We Don't Change the Message: The Message Changes us!

There used to be a time when members of the Church would leave professions because the lifestyle of the profession was not conducive to the Christian calling. There used to be a time when we were committed the Faith of Christ enough to risk comforts to avoid temptation. There used to be time Christians considered their faith as more important than their work or recreation. Alas how things have changed.

By way of example there was a canon in the early Church that forbid members of the Church from the professions in the theater. It wasn’t that acting specifically was sinful, but that the way of the life back stage was filled with temptation and scandalous practices. It would be beneath the dignity of the Christian to be known as a member of the theater. The Church in her wisdom, remembering the words of Christ laid out in what we now call the Lord’s Prayer.... “lead us not into temptation” .... understood that is was better to avoid the temptation of the backstage life and not be in the profession.

 

Times have certainly changed, and not for the better. Now, rather than allowing the Church and Christian way of life to help us choose our professions, a large number of Christians including unfortunately a growing number of Orthodox Christians, would rather leave their Church than leave their job, if the two ways are not compatible. It is now considered old fashioned if we allow the morals of our Church to dictate how we live in private, let alone what job offer we accept.

Of course we shouldn’t be surprised. With more than 43,000 denominations considering themselves the true Church, why would we expect any Christian to remain faithful to the teachings of the Church? If we don’t like the teachings of First Avenue Christian Church, we pick up and establish Second Avenue Christian Church, and then we are surprised and offended when people leave OUR Church to establish Third Avenue Christian Church.  The cycle continues to repeat itself. That is why I read a Church sign along my daily route as so ironic...a Protestant Church claiming, “We don’t change the message: The message changes us.” ...unless of course you don’t like the message. Then you just establish a new denomination. Times sure have changed...

How Much is Enough?

A mother faced with her daughter’s serious illness, approached Jesus for help. “"Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed." (Matthew 15.22) But the Lord turned her away with what by modern expectations might be considered harsh. After putting her off; even telling His disciples that she should be sent away, said, “"It is not good to take the children's bread and throw it to the little dogs. And she said, "Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters' table." (Matthew 15.26-27) After allowing her to express her deep faith and humility in front of others, then He heals her daughter. What exactly was it that God wanted her to express to the crowd?

The mother had already expressed her belief that Jesus was able to heal her daughter. She had already proven her patience when she remained waiting for Him, even after being told to leave. But it was when she confessed that she didn’t want all His attention, nor did she expect any special treatment or anything for herself, but simply wanted her daughter to be healed from the demon. Then God granted her wish, and her daughter was healed from the very moment.

We could learn a lot from this mother, but the greatest is her deep faith and humility. She asked not for herself, but for her daughter. She didn’t ask for special attention from God, but just to be noticed. She was content in her heart to accept whatever the Lord offered her. Life is filled with opportunities for us to choose between our needs and the needs of others. Every day is a chance for us to confess in front of others that we seek God and are willing to accept whatever He has to offer at that moment. In our heart we will know it is enough.

I’m not your cruise director

I have the distinct pleasure of serving on a special board for our local newspaper. The board is known as the Faith and Values Advisory Board, and six or so Christian members of the greater city community gather each month to discuss trends and topics that might be developed as feature stories in our local newspaper’s Faith and Values Section with runs each Saturday. As part of this board I have the added pleasure of publishing a regular column on average of once every two months. Yesterday’s discussion centered around the question of why millennials are leaving the Church. In fact, even within the Orthodox Church this topic has been at the forefront of many conversations throughout the country, so I was interested to hear what others in the room had to say. The conversation was quite eye-opening.

It started with the standard excuses why millennials complain about “church” being boring, and how we as pastors don’t “speak their language”, and how we must be willing to come down to their level if we desire to reach them. One even suggested that if our Churches were not willing to install large flat screens and display the Scripture text as we preach, we will ‘never’ reach the young people. Others spoke of music styles, and still others focused on Church life outside the Sunday service.

So there I was, the only Orthodox member of the board in a room of men and women, white and black, young and old. I don’t want to get into too much detail of the conversation since most was arguing back and forth about whose approach was better etc. If those of us in the room hadn’t already been casual friends, one might have thought we were about to start throwing fists.

There was a common thread among the others – we must be willing to cater to the desires, styles, and priorities of the young people to get them in Church. Sure the Lutheran had a different version of catering than the United Methodist or Pentecostal, but each was fighting for their version of how to best cater to millennials. So I asked, “What then? What happens when their desires, styles and priorities change? What will you do then to KEEP them in Church?” Not surprisingly they would keep changing. And thus continues the patter of the ever-changing Church which reinvents itself every seven to ten years leaving last year’s millennials back on the outside.

As Orthodox Christians our worship reinforces our theology and our commitment to love God with all our heart, mind, body and soul MORE than anything else. Our worship reinforces the invitation to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Christ. Our worship directs (or at least it should) ALL our attention on God. This is beautifully expressed even in the point the clergy face God with the people rather than face the people. Our worship is about being in communion with God. But it doesn’t end with our worship.

 

Our very way of life as Orthodox Christians is meant to bring our entire being into communion with God. Our life of prayer, fasting, almsgiving, reading the Holy Scriptures, modeling our life after the Saints, attending the Divine Services (not just Liturgy) of the Church, etc are all meant to encourage us to become Holy.

Whether it is our Sunday worship, or Wednesday evening Paraklesis and Bible Study, our Orthodox Christian way of life is about being holy, it isn’t about flat screens and light shows. It is about focusing our attention on God, not ourselves. It isn’t about sponsoring the most exciting dance featuring the most popular rock-n-roll band, although we do enjoy dancing together. It is about being in the safety and comfort of the Ark of Salvation, not a holiday cruise ship. And that is why I am a Greek Orthodox Priest, and I am not a cruise director.

Someone is Praying for You

Few sermons or Sunday School lessons stand out in my mind after more than three decades. We all have similar stories. One or two, maybe three if we’re lucky, memories of a lesson we learned from an important mentor in our life. For me, one of the single most profound moments in my life, fresh in my memory as if it took place yesterday, was one Sunday in eighth grade Sunday School. Thirty-four years later, and I still remember that day.

We were asked a basic question. “If you were ever in a airplane that was about to crash, what would go through your mind?” Answers were as you would expect from a classroom full of eighth graders. Then the words of deep spiritual wisdom, maybe even holiness, came from the mouth of our teacher.

“If you are ever in a situation like this, I want you to always remember, someone in the world is praying for you. In every Greek Orthodox [I know she would say Orthodox Christian today] Church, someone is praying for you. Some monk, some nun, some priest...in every Divine Liturgy the Church is always praying for the entire world. In every time zone, in every country, there is at least one Church praying you at this very moment. Don’t ever forget that!”

And I never have. The knowledge that someone is praying for me, no matter what time it is, has comforted me in times of struggle, and guided in times of confusion. And lately has helped me in my ministry as an Orthodox Christian Priest, offer the same words of wisdom and comfort to those I encounter along the way of life.

I have now shared these words with you, and I pray you too will never forget! Someone is praying for you right now!

When was the last time you chose the Church OVER something else?

The Lord asks that we love Him more than anyone or anything else. When asked if we love the Lord this way, we often stand firm in our conviction that we love the Lord and have placed Him first in all things in our life. But do we really love Him more than anything or anyone? As I have been focusing on the importance of the life of the Church in recent weeks as a means for us to grow closer to God, I wanted to take a very brief moment to ask the question...

