The Glory of the Lord

According to my concordance (an “old fashioned” reference book that locates each word in the Scriptures) the word “glory” appears 379 times in the entire Old and New Testaments. I decided to look up the word in my dictionary because I realized “glory” is one of the words we use quite often, but we never really define it. It reminds me of a story I heard the other day. During a conversation between a youth worker and a child, the child said, “Fellowship is that religious word that means have fun.” What does glory mean?

Some of the words associated with glory are:

fame, admiration, honor, praise, majesty, splendor, beauty

Some “dated” expressions associated with glory are:

Expressing surprise, shock, dismay, or pleasure (as in GLORY BE!)

In a state of great happiness, satisfaction or triumph

It quickly becomes clear why translations and the art of translating the prayers and Scriptures of the Church is not only so difficult, but time-consuming. So, what does the Church mean when we say, “Glory?” In reading some of the citations, (I encourage you to look it up and read the different references) no single definition is sufficient.

But you quickly notice something curious. It seems the glory of the Lord is, in addition to the words I found in the dictionary, something physical.

Then Moses said, "This is the thing which the LORD commanded you to do, and the glory of the LORD will appear to you." Leviticus 9.6 And Moses and Aaron went into the tabernacle of meeting, and came out and blessed the people. Then the glory of the LORD appeared to all the people, 24 and fire came out from before the LORD and consumed the burnt offering and the fat on the altar. When all the people saw it, they shouted and fell on their faces. Leviticus 9.23-24 Now the glory of the LORD appeared in the tabernacle of meeting before all the children of Israel. Numbers 14.10

So the glory of the Lord is something that can be physically experienced, so as to fill the temple, cover a mountain, and surround a people. This expression of Glory is not used in association with men, while the other uses (fame, admiration, etc) are used. This should reveal something to our hearts. What seems to express itself in the honor and admiration of human beings has it’s root in the fullness of God.

It helps us remember that we are created in the image, according to the likeness of God. What God IS by nature, we show as a reflection. SO….when we honor a brother for a great accomplishment, we are honoring the “glory” of God being lived out in our brother. This reality has all sorts of corollaries in Holy Icons (the halo is a reflection of the glory of God in the life of the saint) and the veneration of the Saints.

The key is to REMEMBER the root source of that glory. To think any amount of glory has its source in us is to deny our true human nature as God’s children and image.

This post is written for the 40 Days of Blogging Challenge sponsored by the Preachers Institute. You may find other blogs participating in this challenge. I hope you enjoy this year’s Advent journey.

2013 New Testament Challenge – Day 5 (Matthew 13-18)

Every year I participate in a special effort called the New Testament Challenge sponsored by a priest of the Orthodox Church in America. He encourages Christians to spend the Christmas Fast, also known as Advent) reading the entire New Testament as a preparation for Christmas. Each year I have done this, it has been blessing to me and I pray this year will be no different. As part of the New Testament Challenge, I endeavor to blog a bit about the reading for that particular day. I may miss a few, but I pray for those who follow this blog (NOW ALSO ON FACEBOOK) it will be a blessing.

“Let us pray to the Lord, that we may be made worthy to hear the Holy Gospel.” This call, heard immediately prior to the reading of the Matins Gospel, has been on my mind the past few weeks. It is also said during Paraklesis, which we celebrate each Wednesday evening in Florence. My question is, “Aren’t we all worthy?”

Today’s readings for the New Testament Challenge begin with several parables from the Lord. When asked why the Lord teaches in parables, He said, “Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.” (Matthew 13.11) I believe, taken in context of several other passages today, confirms that the Lord will not allow “just anyone” to understand His Gospel.

“But blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears for they hear; for assuredly, I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.” (Matthew 13.16-17) “All these things Jesus spoke to the multitude in parables; and without a parable He did not speak to them, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, ‘I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things kept secret from the foundation of the world.’” (Matthew 13.34-35) “He who has ear to hear, let him hear!” (Matthew 13.43)

If the Lord openly has declared that not all people will be honored with understanding His Gospel, we should be fervent in our prayers to “be made worthy to hear the Holy Gospel.” This has a double urgency, in my thoughts. If we HAVE been chosen by God to hear, and therefore understand, the Gospel, but we choose to ignore the message of hope, we are all the more in danger of eternal torment.

“The Son of Man will send out His angles, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness.” (Matthew 13.41)

Don’t you want to be worthy of hearing the Gospel? The flip side of the coin is that we will hear the word of God and not comprehend its blessings and continue to live in darkness until God chooses to shed His light on us. But even to this, though not a part of today’s readings, God has already prepared. “Therefore He has mercy on whom He wills, and whom He wills He hardens.” (Romans 9.18) If God has chosen to hide the truth from your heart, it is God’s will, and therefore Saint Paul comforts with these words of hope. BUT we should WANT to understand God’s word so that we can be saved. It would be our condemnation if He chooses to count us worthy to understand the Gospel, and we respond with unbelief! To quote Saint Paul, “Μη γένοιτο – Certainly not!” (Romans 9.14)

Until tomorrow….pray for worthiness!

“Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1.6

I wonder if you knew that the human gestation period (the time needed for complete development of the human body) is longer than nine months. I wonder if you knew that human babies, if they were in the womb for the entire gestation period, would be more than double their birth size? I KNOW you know that a human baby cannot survive without assistance immediately upon birth. Now you know why…For more information on this topic, please check out this article by Orthodox professor, Dr Daniel Buxhoveden, in which he compares the human gestation to that of the cosmic development.

HOMINID EVOLUTION AND THE BIRTH OF THE SPECIES

But I’m pretty sure this wasn’t what Saint Paul had in mind when he wrote these words to the Church in Philipi. Yet, we ARE still a work in progress, spiritually speaking that is. As I point out at almost every Baptism I am blessed to celebrate, we begin our spiritual journey in Christ at our Baptism, rather than complete our journey. I find too many who consider Baptism the “end of our faith journey” that brings to conclusion a period of study and evaluation (as if we have any right to evaluate the Truth), or at least that completes, for those “born into the Faith” the parents’ responsibilities of bringing the Children to Church. If you don’t believe me, consider the many, too many, after whose baptism takes place, do not allow their new life in Christ to have any affect in their daily life choices.

