A New Beginning Calls for a Radical Change

"But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come." (Hebrews 9.11) These words of encouragement from Saint Paul are meant to lead to hope in the future Kingdom of Heaven. But sometimes that future Kingdom is out of our reach unless we make a radical change in our lives. On the last Sunday of Great Lent the Church commemorates Saint Mary of Egypt and her radical change away from prostitution toward the Lord through repentance. We are each challenged to repentance and leave the world of sin behind for the "good things to come" and the Kingdom of Heaven.

 

 

 

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Sometimes Starting Over Requires Drastic Measures

When an addict desires to stop his addiction, radical changes in his way of life are required in order for him to isolate the behaviors that feed his addiction. This is the process that is so successfully carried at drug and alcohol rehab facilities throughout our nation. Many times the first step in rehab is spending time “in detox” which gives the body time for the particular drug to be cleansed from his organs etc.

The same process is required when we desire to stop our addiction to any sinful behavior; and addiction is the best description to use when discussing sin. Just as in drug addiction, sin addiction at first may go unnoticed until the sin begins to affect the life of the sinner and those around her. When the sin begins to control the choices she makes, just so she can “get her fix” of the sin, she may take notice (others most definitely take notice) and begin to desire a better life.

Such was the life of St Mary of Egypt. As a harlot she was very “successful” in her business but it consumed her and began to control her decision making. In her sinful boldness she attempted to enter the Church but was “by some unknown force” kept from crossing the threshold of the Church. Her sin affected her judgment and someone took notice – the Theotokos. Mary prayed to the Holy Virgin to help her and promised that her life would change. She was allowed to enter the Church.

In thanks to God, Mary spent the remainder of her life in “detox” living in the desert repenting of her sinful life. After many years she sent for the Priest for Holy Communion. After living in severe repentance in the desert for forty-eight years, and on the day she finally received Holy Communion, she fell asleep in the Lord on Holy and Great Thursday.

“Μαράν αθά – O Lord, Come!” 1 Corinthians 16.22

A few days ago we were met with the tragic news of yet another bombing of innocent people in Boston, MA. Watching the news, we are continually shocked to hear of such acts of hatred and evil. We are shocked that, even though we live in so-called “modern times,” such acts of terrorism and total hatred continue to reveal the state of a fallen world in pain which we cannot escape.

The words above express the pain and shock of the Church shared by Saint Paul in ancient Corinth, yet remain relevant today. Ancient Corinth shared many characteristics of our modern American society. Multi-cultural and highly educated populations, often very wealthy, found themselves quite satisfied with the secular logic and morals of their day rather than following the teachings of Jesus Christ and His Church. The same is our struggle today in modern America. We are surrounded by teachings of moralities and ethics that are in direct contradiction to the teachings of Christ and His Church. Making it worse, then in Corinth and now in America, many of our own faithful have abandoned the moral and spiritual life of the Church.

According to St John Chrysostom, the great St Paul used these words to convey the urgency and mercy AND REALITY of God’s saving Passion on the Cross and glorious Resurrection from the dead, as the means for us to escape the reality of our fallen world. We may experience, indeed we will experience, pain and suffering in the world, but the glorious Resurrection of Our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ has forever defeated the affect of that pain. The pain is only temporary.

Because of His death and glorious resurrection, Jesus Christ has given us a new way to live. He has blessed us with a new alternative to the evil and broken morality of the world. He has opened for us the path to Heaven through His Holy Orthodox Church. This is worthy of celebration! The Lord HAS come to rescue us from the evil and surrounds us. The evil is only temporary.

Just as ancient Israel left the oppression and pain of slavery behind when they departed from Egypt, we will leave the pain and suffering behind when we depart from the “ways of the world” and live a life in Christ. Orthodox Christians will join their voices together in Churches in on May 5th to sing the glorious hymn of the Resurrection; Christ is risen from the dead, by death, trampling down upon death, He has granted life. Life in Christ is eternal! O Lord Come!

THAT is something to celebrate!

Christ is Risen! Χριστός Ανέστη! Христос Воскресе! Hristos a înviat! Al-Masih-Qam! Cristo ha resucitado! ქრისტე აღსდგა!

