Finding Our Way to Heaven

I remember when I first moved to Florence how appreciative I was for landmarks. Like in any city I’ve lived in, finding my way around town has meant reading maps, looking at GPS and listening to directions. The thing about directions is that they almost never include the names of streets and they are always different depending on who you ask. For example, if I were to ask anyone here which was the best way from here to Darlington, I might get three of four different routes, all getting me to Darlington, but each slightly different. In fact some might cause me to get lost. That’s happened before, but that’s because I wasn’t following the directions I had been given. I thought I knew where I was and I thought I knew a better way, but I was wrong. One thing is for sure. If I want the best directions somewhere, I have to ask someone who knows how to get there, or even better, someone who lives there because they’ve driven it so many times, they know not only the names of the streets, but every bump and every obstacle along the way. It’s only when I follow the directions from someone so intimately aware of the way that I can be sure to get there without getting lost. I just love the days when I get directions from someone like that!


Well today is one of those days. Today the Church is pointing the way to heaven with big bright lights. And thank God we are here this morning to listen to God’s directions; because after all, if you want to get to Heaven, God gives the best directions. The first thing God tells us this morning is that Church is a bright search light that the entire world will use to find Heaven. “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.” (Matthew 5.14)

It’s His way of pointing out landmarks along our journey that help us find our way. In other words, in the darkness of the world, amid the sins of society, the Church stands as a reminder of God’s light and hope for all to see. “Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.” (Matthew 5.15) It would be completely wasted if God blessed our Church and then covered it up so nobody could see. It wouldn’t help anyone find their way to God unless it was allowed to shine. God just doesn’t work that way.

God has placed His Church, the Orthodox Church, in our lives as a bright light, so we could be shown the way to heaven. Just think about how lucky we are for a moment. If we are having trouble with anything in our lives, we can simply turn to the Church and the Church will guide us back to Christ. Let’s look at a couple of examples….sort of looking at directions to Darlington.

Let’s say for a moment that we are struggling with being in Church, just a few pews across from someone with whom we had a bad business deal. Just seeing this other person in Church makes our blood boil because we “know” what that other person is like and we can’t believe their sitting in Church like nothing ever happened. We can turn to the Church and seek advice. The Church might say something like, “Have you forgiven that person for the bad deal?” because in our hearts we have never forgiven the person. Forgiveness is something at the very heart of our relationship with God and each other. When teaching us the Lord’s Prayer Jesus says, “If you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6.15) Until we forgive others we cannot be forgiven. The Church can guide us to the path of forgiveness and therefore to God.

Or let’s say we are struggling with controlling our temper. We seem to always be upset at the world. Nobody EVER does ANYTHING right. The Church might ask, “Are you fasting?” What does fasting have to do with anger you might ask? Well, in this example what we are really struggling with is our own ego. WE are the ones with all the answers. Fasting can help with too. When we teach ourselves that we can’t always have what we want when we want it, we learn to control our ego, which is at the root of our anger many times. Again, it is the Church’s way of life that can help us because we can’t get to heaven OUR way. We have to follow HIS way.

There are so many issues for which we can turn to the Church for guidance and as Christ promises us, the bright light will always show the way to heaven. And that is for one simple reason. The Church is way a life, not just a system of beliefs. When Christ calls the Church the light of the world, He is not speaking only of the teachings of the Church but the very way of life.

Consider the idea of a lamp. Only when it is placed on a lampstand does it give any benefit to the house. Only when the Church’s teachings and way of life are put to use can we get the full benefit of them. And that’s the gift we have received today. Because we are here today and hearing our Lord’s wisdom and voice, we can be assured that we have the right directions to find God.

There are many people in the world that are trying to tell us how to live, but only one way leads to God and a life with Him in heaven. He says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14.6) The question is, “where is He so we can be with Him?” He is right here, present on the Altar Table and He is blessing us this morning with the opportunity to become one with Him.

We cannot hide the fact that God is present among us today and every day in the Church because His Light shines brightly. People are taking notice of our Church. People are taking notice that something special is happening here. I’ve noticed a difference in just the past few weeks. People are coming because they are searching for Christ. And they will find Him here among us just like we did this morning. They struggle just like we struggle. He will help them just as He is helping us. You can’t put a basket over the Church, the light is too bright.

