffer hunger; But those who seek the LORD shall not lack any good thing. Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD. Who is the man who desires life, And loves many days, that he may see good? Keep your tongue from evil, And your lips from speaking deceit. Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it. The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their cry. The face of the LORD is against those who do evil, To cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears, And delivers them out of all their troubles. The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the LORD delivers him out of them all. He guards all his bones; Not one of them is broken. Evil shall slay the wicked, And those who hate the righteous shall be condemned. The LORD redeems the soul of His servants, And none of those who trust in Him shall be condemned.

Completion of Psalm…

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, glory to You, O God (3), Our Hope O Lord, glory to you.

Great Litany

Priest: In peace let us pray to the Lord.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: For the peace of God and the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: For peace in the whole world, for the stability of the holy churches of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: For this holy house and for those who enter it with faith, reverence, and the fear of God, let us pray to the Lord.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: For our Archbishop (Name), the honorable presbyters, the deacons in the service of Christ, and all the clergy and laity, let us pray to the Lord.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: For our country, the president, and all those in public service, and for our armed forces everywhere, let us pray to the Lord.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: For this parish and city, for every city and town, and for the faithful who live in them, let us pray to the Lord.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: For favorable weather, an abundance of the fruits of earth, and peaceful times, let us pray to the Lord.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: For travelers by land, sea, and air, for the sick, the suffering, the captives, and for their salvation, let us pray to the Lord.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: That He will send down upon these children the spirit of wisdom and understanding, and will open their minds and their lips, and enlighten their hearts, for the receiving of precepts of good instruction, let us pray to the Lord.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: That He will implant in their hearts His Godly fear, which is the beginning of wisdom, and will thereby expel from their hearts the turbulence of youth, and enlighten their minds, that they may turn aside from evil and do that which is good, let us pray to the Lord.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: That He will open their minds to receive, and to understand, and to remember all instruction which is good and profitable for the soul, let us pray to the Lord.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: That He will grant them the wisdom which abides with His Throne, and will implant it in their hearts, so that He may teach them that which is well-pleasing in His sight, let us pray to the Lord.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: That He will prosper them in wisdom and in stature, to the glory of God, let us pray to the Lord.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: That they may have a wise a virtuous life, and prosperity in the Orthodox Faith, and may be a joy and consolation to their parents, and pillars of the Orthodox Christian Church, let us pray to the Lord.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: That they and we may be delivered from all affliction, wrath, danger, and distress, let us pray to the Lord.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: Help us, save us, have mercy upon us, and protect us, O God, by your grace.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: Remembering our most holy, pure, blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever‑virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commit ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.

People: To You, O Lord.

Priest: For to you belong all glory, honor, and worship to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.

People: Amen (read the following)

As You did come in the midst of Your Disciples, O Savior, bestowing upon them peace, so also come upon us and save us.

Your Holy Spirit made teachers of Your uneducated Disciples, O Christ God; and by the commingling of tongues He annulled idolatry for He is almighty.

(sing) Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit

O blessed are You O Christ our God, who by sending down the Holy Spirit upon them, made the fishermen wise and through them illumined the world. And to You the universe is ever drawn, all glory to You O Lord.

Now and forever and to the ages of ages, Amen

A protection of Christians unshamable,
Intercessor to our Holy Maker, unwavering,
Please reject not
The prayerful cries of those who are in sin.
Instead, come to us, for you are good;
Your loving help bring unto us,
Who are crying in faith to you: Hasten to intercede
And speed now to supplicate,
As a protection for all time,
Theotokos, for those who honor you.

THE EPISTLE

Priest: Let us be attentive.

(The Reader reads the verses from the Psalms.) Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings you have ordained praise; My heart shall rejoice in your salvation.

Priest: Wisdom.

Reader: The reading is from Saint Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians

Priest: Let us be attentive.

Brethren, I do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power. And that you know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Priest: Peace be with you.

People: Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.

THE HOLY GOSPEL

Priest: Wisdom. Arise. Let us hear the holy Gospel. Peace be with all.

People: And with your spirit.

Priest: The reading is from the Holy Gospel according to Mark. Let us be attentive.

People: Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.

At that time, they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. "Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it." And He took them up in His arms, put His hands on them, and blessed them.

People: Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.

Priest: Let us all say with our whole soul, and with our whole mind, let us say.

People: Lord, have mercy (3).

Priest: Lord Almighty, God of our fathers, we pray you, hear us and have mercy.

People: Lord, have mercy (3).

Priest: Have mercy on us, O God, according to your great mercy; we pray you, hear us and have mercy.

People: Lord, have mercy (3).

Priest: Let us pray for pious and Orthodox Christians.

People: Lord, have mercy (3).

Priest: Let us pray for our Archbishop (Name).

People: Lord, have mercy (3).

Priest: Let us pray for our brethren, priests, hieromonks, deacons, and monastics, and all our brotherhood in Christ.

People: Lord, have mercy (3).

Priest: Furthermore we pray to the Lord our God, that He will look graciously upon these children, and will send down into their hearts, their minds, and their lips the spirit of wisdom, and of understanding, and of piety, and of his fear; and that He will illumine them with the light of his knowledge, and will bestow upon them strength and steadfastness, that they may quickly apprehend and speedily become wonted to the instruction in His Divine Law, and to all good and profitable learning; furthermore, that He will prosper them in wisdom and understanding, and in all good works to the glory of His holy Name, and will give them health, and make them long-lived, unto the building up of the glory of His Church, hear us O Lord and have mercy on us.

People: Lord, have mercy (3).

Priest: Hear us, O God, our Savior, the hope of all the ends of the earth, and of those who are far off upon the sea; and show compassion on us, O Master, on our many sins, and have mercy upon us.

People: Lord, have mercy (3).