When was the last time you chose the Church OVER something else?

We live in a world filled with distractions and competing priorities, yet each Sunday morning the Church calls us to worship. We may not hear the actual bell tower any longer but the Church calls us nonetheless. Do we answer the call, and put everything aside for a few hours to join our brothers and sisters in Communion with God? OR....do we find other things that we rationalize are important for us to accomplish Sunday morning. We can go to Church next week, we comfort ourselves. But what have we actually accomplished? We have placed something or someone above God.

You may not agree with me on this, but I can with surprising accuracy predict families that will eventually fall away from the Church by their attendance and the level to which they are committed to the Orthodox Way of Life. When our children are raised in a family that chooses a sports game, business accounting, or even just a bit of laziness over attending the Divine Liturgy on Sunday morning, we should not be surprised when our children choose to leave the Church.  When our children are raised in families which do not even attempt to maintain the fast, we should not be surprised when our children ignore the moral teachings of the Church. In fact every time our family ignores, or worse defies, the teachings and way of life of the Church, we are teaching our children that NONE of the Church is important.

If you really desire to place God first in your life, the ONLY way to put this into practice is to place the Church as your highest priority. Make a commitment that unless a life or death emergency or serious illness keeps you from Church, you and your family will be IN CHURCH, ON TIME, EVERY SUNDAY. It won’t be as easy as it sounds, since you likely have spent many years rationalizing away your absence from Church on Sunday. But when you actually begin to choose church OVER something or someone, THEN you will experience what it means to love God above all other things.

Give it a try. Starting this week, make a commitment that you will be in Church EVERY SUNDAY, ON TIME, NO MATTER WHAT, and experience the joy of a true loving relationship with Christ. Then when you are faced with choosing to be or do something else on Sunday, ask yourself, “Is this more important than God?” Your answer will always reveal what you love more.

Don’t Bury the Church

In the Parable of the Talents, we learn that God has given
each member of the Church resources according to our ability. He has given us
the Church with the expectation that we each would make full use of the
Church’s way of life so we could grow closer to Him. The Divine Liturgy,
blessing services, Holy Confession and the other Sacraments, prayer, Holy
Scriptures, and more are each meant to help us increase in our relationship
with our Lord. Unfortunately, most of us choose not to use the resources the
Church has. We depend simply upon our ‘membership’ in the Church as if having
been given the resources is enough. Most of us choose to bury the Church rather
than increase. Most of us become the wicked lazy servant who was cast into the
outer darkness, rather than the good and faithful servant invited into heaven.
But that can all change today.

What Happens when the Church Joins the State

Over the centuries the Church has both enjoyed and suffered eras of close and sometimes total unity with the State. In cases where the State has departed from the ancient and Holy Tradition of the Church, and therefore turning its back on God, the relationship between Church and State suffers. Even in cases such as the United States in which there is not official relationship between Church and State, tensions increase when the State departs from the Way of Christ and the teachings of the Church. We can see this clearly in our current days as the legal battles against Planned Parenthood and so-called gay marriage, which are the most visible, play out in the media and courtrooms of America.

There are other tensions that evolve from Church-State partnerships, both ancient and contemporary, that serve to remind us that our Kingdom is not of this world. Today is the Feast of Saint Photios, the Patriarch of Constantinople, who himself was the center of political controversy; having been elected Patriarch after the Emperor had deposed his predecessor. Long story short, tensions increased between Rome and Constantinople, both politically and spiritually as a result. The truth of the Church was victorious, but not without a cost; there is always a cost. The Photian Schism played a role in what eventually separates Rome from the East.

There are some other more recent Church-State relations that have been a source of tension. Greece right now is undergoing a great deal of political pressure from the European Union to change a centuries old tradition of Mount Athos, by trying to force Greece to allow women to visit the Holy Mountain. Greece thus far has held its head high and refused, thankfully, but at what political cost? The President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, invoking his Orthodox Christian faith has very publicly stepped forward in the defense of Syrian Christians and others in the Middle East, using the military force of Russia in defense of the Church. Russia too is under serious pressure by Europeans and others to alter laws, such as homosexuality prohibitions, claiming the Church shouldn’t have such “power” over the State. Many have already forgotten how Serbian President Slobodan Milosovic attempted to use the Church in his war against his own citizens. In that case, thankfully the Church spoke against his efforts.

So whether the Church-State relationship is officially sanctioned as in Greece and Russia, or the tacit relationship as in America where the Church merely speaks her mind amidst the many voice clamoring for attention, the result is the same. So long as the State remains loyal to the truth of Christ, Church-State relations are peaceful and at times even thriving. However when the State departs from the truth of Christ, we can AND SHOULD expect tensions to increase in Church-State relations. The question isn’t whether or not for the Church will stand true to Christ. That should be expected. What remains is her willingness to stand publicly against the policies of the State and risk political ramifications, such as did Photios the Great. As the pendulum continues to swing away from the Way of Christ, we can only pray the Church remains faithful to the end. Our salvation depends upon it.

Keeping the Church Hidden is a Sin Against God

In the Parable of the Talents found in the Gospel of Matthew 25.14-30, which is meant to help us understand how God will judge each member of the Church, only one servant is condemned as wicked, lazy and worthless. He was condemned because he hid the talents that his master had given him, rather than using the talents to accomplish the will of his master. The others in the parable were praised because they were faithful to their master and used the talents for his will. They were escorted into the kingdom.

God has given us His Church, just as the master had given his servants talents (money) to watch over until He returns. We have been entrusted with His Church until He returns. What remains for us is whether or not we will hide the Church, as the wicked and lazy servant, or bring the Church to the world so others can benefit from her teachings and way of life.

The Church is a great treasure but if we hide it from the world, it can do nothing but collect dust. When a treasurer is hidden it cannot increase or be used for blessings. It remains locked up, dark, and useless to anyone. This is what happens when we are not active in bringing the Good News of the Church to others. There is no secret to how God wants us to use the treasure He has given us. “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’  Amen.” (Matthew 28.18-20) Let’s be the good and faithful servants, so we can also be escorted into heaven.

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What is ‘the blood’ of Jesus?

Today’s Epistle Reading: St. Paul's Letter to the Ephesians 1:1-9 - PAUL, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are at Ephesus and faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. He destined us in love to be his sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace which he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace which he lavished upon us in all wisdom and insight the mystery of his will, according to his purpose.

Living here in the Bible Belt, I often hear that we are saved by the blood of Jesus, about which I am in total agreement. But what does Saint Paul mean when he says “we have redemption through his blood?” For many Protestants, at least by the way they talk, means the very blood dripping down the bloody cross now that the vengeful God has been satisfied to taste blood on His Altar. At least that what it sounds like to me when I am told of the sacrifice and that blood had to be shed in order for God to forgive us. .... as if God was unable to simply forgive us..... He could and He did by the way.

As Orthodox Christians we are saved by the blood of Christ, but in a different way. In the Eucharist, the Body and BLOOD of Christ, in our unity with Christ, what we call Communion, through our Baptism and His Grace, we are saved from death. Just something to think about...

I’m Fasting; I’m not a Vegan

Words matter! We all know that, and when it comes to the word “vegan” it REALLY matters. When someone “is” a vegan, it normally means they refrain from using animal products (meat, eggs, dairy or any other product derived from an animal) but often extends beyond diet such as ethical standards on the treatment of animals etc. So when someone declares themselves “AS” vegan, we can presume they are speaking in terms much greater than just food.