And yet, we are a work in progress. “Therefore we 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) This process of becoming like God, which we call Theosis, BEGINS at our baptism and is perfected by God at His Return.

If we could just remember that, while we are not quite finished becoming like God, that does not mean that we have any power to actually accomplish the work of perfection. St John Chrysostom makes a beautiful point in describing Saint Paul’s words. “See how he also teaches them to be unassuming. For since he had witnessed a great thing in them, that they may not feel as men are apt to do, he presently teaches them to refer both the past and the future to Christ.” (Homily 1 on Philippians)

Remember the process, and remember WHO IT IS who is accomplishing the great task in your perfection….and them let Him accomplish it. Then you can Live a New Life in Christ.

The Unseen Benefit of the Sabbath

Since I am participating in the 40 Days of Blogging, sponsored by the Preachers’ Institute, and today’s topic is “Blogger’s Choice,” I have decided to blog about a topic I have been considering lately.

The idea of a Sabbath (day of rest) has its roots in the Old Testament Command of God for the People of God to work only six days and rest on the seventh, paralleling the “work” of Creation and rest on the seventh day.

Thus the heavens and the earth, and all the host of them, were finished. And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made. – Genesis 2.1-3

Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed – Exodus 20.8-11

While the Sabbath is Saturday, the Holy Apostles established Sunday (the Lord’s Day) as the day to gather for the Divine Liturgy, forever linking Sunday, which is the Day of Resurrection, with the pinnacle day of Christian worship.

But every Lord's day gather yourselves together, and break bread, and give thanksgiving after having confessed your transgressions, that your sacrifice may be pure. But let no one that is at variance with his fellow come together with you, until they be reconciled, that your sacrifice may not be profaned. For this is that which was spoken by the Lord: In every place and time offer to me a pure sacrifice; for I am a great King, says the Lord, and my name is wonderful among the nations. – Didache of the Apostles to the Nations

However, the purpose of my blog today isn’t for the purpose of defending Sunday vs. Saturday, or even whether Christians should keep the Jewish Sabbath. My purpose, as implied in the title I have chosen for this post, is the UNSEEN benefit of a Sabbath, whether Jewish or Christian. Of course, this blog is dedicated to living a new life in Christ, and focuses upon the Christian life.

So what is the hidden benefit?

Living in the South, the deep South of South Carolina, I live in a town in which many business still close on Sundays. It was only in the past few years, where it became legal to sell/purchase alcohol on Sunday, and THAT was legitimized based upon the sales tax revenues that had increased associated with tourist income. Here in Florence, South Carolina, “Blue Laws” are still a fresh memory, and some still exist.

When the Jewish community kept the Sabbath, it wasn’t only the Jews who benefited with rest. The servants, whether Jews or not, and animals (not even human), were blessed, by the Commandment of God, with a day to rest from work. I don’t think we can take this reality too lightly. Still, the Jews had to care for and feed their work animals, without this “work” being considered a violation of the Sabbath. In fact this point was highlighted by our Lord in His rebuttal to the Pharisees who challenged His “right” to heal on the Sabbath.

And behold, there was a man who had a withered hand. And they asked Him, saying, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?" -- that they might accuse Him. Then He said to them, "What man is there among you who has one sheep, and if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will not lay hold of it and lift it out? "Of how much more value then is a man than a sheep? Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath." – Matthew 12.10-12

We don’t have servants (technically speaking) and work animals have been replaced (at least in industrialized countries) with machines. Yet, we do have a working class (so-called blue collar workers) who accomplish much of the hard labor that the servants of old accomplished. So, when a society keeps a Sabbath today, those workers who may be Christians or may not be, are blessed with a day they can rest and spend time in prayer. If they choose not to pray, at least they can strengthen their family ties, a point which would result in a near-universal benefit to society.

You might be asking why this is on my mind lately…well, there is a “movement” making its way through the internet to stop shopping on Thanksgiving Day, as a sign of protest against our commercial-driven society. As a part of this discussion, many on the “shopping is ok” crowd suggest that workers may want the extra income by working a holiday shift, and therefore receiving holiday pay.

I think the deeper issue of working on the Sabbath is DIRECTLY related to the pressure society places on keeping up with the Jones’. We have created society which elevates wealth while casting doubt on any “holy roller” who would choose to stay home or close his business on Sunday, “just” to spend time in Church or with his family. The pressure to pursue happiness (guaranteed in the founding documents of our Nation) has been equated with pursing wealth.

It is the pursuit of wealth that becomes the issue. There is a saying in business, at least the restaurant business as it has been explained to me, which states, “If you can’t make it in six, you won’t make it in seven.” Living in the South where many restaurants are still closed on Sunday, except the national chains, I have seen this saying hold true. The possession of wealth is not considered sinful; rather it is the pursuit of wealth which creates sin. The Lord says, “Seek first the kingdom…,” rather than seeking wealth.

So what about those who “have” to work on Sunday vs. those who desire to work on Sunday? With the exception of professions such as police/fire/EMT/nurses/ER Doctors, etc I would be hard placed to identify a single profession that, if closed on a Sunday, would bring our society to a screeching halt. So, unless someone works in such a profession, the only need to work on Sunday is a financial one.

I’m not about to question each person’s motives for desire to work on Sunday. I will, however, point out that in MOST cases, the need to work on Sunday is either a perception, OR a result of poor financial priorities in the past. Both can be corrected through repentance, prayer, fasting, and almsgiving to help reprioritize life to coincide with living a new life in Christ.

BUT if Christians continue to expect services on Sunday, such as after Sunday brunch or Sunday afternoon shopping trips to the mall, simply because we know there are workers willing to work on Sunday, then we continue to ignore the hidden benefit of the Sabbath; the benefit that the Lord specified in the Old Testament, when He commanded that ALL work stop. The least we could do is allow workers time to rest for the busy week ahead.