Priest: Let us pray to the Lord.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: O Lord our God and Creator, who has honored us men and women with Your own image; who has taught Your elect, so that most wise are they who give heed to Your teaching; who reveals wisdom unto babes; who has imparted Your teaching unto Solomon and unto all who have sought Your wisdom: Open the hearts, the minds, and the lips of these Your servants, that they may receive the power of the law, and successfully apprehend the useful precepts which shall be taught them, to the glory of Your All-Holy Name, to the profit and building up of Your Holy Church, and that they may understand Your good and perfect will. Deliver them from every hostile oppression; preserve them in Orthodoxy and the Faith, and in all uprightness and purity all the days of their life, that they may advance in wisdom, and in the fulfilling of Your commandments: that, being thus prepared, they may glorify Your All-Holy Name, and become heirs of Your Kingdom. For You are God mighty in mercy, and gracious in strength; and unto You is due glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

People: Amen

Priest: Glory to You, Christ our God and our hope, glory to you. May Christ our true God, who rose from the dead as a good, loving and merciful God, have mercy upon us and save us, through the intercessions of his most pure and holy Mother; the power of the precious and life-giving Cross; the protection of the honorable, bodiless powers of heaven; the supplications of the honorable, glorious prophet and forerunner John the Baptist; the holy, glorious, and praise­worthy Apostles; the holy, glorious, and triumphant Martyrs; our holy God‑bearing Fathers; the holy, and righteous ancestors of God Joachim and Anna; of Saint (of the day) whose memory we com­memorate today, and all the saints.

Priest: Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us and save us.

People:Amen.

Interesting.......Just Plain Interesting....

In today's reading from 1st Corinthians Saint Paul says,

Now I praise you, brethren, that you remember me in all things and keep the traditions just as I delivered them to you. But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonors his head. But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, for that is one and the same as if her head were shaved. For if a woman is not covered, let her also be shorn. But if it is shameful for a woman to be shorn or shaved, let her be covered. - 1 Corinthians 11.1-6

I occurred to me when I read this during Church this morning.  If so many Christians practice sola scriptura why don't I see veils on women in Church? In fact, I see many more veils on Orthodox Christians women. Interesting.......

How Effective is YOUR Youth Ministry?

There is a documentary out right now called Divided and it details the struggles of youth ministry and the objective failure in retaining youth within the Church. The movie is available for free viewing online until September sometime, so if you work with youth as a youth minister, pastor, parent, teacher, clergy or just care about youth in the Church, sit back and take an hour and watch this movie. It is worth your time.

We have been discussing this reality in Orthodoxy as well and the root causes are quite similar. When parents are not living and teaching the Orthodox Way of Life in their families no amount of youth ministry can overcome that drag on our Churches' youth. I would agree with much of what this movie has to say and I could suggest that the problem of departing from the Scripture Tradition of ministry has been directly related to the departure of the Holy Tradition of Orthodoxy! In cases where the Orthodox Church has adopted Protestant models for ministry, the result has been the same......youth departure. It's time for us to WAKE UP!

What this movie doesn't recognize is that the Scriputre Tradition they mention also mentions a deep Orthodox way of life and worship that Protestants have left behind in their anti-tradition mentality. In every case where Orthodox Christians have departed from the same way of life - fasting, prayer, confession, almsgiving, Eucharist, and the rest of the sacramental life - the results have been exactly the same. How can we continue to teach children in Sunday School about fasting when parents don't even attempt to fast? How can we preach about Confession and the Eucharist when parents don't event attempt to make these necessary elements of Christian life central to their way of thinking and living? We can't......

Now sit back and watch the movie...

Is Prostitution A Sin in Las Vegas?

Having just spent a week with teenagers at St. Stephen’s Summer Camp for the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Atlanta, I began to ponder this question this morning…..well not really but I thought it was a grabber for the title of today’s post. Of course I believe prostitution to be a sin anywhere, but do you?

The reason for this question is that our youth today are often confused by the difference between legality and morality. The devil has done his job pretty well convincing our society that so many behaviors should not be avoided that rather than address the morality of such behaviors as prostitution, hard moral questions are considered from the perspective of legality and freedom. True, we are all free to participate in any behavior whether or not the Lord desires it and I am in no position to force anyone to love God and live by His commandments. Thus: legality and freedom!

But with freedom comes responsibility. Just as anyone in our American society is “free” to take money from someone else’s cash register, there are consequences to that behavior – jail time. In working with teens especially I have found the line between legal and moral just as fuzzy as could be. Young people speak of smoking cigarettes with the same candor and gravity as they do drinking and sex. For a minor all three are illegal and, in the minds of many teenagers, therefore equal in gravity. You see now why I picked the title?

Would any teenager discuss the “sin” of smoking cigarettes fifty years ago or the sin of “just one drink” when they were working their daddy’s farm in the 19^th Century? Times have changed and so has the perspective of sin and morality in our American society but God’s laws and commandments have not and will not change. What was against the will of God “then” is still against the will of God! Of course I must state the Orthodox Church does NOT teach that a simple drink is sinful.

The manner in which we live is a direct reflection of the love we have for God. The more we love God, the more we love ourselves. Why else would Saint Paul give husbands the command to, “love their own wives as their own bodies?” (Ephesians 5.28) Saint Paul continues, “For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church.” (Ephesians 5.29)

But we do damage to our own bodies every day with such behaviors as prostitution and dangerous sexual acts. What makes things worse is that the devil has convinced us that legal means moral. I hear it too often, “But Father, it’s not illegal….” Time is crucial, before we lose more of our children and they leave the Church in search of happiness and fulfillment. The Prodigal Son did that once. (see Luke 15) and he found starvation and suffering and emptiness. That what awaits us too if we don’t take our moral arguments back away from the legal system and teach our children (and live it ourselves as adults) that God has a plan for us. He has a desire for us to live a certain way. He has saved us from the emptiness and pain of the world.

As school starts in a few weeks and our children are returned to the temptation of society from sunrise to sunset, bring them to the Church and invite them to spend time with the priest attend confession and get supplied with the spiritual tools they will need to remain focused upon Him this school year.

What’s All This Talk About Good Works Anyway?

In his letter to Titus Saint Paul writes, “This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men. And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful.” (Titus 3.8,14)

There has been a lot of talk about good works and charity in our Church because of words such as these from Saint Paul. Many often ask, “So what are good works?” The answer can be different for different people. Some suggest that good works is always being nice to strangers. Others teach that making sure the Church expenses are always paid is doing good works. Still others suggest that good works is helping the poor. Based upon these words by Saint Paul we could say they are all correct.