 

Truly He is Risen!

It’s Time to Renounce the World

A sense of being tired and wearied is not uncommon for our Christian journey. In fact, for centuries the People of God, in the Old Testament and in Christian times, have struggled to maintain their patience and faith that God will fulfill His promise to rescue His people. At the most difficult moments and under the constant attack of the demons, we are often tempted to depart from the Christian life in exchange for what we already know and the familiar environment of the fallen world. It is in those moments that we must be willing to renounce the world, cast away the demons and their attacks, and endure the struggle of the Christian journey for the glory of God.

 

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The Wiles of the Devil

“The prayers of the Church are filled with references to the devil. The Lord’s own prayer ends with the petition: Deliver us from the evil one! The life of a person who will to be with God and to live in His Kingdom is, by definition, a life struggle against the devil and his armies of evil spirits. The Lenten season is especially the time for waging this spiritual battle.”

 

Fr Thomas Hopko in The Lenten Spring

 

If this moves you, or even if it doesn't, you should consider reading this book during the Great Lent. It will be most beneficial.

The Church as our Trainer

When Jesus invites us to take up our cross and follow Him, He wants us to know He understands our struggle. He was mocked. He was beaten. He was lied about. He was spit upon. He was eventually killed. So when He asks us to fast and embrace the struggle that is the Christian life, we can be assured that He knows the way. He also left us His Church, His Holy Apostles, His Saints, His Sacraments, and His Grace to help us in our time of need. We only need to believe the Church knows how to guide us. After 2000 years of following Jesus Christ, the Church knows the way. Now it’s our turn to listen and follow her advice.

 

 

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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 font="" month="" per="">

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

I need to work on my inner peace…

The fast is beginning to take its toll on me I think. I’m not going hungry really; it’s just that I’m already fed up with beans. It seems to happen earlier and earlier every year. Bean this, bean that, beans, beans, beans. I actually like beans, and my wife fixes them really well so they’re always tasty. But we’re almost three weeks into Great Lent (almost four weeks without meat) and I’m getting bored with my food. But maybe that’s the point…

Being bored with my food is helping me realize that food doesn’t have to be fancy and elaborate. It is, after all, just to nourish the body. And with the reserves I have…..well, let’s just say I can stand a bit less nourishment these days. So fasting is taking its toll on my preoccupation with food and I’m beginning to feel the burden of the Fast…from the blessing point of view.

So it can’t be a coincidence that the Church places the Holy Cross in our midst for the Third Sunday of Lent. By now, ANYONE who is fasting must be feeling the burden of the fast, and the Church brings us a firm reminder that the way to Christ is the way of the cross.

I think the real toll I’m beginning to feel is when I realize how the world has abandoned any level of self discipline. Everywhere I turn my attention it seems, even other Church marquees, I’m faced with the message of selfish spirituality. Last week one sign read, “If God isn’t answering, He may still be listening,” as if to suggest… “Don’t worry; you’ll eventually get what you want from God. He just wants you to beg for a little while more.” I can’t accept that.

Our society has become so self oriented that Great Lent is being lost by even the most faithful Greek Orthodox Christians. The Divine Services of the Church during Great Lent (Great Compline, Presanctified Liturgy, Great Vespers, Orthros, Salutations to the Theotokos) are attended by fewer and fewer faithful each year. Eventually Churches will have only the Priest and Chanter at these most holy services.

The burden I feel during these days isn’t so much my menu options, but with those who have seemingly rejected the Church’s way of life. I don’t complain because I feel somehow “why do I have to be the only one in Church?” but because I wish people could experience the beauty and peace these services have to offer. I don’t mind being alone, for my sake, since I get the benefit of the peace and quiet of a still Church.