And don’t be shy about it. Don’t boast, but don’t be shy about it. Our Lord says, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5.16) See, it really is like asking for directions but instead of having to turn this way and that way, we only have to walk the Church’s way, God’s way, and we’ll get there every time.

Must Be Present to Win!

It’s an old and very popular marketing technique to celebrate the millionth customer entering a store. I remember growing up hearing about some unsuspecting shopper covered in confetti and balloons flying through the air as the owner celebrated the one millionth customer to shop at that particular store. How many times have we all wanted to be that person; the right person at the right time to receive a lifetime supply of groceries! I don’t think grocery stores do this anymore because the stores have been around so long that having one million customers isn’t special anymore. But businesses continue to offer prizes for the most loyal customers. One thing remains though whether it is the customer of the week or the one millionth customer; you must be present to win the prize.

In this morning’s Gospel we see another example of this. Jesus had been approached by ten men begging for mercy because they were suffering from leprosy. “They lifted up their voices and said, ‘Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!’” (Luke 17.13) After having been sent to show themselves to the priests, as was their custom, only one man returned to give thanks to God for his healing. Only one man was present to receive the greater gift from Christ.

“And He said to him, ‘Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well.’” (Luke 17.19) What faith is Jesus speaking about? Was it the faith of ten men who had the courage to cry out to Jesus for mercy? Was it the faith to go and show himself to the priests? Or was it the faith to be present and return to Jesus to give thanks? In fact we don’t know much about the other nine except that as they went to show themselves to the priests they also were healed. But it was the one man who was present and returned to Jesus that was made well. That is the faith that Jesus is speaking about.

Jesus has a way of doing that. Most of the time, He doesn’t bother with those who are not present but speaks and blesses those who are. My brothers and sisters, today WE are the ones present and today God is blessing US because we have chosen to come and be present with Him this morning. It’s like taking last week’s Gospel and combing it with this week’s. Last week we were urged to repent and return to Jesus and this week we see the blessing for those who do.

Today we have been blessed by God simply because we are present with Him, and some of us may not even believe in His power to heal us but He can. Many of us here this morning may be struggling with issues in our lives that, like the ten men with leprosy, we just have to cry out to God, “Have mercy on us!” It might be illness, it might be a struggling marriage, it might be a struggling business, it can be anything really that causes us to feel pain, emotional or physical.

People with leprosy didn’t just suffer the physical pain of the disease, but were outcasts from society. So many other people in their own villages didn’t even have the heart to walk within twenty feet of these ten men. The can be said for us, and our suffering. Sometimes we even keep our suffering to ourselves just so we don’t have to be outcasts. But today can be different!

Today is different my brothers and sisters in Christ because we have chosen to be present with God and He will make us well if we ask Him. Go ahead and lift up your hearts to heaven and ask for His mercy. Ask Him to guide you through the next week of life and then return here next week to thank Him. Is there anyone of us who doesn’t need a blessing this week? Is there really anyone of us who is without struggle? You won’t offend God no matter how small the struggle. Just go ahead and ask Him, and then be ready for great things when you walk out of this church, just as the lepers were blessed when they began their journey and walked to the priests.

As we walk out of this church today we walk out knowing that God has the power to conquer all of our struggles if we ask Him. It might require a bit of work on our part, but anything worth something takes effort. The ten lepers were told, “Go, show yourselves to the priests,’ and so it was that as they went, they were cleansed.” (Luke 17.14) It wasn’t until they put their faith into action that Jesus cleansed them.

And that’s the clincher in today’s message that we should embrace. First we must be present with God in His Church and ask for His help. And then we must put that faith into action and do what He tells us to do. When we return next week, let’s remember these words from this morning’s Gospel. “And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And He said to Him, ‘Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well.’” (Luke 17.14, 19)

Today we’ve done the first part. We’re here with God. Now let’s get out there and work on the second part!

Life Has Its Ups and Downs

Today’s news, like any day, is filled with joyful stories and stories of grief and sorrow. What brings this to my mind today is the continuing story of the Arizona shooting combined with news today of a natural disasters in Brazil placed against the news released today from the Vatican about the continuing process of sainthood for Pope John Paul II.
We all know life is full of struggle and the Church not only acknowledges this fact but embraces the struggle.