Saint John Chrysostom offers us this answer. To maintain good works “is both to succor the injured, not only by money, but by patronage and protection, and to defend the widows and orphans, and to afford a refuge to all that are afflicted.” In fact, this is the work of the Church if we are to live as Christians. Chrysostom continues, “What means, ‘that they be careful to maintain good works?’ That they wait not for those who are in want to come to them, but that they seek out those who need their assistance.”

Let us head the words of Saint John Chrysostom when he says, “For in doing good actions, it is not those who receive the kindness that are benefited, so much as those who do it that make gain and profit, for it gives them confidence towards God.” Now let’s get out there and get to work!

It's not all about us; it's about HIM

Two very famous commercial slogans have shaped our way of life in America. “You deserve a break today,” and “Have it your way,” may sell millions of hamburgers but is this message what we want to be teaching our children? Marketing giants have profited great amounts of money on the prevailing idea that human beings are inherently selfish. In fact studies have shown that our social structure, at least since the early 1970’s, has not only taken advantage of this fact but has encouraged it. We live in a society that doesn’t just tolerate selfishness, it pokes fun at anyone who doesn’t put their own comfort and needs ahead of others.

This is what makes the Gospel so difficult to hear. “Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof.” (Matthew 8.8) Today there are few who argue that anyone is worthy of God’s special attention….except of course themselves. Many are quick to admit that “he” or “she” isn’t worthy of God’s love but, “WE sure are!” We would be hard-pressed to find anyone who would say they didn’t think themselves worthy of God’s love. NONE OF US ARE, at least if you believe what you read in Holy Scripture.

And then again, ALL OF US ARE worthy of His love. Just as the centurion confessed his being unworthy of Jesus even walking into his house, the Lord said, “I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel.” (Matthew 8.10) Our Lord makes the time for each of us in our need no matter who we are. We could all learn a lesson from the centurion: “A little less ME and a little more YOU.”

It was humility the Lord blessed in the centurion and it will be our humility He will bless when we learn that it’s not all about us; it’s about HIM.

The Forty Maxims

I don't remember where I got these, but Presbytera came across them the other day in our computer and I really liked them, so in case I haven't posted them before.....here are the "Forty Maxims"

1. Be always with Christ and trust God in everything.

2. Pray, fast and do acts of mercy.

3. Read the Scriptures regularly.

4. Read good books, a little at a time.

5. Practice silence, inner and outer.

6. Cultivate communion with the saints.

7. Be an ordinary person, one of the human race.

8. Live a day, even a part of a day, at a time.

9. Be honest, first of all with yourself.

10. Be faithful in little things.

11. Do your work, then forget it.

12. Do the most difficult and painful things first.

13. Face reality.

14. Be grateful.

15. Be cheerful.

16. Be simple, hidden, quiet and small.

17. Never bring unnecessary attention to yourself.

18. Listen when people talk to you.

19. Be awake and attentive, fully present where you are.

20. Think and talk about things no more than necessary.

21. Speak simply, clearly, firmly, directly.

22. Flee imagination, fantasy, analysis.

23. Flee carnal things at their first appearance.

24. Don’t complain, grumble, murmur or whine.

25. Don’t seek or expect pity or praise.

26. Don’t compare yourself with anyone.

27. Don’t judge anyone for anything.

28. Don’t try to convince anyone of anything.

29. Don’t defend or justify yourself.

30. Be defined and bound by God, not people.

31. Accept criticism gracefully and test it carefully.

32. Give advice only when asked or when it is your duty.

33. Be strict with yourself.

34. Be merciful with yourself and others.

35. Do nothing for people that they can do for themselves.

36. Have a healthy, wholesome hobby.

37. Have no expectations except to be fiercely tempted to your last breath.

38. Endure the trial of yourself and your faults serenely, under God’s mercy.

39. When you fall, get up immediately and start over.

40. Get help when you need it, without fear or shame.

Summer Activity Options

As I said last week summer can be a time filled with anxiety about the activities in which our children participate. Over the next few weeks I will try to offer new ideas for summer activities for our youth and any other adult who wishes to give them a try. This week my suggestion is about reading.

Many of our children spend time during the summer months trying to escape the summer heat by sitting in front of the computer or playing video games. While there are today many good resources for our children online that assist in character building and education, let’s face it…spending so many hours in front of the TV or computer isn’t the best place for our children.

Many of our children also need practice with their reading skills. It wasn’t too long ago when parents used the Bible to help their children learn to read. Early American history is filled with stories of young children practicing the reading skills by reading from the family bible. Why not begin a new tradition this summer by inviting your children to each take turns reading a few verses from the family bible? It will help their reading, bring them closer to Jesus Christ, AND serve as great family time during the heat of summer.

There are several wonderful children’s books offered in our bookstore about saints and the Bible. Stop by and pick up a book for this summer’s reading time. You won’t be disappointed!

Blessed reading!

Rejoicing After Final Exams

June marks the end of another school year and the beginning of summer fun and celebration for our children…well only if they don’t have to return to summer school. Most students have learned to fear the end-of-year exams that reveal whether or not they have been working carefully during the year. If they pass the exams, that means summer is for fun and celebrating at the beach. Lucky for children, there are review days before exams to help them prepare. In fact throughout the entire year, schools offer review periods to help students get back on track if they have fallen behind. These reviews are very important because they let students know where they need to improve BEFORE the exam. If they didn’t do their work, then summer is about summer school and making up for lost time – definitely NOT a celebration.

Our spiritual life is no different. We are children of God and throughout life we are given a chance to review where we may have fallen behind so we can get back on track before its too late….before our final exam. Just like school, if we don’t get back on track and “fail” the final exam, heaven won’t be about joy and celebrations, but suffering.