Last night, during our Introduction to Orthodoxy class, a woman who will be baptized this year said, “I’m really looking forward to celebrating Easter HERE [her emphasis] with you all.” For her, Easter HAD BEEN egg hunts and family dinner. She is looking forward to REAL [again her emphasis] emphasis on the Feast. It’s moments like last night where I get refreshed during these Lenten struggles as the Lord brings new believers who embrace His way of life. I wonder if St Paul had the same emotions when he said,

I tell the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit, that I have great sorrow and continual grief in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my countrymen according to the flesh, who are Israelites, to whom pertain the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service of God, and the promises; of whom are the fathers and from whom, according to the flesh, Christ came, who is over all, the eternal blessed God. (Romans 9.1-5)

I MUST be content with the mercy of God. If He doesn’t force others to embrace Him, why should I try? By way of confession, I must admit I do try to “strongly” convince others to follow Him more closely (at least from my vantage point) and be more dedicated to the Church. If Lent is going to teach me anything, it is that I need to understand that if God is willing to allow people to reject Him, I have to be more at peace with the reality of our society’s rejection of God. Maybe this is what St Seraphim of Sarov meant when he said, “Acquire a peaceful spirit, and around you thousands will be saved.” I need to work on my inner peace…

The Invitation to Follow Christ isn’t Offered Blindly

Jesus Christ invites each of us to join Him at the Cross of Salvation saying, “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” (Mark 8.34) At first glance, this is an invitation to suffering, and we can’t imagine accepting such an offer. In fact, many today reject the idea of suffering, going so far as to suggest that Christians only suffer because we sin or lack enough faith. This is just not true.

 

What is true is that we Christians will suffer whether or not we live as “good Christians” every day. But what is truer is that Jesus doesn’t make this offer without first understanding, first hand, the suffering He is calling us to in the first place. St Paul reminds us, “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.” (Hebrews 4.15) When Jesus invites us to join Him at the Cross, He remembers the pain and suffering from experience. He was mocked, lied about, beaten, spit upon, and eventually crucified, for our salvation.

 

While we complete the third week of the Great Fast, the Church reminds us that while we are suffering in our fasting, Jesus also fasted for forty days. While we are struggling to deny our selfishness by taking up our cross, we should remember that Jesus first took up His Holy Cross. He knows our struggle…..He also knows our blessings to come at the Resurrection.

 

Embrace the fast this year and join Jesus Christ at the Cross of Salvation. “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4.16) Does this sound like a God who is blind to our suffering? “We have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God.” (Hebrews 4.14)

A Special Message for Great Lent

As we start another Great Lent, I think about our Savior’s ministry. Christ came and preached not only to faithful and sinners alike, but even descended into Hades to awaken the dead with His Life; to bring Light to those despairing in the darkness. I’m Father Athanasios Haros with the Transfiguration of Our Savior Greek Orthodox Church in Florence, SC.

We live in an age where many people are asleep in their faith and lost in the darkness of a secular world.  Christ calls us to share His Light not only with fellow believers but also to those who are spiritually asleep or lost. We can do that by reaching out to people in the places where they already are - like the Internet.

 

That’s why I’m asking you to partner with us at Holy Transfiguration this Lenten season to help us dispel the darkness one click at a time. With our internet ministries, our parish is actively trying to dispel the darkness and we want to invite you to help us.

You have already taken the first step by listening. Now is time to take action and invite others to listen. We are offering a variety a programs, produced locally and also from the Orthodox Christian Network, to present Orthodoxy to our own faithful, and also to spread the Gospel message throughout South Carolina.

I would personally ask you to stand with us and support our internet ministries. Take this opportunity to make a lenten alms gift to go directly to supporting this important endeavor of our parish. Please visit our website GOFlorence.org or mail your check to 2990 S Cashua Dr, Florence, SC 29501.

So as we move towards Pascha to receive the light, I pray that you have a fruitful lenten season, and thank you for listening and supporting Holy Transfiguration’s Internet ministry.

The Ignorance of Youth

“For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4.15-16)

Some words from St John Chrysostom, urging us to remember the words of the Psalmist, “Do not remember the sins of my youth, nor of my ignorance; but remember me according to Your mercy, because of Your loving-kindness, O Lord.” (Psalm 24.7 LXX)

“For as the body, so long as it is oppressed be fevers and by one sickness after another, even if it is strong, is exhausted, but when it is freed from this attack, it recovers its proper force, so also the soul in youth is feverish, and is chiefly possessed by the love of glory, and luxurious living, and sensual lusts, and many other imaginations.”