Words aren’t the only things that matter. Intent matters as well, and that is where my diet during a fast and a vegan diet are distinctly different. My abstinence from meat, eggs, fish, dairy, and other animal products has nothing to do with how the animal is treated, but everything to do with self control and self discipline. Keep in mind the fast also includes wine and oil, neither of which are “off limits” to vegans.

You might say that vegans and those who keep the fast share one thing in common....we allow our philosophy of life to determine how, what, and when we eat. Beyond that, other than what is on the plate, there is nothing in common with a vegan and one who keeps the fast. Since today is Wednesday, A FAST DAY, I thought I would ask us to consider WHY we fast...and not WHAT we eat today.

He Who Condescended for our Salvation

Most of us think of this word in the negative. “I would NEVER condescend to....” or “He was so condescending....” that when we hear the word used in reference to Jesus Christ our ears sort of perk up?....or at least they should.

Today is the Feast of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple, which commemorates Christ’s 40-day blessing according to the Law. You can read the entire story in the Gospel of Luke 2.22-40. It was a big day for humanity as the righteous Symeon was blessed to hold the infant Christ in his arms. He had received a vision from God that he would not die before setting his eyes on the Christ. When he held Christ in the Temple, he prayed...

Lord, now let your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.

There are so many great things about today, but I wanted to touch on the word condescension with my post for today. As part of the dismissal prayer, the Priest begins, “May He Who condescended to be held in the arms of the Righteous Symeon for our salvation, Christ our God....” This formula is used for more Feasts of Christ. For Epiphany it read, “May He Who condescended to be baptized in the Jordan by John...” etc. You get the point. But when we hear the word condescended we must not think negatively toward what God is accomplishing, but with thanks.

You see, for the Creator of the world to dare to allow the world to see Him, let alone hold Him in their arms as with today’s Feast, this is a moment of God’s great mercy as He condescends (literally comes down to our level) to save us. But it doesn’t end there.....we are only saved when He returns to the Father bringing us with Him, restored to our true humanity in communion with God. God doesn’t merely come down to our level, but LIFTS US UP to His level in heaven. That is what makes it a great mystery.

Many people today talk about the need for the Church to come down the level of the people, but unfortunately I fear most believe the Church should stay down at our level. If Christ had come down, and then stayed, we would never have been saved. Remember we can only be saved when we are LIFTED up with Christ. If the Church does not work to lift us up, we will remain fallen. So, be thankful when the Church struggles to lift you up. Don’t fight against the Church, because she is only trying to save you.

Blessed Month

It is a Greek custom to wish friends a “Καλό Μήνα” or a “Blessed Month” on the first day of the month. What I enjoy so much about this tradition is the manner in which the Greek people have been able to incorporate their Orthodox Christian Faith with daily life. In an attempt to always include God in our daily plans, each month begins with a prayer for blessing. In the ancient Church (at least as far back as the early 4^th century) it has been the custom of the Church to celebrate the Blessing of the Waters on the first day of the month. This blessing invites God into our very calendar. So....have a blessed month! If you are in Florence, join us for the Blessing of the Waters at 6pm.

Climb Above the Crowd

We each have something that gets between us and God. We each
have a crowd that stops us from seeing God. I’m not talking about people
specifically, but the temptations and life-stress that preoccupy our attention.
We spend so much time planning the small things in life; we forget the
importance of making a plan to see God. The Orthodox way of life helps us to climb
above the crowd of obstacles and challenges. The Church life is our plan.

Why do we go to Church?

As I mentioned last month, this year we will always ask why we do what we do as an Orthodox Christian Church Community and as members of the Church. Last month I mentioned very briefly why the Church sponsors youth ministries. I will in other months be more specific about certain ministries like Sunday School, but this month I want to explain why we go to Church. If you are taking the time to actually read this month’s newsletter, chances are pretty good that you have attended at least one Church service this year.

Have you ever asked yourself why you woke up that Sunday morning and spent between one and three hours in the Church? Have you ever wondered why you didn’t just stay home and enjoy a quiet morning with your family? Have you ever asked yourself why the Church teaches you should be in Church EVERY Sunday? There are so many choices of other activities and reasons to NOT go to Church on Sunday, let alone on a weekday, you may have realized that in fact you haven’t gone to Church as much as you “should” because of any number of reasons.

The reasons many give for not going to Church vary, but with the exception of being physically ill, ALL REASONS for not going to Church are accepted because we have never realized WHY we go to Church in the first place. Here are some of the reasons many give when they don’t go to Church.

• I don’t go to Church because it wasn’t important for my family when I was young.
• I don’t go to Church because the Bible teaches we don’t have to go to Church to pray.
• I don’t go to Church because I don’t have any friends there, and I don’t like going alone.
• I don’t go to Church because I don’t like all the ethnic stuff.
• I don’t go to Church because I don’t like the guilt trip the Priest gives in his sermon.

Coincidentally the reasons many give for going to Church are  opposite of the reasons NOT to attend.

• I go to Church because my mother taught me to go to Church on Sunday.
• I go to Church because the Bible teaches we should go to Church on Sunday.
• I go to Church to connect with my friends and other family members.
• I go to Church to connect with my cultural heritage (Greek, Romanian, Russian, Palestinian, etc)
• I go to Church because I feel good when I’m in the Church.

So which of these reasons is correct? ..... NONE OF THEM....

We go to Church to be made Holy by God, and to grow closer to Him through Holy Communion. Jesus Christ didn’t established His Church to promote one culture above another. Jesus Christ didn’t establish His Church so we could have a warm fuzzy feeling inside while we hear a really good choir. If we go to Church FOR ANY OTHER REASON than to be made Holy by God, we will ALWAYS be disappointed and bored. We will ALWAYS want to be somewhere else on a Sunday morning, let alone during the week, unless we want God to make us Holy.

When we go to Church to be made Holy by God, then it won’t matter how good the choir sounds, it won’t matter what language the Priest uses, it won’t matter how many friends we see during coffee hour. After all, there will always be better choirs to hear and more friends to sit with. There will always be something on TV in the language we enjoy. But ONLY IN THE CHURCH can we be made Holy.

What unity is and what unity is not

I enjoyed a delightful breakfast this morning with a group of Christian clergy who had been gathered to discuss plans to improve our city. The program identified several urgent areas which needed attention in our city, one of which was racial tensions in our city. Racial tensions are nothing new in our southern city, but what struck me today was a confusion of a basic Christian ideal – the goal of unity.

I despise racism. Let me make the perfectly clear. I would love to wake up tomorrow in a world, let alone a city, in which racism did not exist. But I will not be choosing to participate in the group effort of the Christian clergy I met this morning. It isn’t because they want to end racial tension in our city, but because the group believes that an effort to end racial tension is a witness of our Christian unity.

There is just one thing wrong with that.....we Christians are not united. In 2012 Gordon Conwell seminary released a study which identified MORE THAN 43,000 Christian denominations. How can anyone honestly claim the Christian “Church” (the term is for another post) is united? There are more than 43,000 definitions of Who God is, why He came, what He accomplished, and what all that means for our salvation.

Shortly before His Passion, Jesus prayed for unity in the Church, “that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.” (John 17.22-23) There is absolutely no way to understand that 43,000 denominations EACH teaching a different ‘truth’ about God, can be considered as the same unity that exists in the Holy Trinity. The Holy Trinity is united in essence and doctrine, in will and love. Jesus said, “He who has seen Me, has seen the Father.” (John 14.9) 43,000 denominations do not share essence, doctrine, will, and often hatred and judgment rather than love for each other; each Church professing they “have” the truth and others are the Church in name only.