 This is why I am offering the “Spiritual Self-Assessment”. Each year in June, the Church celebrates the Feast of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit was given to the Church and “guided the Apostles into all truth.” (John 16.13) It is the Church that has guided us for over 2,000 years to live a life according to Christ’s commandments. Just like a school that guides young people into knowledge, it is the Church that guides her children to knowledge of God.

 Take a few moments and complete the “SpiritualSelf-Assessment” included in this month’s newsletter and consider it a chance to review before final exams. None of us will score perfect a perfect “1” rating, but at least we will know where more work is needed to prepare to meet the Lord.

 Go ahead…….complete it now and come back to finish reading this…..I’ll be waiting.

 I pray this exercise was helpful in preparing each of you to meet the Lord. After you have completed the assessment and come to terms with where you need a bit of extra work to get back on track, make a commitment to the Lord to improve and start improving today!

 If you find your answers were mostly in the 4-5 rating, don’t feel lost. There is always hope because the Lord gives us each a fresh start when we need it. If you find your answers were mostly 2-3, please don’t feel too confident because there is always room for improvement. Identify a few items on the assessment that need work and call your priest. Together, using the tools of the Church, you can create an “Individual Education Plan – IEP” to get you back on track.

 I close with encouragement from Saint Paul. “Therefore do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.” (2 Corinthians 4.16) Take advantage of this chance to review so in heaven together we can all celebrate and rejoice!

 Glory to God for all things!

We are all Blinded by Something; What is it that Blinds You?

In the Gospel of John 9.1-41 Jesus heals a man who had been born blind. His Disciples asked, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” (John 9.2) In ancient Jewish understanding of suffering, since Adam and Eve brought death into the world by sin, it was presumed that all suffering and illness was a result of sin. Technically speaking they were correct.  

To the woman He said: "I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception; In pain you shall bring forth children; Your desire shall be for your husband, And he shall rule over you." Then to Adam He said, "Because you have heeded the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, 'You shall not eat of it': "Cursed is the ground for your sake; In toil you shall eat of it All the days of your life. Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you, And you shall eat the herb of the field. In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread until you return to the ground, For out of it you were taken; For dust you are, And to dust you shall return." (Genesis 3.16-19)

But the Lord also said, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him.” (John 9.3) Following these words the Lord, using clay just as He used clay to create Adam and Eve, healed the man of his blindness. Turning to the Jews He said, “For judgment I have come into this world, that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may be made blind.” (John 9.39)

Do the words of Jesus and His Church cause you to see clearly? We were all born in spiritual blindness. Just as so many Jews could not recognize Jesus Christ as God, many of us are blind to His word and live in darkness. Take the opportunity that God has given you today and wash away the dirt of life and open your eyes to Christ and worship Him just as the man born blind. “Lord, I believe!” (John 9.39)

Spiritual Self-Assessment

Rate the following topics from 1 to 5

I read the Bible

1)Daily

2)3x per week

3)1x per week

4)<1x per month

5)Been a long time

I fast at least from meat

                1)Wednesdays and Fridays and every day the Church teaches to fast

                2) Only Wednesdays and Fridays throughout the year

                3) Only Wednesdays and Fridays during each of the Lenten Periods

                4) Only Wednesdays and Fridays during Great Lent

                5) Been a long time

I say my prayers

1)      Morning and evening every day

2)      Morning and evening when I remember

3)      When I get a chance or when something is bothering me

4)      When I or a member of family is in crisis

5)      Been a long time

I receive Holy Communion

1)      Every Sunday and on other Religious Holidays

2)      2x per month

3)      1x per month

4)      3x per year

5)      Been a long time

I attend Holy Confession

1)      4x per year

2)      2x per year

3)      1x per year

4)      When my conscience is really bothering me

5)      Been a long time

I attend Divine Liturgy

1)      At least every Sunday

2)      2x per month

3)      1x per month

4)      4x per year

5)      Been a long time

I have attended Church services OTHER THAN Sunday Liturgy (not including Holy Week)

1)      More than 10x in the last year

2)      5x – 9x in the last year

3)      2x in the past year

4)      1x in the past year

5)      Been longer than a year

When it comes to making my family calendar

1)      I always consider the Church calendar to avoid conflicts

2)      1 try to consider the Church calendar to avoid conflicts

3)      I look at the Church calendar in the Sunday bulletin and discover a conflict

4)      The Priest tells me he missed me and I discover there was a conflict

5)      You mean the Church has a calendar?

When discussing our family finances

1)      We have a goal to tithe our income to the Church as thanksgiving to God

2)      We try to increase our giving each year because we know the Church as expenses

3)      We give our fair share of the Church budget

4)      We give what we think is appropriate considering our personal finances

5)      We give when we have spare funds

SECTION 2 – Please answer Yes or No

We have a dedicated prayer corner in our home

I say my personal prayers where my children can see me

I teach my children how to say their personal prayers each night

I often miss Divine Liturgy for reasons other than being sick

I think it is important for my children to learn the Orthodox Christian Faith

I take time during each week to discuss the Faith with my children

I read the articles and letters in the Monthly and Sunday Bulletins regularly

I subscribe to the Church email distribution list

I am a “fan” of the Church Facebook Page

I often read the Church’s FB page for inspiration

I visit other Orthodox Christian websites for spiritual inspiration

I visit other Christian websites for spiritual inspiration

I visit other non-Christian websites for encouragement and guidance

I think the Greek Orthodox Church has information and guidance that can help me in my personal life

I feel a bit guilty answering these questions

I feel judged answering these questions

I don’t think the Church should bother to ask me these questions

Following Christ is a Step-by-Step Process

When Jesus encountered the Samaritan Woman, whom we know as Saint Photini, she immediately questioned His actions. “How is it that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” (John 4.9) Saint Photini couldn’t bring herself to accept that someone would break with years’ worth of tradition as the Gospel points out, “For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.” (John 4.9)

 Sometimes we get stuck between seeing the world as we have always seen it and seeing it through Christ’s perspective. Sometimes we are confused by what makes sense to us and what makes sense to God, just as Saint Photini struggled with understanding God when she said, “Sir, You have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep. Where then do You get that living water? Are You greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well?” (John 4.11-12)

 Whether we recognize Him or not, God never stops reaching out to us. He continues to offer us, step-by-step, opportunities to embrace Him and welcome Him into our daily lives. He walks with us from confusion to perception to understanding. Finally Saint Photini recognized who Jesus was after He revealed her inner secrets and she said to her friends, “Come, see a Man who told me all things I ever did. Could this be the Christ?” (John 4.29)

 It doesn’t matter where we might be, God is calling us today to follow Him and welcome Him into our daily lives. For some of us that might mean putting aside “how it used to be” and embrace how God desires us to live now; for others it might mean going out and boldly declaring the truth of Jesus Christ. Either way, step-by-step we will all have the chance to walk with Him.