“but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.” (Romans 5.3-6)

Pope John Paul I knew struggle living under communism in Poland and turned to Jesus Christ for His comfort. Those suffering in Brazil are turning to their Church for comfort and direction in their suffering. And those in Arizona continue to find meaning in the tragedy in the lives of those killed or injured.

The Holy Spirit whom Saint Paul refers is known also as the Comforter by the Church.

“Heavenly King, Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, present in all places and filling all things, treasury of blessings and the Giver of life, come and abide in us, cleanse us from our sins and save our souls gracious Lord.” (Prayer to the Holy Spirit on Pentecost)

So in these days of struggle in your life, whether personal of political, remember the Holy Spirit is there to help you and keep you connected to Jesus Christ.

On Frequent Communion

Saint Ignatius of Antioch, writing at the end of the first century, wrote these words to the Ephesians:

“Therefore make every effort to come together more frequently to give thanks [biblical language for the Eucharist] and glory to God. For when you meet together frequently, the powers of Satan are overthrown and his destructiveness is nullified by the unanimity of your faith. There is nothing better than peace, by which all warfare among those in heaven and those on earth is abolished.”

The “giving of thanks” is commonly understood by the Church to mean the service of Holy Communion, known as Eucharist (the Greek word for giving thanks) and was celebrated at least every Sunday in the Apostolic Church; and continues to be the Holy Tradition of the Orthodox Church until today. Today the service we call Divine Liturgy is the service of Holy Communion and was compiled using as it core the instructions from the Holy Apostles.



In Chapter 9, 10 and 14 of the “Didache of the Apostles”, written about 70AD it reads:

Chapter 9. The Thanksgiving (Eucharist)
Now concerning the Thanksgiving (Eucharist), thus give thanks. First, concerning the cup: We thank you, our Father, for the holy vine of David Your servant, which You made known to us through Jesus Your Servant; to You be the glory for ever. And concerning the broken bread: We thank You, our Father, for the life and knowledge which You made known to us through Jesus Your Servant; to You be the glory for ever. Even as this broken bread was scattered over the hills, and was gathered together and became one, so let Your Church be gathered together from the ends of the earth into Your kingdom; for Yours is the glory and the power through Jesus Christ for ever. But let no one eat or drink of your Thanksgiving (Eucharist), but they who have been baptized into the name of the Lord; for concerning this also the Lord has said, Give not that which is holy to the dogs. Matthew 7:6

Chapter 10. Prayer After Communion
But after you are filled, thus give thanks: We thank You, holy Father, for Your holy name which You caused to tabernacle in our hearts, and for the knowledge and faith and immortality, which You made known to us through Jesus Your Servant; to You be the glory for ever. You, Master almighty, created all things for Your name's sake; You gave food and drink to men for enjoyment, that they might give thanks to You; but to us You freely gave spiritual food and drink and life eternal through Your Servant. Before all things we thank You that You are mighty; to You be the glory for ever. Remember, Lord, Your Church, to deliver it from all evil and to make it perfect in Your love, and gather it from the four winds, sanctified for Your kingdom which You have prepared for it; for Yours is the power and the glory for ever. Let grace come, and let this world pass away. Hosanna to the God (Son) of David! If any one is holy, let him come; if any one is not so, let him repent. Maranatha. Amen. But permit the prophets to make Thanksgiving as much as they desire.

Chapter 14. Christian Assembly on the Lord's Day
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.

So here we have two ancient apostolic sources to confirm the teaching of regular and methodical Holy Communion. The Holy Apostles went so far as to outline the actual prayers to be used in the celebration. The Divine Liturgy we celebrate every Sunday is built upon this foundation of the ancient Church.

With these statements in mind how can we continue to pretend, as Christians, that we can alter these ancient traditions? How can we pretend that the Church was random and so-called “unique” in every town when the evidence clearly shows an integrated and connected and hierarchical Church?

The time has come for you to seriously consider what the Orthodox Christian Church has to offer in your journey toward salvation. The time has come for you to be Orthodox!