As Orthodox Christians we take seriously Jesus Christ’s prayer for unity in essence and doctrine, will and love. This is why we do not share Communion with those outside the Church or who are divided from the Church. The Eucharist is the expression of our unity in Orthodoxy, but it is not a vehicle to achieve that unity. As Orthodox Christians, with communities on every continent on the face of the Earth, we are already united with people of all races in the Holy and Sacred Chalice during Divine Liturgy. The Orthodox Church has already conquered racism globally. We just have a bit more work to do locally in our individual willingness to embrace others in our Churches.

So my invitation to the city of Florence....come to Church, be Orthodox, and we will enjoy the unity that Christ calls each of us in our heart.

You Can’t See God without a Little Planning

When Jesus was coming to town, Zacchaeus wanted nothing more than to see Him, but he was short a large crowd had surrounded Jesus. Zacchaeus knew that Jesus would pass by soon, and he had to come up with a plan if there was any hope of seeing Jesus. So he made a plan. He planned to climb a tree so, even if the crowd was large, he would be able to see Jesus. And Jesus took notice. “Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for I must stay at your house today.” (Luke 19.5) His plan worked; he saw Jesus.

There will always be obstacles in your life getting between you and Jesus. We call those obstacles temptation and sin, but with a plan, you can overcome them, climb above them, and join Jesus in Heaven. When Zacchaeus acted upon his plan to see Jesus, he received something more. Jesus came and stayed with him, and we call that communion. Only when you make a plan to climb above temptation and sin will you be able to commune with God.

Today you have a chance to look ahead and make a plan to experience communion with God. Soon the Church will begin the season of Triodion and Great Lent, and unless you make a plan from now, you will find yourself too busy, with too many obstacles between you and God, to make the most of Great Lent. Consider this year your chance to climb the tree, and make the most of Great Lent so you can see God. Then when Pascha comes and God arrives, He will look at you and say, “I must stay in your heart today.” And you will welcome Him into your heart just as Zacchaeus welcomed Jesus into his home, but it will only happen with a little planning. So start planning.

Allow yourself to be tamed

Today’s Epistle Reading: St. James' Universal Letter 3:1-10 - BRETHREN, let not many of you become teachers, for you know that we who teach shall be judged with greater strictness. For we all make many mistakes, and if any one makes no mistakes in what he says he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body also. If we put bits into the mouths of horses that they may obey us, we guide their whole bodies. Look at the ships also; though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So the tongue is a little member and boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by a small fire! And the tongue is a fire. The tongue is an unrighteous world among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the cycle of nature, and set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by humankind, but no human being can tame the tongue - a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brethren, this ought not to be so.

When a wild horse is captured and tamed to accept a saddle and rider, we use the “broken” since the wild will of the horse has been broken to accept the will of the rider. The same could be said of Christians. As Saint James says in today’s reading, the tongue cannot be tamed since it is like a wild animal, yet we are asked to tame the nonetheless. The life of the Church to those who are wild can be equated to the work of breaking a horse. But for those of us who desire our will to be the will of God, the life of the Church is a blessing to tame our tongue. A horse fights against his trainer because he is both ignorant to the will of the trainer, and because he is wile. We are neither wild, nor are we ignorant to the will of God. And yet we fight the Church. Why?

Once a horse has been broken and has come to trust his trainer, the two build a life-long relationship of mutual respect and dedication. A loyal horse has been known to rescue his trainer from serious danger. Once we understand the Church desires only to train our soul to accept God’s will, then we can engage in a life-long relationship based upon respect and dedication, but our will must be tamed first. We can either fight our trainer (the Church), and suffer through the process, or we can embrace the Church and allow ourselves to be led to God. Thankfully we are not wild animals, but human beings who have been given free will be God. Unlike wild horses, God will not break our will, but invite us offer our will to Him.

What is a Theologian?

Today is the Feast of Saint Gregory the Theologian, so I thought I would add to our discussion about Orthodox terms with the question, “What is a theologian?” A “THEOLOGIAN” is someone who has studied God and, in most cases, has been given the blessing of the Church to TEACH about God. The Church takes her role as protecting the truth of God very seriously, so when someone is bestowed with the blessing to teach, it signifies a certain level of trust the Church has placed within the teaching of the particular person. The outward ‘sign’, or uniform of a theologian is the Rasson (the black robe with extra large sleeves warn while teaching) and is seen on clergy when they are teaching outside of a liturgical context.

In the case of Saint, the term Theologian can be equated in a simple way to the academic title of Doctor, and while it is not a complete parallel since there are many more academic doctors than there are Theologian Saints, the term is not bestowed lightly by the Church. In fact, only three saints have been given the ‘title’ theologian – Saint John the Evangelist and Theologian, Saint Symeon the New Theologian, and today’s Saint Gregory the Theologian. That isn’t to say the other Saints were not theologians and did not teach, as if deed they did. It is to show the special place within Church history of these three Theologian Saints.

While the term suggests a certain level of academic training, I can’t emphasize enough that a ‘true’ theologian isn’t someone who studies ‘about’ God, but actually ‘knows’ God intimately through prayer and communion. The more each of us grows in Communion with God, the more we each because true theologians – someone who knows God.

What Does it Mean to Call Yourself Orthodox?

What Does it Mean to Call Yourself Orthodox?

Most Orthodox Christians boast proudly about being Orthodox,
but many don’t fully understand what it means to be Orthodox. When we look at
the healing of the blind man found in Luke 18.35-43, we can identify three
characteristics that describe what it means to call yourself Orthodox.

A. We must always be aware of our surroundings.

B. We must have a proper understanding of the Holy Scriptures
and the Teachings of the Church

C. Our Faith must be reflected in our life.

Unfortunately many Orthodox Christians are blind to the
opportunities to receive God’s blessings, some even rejecting Holy Communion.
Others allow non-Orthodox Churches to influence their understanding of the Holy
Scriptures, so they cannot recognize God’s grace when they see it. And too many
never allow the way they live to reflect the truth of their Orthodox Christian
Faith.

Were you in Church today?

Thousands of Orthodox Christians were unable to attend Divine Liturgy today due to a bad winter storm. Thousands were denied the ability to receive the Grace of God because they were unable to attend Divine Liturgy. At best they sat at home WATCHING on their computer screens one of the many Divine Liturgy LIVE STREAMs available throughout the Archdiocese. If you don’t live in the Central Atlantic States or the New York area where snow forced many Churches to close today, did you take the opportunity to attend Divine Liturgy?

When so many are unable to receive Holy Communion, it becomes imperative for those who are able to attend Divine Liturgy to make every effort to attend Divine Liturgy and receive Holy Communion. Where were you today? Did you take the opportunity to receive the grace of God in Divine Liturgy and Holy Communion, or did you choose to stay home? The early Church felt it was so disrespectful for people who were allowed to receive Holy Communion, but refuse to either properly prepare or simply reject the grace of God in the Eucharist, that they were penalized with a penance of temporary excommunication. The Church took seriously the order within the Church.

How could someone who COULD receive Holy Communion REFUSE Holy Communion when so many others, whether out of penance or because they were not members of the Church WANTED to receive but were FORBIDDEN? Where were YOU today?