2013 New Testament Challenge – Day 4 (Matthew 8-12)

2013 New Testament Challenge – Day 4 (Matthew 8-12)

Every year I participate in a special effort called the New Testament Challenge sponsored by a priest of the Orthodox Church in America. He encourages Christians to spend the Christmas Fast, also known as Advent) reading the entire New Testament as a preparation for Christmas. Each year I have done this, it has been blessing to me and I pray this year will be no different. As part of the New Testament Challenge, I endeavor to blog a bit about the reading for that particular day. I may miss a few, but I pray for those who follow this blog (NOW ALSO ON FACEBOOK) it will be a blessing.

While reading today’s assigned readings for the New Testament Challenge, I was struck by how easily (from my 2013 point of view) people either didn’t recognize Jesus as the Messiah, or how easily they misunderstood His message. On that point, many things have not changed either in regard to recognizing Jesus or understanding His teachings. That is painfully evident in the plethora of Christian “Denominations” and billions of human beings who do not believe.

Take for a moment how miracles are portrayed in the Scriptures. At first glance, every time Jesus turned His head, another paralytic or blind man was healed. One might think there were no sick people remaining after Jesus left a village. But in fact many remained sick, and EVERYONE eventually died and was buried.

Or how some refused to see the truth in the Law of Love; it seems ridiculous that some would save a lamb, while allowing a sick man to remain sick ON THE SABBATH!. I guess if a sick man was as profitable as a lamb, he would be saved on the Sabbath.

I enjoy the practice of reading long passages of Scripture because it affords me the chance to see the greater story line. This helps both in the understanding and acceptance of the truth of Christ. The Miracles taken as a whole reveal the pattern of Christ’s love and healing power, rather than His “magic” to take away sickness. His healing on the Sabbath reveals His compassion rather than His “Judgment” in a court of law.

I’m not suggesting that laws and tradition have no place in Faith. On the contrary, I believe they are crucial in assisting us put our faith into action and, as the name of this blog suggests, Live a New Life in Christ!

Until tomorrow….enjoy the 2013 New Testament Challenge 

The Vanity Virus

Vanity is the most dangerous of any spiritual illness, and human beings have been inflicted with spiritual virus since the very beginning. Eve, when she saw the “ tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate.” (Genesis 3.6) Ever since that moment, humans have been infected with the vanity virus.

Vanity is at the core of every sin and every bad relationship between people. Whenever we place our needs and desires above others or God, we have an outbreak of vanity. Every time we please ourselves with beautiful clothing and jewelry, we have an outbreak of vanity. WHEN, not if, we find ourselves contemplating how we can benefit, we have an outbreak of vanity. There is no sin that cannot be traced to vanity. You could say sin is the symptom of the vanity virus.

This is why Jesus said, “Whoever desires to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” (Mark 8.34) This Gospel passage is read each year on the Sunday following the Feast of the Holy Cross, this year on September 15, 2013. The Church reminds us we are unable to follow Christ unless we first deny ourselves. We must FIRST put aside vanity before we can know the love of Christ. If we remain focused upon ourselves, we will remain blind to the love Christ has offered us, and that blindness become death and eternal torment.

One of my favorite examples of vanity in the New Testament is the story of the Rich Man and Lazarus. The rich man is tormented knowing that Lazarus is unable to come and care for HIM and cool HIS tongue, or go and warn HIS family. It is all about HIM, so he cannot see that he is in the embrace of God. His blindness to God’s love has become torment.

So if you want to experience God’s love…..get over yourself. The one thing about the vanity virus…..it has a cure in Jesus.

This post is part of a series of posts for the 40 Days of Blogging Challenge sponsored by the Preachers Institute. You may find other blogs participating in this challenge. I hope you enjoy this year’s Advent journey.

My Office has a Christmas Party

The most common way to prepare for Christmas, according to the secular world, seems to be limited to shopping, decorating, more shopping, more decorating, a few “holiday” parties with friends, a bit more decorating and shopping, a few more “holiday” parties, and FINALLY, exhausted, we open our presents with family on Christmas day. WHEW….It tires me out just writing it. It’s no wonder most people can’t wait for Christmas to be over. Some even have already placed their Christmas Tree in the trash December 26^th.

But THAT isn’t the Orthodox Christian way to prepare for Christmas. WE Orthodox prepare by setting aside 40 days for prayer, fasting, reading scripture, and attending Church services. AND we still have time for shopping for a few gifts for family and friends. This preparation is about as counter-culture in America as one can get. While the “world” is party hopping, Orthodox Christians are asked to fast.

Of course, I’m not naïve. Many Orthodox Christians have stopped the practice of fasting as preparation for Christmas. I’ve heard many excuses from people, but the most popular is connected with trying to fit in to the secular world rather than seeming like an anti-social coworker and neighbor. It seems EVERY office has a Christmas party. Within the GREEK Orthodox community, which I am the most familiar, there has been a long tradition of trying to blend into the American way of life. In fact, in the early 20^th Century, there were many instances where Greeks were discriminated against, even violently by groups such as the Ku Klux Klan. I’m not at all surprised that the community worked hard to blend in to their surroundings.

But it’s the 21^st Century now and discrimination against Greeks and other traditionally Orthodox people from Russia, Romania, etc. has all but ended. There is STILL discrimination in our society, but it isn’t because Orthodox Christians are not attending “holiday” parties. Discrimination is mostly limited to ethnic and racial differences. So why not embrace the practice of fasting? (The sin of discrimination is for another blog post)

But why fast? Why not attend the office holiday party? Fasting is an ancient spiritual discipline, not unique to Christianity, for the purpose of training ourselves to place greater focus on spiritual issues than physical ones. As Christians, we are called to deny ourselves and follow Christ. We are called to love the Lord with all our heart, mind, body and soul. When we fast, we literally practice placing God and our spiritual life ahead of the worldly life. During heightened seasons in the Church calendar, such as Christmas and Pascha, we dedicate extra time to spiritual disciplines.

The Church isn’t without celebration. Christmas is celebrated more than just Christmas day. In fact, we celebrate Christmas BEGINNING December 25^th THROUGH January 5^th. Maybe you didn’t know the 12 Days of Christmas begin with Christmas, rather than end with Christmas….