 Christ is Risen!

We ALL Have a Friend in Jesus

The famous gospel song What a Friend We Have in Jesus touches deep in the hearts of many in the South. This song is not limited to so-called Gospel Churches, but is a long-time traditional hymn in many Western Christian Churches who share in the hope of Jesus Christ.

In the Gospel on the Fourth Sunday of Pascha the Church commemorates the Sunday of the Paralytic where we hear a man, paralyzed for 38 years meet Christ. Jesus ask, “’Do you want to be made well?’ The sick man answered Him, ‘Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool.’” (John 5.6-7) Jesus had compassion on the man and healed him immediately “on the spot” without hearing another word.

We also are in need of someone to help heal us. As the song goes, we have a friend in Jesus, and He has come that we may live forever. We sing “Christ is Risen!” not just because we celebrate Pascha, but because in His Resurrection death has been conquered and we are now blessed to live with God forever.

We also have a hymn about the help Jesus give us. In the Kontakion of the Paralytic we sing, “I am grievously paralyzed in a multitude of sins and wrongful deeds. As You raised up the paralytic of old, also raise up my soul by Your divine guidance, that I may cry out, "Glory to Your Power O Compassionate Christ."

Christ is Risen!

Not Seeing is Believing

We have all heard the saying, “Seeing is believing,” but in some cases the opposite can be true. After our Lord’s Resurrection, He appeared to 10 of His Disciples. Judas had hanged himself in sin and a loss of hope. Thomas was also not present when the Lord first appeared. When Thomas returned to be with the Disciples, since the Lord had visited them, they said to Thomas, “’We have seen the Lord.’ So he said to them, ‘Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.’” (John 20.25) For Thomas seeing WAS believing.


Eight days later the Lord appeared again and this time Thomas was there and believed and proclaimed, “’My Lord and My God!’ Jesus said to him, ‘Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’” (John 20.28-29)



For a variety of reasons you may have not been able to attend Church this past Pascha, either because of the lateness of the hour or health reasons or any other number of reasons. Today those of us who were here can tell you, “We were here and we witnessed His Light. Christ is Risen!” As our Lord said to Thomas, today we invite you, “Do not be unbelieving, but believing.” (John 20.27) You will be blessed by God if you do…

When It Comes to Loving God, It’s Never too Much

Just six days before our Lord was crucified Mary, the sister of Lazarus whom Jesus had raised from the dead, anointed the feet of Jesus with anointment worth an entire year’s salary. According to Forbes Magazine, the most expensive perfume on the market today is worth $2,150 per ounce or $33,002.5 per pound, the amount of oil that Mary poured lovingly on the Feet of our Lord. Not only did she pour it over His feet, but she, “wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.” (John 12.3) We would all find it hard to believe someone pouring out perfume that costly on someone’s head, let alone their feet. But this is the depth of the love the Mary had for God.


“But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, said, ‘Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” (John 12.5) We might have asked the same considering the current economic situation our country is in. And yet, our Lord blessed Mary’s love and devotion and said, “Let her alone; she has kept this for the day of My burial. For the poor you have with you always, but Me you do not have always.” (John 12.7)

When it comes to showing our love for God, we can never offer too much. Ultimately everything we have belongs to God, even our very bodies. This is why Saint Paul says, “Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” (Romans 12.1) Since God has given us everything we have, we can never repay Him with too much.

Anything we give is a symbol of our love for Him, and Mary loved Him tremendously. Do we love God enough to show Him this depth of love? Consider this week, as you journey through Holy Week and experience the love that God has shown you in His death and Resurrection, how much God means in your life. Then rededicate yourself to Him this week and for the rest of your life and always remember…..When it comes to loving God it’s never too much!

In the Gospel we hear a prayer that could be from just about any of us. “We want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” (Mark 10.35) In our daily prayers most of include words similar to these in our requests to God. And then, when God doesn’t do exactly as we demand from Him, we accuse Him of not answering our prayers. The Lord says, “You do not know what you ask.” (Mark 10.38) He knows better than we do what we need, so when He doesn’t give us what we demand, it would be better to accept that we didn’t need what it was we thought we needed.


In fact I’ve never heard anyone say, “Thank God, He answered my prayers and didn’t give me what I wanted!” Why is it we only consider the prayers answered if we get what we asked for? Although God always answers prayers, the answer is not always what we thought we needed. Sometimes the answer is, “No.” Sometimes the answer can even be, “Not yet!” And yes, He does sometimes say, “Yes.” There is one way we can always guarantee God gives us exactly what we desire.

Our prayer should always include, “If it is Your will…” Then, and only then, can we be assured that the answer will always be what we ask for. The Lord says, “Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?" And they said to him, "We are able." And Jesus said to them, "The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared." (Mark 10.38-40)

Saint James says, “You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.” (James 4.3) The root of the Apostles’ request was, “Grant us that we may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on Your left, in Your glory.” (Mark 10.37) This explains why they didn’t receive what they wanted.

So what is that you want from God?

It’s Not About Being Perfect, It’s About Becoming Perfect

In the Gospel of Mark we hear of a father who brought his son to Jesus for healing because the Apostles were unable to heal him. He called to Jesus, “’If You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.’ Then Jesus said to him, ‘If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.’ Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, ‘Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!’” (Mark 9.22-24)

Do you see how simple the Lord is? He doesn’t expect long theological explanations about death and faith and the resurrection. He doesn’t even expect the man to be perfect in his belief. The father’s doubt was obvious since I’m sure he had visited many doctors and nobody, not even the Apostles, could help his son. Although he had lost just about all hope, he held on long enough and had just enough faith to come to Jesus and confess his weakness, “I believe; help my unbelief!” And then his son was healed.