The Holy Canons as Guide Posts

Today’s Gospel Reading: Mark 2:23-28; 3:1-5 - At that time, Jesus was going through the grainfields; and as they made their way his disciples began to pluck heads of grain.  And the Pharisees said to him, "Look, why are they doing what is not lawful on the sabbath?"  And he said to them, "Have you never read what David did, when he was in need and was hungry, he and those who were with him: how he entered the house of God, when Abiathar was high priest, and ate the bread of the Presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and also gave it to those who were with him?"  And he said to them, "The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath; so the Son of man is lord even of the sabbath." Again he entered the synagogue, and a man was there who had a withered hand.  And they watched him, to see whether he would heal him on the sabbath, so that they might accuse him.  And he said to the man who had the withered hand, "Come here."  And he said to them, "Is it lawful on the sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to kill?"  But they were silent.  And he looked around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, and said to the man, "Stretch it out," and his hand was restored.

The religious elite were always out to trap Jesus in breaking the Law, but the Author of the Law can never break His own Law. The reason they were not successful was because they never fully understood the Law in the first place. For many of the elite the Law represented chains and oppression rather than freedom and grace.

I often find the same true of Orthodox Christians. The rules of the Church, what we call the Holy Canons, are meant to free us and bestow grace in and through our lives. They are meant to lead us to a Christ-filled life, and away from the fleshly life. Naturally if we prefer the flesh, we will consider the Holy Canons as limiting and oppressive, especially living in a so-called free society. HOWEVER...if we seek the Lord, we will appreciate the Holy Canons as guide posts (a better translation of Canon than rule) in our journey to Christ.

Whether the Holy Canons require fasting or forbid fasting, it is to guide our proper understanding of fasting and the proper place it has in our salvation journey. Whether the Holy Canons forbid or allow Holy Communion, it is to inspire our soul to desire communion with God rather than the world. The religious elite of Jesus’ time could not understand the difference, I pray we are able.

Do You Have the Proper Understanding of Scripture?

In the Gospel we hear of a blind man who knew Jesus even before he ever met him. The story goes, “At that time, as Jesus drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging; and hearing a multitude going by, he inquired what this meant. They told him, "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by." And he cried, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" (Luke 18.35-38) According to Saint Cyril of Jerusalem in his Commentary on Luke, the blind man must have know the scriptures about the coming of the Messiah. How else would he have known to call Jesus, the Son of David? How else would he have known that Jesus could heal his blindness? They didn’t have Lasik surgery back then. He knew his scriptures, but so did the Pharisees and they rejected Christ. What is the difference?

It is possible to know the words of the Holy Scriptures without knowing their proper meaning. The devil has the Bible memorized, so obviously memorizing the words (with or without chapter and verse numbers) is not enough to prepare your heart to receive Christ. We must understand the proper full meaning of the Holy Scriptures, and the only way to learn them is from the Church. The reason for the Sunday sermon each week isn't to provide good moral teaching. The Sunday sermon is meant for us to learn the Orthodox Christian understanding of the Holy Scriptures AS HANDED DOWN through the centuries.

How we understand the Scriptures will have an effect in how we understand God and His plan for our salvation. If we have an incorrect understanding as the Pharisees did, then we run the risk of rejecting Him and following our own (or others’) interpretation of what it means to be saved. The blind man knew properly the Holy Scriptures, and worshiped Him. Let’s follow the blind man and be properly prepared to receive Christ.

Do we even NEED God anymore?

Today’s Gospel Reading: Luke 6:17-23 - At that time, Jesus stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem and the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured.  And all the crowd sought to touch him, for power came forth from him and healed them all.  And he lifted up his eyes on His disciples, and said: "Blessed are you poor, for yours is the Kingdom of God.  Blessed are you that hunger now, for you shall be satisfied.  Blessed are you that weep now, for you shall laugh.  Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude you and revile you, and cast out your name as evil, on account of the Son of man!  Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven."

I often wonder if the ancient world had the many medical technologies and drug advances that we are blessed with today, if people would have even felt the need for God. Today’s Gospel reading is another example of crowds gathering around Christ to be healed. Most of them never knew they would receive anything more than physical healing. If people could have approached their village doctor and received a prosthetic limb, would the lame have approached God? If people had a local optometrist, would the blind have ask Jesus for their sight? If Jerusalem had an oncology department, would the woman with the flow of blood ever have reached out and touched the fringe of His garment?

 If God is nothing more than a healthcare professional, then science and technology have made our need for Him obsolete. Don’t get me wrong, science is a great gift of God, and I would never suggest otherwise, but we can’t ignore that it creates a false sense of security among human beings. If there is no perceived “need” that cannot be met by either popping a pill, or calling the nearest university research department, what is left that draws us to God? AND.....is the constant longing for eternal life inherent in the human soul the cause of our, at times, neurotic obsession with curing illness?

These are the questions that sometimes land in my mind as I review and prepare for various classes and sermons. This coming Sunday’s Gospel lesson is about a blind man who is healed and follows Christ worshiping Him. When we are healed by our doctors, do we go to the Church and light a candle and thank God? Have we forgotten that every perfect gift is from above? (James 1.17) Do we even NEED God anymore?

Pride can be a Dangerous Thing

Since yesterday was Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, I watched the movie Selma last night and was struck with a strong sense of pride. During a moment of intense struggle between whites and blacks in the South, Greek Orthodox Archbishop IAKOVOS participated in the March on Selma. His involvement was depicted also in the movie. My personal pride peaked while I watched the scene which depicted a brief dialogue between MLK and IAKOVOS.

MLK: “You came!” (smiling and embracing)

IAKOVOS: “You called, and I came.”

What struck my pride was that this was the ONLY interaction between MLK and other religious leaders that the movie chose to depict. I have no idea what other interactions MLK had with national religious leaders that day, but I was quite proud that the movie’s director felt strong enough sense to include the brief interaction. There are many possible reasons for the director’s choice, but I don’t want to dwell on that. Instead, I want to consider the role pride plays in how I watched the movie last night, and how Greek Orthodox Christians react to the, now famous march and presence of IAKOVOS on the cover of Life Magazine, story.

At the time, many Greeks were very upset at the decision of the Archbishop to participate in the march. Several of his advisors at the time advised the Archbishop not to participate, but he insisted. Following the march, many Greeks turned against the Archbishop and several protests took place among southern Greek communities.

Fast forward to 2016 and almost every Greek publicly announces that OUR ARCHBISHOP marched with MLK, with puffed up chests and pride. Admittedly, I doubt most people who speak proudly today were active in the Church fifty years ago, but what changed? Is the pride I felt last night based upon the same aspect of pride for those who boast today, 50 years later? I must admit my pride was based upon the director’s choice to include what otherwise would have been insignificant piece of film that would have not affected the movie in any way if it ended up on the cutting room floor. My pride seemed to be generated by the presumption, on my part, that the director recognized the value of the original interaction, if it actually historically occurred in the first place. My Archbishop was bold enough to stand up to his own advisors and many within the Church for the truth of the Church – all people should be treated with dignity. I was thankful for his boldness.

But what causes a population to protest against their archbishop one year, and then fifty years later with pride proclaim how proud they are of their archbishop. The only difference between today and fifty years ago is the public perspective on the situation. So long as other Americans were protesting the march, the Greeks felt pressure to protest as well. They felt they could not risk gaining the reputation of being pro-black in the South. I can’t ignore that organizations such as the KKK burned crosses in many front yards, not just black front yards, and many of those yards were Greek!  The 1920’s must have been fresh in the mind of Greeks who had only recently (by the 1960’s) raised their own stature among America’s elite white class. Today with very few exceptions, the March on Selma is considered an important turning point in race relations. Now from the comfort of social acceptance many Greeks find themselves able to show pride in their Archbishop.