Whether you choose to fast or not for Christmas, consider this; don’t wear yourself out so you can’t celebrate the Feast of the Nativity in the Flesh of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The feast deserves more than shopping, decoration and parties as preparation. It deserves your heart. Take time this year to “do a little extra” spiritual exercise and, take it from personal experience, EVERY part of Christmas will be more enjoyable.

This post is part of a series of posts for the 40 Days of Blogging Challenge sponsored by the Preachers Institute. You may find other blogs participating in this challenge. I hope you enjoy this year’s Advent journey.

2013 New Testament Challenge – Day 1 (Matthew 1-7)

Every year I participate in a special effort called the New Testament Challenge sponsored by a priest of the Orthodox Church in America. He encourages Christians to spend the Christmas Fast, also known as Advent) reading the entire New Testament as a preparation for Christmas. Each year I have done this, it has been blessing to me and I pray this year will be no different. As part of the New Testament Challenge, I endeavor to blog a bit about the reading for that particular day. I may miss a few, but I pray for those who follow this blog (NOW ALSO ON FACEBOOK) it will be a blessing.

So…….

Every time I open the Holy Scriptures, they speak to me in a unique way. I’m no longer surprised, since it happens EVERY time, but nonetheless, it is always a blessing. Today was no different. When I came upon the verses on judging others, I was reminded of my short comings…and they are many.

“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me remove the speck from your eye'; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.” Matthew 7.1-5

Like everyone, I struggle with judging other people. I think I’m pretty good and discerning the difference between judging sin, maybe not so much in myself, and righteousness. I think I’m pretty good at that. What I really struggle with, and what this morning’s reading reminded me of, is that I TOO often forget that while I am called by our Lord as one of His Priests, and that often includes the task of calling others to a higher living, I cannot forget that everyone has their own challenges in life.

Since I spend my entire day, every day, focused on (in theory) the spiritual life, I tend to forget that so many others are just trying to live a good life and take care of their families. I say in theory, because when I find myself trying to drag others down the God-road, often kicking and screaming, it is just those moments I forget that I ALSO waste time on trivial things rather than God. If I can’t do it all the time, how can I expect others to focus on God 24/7?

At these moments of “gentle reminders” by God (ie a 2x4 to the forehead) it becomes more clear when the Lord says, “First remove the plank form your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” Today I see a bit more clearly that those specks are many times good people just trying to live good lives and take care of their families. I can’t imagine God would fault them for that!

I wonder what tomorrow’s reading will bring….

Beards

November, thanks I believe to a razor company ironically enough, has become known as “No Shave November” in various circles. Men have for many centuries equated beards with “manliness” as it is also a sign of physical maturity and, ahem, puberty. Once a boy was able to grow a beard, it was an indication that he had become, or at least was becoming, a man. So today, men with beards tend to make fun of men without beards. Although I doubt Gillett has this in mind, since I’m sure they just want to sell more razors, and after “No Shave November” men will need new razors after ruining their blades removing a month’s worth of beard growth….but who am I to judge?

I’ve had a beard since I was 17 years old. The only exception was two different semesters in college when I worked for the cafeteria and, since I had NO DESIRE to wear one of those goofy hair nets on my face, I had to shave. On a side note, but then again this entire blog post is a side note I think, that Christmas, when I arrived home my mother said, “Why did you shave? I liked the beard?” I was crushed. I couldn’t believe my mother preferred I covered up my beautiful face. I always thought a mother was SUPPOSED to love her son’s face no matter what….but that all really doesn’t matter. I have a beard ever since and I have no desire to shave. My wife wouldn’t know me if I did….

As a Greek Orthodox Priest, I have a beard as part of an ancient tradition which equate the priest as an Icon of Jesus Christ. Jesus had a beard, so priests do too. It’s really that simple. There are some who think a priest is a REAL priest unless he grows a beard – as if he isn’t an Icon of Jesus Christ without a beard. But since ALL humans are Icons of God, I don’t really get worked up about it. MOST Orthodox Priests have beards, SOME don’t. It doesn’t bother me one way or another. And if someone wants to argue about whether or not a priest should or shouldn’t wear a beard, I’m not the right guy to call. If you want a beard, then have a beard. If you don’t….well so long as your bishop agrees, more power to you. I, for one, won’t think you less of a priest.

I might think less of a man…..but that’s the beard talking, not the priest.

This post is the first in a series of posts for the 40 Days of Blogging Challenge sponsored by the Preachers Institute. You may find other blogs participating in this challenge. I hope you enjoy this year’s Advent journey.

OH NO!.....Now What?

Most of us spend much, if not all, our time thinking and planning for the future. Some even have the future so detailed out that any little obstacle can create a serious panic. Oftentimes we panic about the future, not because we worry about what WILL happen; we tend to panic about what MIGHT happen. And we lose much sleep over things that ultimately never happen. If only we could focus more on today than tomorrow, without ignoring tomorrow. Or at least, without feeling afraid about what tomorrow MIGHT bring our way.

This was the fault of a certain rich man whose field had a great harvest. The harvest was so good, he ran out of space to store all his goods. He said, “What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?” (Luke 12.17) And he began to panic. With such a great harvest, he had enough to live a full and comfortable season, but he began to panic because he actually had too much. His panic caused him to lose focus on reality. “So he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. And I will say to my soul, ‘Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.’” (Luke 12.18-19) Unfortunately, he didn’t know he was about to die, and he wasted his last moments of life in a panic about something that never mattered anyway, rather than preparing his soul to be with God.

How many times do you worry about the future, panic even, just because you’re not sure what tomorrow will bring. To be sure, NOBODY knows the future. The challenge is to live today, and appreciate the blessings you have today. Tomorrow will come and there isn’t really anything you can do to change the future. So stop trying. “But seek the first the kingdom of God,” eventually everything else just falls into place.