“Truly it is a shame and a mockery, to be adorned outside with gray hairs, but within to have the mind of a child.”

“For the old man is a king, if you will, and more royal than he who wears purple, if he master his passions, and keep them under subjection, in the rank of guards. But if he be dragged about and thrust down from his throne, and become a slave of the love of money, and vainglory, and personal adornment, and luxuriousness, and drunkenness, anger, and sensual pleasures, and has his hair dressed out with oil, and shows an age insulted by his way of life, of what punishment would not such a one be worthy?”

These words (Homily VII on Hebrews) strengthen us during our Great Lenten journey.

Lest You Drift Away

In his letter to the Hebrews, Saint Paul said, “Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away.” (Hebrews 2.1) This warning is just as relevant for us today as we struggle to remain on course in our journey to Heaven. Just as we need a working compass and accurate map to keep us on course, the Church and Her way of life will help keep us on course. For those times when we find we have drifted, even slightly, Great Lent presents us with an excellent opportunity to repent and get our lives back on course.

 

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Even the Best Sailor Can Drift Off-Course

A skilled sailor would never think to leave port without a compass and sea charts to guide his journey. Likewise, we should never think of embarking upon our journey of Great Lent without our compass – the Church – and our charts – the Holy Scriptures – to guide us. It is even worse if a sailor places his trust in a broken compass or outdated charts.

As we complete second week of our Great Lenten journey, the Church calls our attention to the warning of Saint Paul. “Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away.” (Hebrews 2.1) Saint Paul is warning us to beware even the slightest departure from the true path, outline by God, and confirmed by His Apostles and the Church. If a sailor takes his eyes off his path, just for a moment, he begins to drift off course. The sooner he realizes he is drifting and resets his course, the sooner he is out of danger of never reaching his destination.

Our annual Great Lenten journey is an excellent opportunity to reset our course, using the Church as our compass, and focus our attention on Christ and His Holy Resurrection. If you have drifted off course, even just a little, this is your chance to get back on course. The urgency is real! “How shall be escape if we neglect so great a salvation?” (Hebrews 2.3)

The Church has been given to us as a gift from God to lead us in our journey to heaven. Great Lent has been given to us as a gift from the Church to guide us back “on-course” through prayer, fasting, works of charity, reading the Holy Scriptures, attending Holy Confession and receiving Holy Communion. Anything else that we might use to guide our way (as provided by “the world”) would be as foolish as a sailor using a broken compass or outdated charts.

The Love of God is Revealed in His Holy Passion

Each year we gather in the Church during Holy Week with candles in our hands, our eyes straining to read in the dim light of a darkened Church, witnessing the Holy Passion of Our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ. Many times we may stop to consider just what impact Jesus Christ has had on the world. The triumph of Pascha, as proclaimed in the great Pascha Hymn, Christ is Risen Χριστός Ανέστη, expresses the ultimate victory of God’s love.

Χριστὸς ἀνέστη ἐκ νεκρῶν, θανάτῳ θάνατον πατήσας, καὶ τοῖς ἐν τοῖς μνήμασι, ζωὴν χαρισάμενος.

Christ is risen from the dead, by death, trampling down upon death, He has granted life.

The love of God is expressed in His willingness to lower Himself, become one of us mere human beings, live as one of us, among us, to lead us to be reunited to Himself. In this loving act, He was betrayed, beaten, lied about, mocked, abandoned by many, and ultimately put to death by the State, never once raising His hand against another, never once forcing anyone to follow Him, never once disrespecting the freedom of each human being to respond to His invitation to “Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matthew 4.19)

During the Bridegroom Services, we are faced with the “Extreme Humility” of Christ, crucified in the tomb, as a witness of His saving love for us. During the Lamentations Service of Holy Friday evening, we follow Jesus Christ’s journey into the darkness of Hades to rescue human beings from death. From the Cross, Jesus teaches the gift of forgiveness when He says, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” (Luke 23.34)

The love that God reveals to us, my dear brothers and sisters, is a love of gentleness and forgiveness, it is a love of humility and sacrifice, and it is a love of freedom. It is Divine Love. The Divine Love of God, known as AGAPE, changed the world 2,000 years ago from the humble place of an oppressed people. The love of God, working in the hearts of Christians, shined in a world suppressed by darkness and sin. The love of God, led the so-called “civilized world” to abandon sin and embrace God. And it can do so again.