One thing still sits uneasy in my mind....is the pride of today and the protest of yesterday the same issue? Are we just trying to stay with the majority in an attempt to be seen as normal? Are we simply not willing to stand up for what is right, whether or not the elite white class agree? What do we really have pride in; the boldness of an archbishop or the acceptance of the elite? Pride can be a dangerous thing. 

To Be Made Well

The Church does a wonderful job teaching what we should and
should not do in our daily lives. But when we fall short of the Church’s
teachings, many of us are too ashamed or feel shunned, to even approach the
Church in repentance. What’s worse, when we finally repent, many of us continue
on our way without returning to God to thank and worship Him, and we remain
sick in our sin. Whether our own shame or the shunning of others, we must fully
repent and return to God to thank and worship Him. When we fully repent, then
we will hear the words, “Your faith has made you well.”

The Role of Spiritual Discipline, what we call Ascesis

Today the Orthodox Church commemorates the memory of the father of monasticism, Saint Anthony the Great. To perfect his calling of dedicating his entire life to Christ, Saint Anthony lived in the desert as an ascetic in response to Christ’s challenge to “see all that you have and give to the poor.”(Matthew 19.21) Saint Athanasios knew him personally and considered his love for God second to none, and that God’s grace filled his life. When we consider the life of Saint Anthony, we understand the spiritual benefit of the ascetic life, without necessarily spending our life in the desert.

The Greek word, ‘ασκησης, can be translated as, exercise, and when used in the spiritual sense refers to various disciplines or practices that help shape our soul and guide our journey closer to Christ. Saint Anthony lived a life of prayer and fasting with only the most basic food, but not all Christians need to leave the city and live in the desert to life a life dedicated to God. By prayerfully being guided by our spiritual father, the spiritual disciplines of the Church – prayer, fasting, almsgiving, the sacramental life – we can grow closer to God.

Just as living in the desert brought grace to Saint Anthony, following the daily disciplines of the Church, will help you not only grow closer to God, but His Grace will also grow. Who knows....maybe someday the world will remember your grace-filled life and dedication to God. It all begins with spiritual discipline and ascesis. 

Venerating Peter's Chains

Today’s Epistle Reading: Acts of the Apostles 12:1-11 - ABOUT THAT TIME, Herod the king laid violent hands upon some who belonged to the church. He killed James the brother of John with the sword; and when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. This was during the days of Unleavened Bread. And when he had seized him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending after the Passover to bring him out to the people. So Peter was kept in prison; but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the Church. The very night when Herod was about to bring him out, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries before the door were guarding the prison; and behold, an angel of the Lord appeared, and a light shone in the cell; and he struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, "Get up quickly." And the chains fell off his hands. And the angel said to him, "Wrap your mantle around you and follow me." And he went out and followed him; he did not know that what was done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. When they had passed the first and the second guard, they came to the iron gate leading into the city. It opened to them of its own accord, and they went out and passed on through one street; and immediately the angel left him. And Peter came to himself, and said, "Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting."

Today the Church venerates the very chains that held Saint Peter in prison. Some may wonder why the Church would venerate anything physical let alone prison chains. The Book of Acts teaches that even the shadow of Saint Peter was known for its healing miracles. “And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them. Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed.” (Acts 5.14-16) If Peter’s shadow, why not the chains which participated in his miraculous release from prison?

To this some may argue that the various stories of handkerchiefs and shadows are legends that cannot be proven. Others would say that it is only the power of God that heals. It is true that ONLY the power of God heals and performs miracles, but history and the Church has witnessed that God often works His miracles through these holy objects. If venerating these holy objects helps us experience God’s grace, which He brought into creation through His Baptism and the power of the Holy Spirit, then may it be blessed by God.....so long as we never lose sight of the FACT that it is faith in God that accomplishes any good thing. Remember it isn't about being right; it is about being healthy.

Don't be right; be healthy

Today’s Epistle Reading: St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians 5:22-26; 6:1-2 - Brethren, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such there is no law.  And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.  If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.  Let us have no self-conceit, no provoking of one another, no envy of one another.  Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness.  Look to yourself, lest you too be tempted.  Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

I was having a conversation the other day about the sad reality that there were over 43,000 denominations of Christianity. I was told by a Protestant Pastor that the many, VERY MANY, denominations was no different than the four Gospels. I couldn’t disagree more, so I called a friend of mine who used to be a Protestant Pastor, but now serves as a Greek Orthodox Priest. He said something that really made sense to me.

Protestants want to be right. Orthodox want to be healthy.

Looking at today’s Epistle reading, we see the goal of a healthy Christian life – the fruit of the Holy Spirit. We also see the symptoms of an unhealthy Christian life. Upon our Baptism, we Orthodox believe that the Holy Spirit bestows these gifts, and it is for us to maintain and nurture them. We maintain the gifts through the life of the Church, a life that has been perfected through centuries of holy men and women we call saints – the Fathers and Mothers of the Church.

Beware the devil's pride

Today’s Gospel Reading: Luke 4:1-15 - At that time Jesus returned from the Jordan, and was led by the Spirit for forty days in the wilderness, tempted by the devil. And he ate nothing in those days; and when they were ended, he was hungry. The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command the stone to become bread." And Jesus answered him, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone.'" And the devil took him up, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time, and said to him, "To you I will give all this authority and their glory; for it has been delivered to me, and I will give it to whom I will. If you, then, will worship me, it shall all be yours." And Jesus answered him, "It is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.'" And he took him to Jerusalem, and set him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here; for it is written, 'He will give his angels charge of you, to guard you,' and 'On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.'" And Jesus answered him, "It is said, 'You shall not tempt the Lord your God.'" And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time. And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee, and a report concerning him went out through all the surrounding country. And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all.

If today’s Gospel reading teaches us anything, it is that we should NEVER underestimate the pride and cunning agenda of the devil. The devil very well Who Jesus Christ was when he tried tempting Him. The devil’s pride was so strong, that he for a moment thought that the Immortal Son of God, of one essence with the Father, might somehow fall to pride as the angels once did. Now those angels are dark demons enslaved to the devil, rather than freely serving God. What will your response be when the devil tempts you to bow down and worship him rather than serving God? If you think you are beyond the devil’s temptation, go back and read today’s Gospel lesson again. 

Pride takes its toll

Today's Epistle Reading from the

Acts of the Apostles 18:22-28

"IN THOSE DAYS, when Paul had landed at Caesarea, he went up and greeted the church, and then went down to Antioch. After spending some time there he departed and went from place to place through the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples. Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesos. He was an eloquent man, well versed in the scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue; but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him and expounded to him the way of God more accurately. And when he wished to cross to Achaia, the brethren encouraged him, and wrote to the disciples to receive him. When he arrived, he greatly helped those who through grace had believed, for he powerfully confuted the Jews in public, showing by the scriptures that the Christ was Jesus."

You ever wonder why so many denominations exist in the Christian Church? If every Christian Leader followed the example of Apollos in today's reading, and allowed the Church to teach them to teach "more accurately" there would still be one single Church. But alas, pride takes its toll on the Church. 

What is a Cenobiarch?