Stop Trying to Justify Yourself; Just Love Your Neighbor

In the Gospel of Luke, during a conversation about eternal life, Jesus tells of a certain lawyer who desired “to justify himself” by asking, “And who is my neighbor?” In His response, Jesus told the Parable of the Good Samaritan, and challenged the lawyer to “Go and do likewise.” Many times, we get into a state of mind where we are so proud of our achievements, that we forget our neighbor. Many times, we are so interested in justifying ourselves (and normally our dysfunctional living) that we prop ourselves up as “leaders of society” while forgetting that many around us are suffering and hungry. Let’s stop trying to justify ourselves, and remember the Good Samaritan and “Go and Do Likewise.”

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W4T (Word for Today) – δἐος – awe

It seems like we hear this word daily. “It was so awesome,” or “I have some awesome news for you.” In both these cases, the word “awe” has the attribute of joy and success attached to it. But if you consider the word in its verb form, “φοβερίζω – to be in awe” we also see the root connected to fear. But awe is not fear as we would think it today.

We are told to be in awe of God. However, the excitement commonly associated with awesome just doesn’t fit. So most settle upon the idea of fear, and MANY Christians lives in fear of God, but God doesn’t desire us to fear Him….or does He?

The Lord said to Isaac, “I am the God of your father Abraham; do not fear, for I am with you.” (Genesis 26.24)

Saint John the Theologian (the one whom Jesus loved – see John 19.26) said, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. (1 John 4.18)

But then Saint Paul says, “Do not be haughty, but fear” (Romans 11.20) and “The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me? (Hebrews 13.6)

And in Acts we read, “And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.” (Acts 9.31)

On the surface it might seem like a conflict. In Greek, the word we read as “fear” has many uses including, but limited to, “be afraid.” In EACH case above, the use is NOT “be afraid” but (based upon the citations listed above, which are not exhaustive by any means) ONLY Genesis and Saint John’s, “There is no fear…” uses the characteristic of “be afraid” and in this case we are NOT supposed to be afraid.

So today, walk in the awesome contemplation of the Lord (Acts 9.31) . Do not be haughty, but cautious (Hebrews 13.6). But whatever you do……do be afraid of God. He doesn’t want that.

A Bold and Different Kind of Thank You for Veterans

Several times a year, we quite publicly thank the many men and women who have offered, in many cases, their lives to the defense of the American way of life – Freedom, and we SHOULD honor our Veterans. But I often wonder what we are doing with the freedom for which these brave men and women risked their lives. The United States is a land where we can FREELY worship the Triune God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – in the ancient and Orthodox Christian way.

But…

1. Do we take full advantage of this freedom to attend as many Church services as possible to commune with God?
2. Do we take full advantage of this freedom to put our agenda aside and help the suffering and oppressed?
3. Do we take full advantage of this freedom to share the Gospel of Christ with our friends, neighbors, customers, clients, employees and coworkers?
4. Do we take full advantage of this freedom to read and study the Holy Scriptures and writings of the Holy Fathers and Mothers of the Church?

Or….

1. Do we use every available excuse of busy family schedules and spend Sundays and Feast Days away from the Church?
2. Do we “throw” a few dollars at some charitable agency so we don’t have to feel guilty about those suffering around us?
3. Do we keep the “best kept secret in America” to ourselves?
4. Do we buy a Bible, just to keep it on the shelf and MAYBE dust it off every year just before the annual Christmas party?

Our American way of life, which has been defended by so many valiant men and women, shouldn’t be used for our own pleasure and comfort, but for the mission of Jesus Christ. Jesus came that we might have life and have it more abundantly. (John 10.10) He didn’t mean “the good life” as we think of it today. Rather, Jesus came that we might be reunited with Him, and live forever. We should embrace the freedom we have as Americans, and focus our attention on uniting ourselves to Christ and His way of life.

This year, why not thank a Veteran IN PERSON, and follow that up with attending a Church service or reading about the faith. Then maybe you won’t worry so much about yourself and think about those suffering around you more. It was a Veteran who thought more about YOU and defended YOUR freedom, and risked his/her own life. You owe to that veteran to use your freedom for a holy purpose. Personally, I think that would be a better way to honor our veterans.

Don’t Miss Out on All That Great Inspiration

The other day, I was discussing this year’s Christmas program for our Sunday School. Every year our children “perform” a mini-play featuring the story of Christmas. Now, on the surface this is no different than so many other Churches throughout the country. You know how it works, a young boy and girl play the parts of Joseph and Mary and the younger children play angels, inn keepers and various barnyard animals. But I wanted our program this year to be different. As we searched for an answer to our dilemma, it occurred to me that we have never portrayed the Christmas story according to our Holy Orthodox Christian tradition. In keeping the script to the Holy Scriptures, we were limited to including very few details of the events leading up to and culminating in the Nativity in the Flesh of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ.

But…….we’re Orthodox, so we aren’t limited to just the information in the Holy Scriptures. We have a greater tradition that includes writings of the Apostles, Holy Fathers and Holy Mothers of the Church. Here are just a few things you may not know…

Most Christians consider Joseph to be a “young bachelor” looking for a wife, BUT according to the ancient Holy Tradition of the Church, and lasting through more than a full millennium, Joseph was an older man, most likely in his 70’s and a widower. He was chosen by lot as a righteous man to care for the Holy Virgin who had been raised in the Temple. As a widower, Joseph brought along his children who assisted in the journey to Bethlehem with the Holy Virgin. At the time of the Nativity of the Lord, Joseph went in search of a midwife who was needed to help care for the Virgin Mary and the about-to-be-born Christ. Her name, by-the-way was Zelomi.

Of course, all these parts of the Christmas Story are never covered by your average Sunday School Christmas Pageant since most are based solely on the Holy Scriptures. However now you realize just how much you miss if you limit yourself to “just” the Bible. There is so much more just waiting to be explored.

There are many other things that are known to us that are not available in the Holy Scriptures, such as the name of the Archangels. Only Michael and Gabriel are listed in the Holy Scriptures, but the Church also names: Raphael, Uriel, Salaphiel, Jegudiel, & Barachiel. They are listed in the Book of Enoch, which is not part of the Holy Scriptures, but known to the Church.