The Illness of Selfishness

In the healing of the Ten Lepers (Luke 17.11-19) we witness just how deep selfishness can run. Faced with ten men suffering an awful disease, Jesus says, “Go, show yourselves to the priests. And so it was that as they went, they were cleansed.” (Luke 17.14) In this particular healing, Jesus didn’t ask if they wanted to be healed, He didn’t question their faith, He merely sent them on their way according to the Law. As they were obedient to the Law and to His direction they were healed.


But in the case of nine of them, their illness was so deep they couldn’t return to give thanks to God. Jesus asks, “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine?” (Luke 17.17) We can presume that since they were content with being healed they saw no real need to say ‘thank you’ to Jesus. In fact, the very Law that Jesus instructed them to follow in going to the priests required thanksgiving to God for the healing, and yet they were unable to return to Him. Maybe they thought they were above the Law since Jesus had already healed them. Either way; not giving thanks, or being above the law, are both indications that these nine men were suffering from a deeper illness than leprosy. They were suffering from selfishness.

Whenever we receive a blessing and don’t give thanks to God we suffer the same illness as these nine men. Whenever we think we are above the Holy Traditions and Canons of the Church established by Jesus Christ and His Holy Apostles, who were guided into all truth, we suffer the same illness as these nine men. Selfishness is an illness that, if we allow it, will run deep into our hearts and effect every action of our life. The deeper this illness grows the more difficult it becomes to lift ourselves up and seek the Lord’s blessings in the first place because we begin to depend upon ourselves rather than God’s love and compassion.

Nip selfishness in the bud and defeat it by being in Church at least every Sunday to give thanks to God. When we do this Jesus will say to us, “Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well.” (Luke 17.19)

God Has Given us Another Chance; Let’s Take Him up on His Offer TODAY

It happens to me all the time. I get in the car to go somewhere. It can be anywhere really: a blessing, grocery shopping, picking my son up from school, or even home for dinner. I forget where I’m going and the end up somewhere else just in time to remember where I was supposed to go and have to turn the car around. It happened just the other day. I left the office to go home for dinner, but I had to stop by the grocery store to pick up an ingredient for dinner that I had forgotten the night before when I went shopping. (Lest you think my wife was to blame, this one was all my fault) I was almost home when I remembered; I FORGOT TO STOP AT THE STORE! AGH! I had to turn the car around and go all the way back to the store before going all the way back home. It really bugs me when that happens. I don’t like forgetting where I’m headed but thank God I can always turn around and get back on the right track.

In today’s Gospel Jesus is sending us a clear message to turn around and get back on track. “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4.17) Repentance means nothing more than getting back on track and headed where you need to go, just like being in a car. Let’s keep this driving theme for a moment. Now imagine you are driving on the interstate and pass your exit. It can be really frustrating not just because you missed your exit but, especially if you are out in the country, because the next exit you can use to turn the car around isn’t for another 27 miles. Whenever we get off track, we count on those next exits so we can turn around and get back on track.

But thank God that in life we don’t have to wait for the next exit. We can turn our life around right now and be headed on the right track immediately. In life, U-Turns are always allowed! For the past couple of Sundays we have heard the message of repentance in the Gospel very pronounced; last week from Saint John the Baptist and today from the very mouth of God. “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” We might wonder, just like driving, if there is danger ahead.

If you have ever driven in high mountains and see the sign, “DANGER AHEAD!” you know that if you’re not careful you could very easily end up running the car off the cliff. Well the Gospel is doing the same thing, only this time it says, “ROAD ENDS, TURN AROUND!” or “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Highway departments are very careful to make sure we know the danger that lies ahead of our path in the mountains. Those bright yellow signs are always very helpful. If only life had the bright yellow signs.

Life does have bright yellow signs, only they were written by the Author of Life and not some convict in prison. The bright yellow signs are the Holy Scriptures. Our Lord is given us a great gift by warning us in the Scriptures that if we don’t turn it around we are headed for danger. Actually, He is saying something ever better that WHEN we turn it around we will immediately be blessed by Him in His kingdom.