On any given day the Orthodox Church commemorates a number of saints. Today, among others, the Church commemorates Theodosius the Cenobiarch. You can find a bit more about him here, but it occurred to me that the Church uses terms that many hear or read without understanding. When the term goes undefined for us, the beauty of understanding can be totally lost. The Church uses terms to help us, not hinder us, so I decided to very briefly define the term. Sure, if you go to the link for Saint Theodosius, you will find the same information, but you may not, so here it is...

A cenobiarch is the leader of a cenobitic monastery. That doesn’t help much. I was taught as a little boy that you were not allowed to use the word in its own definition. So was is a cenobitic monastic? Cenobitic monasticism is communal by definition. It was what most of us think of when we think monastery. A group of monastics living together, working together, praying and worshiping together, separated from the daily life of the world, so they can commune with God. Cenobitic monasticism is different from other forms such as hermitages which are lone monastics that only come together for communal worship, and then only at certain times.

When a saint bears the title Cenobiarch, that means they were a leader of a cenobitic monastery or group of monasteries, so the title also teaches us that the saint was respected and trusted by others to help them find Christ.

The more we know about terms, the more we understand what the Church is trying to teach us, so now you know a bit more about why Saint Theodosius should be studied and trusted. Every bit helps. By the way....Saint Theodosius the Cenobiarch is “important enough” a Saint to be included in the Proskomede Prayers (Prayers of Preparation) for Holy Communion, offered before every Divine Liturgy. 

Follow the Light

As the Church celebrates the Feast of Epiphany, Light has
come into the world to lead us out of darkness. The problem is that the world
is filled with obstacles that obscure our view of the Light, and we often find
ourselves lost in the darkness. Thankfully God has provided us with His Church
to help remove the distractions and obstacles so we can see the Light and
follow the light. Having Light shining in the darkness only helps if we can see
it, but if we don’t follow the Light of the Church we will remain in darkness
and lost forever. 

We Have Seen the Light

In every Divine Liturgy, following Holy Communion, we sing the hymn, “We have seen the Light, the true Light, we have received the heavenly Spirit; we now have found the true faith, by worshiping the undivided Trinity, Who has saved us.” This declaration of faith is a confirmation that Jesus Christ is the same Light that God has promised His people. We hear in the Gospel that Jesus traveled to Galilee after John the Baptist was arrested. There is a direct reference to Jesus, Who is the Light, being seen in the darkness. This was prophesied by Isaiah (see Isaiah 9.2)

We live in a world surrounded by darkness and temptation, no differently than those in Galilee at the time of Christ or Isaiah. With the celebration of the Feast of Theophany (God Revealed), the hymn from the Divine Liturgy makes more sense, but only if we allow the Light to illuminate our path. Having light shine in the darkness only has value if it leads out of the darkness. This was beautifully expressed during our candlelit celebration for Theophany last week. The Altar was filled with light while the faithful were in darkness with lit candles symbolizing the Light in the darkness. As we approached for Holy Communion, we approached the Light and left the darkness behind.

With the New Year and New Year Resolutions still lingering, we have an excellent opportunity to act upon the words of Christ. The Gospel sets a beautiful image set in Galilee, as a light in darkness. Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4.17) Now is the perfect time to follow the Light out of the darkness. Start the New Year with repentance and leave the darkness behind. 

God has something better planned for you

Have you ever heard this statement when you are feeling down about something in your life? I have and I’m getting sick and tired of hearing it, not because I don’t believe it, but because I do. Allow me to explain..

In my conversations with many people who use this phrase, they are sure God means, “Don’t worry honey. I have something better coming your way. Any day now you should be receiving my blessing and you will be really pleased.” Then they go on through life expecting that something great any day, but any day never comes. They are never satisfied.

God DOES have something better planned for us, but it isn’t in THIS life. Once we realize the something better is eternity with Him, we will finally stop looking around every corner for raises, better health, a nicer home, or friendlier friends. Once we realize what God meant when He said we had to be willing to lose our life in order to gain it, THEN we will live at peace.

Baptism is not mere Pretense

Today’s Epistle Reading: St. Paul's Letter to the Romans 6:3-11 - Brethren, all who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death.  We were buried therefore with Him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.  For if we have been united with Him in a death like His, we shall certainly be united with Him in a resurrection like His.  We know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the sinful body might be destroyed, and we might no longer be enslaved to sin.  For he who has died is freed from sin.  But if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him.  For we know that Christ being raised from the dead will never die again; death no longer has dominion over Him.  The death He died He died to sin, once for all, but the life He lives He lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Living here in the ‘Baptist South’ I am often confronted with the notion that Baptism is merely an outward act of obedience and confession, and that no actual grace is conveyed. Additionally I am told that there is no ontological change in Baptism. We must be baptized, that much is agreed, but what exactly takes place during that Baptism, at least here in the ‘Baptist South’ continues to be a point of contention.

The Orthodox Church takes seriously the call to a New Life In Christ once we are baptized. It is the new life that frees us from the burden of sin and death. If Baptism is merely an outward act of obedience, it is nothing more than pretense. 

Learning from the Church Calendar

Today’s Gospel Reading: John 1:29-34 - At that time, John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, 'After me comes a man who ranks before me, for he was before me.' I myself did not know him; but for this I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel." And John bore witness, "I saw the Spirit descend as a dove from heaven, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him; but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, 'He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.' And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God."

The day after the Feast of Theophany the Church commemorates the Synaxis of Saint John the Baptist, the Prophet and Forerunner. You can always tell what the Church teaches about a saint or feast by the way the calendar fluctuates. For example, yesterday was the Feast of Theophany and even though it was a Wednesday, it was a fast-free day. Compare that with the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos, another of the Twelve Great Feasts of the Church, but if the Feast happens to fall on a Wednesday or Friday, the fast is only lightened (fish and oil are allowed) but not eliminated. There are many other ways to understand the Church teachings by interpreting the services used to celebrate the feasts. Take notice of the Scripture readings and hymns and you will better understand the expression of the Church.

For example, since today the Church honors the memory of Saint John the Baptist, who lived a life of total humility and always turned attention toward God rather than himself. It speaks volumes that the Church highlights a Scripture reading in which John the Baptist positions himself was not even knowing who Jesus was until AFTER the Baptism. YET.....moments before actually baptizing Jesus, he said, “I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?” (Matthew 3.14) It seems clear that John the Baptist knew who Jesus was. They were cousins after all. So was this false humility?

There was never any false humility in John the Baptist. In today’s reading, true to form for the Baptist, our attention in turned toward God’s revelation of Jesus rather than John’s rank. We can be assured of John’s greatness by focusing on the words of Christ Who said, “Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist.” (Matthew 11.11) What better way to celebrate the greatest humble man than to emphasize God’s revelation rather than his greatness! The Church is filled with examples of such nuances in the services and calendar of the Church. In this new year I encourage you to make more effort to pay attention to the Church calendar and learn from the choices the Church has made in our celebrations.

The Gift of Grace in Water

When Jesus entered the Jordan River to be baptized by John,
it wasn’t He who was blessed, but creation. Ever since the beginning of time,
God has given us His creation in order to glorify God and to assist us to live
in Communion with Him. The Feast of Theophany celebrates the revelation of the
Holy Trinity at the Baptism of Jesus Christ, and the gift of grace present in
the water of the Jordan River, and by extent all of creation. This gift of
grace is extended through the Great Blessing of the Waters by the Church each
year during the celebration of Epiphany, and distributed throughout the
Community as a blessing for all to share. (This sermon was offered during a candle lit Liturgy for Theophany, the Feast of Lights.)