Now I’m not suggesting you stop reading the Holy Scriptures. I AM suggesting that there is additional beneficial information that will assist you in your journey toward Christ. This information has been available in the Church since the beginning, but has been discarded mainly by the Protestant West as part of “Sola Scriptura” movements.

One VERY famous belief of virtually every Christian is that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are “of the same essence” and undivided. BUT the word ομοούσιον (same essence) actually does not exist in the Holy Scriptures and was debated by the ancient Church for that very reason.

As we draw near to the Nativity of Our Lord this year, I encourage you to look into the wider Holy Tradition of the Orthodox Church as a venue to further your understanding and appreciation of Christmas.

Here is a link to a GREAT resource in English that compiles much of what the Church knows about the Theotokos. The book includes an extended section leading up to and including Christmas. The Life of the Virgin Mary

W4T (Word for Today) – ασυλία – immunity

Commonly used in political or legal terms, this word has also become very popular in the recent reality TV shows where immunity is earned as a reward for some type of challenge. The “winner” of immunity can’t be voted off the show and therefore is safe from elimination. If only our spiritual life were that easy! In the REAL reality show of life, such immunity doesn’t exist. We are never immune to temptation from the devil to veer off the path of righteousness. On TV the cast member with immunity normally behaves “knowing” he/she is safe from elimination. I think sometimes we live our Christianity that way, which is, I suppose, the understanding behind “once saved, always saved” which the Orthodox Church, being consistent with the Ancient Church doesn’t subscribe to.

Saint Paul said:

And if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them, and with them became a partaker of the root and fatness of the olive tree, do not boast against the branches. But if you do boast, remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you. You will say then, "Branches were broken off that I might be grafted in."Well said. Because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Do not be haughty, but fear. For if God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you either. Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off. And they also, if they do not continue in unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. For if you were cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and were grafted contrary to nature into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these, who are natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree? (Romans 11.17-24)

Stop living like you have immunity, and start living like you can be voted off the show….

The Law of Love

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” (Luke 10.27) With these words a certain lawyer told the Lord he knew the Law and what it stood for, but that wasn’t enough for this certain lawyer. “But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbor?’” (Luke 10.29) The answer Jesus gave, I suspect, wasn’t exactly what the lawyer hoped for.

The story of the Good Samaritan found in the Gospel of Luke (10.25-37) is a story about a man wanting to justify himself, but finding himself rebuffed by the Lord. He must have considered himself quite special that he would dare to test God saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” (Luke 10.25) From his response to Jesus, he obviously sees himself as already qualified for eternal life. But Jesus desired more from him.

“Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10.37) This was the Lords final words to this lawyer. He was sent to love his neighbor as himself BY showing mercy. The so-called righteous ones were the ones who ignore the wounded man. It was the supposed enemy that stopped and showed compassion on the wounded man. Our love for each other is expressed in the mercy we show each other as taught in the story of the Good Samaritan. Do you love your neighbor as the Good Samaritan? The Lord wants more for you if you’re up for the challenge. Now…Go and do likewise.

It doesn't matter where you've been; what matters is where you're going.

Saint Paul, arguably one of the greatest champions of Jesus Christ, began not merely as an unbeliever, but a strong persecutor of the Faith. In his own words he admits his atrocities. "For you have heard of my former conduct in Judaism, how I persecuted the Church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it." (Galatians 1.13) If he had remained an unbeliever, there is no telling how many Christians he would have killed. But God had a plan for him to guide the Church rather than kill it. He has a plan for you too. You may have a checkered past. You may not be the most faithful Christian around. You not even think He wants you in the Church. You might, you aren't, but He DOES want you in the Church. You're not alone. St Paul didn't respond immediately either. He said, "I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me....then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and remained with him fifteen days." (Galatians 1.16-18) The issue isn't whether or not you have always been faithful. God is calling you to repentance just as He called Saint Paul. Will you keep denying His call, or will you accept His invitation to begin a new life in Christ, where you can leave the old behind.

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Get Ready for the 40-Days of Blogging and the 2013 New Testament Challenge

Each year, I participate in the New Testament Challenge (reading the entire New Testament during the Christmas Fast) and the 40-Days of Blogging as a spiritual discipline for the Christmas Fast (also known as Advent). Both are sponsored by the Preachers' Institute which this year will be providing specific topics for each participating blog. I am really looking forward to this as it helps me personally remained focus during the so-called Christmas season.

Get ready! It's only 10 days away...

Here are the other blogs participating in the 40-Days of Blogging

You can also find the 2013 New Testament Challenge here...

It’s Not Over ‘til It’s Over; But Then It’s Over

After last week’s World Series ended, many fans (and I’m sure some coaches) in Saint Louis thought, over and over, just how they could have come “out on top” rather than losing to the Boston Red Sox. When the big game is over, the losing team returns to the locker room and immediately begins work on the next season, focusing on the mistakes and weaknesses of the past season as areas in need of improvement. In sports, reviewing the games statistics makes for a better team, because there is always another season.

But we have only one life. There is no instant replay. There are no Monday morning quarterbacks. We don’t get a chance to review the statistics in the locker room. There is only this life and what we do with it HERE and NOW is the only thing that matters. “But Abraham said, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things.”

When the rich man asked for Lazarus to come and comfort him, he was told, “And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.” The Church interprets this gulf to represent death. Once dead, we cannot change our hearts. The time to get something done is NOW, because when it’s over, it’s over.

Don’t Let Your Faith Rot on the Shelf

When Saint Paul inspires us to reap bountifully what we sow, he expects us to actually sow the seeds that God has given to us. When God gives us gifts and His Gospel, He expects us to actually do something with them. When we sow the seeds God has given to us, then we will harvest a great righteousness in the eyes of God. BUT….if we allow the seeds to rot on the shelf, we will have no harvest. When we allow the Gospel of Christ to go unused in our hearts, it will bear no fruit for God. When we sow the seeds of love in our hearts and the hearts of others, then not only will reap bountifully, we will be righteous in the eyes of God. The time has come for you to make a decision….will your faith rot or will you reap?

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Have You Ever Played with Demons?