The world needs the love of God more now than ever in our lifetime. As the world continues to struggle against God, we will more and more find ourselves an oppressed people like the Christians of ancient days. Now is when we must reveal the love of God to the world, never raising our hands against another, never forcing anyone to follow Him, and never disrespecting the freedom of others to respond (or not) to His invitation. This is the example that God reveals to us in His Passion. And ONLY this AGAPE will again lead the world to abandon darkness and embrace God.

What will it take?

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6.19-21)

 

Having just heard these words from our Lord during yesterday’s Divine Liturgy, it comes at a significant time, the beginning of Great Lent, as we are encouraged by the Church to place our emphasis on God. I just have one question…..

 

“How many times will we have to read stories like this before we stop ignoring our Lord’s words?”

 

http://www.forbes.com/sites/abrambrown/2013/03/18/the-meltdown-on-cyprus-a-faq-guide-to-the-latest-european-financial-crisis/

Ready or Not, Here Comes Lent!

On the day before Great and Holy Lent begins, Forgiveness Sunday, the Church offers us one final pep talk to prepare us for the Great Fast.  The success of our Lenten journey depends upon forgiveness, proper fasting, and placing the needs of others above ourselves. The time for preparation has past and now we are ready to make the most of our Lenten journey to Pascha.

 

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Ready…Get Set….GO!

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!

It’s Time to Come to Your Senses!

When the Prodigal Son was able to put aside his pride and “come to himself,” and return to his father, he was not only forgiven by his father, he was fully restored to his original place. When we can come to our senses and return to God He will not only forgive us, He will run and join us on the road and walk with us as we journey back to His House. The Triodion is a time for reflection and repentance and restoration by God. Engage the journey!

 

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The Importance of Prayer

Last month I wrote about The Importance of Bible Study from within the Orthodox Christian point of view. But the study of the Holy Scriptures, while being central to our Christian life, is not to be to the exclusion of other Christian disciplines. In fact the Church teaches that reading the Holy Scriptures should be experienced within the context of prayer.

Prayer is a very broad term that refers to a wide range of religious communication. As a matter of fact, prayer is nothing more than communication with another being, Divine or human. We can, and should, pray directly to God, while we can, and should, pray also to the Saints and our departed ancestors. PRAYER IS NOT WORSHIP, although it can be that too when it is directed toward God.

From the Orthodox Christian point of view, we exist as a community of believers sharing our lives together as we grow closer to Jesus Christ. Prayer plays a vital role in this process of communal spiritual growth. Here are three examples of prayer.

Intercessory Prayer – This is praying for each other to God for health and salvation and other human needs. In times of trouble, we are often called upon to “pray for one another,” (James 5.16) as an expression of love for our fellow human beings. As Orthodox Christians, this most normally takes the form of “Prayer Lists” where we ask God to bless our family and friends BY NAME. With intercessory prayer, it is not necessary to itemize the list of needs for our family since, “We do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” (Romans 8.26) The simple of act of asking God to bless our friends and family is sufficient.

Supplication Prayer – This is praying to the Theotokos and the Saints, or even our departed family members, to offer their intercessory prayer to God for our friends and family. This prayer is most commonly expressed in services like the Paraklesis to the Theotokos (or other Saints) when we ask her to pray to God for our salvation. We could also consider this the same as calling a friend and asking them to pray for someone. The Saints are our friends and family too and should be included in those we ask to include us in their prayers. This does not replace prayer directly to God; it merely increases those who are praying to Him for our needs.

Thanksgiving Prayer – We grow up being reminded to always say ‘thank you’ when we receive something. We receive blessings every day from God and we should thank Him. In the Divine Liturgy we even thank Him for “blessings seen and unseen,” since our pride can, and does, so often blind us to the blessings God has given to us. We should include this type of prayer EVERY DAY in our daily devotions.