My brothers and sisters, the Lord does not expect us to have perfect faith, since we are not perfect. What He wants from us is enough faith to know our weakness and to confess to Him that we are dependent upon Him for help. There will be times when the struggles of life will seem to be beyond our abilities. It is just then that we must run to Christ, confess our faith in Him, and believe just enough that He can help us, and He will.

Sometimes the help comes in ways we cannot understand while other times the help is bold and obvious to all. Someday we will all be with the Lord in heaven and then our faith will be perfect. Until then, we continue to struggle and hope in the Lord’s wisdom and power.

Won’t You Join Me at the Cross?

This month we celebrate the Feast of Feasts, the Resurrection of Our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ, on April 24th. But before we can celebrate Pascha, we must journey through the rest of Great Lent and ultimately endure the mystery of Holy Week, when we listen as the Gospels recount the final days of our Lord’s Earthly ministry. No service of our Holy Orthodox Church conveys this awesome beauty and mystery better than the reading of the 12 Gospels on Holy Thursday evening. In fact the service makes up for more than 20% of our Holy Week Service Book, indicating just how crucial the service is to our journey.


Following each of the 12 Gospel readings we sing, “Glory to Your forbearance, O Lord, glory to You.” This response is unique to Holy Week, since throughout the rest of the year we sing, “Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You,” following the Gospel reading. There must be some significance in using the word forbearance, which is defined as patience, self-control, mercy, leniency, all words that reveal God’s action toward us as sinners, as He approaches His Cross.

During Holy Week the Church encourages us to “dig deep” into our souls and reflect upon our relationship with God with increased fasting, increased personal prayer, increased charity, and attending Church daily, as an offering to Him since we know all too well just how unworthy we are to be granted the many blessings He has given to us. The greatest blessing is life itself and eternal communion with Him in Heaven.

How can any of us dare to stand face to face with the Cross of Christ and suggest we somehow deserve what God has given us? We are all sinners and still God loves us and give us life. Isn’t that reason enough to praise His eternal patience with our poor judgment and daily life of sin? Despite our sinfulness He ascended the Cross for our salvation.

Make Holy Week this year a special time by setting aside each day and dedicate it to Him. Come to Church each evening and join together as we hear the beautiful words of the Gospel and Christ’s final days on Earth. Make a special effort to reflect upon your spiritual journey and take advantage of the services of the Church: Holy Confession, Holy Communion, and Holy Unction – all three vital and important elements for our salvation.

Great Lent and Holy Week are not for the fainthearted, but the Feast of Feasts, Holy and Great Pascha, is worth the struggle. He suffered for our salvation. Won’t you join me at the Cross?

It is not Possible to Avoid Suffering as a Christian

In the Gospel, our Lord invites us each to become His followers with a challenge; “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it.” (Mark 8.34-35) These words have been a point of confusion for some and salvation to others. How is it possible to lose our life save it at the same time?

The answer lies within the mystery of the Holy Cross, since in fact we are each invited to take up our cross and follow Him, the Savior of all humanity. The Cross of Christ, a tool of death for the Romans, brought life to Christ, and all human beings joined to Him in baptism, in the Resurrection. Christ suffered through the Cross in order that life would prevail for His people, and we are invited to participate in the same reality.

As Christians we must embrace and accept suffering as a necessary part of life, not because Christ desires us to suffer, but because when we choose to deny the world and embrace God, the world fights against us with temptation and suffering. As Saint Paul teaches us, “We also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” (Romans 5.3-5)

Embrace suffering my dear brothers and sisters this Lenten Season for your salvation!

Freedom is a Gift from God

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” These famous words from the Declaration of Independence set in motion a national consciousness committed to defend and promulgate the ideal of freedom here and abroad that has endured for over two hundred years. This freedom though comes with responsibility. And as with any gift we receive, we are obliged to respond with gratitude to the one who gives.


Whether some choose to acknowledge it or not, it is God that ultimately is the grantor of the freedom that we hold so dear in our nation and His gift of freedom comes with the expectation that it is used for the glory of God and not our own glory. As Saint Paul writes, “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful.” (1 Corinthians 6.12) It appears that Saint Paul was keenly aware that there would be times when we might freely choose something that would cause us harm. It goes without saying that I have the freedom to climb to the highest building and throw myself off the roof, but who would dare suggest this action would be helpful?

This week the Greek Orthodox Church in Florence is celebrating “A Week of Freedom” in conjunction with Greek Independence Day on March 25th. The Greeks, desiring their freedom from the Ottoman Empire in 1821, following the example so gallantly displayed by our American founders, and calling upon the grace of God, declared themselves free to worship and live apart from the oppression of the Ottomans. The Greeks never forgot that it was God that desired all human beings to be free. It was for this reason that they chose March 25th, the Feast of the Annunciation, to begin their battle for freedom. It was after all, the glorious announcement by the Archangel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary that the Son of God would be born of her for the salvation of all humanity to live “free from sin.” (Romans 6)

So what should our response be to God for this freedom from sin? All He asks is that we love each other. “Love is the fulfillment of the Law.” (Romans 13.10) How can we continue to allow our fellow human beings to suffer with hunger and homelessness if we love them? How can we continue to allow our fellow human beings to suffer the wrath of alcohol and drug addiction if we love them? How can we continue to ignore the needs of others when we have been so richly blessed by God? How can we continue to watch innocent babies slaughtered at the hands of doctors sworn by an oath to “do no harm?” We cannot!

I invite you to join our efforts this week and honor freedom! There are steps we can take TODAY that will show our love for our fellow human beings. First we must pray for each other that our hearts be opened to God’s call for a relationship with Him. Second we must live every moment as if we love Him. “If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar.” (1 John 4.20) Finally, we must take the time in our personal lives to help others, either by volunteering at local charities or by supporting those efforts to the best of our ability.