You may not realize it, but if you have read a horoscope, had your palm read, read coffee grounds, or played any number of “dark magic” games on the market, you have played with demons. The demons are constantly waiting around for an opportunity to pounce upon the innocent walking by a “spiritual advisor” or fortune teller. As the temple of the Living God, a Christian would step away from evil demons and remain pure and united to Jesus Christ. Sometimes we need a reminder from God about the dangers of leaving our soul unprotected. The story of the Gadarene Demoniac (as described in Luke 8. 26-39) reminds us of the great danger of a soul left to the wiles of the demons. Don’t let your soul go unprotected. 

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An Unused Seed is Already Useless

St Paul said, “He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” (2 Corinthians 9.6) And here is what I would ADD to St Paul’s advice. He who doesn’t sow anything will reap NOTHING. If we don’t at least place the seed in the ground, nothing will ever grow. St Paul was attempting us to utilize the great gifts God has given to us when he also said, “Now, may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown in increase the fruits of your righteousness.” (2 Corinthians 9.10)

There is another story using the gifts God has given, in this case the gift of faith. In the Gospel of Luke we read of the healing of the woman with the flow of blood. (Luke 9.43-48) She believed, as she had been taught, that if she touched the hem of Jesus’ garments, she would be healed. Jesus eventually said, “Daughter, be of good cheer; your faith has made you well.” (Luke 9.48) If she had not used her faith, she would never have been healed by God.

In both St Paul’s advice and the healing story from the Gospel, we witness God power. This is only possible when the gift of God, either the seed of the woman’s faith, is first put to its proper use. God gives each of us gifts to be used for righteousness, but He doesn’t force us to put them to use. Just as no seed grows fruit sitting on a shelf, faith not put into action doesn’t bring righteousness. Something to think about.

Denying Christ

Lately, I have been considering the difference between denying Christ and simply keeping your faith to yourself. Jesus said, "Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. “But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 10:32 - 10:33 NKJV)

If confessing Christ requires action, is Jesus suggesting that denying Him also requires action, or is not confessing sufficient for Him to deny us? 

Considering this question from Christ's viewpoint, if He were simply to refuse to confess to knowing us, that would be as tormenting as actively denying us. 

Placed in the context of Matthew 25, where non action was indeed the cause of condemnation, I believe we will find equal torment if we do not actively confess Christ. 

Myriad martyrs throughout Church believed the same. Something to consider. 

You Can’t Have it Both Ways

Lately, I have been seeing a string of comments chastising Christians for not being in favor of certain government programs which, according to those posting criticism, promote and endorse Christian morals. One such comment recently was attributed to Former President Jimmy Carter. I’m not sure he actually said, as with so many “attributed” quotes on the internet. He supposedly said, “If you don’t want your tax dollars to help the poor, then stop saying that you want a country based on Christian values, because you don’t.” I saw another recent post accusing a “senior fellow” with the Family Research Council of saying that there “is nothing more Christian” than kicking 4 million people off food stamps. I wish to say a couple things about these quotes AND the implied purpose of posting them.

First, I have often said I don’t believe that any Christian should depend upon the government to fulfill his/her Christian obligations to humanity. As a society, our government tends to support policies that reflect the general morals of a society, whether Christian or not. I have often said that the pursuit of wealth and greed that has been woven into the fabric of America is not Christian, but a fallen state of our passions. I have also often said that the greatest Christian value is freedom and forcing another human being to help the poor is not Christian.

Second, it may be coincidence, but those who cited both of these quotes also have posted many quotes about the need for the government to support same-sex marriage, a bold departure from Christian values. Whether these quotes are accurate or not is not my purpose for this post. Rather, I am intrigued by how when it comes to same-sex marriage Christianity is supposed to be absent from the law, but when it comes to feeding the poor, Christianity should be invoked to guilt the Christian into supporting government programs feeding the poor.

The intrigue works in both directions by the way, as I know many Christians who attempt Christian policies in one sector while eliminating them in others. One such example is the so-called “pro-life” movement which opposes abortion but supports capital punishment. Neither killing is Christian.

A civil society can only remain civil with a system of laws and accepted common values that “keep the peace” among citizens. This depends upon each citizen to AGREE to abide by these laws. Where I fear we are rapidly departing from this premise, is that our system of laws no longer is focused on maintaining peace, but rather a place where individual agendas can be promoted and imposed upon others by forcing compliance in otherwise unrelated ways. When you force a member of society to actively engage in a behavior that he/she opposes, you can hardly expect a society of peace.

As an Orthodox Priest, I am fully aware that we live in a post-Christian society, but I am willing to peacefully live among those without similar Orthodox Christian values of my Church. My willingness to live peacefully however does NOT include betraying my Orthodox Christian way of life. I do not plan to tell anyone who they can/cannot/must love. I WILL continue to share with anyone willing to listen/read what our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ and His Church has to say about who we should marry. I will continue to encourage those who love the Lord to feed the poor in a personal way. I will NOT force others to do the same.

I already know government isn’t based upon Christian values, but my life is. I will live my life, and you will live your life. Occasionally our paths will cross. I won’t force you, please don’t force me. You can't have it both ways.

Is Your Heart Prepared to Receive Christ?

In the Parable of the Sower found in Luke 8.5-15, Jesus tells us of four different types of people. One hears the Gospel and loses it to the Devil because he is too distracted to pay attention. One hears the Gospel and it fades in times of temptation because it had no depth. One hears the Gospel and it dies without bearing fruit because of the riches and cares of the world choke it out. Only ONE hears the Gospel and brings fruit with patience. Only ONE has a heart pure and fertile enough for the Gospel of Jesus to germinate and grow. God sows His Seed, the Only Begotten Son and Word of God, in all hearts, but only the hearts of those who are prepared to receive Him can bear fruit. Is your heart prepared to receive Christ?