Our Lord says, “The kingdom of heaven at hand.” It is not something that we are forced to wait for as it has been already been ushered in by His Birth and Baptism that we just celebrated. We should pay special attention to His words. This morning’s Gospel message takes place even before He calls His disciples, those chosen ones who would be guided into all truth by the Holy Spirit and establish His Church. Before He ever met Pilate and was crucified He said, “The kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

In other words my dear brothers and sister, the time has come, it has arrived, for us to take Jesus up on His offer of a new life and turn our old life around. If you could remember your baptism you would remember that long before you were naked and in the water of the font you were facing west spitting on the devil. Then you turned around and faced Jesus Christ and His Altar and embraced Him as your Lord and King. Jesus is offering us the same chance today to turn our life around. He knows that it has been a long time since our baptism. He knows that we may have become slack in our worship of Him. He knows that we need another chance and today He is offering it to us.

Jesus is offering us another chance at a new life. He is offering us a life in His kingdom free from the darkness of the world. All we need to do is turn our life around and face Him. It doesn’t matter how many times we have tried and failed in the past. It doesn’t matter that we aren’t perfect. It doesn’t even matter that we have doubted Him in the past. Today is a new day. Listen again to the words of Isaiah, “The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death Light has dawned.” (Matthew 4.16 – see Isaiah 9.1-2 for complete citation)

You and I both know that life can be difficult some times. And God knows much better than we do that it isn’t always easy to follow His will in our life because the world is a dark and dangerous place filled with the devil and his evil demons. But He has given us His light to see in the darkness and we can use His light to see the warning signs to turn our life around, just as if they were bright yellow highway signs. He’s given us another chance, let’s take Him up on His offer and turn our life around.

Let’s make 2011 the year we rededicate our life to a deeper relationship with Him. Let’s make 2011 the year we commit to living our Orthodox Christian faith with purpose and not just sit around like a bump in the road. Let’s make today the day we start our new life for the “kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Are We Better Than Jesus?

January 5th is the Forefeast (pre-feast) of Theophany (Epiphany) which is honored by prayers, blessings, Liturgy and strict fasting. We do all this in preparation of the Feast on January 6th. Some people think there is no need to fast and yet our Lord fasted in preparation of His ministry. Are we better than Jesus?

Inside Story - Egypt's Coptic Christians

The story of Christian persecution MUST be brought into the public. We must also pray that peace reign in the life of all humans rather than violence. God is love and revenge is never sweet no matter they say.

It’s Day Four….How’s Your Resolution?

I was driving through town last night and noticed the full parking lots at all the fitness centers along the way, so I thought I would touch base and see how our New Year’s Resolutions were going. I challenged you in the past few posts to be more committed to your relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church. Many of us gladly make such a resolution every year, but as the days go by more often than not we fall back into old habits in terms of our faith practices.

Its days like today that while things are still fresh in our minds we must make certain efforts to alter these behaviors so that new habits form. The Church has forbidden fasting since Christmas and we have taken full advantage of the feasting prescribed by the Church. Tomorrow, however, is a strict fast day, as we return to the daily discipline of our spiritual struggle.

Its days like today that we need to look at our calendar and ask ourselves, “What specific steps have we taken to live a more committed life to Christ?” Tomorrow is our chance to begin that new journey with fasting and attending Church. Tomorrow is the Forefeast of Theophany (Epiphany) and the day is honored with services and blessings of the water and Divine Liturgy. If you were one who made a commitment to live closer to Christ in 2011, tomorrow’s your chance to put your actions where your resolutions are…..plan to be in Church tomorrow and Thursday for Epiphany.

In the ancient Church Epiphany was celebrated as a greater feast than Christmas. If you consider we took vacation days to celebrate Christmas, why not follow suite with the Feast of Theophany? Find a Church and

Be Transfigured! and live a new life in Christ!

Honoring the Gift of Life that is Christmas

The hectic days of Christmas shopping and preparations are behind us and the calm of Christmas break with my family is in full swing. I’m in the backyard with the fire lit and my son playing. This is so much better than driving around town or sitting in my office. Don’t get me wrong…not a day goes by when I don’t thoroughly love being a priest, but a few days with the family is always appreciated.