These are simple things we can do ourselves, whether or not the masses join our efforts. Not everyone will join us, but then again…with God all things are possible.

Don’t Let the Roadblocks of Life Keep You from Christ

Now that spring is upon us we have already noticed increased road construction. One thing about road construction: it always includes roadblocks that make it difficult to travel where and when we desire. The same can be said about our spiritual travels during Great Lent. Great Lent is a time when the Church has called us to a journey of increased prayer, increased fasting and increased works of charity, and the world, under the influence of the devil, continues to place road blocks in our path. Such was the case with this Sunday's Gospel.


Saint Mark tells us of a group of friends carrying a paralytic. When they arrived to see Jesus, a huge crowd had gathered, “so that there was no longer room to receive them, not even near the door.” (Mark 2.2) These friends were hoping for a miracle from Christ but couldn’t even get close enough to see Him from a distance. They could have just given up and returned home, but their friend would still be paralyzed, so “they uncovered the roof where He [Jesus] was. So when they had broken through, they let down the bed on which the paralytic was lying.” (Mark 2.4)

These few friends didn’t allow the roadblock to keep them from approaching Christ. They took action and found a way; some would even say they ‘made’ a way, to get through to Jesus Christ for the sake of their friend. “When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven you.’” (Mark 2.5)

There will always be roadblocks on our journey to God. But if we really want to be with Him, we won’t turn back. We will find a way to be with Him even it means climbing the roof. After all, isn’t heaven worth it?

Take Great Lent One Day at a Time

Like any journey, our Lenten Journey must be taken one day at a time. Take time TODAY for your journey focusing not on whether you can reach the end without failing but focusing rather on offering God your best today. Read Scripture, pray, fast, and do something for others.

Fasting Guidelines for Weekday Liturgies

Now that Great Lent is upon us and the Church offers the Presanctified Liturgy each Wednesday evening, the question of fasting and Holy Communion again raises to the surface. On Sunday we know (provided we are healthy and no other prohibitions from our doctor regarding fasting) that we should refrain from all food and drink until after we receive Holy Communion on Sunday mornings. But what if we are planning on receiving Holy Communion on Wednesday night, when should be fast?



For those adults who are physically able, we are asked to fast just as we would on Sunday morning all day from the time we awake until after we receive Holy Communion. It is acceptable to drink simple beverages such as coffee or tea or preferably water (not milk, milkshakes, beer etc) until about noon and then complete fast until Holy Communion. I must remind you that fasting is not meant to make you ill, but to be an offering to God and discipline of our bodies. If you become light headed or need some food, by all means have a small snack especially if you are in a situation where you must remain alert such as driving or other physical labor. If you must eat during the day, a light breakfast and light lunch should be sufficient followed by a complete fast following lunch until Holy Communion.



For those children who already fast on Sunday morning, they should be asked to follow as much of the fast as they are able. As parents this will require discernment in how are children are behaving and feeling. Again it is not meant to make our children ill, however many times our children can fast more than we realize and it should be encouraged as an offering to God and spiritual discipline. For children who do not yet fast, a small snack should be offered around 4pm.



For everyone who is receiving Holy Communion, or Holy Unction or any other Mystery (Sacrament) of the Church, the Church teaches us to fast in preparation and we should do this to the best of our abilities. Great Lent is a perfect time to exercise our free will and to offer our “bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God.” Romans 12.11)



As will all spiritual disciplines, we should speak with our Spiritual Father for guidance and suggestions.

Whenever You’re Ready…God is Waiting

In the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15.11-32) we hear of a son who leaves his father for a life of selfish waste and “high living” until he finds himself broke and eating pig slop. In this state of lowliness the son remembers that his father’s servants lived better than he was, so he decided to return to his father and live as a servant. Anything would be better than living with pigs!



The entire time the son was wasting his inheritance, the father waited and kept watch for his son to return. He never chased after the son, but watched the horizon for any sign of his son’s return. And one day he did. “But while he was yet at a distance, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.” (15.20) The father was so full of joy that he ran to embrace his son and welcome him home. He didn’t even consider allowing his son to remain as a servant, but restored him to his rightful position as a son. “But the father said to his servants, 'Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet; and bring the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and make merry; for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.'” (Luke 15.22-24)

Today is our chance to act like the prodigal son. God is waiting for us to turn our life and face Him so He can run to us and embrace us and escort us into His kingdom. We shouldn’t be afraid to face Him. He will only love us and welcome us home. There is only one thing that keeps us away from God….our own choice. Just as the son had to choose to return to his father we must choose to face God with our lives.

God knows who we are and where are and He is waiting for us to return to Him.

The Need for Mercy

In the Gospel of Luke, our Lord offers us a chance to learn just what type of life He is expecting of us. In the Parable of the Publican and Pharisee, our Lord teaches, “Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 18.14) Humility is at the very core of our Christian lifestyle and the root in understanding the need for mercy.

The Tax Collector (Publican), whom the Lord lifts up as being justified, cried out “God, be merciful to me a sinner!” (Luke 18.13) In fact he couldn’t even lift his eyes up to God he was so full of shame for his sins. The Lord is teaching us a profound lesson – we are all sinners and we must accept that reality and beg for God’s mercy. On the contrary, the Pharisee, the one whom society presumed to be holy and righteous showed only pride when he declared, “God, I thank You that I am not like other men – extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector” (Luke 18.12) The Lord says, even though the Pharisee was dedicated to living according to the Law, since he could not see his own sinfulness and went so far as to think of himself as superior to the Publican, he was not justified.

No one is sinless except for God. Period! Whether we sin so-called “small” sins or “big” sins we still sin and until we can accept that reality we are not likely to seek God’s mercy in our lives. And if we don’t seek His mercy He can’t give us mercy, not because He doesn’t want to, but because we haven’t asked. God doesn’t force anything upon us, even mercy!

So follow the example of the Publican in the Gospel and acknowledge your sinfulness and beg for mercy. You will be justified by God – HE guarantees it.