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It’s Never as Bad as it Seems

One thing that is common to EVERY person is struggle. Everyone struggles in some way during life. Some struggles are harder than others, and some people experience more struggle than others, but we all struggle. For some the struggles are woven into the rhythm of life so we don’t notice them as much as those struggles that seem to preoccupy our day. It’s those “out of the ordinary” struggles that seem to be so bad, maybe because we notice them more, maybe because they are actually harder on us. The more life experience we have however, the more we realize that our struggle could always be worse. What is it that protects us from being overtaken by struggle?

When we place our complete trust and faith in God, His grace comes upon us and we are able to endure the struggle with His help. He doesn’t always take away the struggle right away, as in the story of the Gadarene Demoniac found in Luke 8.26-39. Sometimes He protects us from serious harm, like death, until such time as His Glory can be revealed for the greatest benefit. The demoniac was possessed by legion demons for a long time. These demons were so fierce, they forced the man to live in the wilderness among the tombs with the wild beasts. In fact he was treated as a wild beast by the town folk. Then Jesus came and rescued him. Jesus commanded the demons to depart.

That is when the man realized it could have been much worse all those years than it had been. Once the demons left the young man and entered a nearby herd of swine, the demons were so fierce, the swine ran off a cliff and were drowned in the sea. God had protected the young man from the demons’ power for many years and the man was so thankful, he wanted to stay with Jesus. But Jesus commanded him, “Return to your own house, and tell what great things God has done for you.” (Luke 8.39) The greatest thing the man realized was that it’s never as bad as it seems when God is part of your life.

The Golden Rule Isn’t About You

We can all quote it, but we never really follow it. “Just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.” (Luke 6.31) The preciousness of the Golden Rule isn’t in how we can negotiate better treatment toward us, but rather, how we can treat others better without care of how they will treat us. “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you?” (Luke 6.32) The call of Christ is to love others, whether or not they will love us in return and to be like God. If God only loved us based on how we could love Him in return, He would have stayed in Heaven. We are called to do the same for others. “Just as God has done to you, you also do to others likewise.”

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Choosing Quality Seeds for Your Garden

As you know, I enjoy my garden. Not only can a garden produce delicious food for our bodies to be nourished, but it can also provide many valuable lessons for life. One thing ever gardener must understand is the quality of seeds for our particular soil. Certain seeds are not capable of bringing fruit is certain climates. Similarly, every gardener must learn to understand his particular soil and take the necessary actions to work the soil (to soften it), to amend the soil (to make it more fertile) and to weed the soil (to allow for a good crop), all in order to receive high quality seed.

Jesus knew our salvation required much the same care as our garden. But in the case of our salvation, there is no chance for a bad seed, since the seed is Christ Himself! We could say the seed of Christ’s Gospel is an heirloom seed. Heirloom seeds, when placed in fertile and well worked soil, bring delicious and plentiful fruit. The means, our focus must be on the soil of our soul.

According the Gospel, the soil of our soul is either;

…hardened not allowing the Word of God to penetrate,

…filled with temptation not allowing the Word of God to deeply root,

…filled with the cares of riches and the pleasures of life not allowing the Word of God to bring fruit,

…rich and fertile allowing the Word of God to root deeply and produce a crop a hundredfold.

We already know the seed is perfect. The only thing left is our soul. Will it be rich and fertile and receive the Word of God? Something to think about, before we go blaming the seed for our lack of fruit.

The Protection of the Theotokos

October traditionally is a month when being an Orthodox Christian seems to be very challenging. Now that the children (and college students) are back in class full swing, school-sponsored and other youth league sports call so many families to the sports field on Friday evening and all day Saturday for youth and college sports. Sunday television is dominated by NFL Football. Homecoming dances and other school-sponsored social activities fight for their place on our family calendars, not to mention HOMEWORK! And THEN comes Church…

Sunday Divine Liturgy, Wednesday Paraklesis, Saturday Vespers, Fasting Wednesday and Friday, Sunday School, Greek School, GOYA, HOPE/JOY, Bible Study…Where are we supposed to find the time for the Church activities with everything going on around us? Does the Church expect us to stop participating in sports and school dances? Can’t the Church be more flexible?

As these questions find their way into our vocabulary, we should remember that in October, the Church reminds us of the Feast of the Protection of the Theotokos. This feast, scheduled originally for October 1^st but transferred in Greek Orthodox parishes to October 28^th following World War II to coincide with “OXI Day” when the Greeks stood up against tyranny, is meant to remind us that the Mother of God, the All-Holy and Ever-Virgin Mary, is constantly watching over us as her own children. We are in fact, her children since at our Baptism we were joined to Christ and made members of His Body, the Church.

When life seems to be so complicated that we need the advice of a mother, we should consider turning to the Theotokos, and she will warmly and lovingly remind us of what matters in life. She will draw us closer to Christ and His Church for protection – and we need protection more than ever these days. This is why the Church offers the Paraklesis to the Theotokos. It is our chance to gather as a family and seek the comfort and protection of our mother, the Mother of God.

And when you arrive for Paraklesis, you can even include names of your friends and family who may not be able to come to Church but needs God’s help and His Mother’s advice. Then together we can sing the hymn:

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 Purpose of Miracles

I have been asked many times if I have ever witnessed a miracle. I have been asked if I believe in miracles. I have been asked often about miracles and why God chooses to “do a miracle” for one person and not another. Miracles, miracles, miracles. We seem to be obsessed with miracles. So it comes as “good timing” that this week’s Gospel is about miracles.

If we wish to understand God’s miracles, we must first understand AND accept that miracles are not every day events. If they were, they wouldn’t be miracles. Once we accept this point, the next step is to understand, based upon the history of the Church (which includes the Old Testament) what is ultimately accomplished in the miracles of God. In all cases the witnesses are amazed at the power of God and ultimately accept, even if not welcomed, the fact that God IS in fact God.

In this week’s miracle of the raising of the widow’s son, we hear, “Then fear came upon all, and they glorified God, saying, ‘A great prophet has risen up among us’; and, ‘God has visited His people.’” (Luke 7.16) The next time you consider requesting a miracle from God, consider why you want a miracle. If it doesn’t include helping witnesses accept and embrace the power of God, then you might want to think twice about requesting it in the first place.

By the way.....YES I have witnessed miracles, and YES I believe in miracles.