There are other types of prayer: confession, adoration, and mediation on God for example. Notice I did not include anything about prayer for OUR needs or OURselves. It isn’t that we should not also take our needs to God; WE SHOULD. But when it comes to our needs, the most important prayer is, “Lord, have mercy.” The need for God’s mercy in our life is never-ending.

As we enter the Holy season of Great Lent this month, I invite you to take time every day to include these types of prayer into your life. Feel free to send me your prayer list and I will include your family and friends in my daily prayers for Great Lent. In return, check with your local Church for their prayer list. MOST Churches publish a list of names in the community of people in need of prayers. Please include these names in your personal prayers to God. In this way, YOU are praying for their needs, and THEY are praying for your needs, and together WE are all praying for one another.

The Triodion – A Time of Reflection

Each year the Church enters a period known as The Triodion (or PreLent) just before the Great Fast. The four Sundays of the Triodion are meant to create in us a desire to correct our sinfulness and seek Christ in our Lenten Journey. We can look at the Triodion as a time for “Spiritual Self-Assessment” or “Self-Evaluation” as we prepare to embark upon the Great Fast.

The first Sunday of the Triodion, the Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee, is focused upon humility and the mercy of God. Only when we are humble enough to acknowledge that we are sinners, are we strong enough to seek mercy from God. Jesus said, “Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 18.14)

The Pharisee (the supposed religious elite) said, “God, I thank You that I am not like other men – extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector.” (Luke 18.12) It is unlikely that he would spend the Great Fast working to improve himself since he already thinks he’s perfect. 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!

It was the Publican (the sinner) who said, “God, be merciful to me a sinner!” (Luke 18.13) And he was blessed by God. Great Lent is a period of intense spiritual preparation and discipline as both an offering to God and as a confession of our sinfulness. I invite you this year to assess your spiritual life and come to terms with your sinfulness. And then ask for mercy, and be blessed by God.

Sometimes We Just Have to Put Away our Ego

When the Canaanite Woman begged the Lord for mercy, she was rebuffed by Christ. “I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” (Matthew 15.24) She was not of the house Israel, but she insisted on begging the Lord, saying, “Lord, help me!” (Matthew 15.25) Again the Lord rebuffed her saying, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.” (Matthew 15.26) And still the woman did not retreat from her mission to obtain mercy from God.

When it comes to obtaining mercy from God, sometimes we need to show a little patience and humility. It would have been easier, in terms of her ego, for the woman to huff and puff and stomp her feet as she walked away, most likely complaining about how the Lord didn’t give her what she demanded. But her faith was stronger than her ego. Jesus said, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.” (Matthew 15.28) But what was her desire?

The woman desired mercy from God, nothing more, nothing less. She didn’t demand healing, nor did she demand special treatment from God, just mercy. What did God desire from her? He desired faith, faith strong enough to defeat her ego. The Lord knows everything, so why did He demand she be so humiliated publically? This was not for her salvation, but for our salvation. Knowing her faith, God allowed her to teach us that, sometimes we just have to put away our ego and allow our Faith to guide us.

What are You Doing with What God has Given You?

Each of us has received gifts from God for the glory of His Kingdom and the work of His Church. Many of us waste time, either in fear or selfishness, when we keep these gifts hidden from others. The servants who use the gifts God has given for the glory of God and the good of others are blessed by God and invited to “enter into the joy of the Lord,” in the Kingdom to come.  God has given YOU gifts and is waiting for YOU to do something good with those gifts. So……what are YOU doing with the gifts God has given you?

 

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Did He Just Call Me a Sinner?

Jesus’ commandment to “Love your neighbor as yourself,” is more than just a commandment to treat others the same way we would treat ourselves. It is a challenge for us to see others as we see ourselves. In fact, we are called to see ourselves just as we see others, as sinners. The difficult part is to admit that, first and foremost, we are not better than anyone else; as Saint Paul teaches, we are all fallen short of the glory of God. If all fall short, then all are sinners. And if all are sinners, that includes us…

 

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This Week’s Sermon also airs DAILY AT 12NOON and 7pm Eastern on Transfiguration Radio at http://myocn.com/players/florence.sc/ or our mobile player at http://myocn.com/players/florence.sc/m/