Leave Your Comfort Zone and Reach for God

One expression very common in today’s society is, “get out of your comfort zone.” It is used in many areas, but the most common is in the gym. Fitness trainers know and athletes confirm for us that the only way to get physically fit and stronger is to get out of our comfort zone and push ourselves just a bit. Let’s face it; this philosophy works for just about anything we desire to accomplish. We can only swim when we leave the comfort of the dry land. We can only get married when we ask. We can truly only be successful in anything when we leave our comfort zone and reach for something greater.

In this morning’s Gospel, the Woman from Canaan did just that. In fact, there were three ways she left her comfort zone. The Gospel of Matthew says, “And behold, a woman of Canaan came from that region and cried to Him, saying, ‘Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon possessed.’” (Matthew 15.22) This first venture out was when she left the comfort of her own home. The woman left her sick daughter and approached Christ begging for mercy. If the woman had not chosen to leave her home that day, she would never have encountered God on the road.

The same holds true for us. We left our comfort zone this morning when we decided to leave our homes and come to Church. It would have been very convenient to stay at home, pay some bills, read a book, go to the gym, etc. Many people have Sunday routines that don’t include Church but only when we leave that routine and come to Church are we able to meet the Lord who is truly present with us. We pray in the Divine Liturgy, “Lord Jesus Christ, our God, hear us from Your holy dwelling place and from the glorious throne of Your kingdom. You are enthroned on high with the Father and are also invisibly present among us. Come and sanctify us, and let Your pure Body and precious Blood be given to us my Your mighty hand and through us to all Your people.” (from the Divine Liturgy) Just like the woman, we would not be able to receive this blessing if we had chosen to remain home in our comfort zone this morning.

The second venture out of her comfort zone for the woman was when she ignored the ridicule of the people. “And His disciples came and urged Him, saying, ‘Send her away, for she cries out after us.’” (Matthew 15.23) She just as easily could have said, “I don’t need this; I’ll just go back home and pray to God from there,” but then she would not have met Him face to face.

Again the same is true for us. We have chosen to come to Church this morning despite many people ridiculing our decision to be in Church, or worse just like the woman, fellow believers try to send us away either by their actions or just the look on their faces. It would be much easier and much less painful quite frankly, to stay at home or attend another Church and remain in our comfort zone than to face ridicule from those who should be lifting us up. But we came to reach out to Christ just as the woman, and because we left our comfort zone He is blessing us this morning. Of course, we might not recognize it yet as I’m sure the woman didn’t realize her blessing right away.

Finally, the woman not only left her comfort zone, she discarded it all together by presenting herself to the Lord in complete and utter humility. “But He answered and said, ‘It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.” (Matthew 15.26) Not even the big dogs….the little insignificant dogs. What more could the woman take? First she leaves her house and the Lord doesn’t even answer her prayer. “But He answered her not a word.” (Matthew 15.23) Then she’s ridiculed by His disciples and He says, “I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” (Matthew 15.24) And finally after being called a dog, she has given up all pride and any sense of comfort. She boldly came forward and humbly says, “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their master’s table.” (Matthew 15.27) There isn’t anyone who would have blamed her for throwing up her hands and giving up after being called a dog, but not this woman. This was a woman of great faith. The Lord says, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.’ And her daughter was healed from that very hour.” (Matthew 15.28)

The Lord planned all along to heal this woman’s daughter, to be certain. He knew her deep faith and humility so He desired to lift her up for others as an example of faith. The same holds true for us. The Lord knows our faith. He knows how much we can handle and He knows how He plans to bless us. But He just wants us to leave our comfort zone and place our complete faith in Him, just like this woman, and He will bless us.

You see my brothers and sisters in Christ, if we desire to be blessed by God, sometimes we have to get out of our comfort zone and reach for God without fear of what others may say about us. Sometimes we have to get out of our comfort zone and stick with it or even chase after Him and swallow some of our pride. Sometimes we have to come in complete and utter humility and accept that we don’t deserve anything special from Him and just then He will reach back and bless us.

This week, take the chance and leave your comfort zone and reach for God. If you don’t fast, then fast this week. If you don’t normally come to bible study, come to bible study. If you don’t normally tell someone about your faith is Christ, share a few moments with a friend about how the Lord is working in your life. There are so many chances for us to leave our comfort zone, we just have to do it and the Lord will take care of the rest.

If we’re so willing to leave our comfort zone for the gym, a swim, or business, then why not leave our comfort zone for the Lord? The Woman of Canaan seemed to think it was worth it….don’t you?

It’s Time to Get out of Your Comfort Zone

In the Gospel story of the Woman of Canaan, we hear much more than just a story of another miracle healing by Jesus Christ. Matthew has outlined his version of this miracle in such a way to almost leaving the actual healing as secondary to the story. In fact the confirmation of the healing is simply stated “And her daughter was healed from that very hour.” (Matthew 15.28) The truth of healing is indeed present, but, as in so many other instances, Jesus emphasizes the woman’s faith rather than the physical healing.

Matthew has chosen to emphasize the woman’s character in his teaching. “And behold, a woman of Canaan came from that region and cried out to Him, saying, ‘Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David!’” (Matthew 15.22) She chose to get out of her comfort zone and approach Christ rather than sit in her house waiting for a miracle. She had to swallow her pride and go after Christ and He did not make her journey too easy, although He clearly intended to heal her daughter. At first He didn’t even answer her call, but she persisted, “Lord, help me!” (Matthew 15.25) Then His Disciples tried to get rid of her and finally Jesus Himself says, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.” (Matthew 15.26) And still she persisted, “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their master’s table.” (Matthew 15.27) This was definitely NOT in her comfort zone, but in her humility she knew she must reach for Christ.

When was the last time you got out of your comfort zone to pursue Jesus Christ? It’s very easy to sit back and continue to “do what we’ve always done” because we’re comfortable with how it feels. But we can only really encounter God’s mercy when we leave our comfort zone and go after Him, calling to Him, “Lord, have mercy!” Don’t you think it’s time to get out of YOUR comfort zone? The Church is here for you with her arms wide open with prayer, fasting, almsgiving and attending services during the week. God is waiting, are you coming?