Seeing God in 2016

Saint John said in his Gospel, “No one has ever seen God; the only-begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he has made him known.” (John 1.18) That HAD BEEN true until God revealed Himself in His glorious incarnation. Not since Adam and Eve walked with God in the garden had a human being set his eyes upon God. All that changed with the Christ’s Holy Nativity.

Beginning today, the Church celebrates Theophany (God Revealed) and the Baptism of Our Lord Jesus Christ. For just over thirty-three years the world was able to set their eyes upon God in the Flesh in the person of Jesus Christ. For us as Orthodox Christians, this is fully expressed in our Holy Tradition of Icons which depicts Christ, but not the Father nor the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is often (such as the Icon of Theophany) depicted as a dove and the Father as a “ray” from Heaven.

But how do we see God now in 2016? Each human being is created in the image of God so that is one place to start. When you look at your fellow humans – friends, family and foe – consider that you are looking at the image of God. Another way we see God is in the Church. The Church mystically is the Body of Christ present in the world, continuing the work that He began. When you participate in the fullness of the sacramental life of the Church – Holy Water blessings, assisting the poor, worshiping in the Church as a community, receiving the sacraments, and in the love the Church presents to the world.

The world is filled with pain and suffering, and if the work of the Church is to continue the work begun by Christ, then it is also the work of the Church to be a light in the darkness and a refreshment to those who thirst. When the Church DOES this work, the Church allows people to see God, and ALL THIS because the Holy Trinity was revealed to us on Theophany at the Baptism of Christ.

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Humility Prepares the Way for Christ

When the Holy Trinity was about to be revealed to the world,
God did not send a king, a governor, or an emperor. He sent a man of incredible
humility. John the Baptist expressed his humility by declaring, “There comes One
after me who is mightier than I, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to stoop
down and loose.” (Mark 1.7) He knew he was not worthy of God, but still God
referred to him as the greatest woman ever to be born of a woman. (Matthew
11.11) If you want to prepare your heart and soul for Christ, consider the
humility of John the Baptist.

Show us also Your Divine Theophany

On Christmas Eve during the Royal Hours of Christmas, a special prayer service offered on Christmas Eve morning, we sang the following hymn:

Today He who holds the whole world in His hand is born from a Virgin. (3)

He who in essence is impalpable is swaddled in rags as a mortal. God who established the

heavens of old in the beginning is lying in a manger. He who rained down manna for

the people in the wilderness is breastfed with milk. He who is the Bridegroom of the Church

is summoning Magi. And He, that Son of the Virgin, is accepting their gifts.

We adore Your Nativity, O Christ. We adore Your Nativity, O Christ. We adore Your Nativity, O Christ.

Show us also Your divine Theophany

Christmas has always been celebrated as part of the Feast of Theophany, and yet many of us pay little attention or make little effort to attend services for Theophany. The Feast in which God for the first time reveals Himself as Trinity is one of the greatest moments in human history. It is during the Feast of Theophany the Church extends the blessings of God to the entire created world. When Jesus entered the Jordan River to be baptized by John, He sanctified all of creation by His presence in the water. The Church continues the work of sanctifying creation when we celebrate the Great Blessing of the Waters on Theophany. Through the blessing of the waters, our homes, businesses, our own lives and the entire world receives the blessings of the Jordan – the blessings of God.

Self-Esteem VS Humility

Today’s Epistle Reading: St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 5:4-10 - BRETHREN, one does not take the honor upon himself, but he is called by God, just as Aaron was. So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, "Thou art my Son, today I have begotten thee"; as he says also in another place, "Thou art a priest for ever, after the order of Melchizedek." In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard for his godly fear. Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered; and being made perfect he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.

There is a great difference between genuine Christian humility and what the world calls self-esteem. I have often thought, and taught, that we can create our own depression be falling trap to the world’s definition of self-esteem. The world, because it is fallen and based upon the fallen passions which are self-oriented, teaches that we should strive to always think positive thoughts about ourselves, sometimes to the denial of truth. Popular expressions such as, “You can accomplish whatever you want, so long as you work hard,” or my least favorite, “You can be whatever you want. Just put your mind to it.”

THIS IS A LIE, and when the lie is proven false (when we can’t accomplish something or be something JUST because we want something) we get depressed. The depression creates low self-esteem, as defined by the world, and we begin to think we are unworthy of love and blessings. We sink lower and lower until eventually we lose hope. All this depression could have been avoided by having genuine Christian humility. Before I continue, please understand I am not addressing chemical depression. Chemically induced depression is quite real and can paralyze a person for no good reason. I am addressing what more commonly could be called “the blues” which is not treated the same, but I will leave chemically induced depression to be discussed by medical professionals. I believe other forms of depression are created when we believe the lie the devil has told us rather than the truth which is revealed by Christ.

Tomorrow in the Gospel lesson for the Sunday before Epiphany we will hear directly from Saint John the Baptist’s lips what genuine Christian humility sounds like. “"After me comes he who is mightier than I, the thong of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie.” (Mark 1.7) Saint John the Baptist, whom Jesus Christ said there was no other man greater who had been born of a woman, felt himself unworthy to even untie the sandals of Jesus, a job normally reserved for the lowest slave. How can a man greater than any other man consider himself unworthy of the work of the lowest slave?

Saint John the Baptist understood genuine Christian humility, also described by Saint Paul in today’s Epistle reading. “One does not take the honor upon himself, but he is called by God.” It wasn’t that John the Baptist wasn’t great, because he was. He understood honor and blessings are not to be taken, but offered by one who is greater. This was no false sense of humility, as many express in today’s world. Many today have the pretense of humility while secretly believing themselves to be worthy of praise.

So how does genuine Christian humility protect against depression? When we believe the lie that we are great and can accomplish whatever we desire, and then fall short of our desires, depression is the result. However when we understand our own shortcomings and that we should never take honor with pride to ourselves, and then fall short, we are better equipped to accept our shortcomings.

In this New Year, I invite you to embrace the humility of Saint John the Baptist and Saint Paul, rather than the lies of a self-oriented worldly self-esteem. Then be thankful for your blessings and understand your shortcomings. You will have more peace and well on your way to Live A New Life In Christ.

Happy New Year - 2015 Top Ten Videos

Happy New Year from Be Transfigured Ministries. In the spirit of year in review, we are please to share our 2015 Top Ten Video Playlist for your enjoyment and edification. May 2016 be blessed by God. We at Be Transfigured Ministries pray the new year will inspire you to Live A New Life In Christ.

2015 Top 10 Blog Posts - Happy New Year!

Based upon page views,here are the top ten posts viewed in 2015....Sort of a year in review...

1. An Unhealthy Heart is not Healthy - Originally posted July 8, 2014
2. Why Bother? - Originally posted July 2, 2015
3. A Warning for Christians - Originally posted January 17, 2015
4. Do not Let Your Good be Spoken of as Evil - Originally posted December 12, 2010
5. Everyone is Welcomed by God - Originally posted January 16, 2015
6. An Elderly Joseph, the Virgin Mary and Sexuality - Originally posted December 7, 2015
7. Why Last Night’s Prayer at RNC by a Greek Orthodox Bishop Didn’t Give Me “Warm Fuzzies” - Originally posted August 30. 2012
8. RSVP Please - Originally posted December 12, 2014
9. Do You Love Church or Do You Enjoy Gimmicks? - Originally posted April 13, 2015
10. Do Not Allow Fear to get between you and God - Originally posted July 7, 2015