So what are you doing during these Twelve Days of Christmas? I think I’ve mentioned before that the 12 days begin at Christmas and last until January 5th. This is the Feast of Christmas and we should find ways to honor the birth of our Savior during the days with special projects or at least with prayer and reflection.



Yesterday the Orthodox Church honored the Holy Innocents, those children killed by Herod while he was searching for Jesus to kill Him. Interesting how on the same day, the news stations were talking about new Medicare regulations that encouraged elderly to seek end of life options such as palliative care or hospice as finances would not be available for expensive procedures. So in honor of the Holy Innocents who were routinely killed by Herod and the political elite of Jesus’ day, I ask the following question regarding health care:



In consideration that money will soon run out to provide all the health care needs of our world (this is a fact) who would you be more comfortable in control of your health care decisions?



a. Democrats who routinely kill unborn children while protecting endangered mice?

b. Republicans who routinely kill prisoners while hording billions of dollars in their own banks?

c. Insurance companies who consider it “added risk” to be a woman of childbearing age?



The reality is that none of these options, when put in these terms sounds appealing because we live in a society that has forgotten God and uses the term Christmas to invoke guilt upon lawmakers for the passage of legislation while refusing to acknowledge what the word stands for. There is absolutely no respect for life remaining in our society, so I’m not really surprised.



Christmas is the celebration of the coming of Life into the world. Let’s honor this gift from God and rededicated our daily efforts to keeping Christ in Christmas and honor the life He gave us.



Merry Christmas

Everyone Has a Mission in Life; What’s Yours?

It was just a few days ago that we were driving around town frantically trying to buy the perfect gift for that someone special. It was just a few days ago that nobody could find a single parking spot in the mall. All last week I saw cars parked on the grass all over the place and traffic anywhere near the mall was absolutely crazy and frantic. Finally we can have some rest right? Wrong! Today the mall will be just as busy, but now instead of BUYING Christmas presents, parking lots are full of people RETURNING Christmas presents. And the craziness continues. If you’re planning to go out today, expect it to be frantic.

Frantic is just the right word to describe the situation in Bethlehem 2000 years ago for Christmas. As soon as everything seemed to calm down: the shepherds had gone, the animals went back to their stalls, and the midwives helped with the baby, Joseph laid down for some much needed rest (just like we all need after the commotion of Christmas). “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.” (Matthew 2.13) These were the words of an angel that greeted Joseph’s sleep. Rather than resting for their journey back home to Nazareth, since the census was now over, Joseph has to pack everything up and leave for Egypt. And so they went, and a life of being constantly on the go went with them.

That much I bet we can all empathize with Joseph. Our lives are always on the go. I know whenever I get a chance to sit with someone, one of us has to cut the visit short because errands, or work, or just “life” is waiting. As the old saying (at least since 1225 AD) goes, “Time waits for no man.” We can all agree on that! But does it have to be that way?

Let’s take a moment and look again at this morning’s Gospel story. We see Joseph asleep after the commotion of the Birth of Christ – a pretty amazing day I’m sure. Then all those who had visited finally leave and Joseph tries to get some rest, but he is interrupted by the angel’s warning. “When he arose, he took the young Child and His mother by night and departed for Egypt.” (Matthew 2.14) We later catch up to Joseph on his way back to Israel after the death of Herod when he is warned yet again, this time by God, to go to Galilee instead. “And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth,.” (Matthew 2.23)

Joseph heard two warnings and WE heard two prophecies. The first about Egypt, “That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, ‘Out of Egypt I called my Son.’” (Matthew 2.15) The second about Nazareth, “that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, ‘He shall be called a Nazarene.’” (Matthew 2.23) Of course these are prophesies about the Messiah, but I don’t want us to dwell too much on them this morning.

This morning, I simply want us to pay attention to WHY Joseph was on the move. Joseph and Jesus were on a mission, plain and simple, just like us. Many times there is one single thing that drives us throughout our life. For some it’s educating children, for others it might be feeding the poor, and still for others it might be as basic as keeping a roof over our family’s heads. Whatever drives us, our mission is what keeps us going, and we won’t stop at anything until that mission is accomplished. For Joseph it was protecting Jesus and for Jesus, it was protecting us and saving us from death. The reason we hear the prophesies at all, is to help us understand that their mission was planned by God from the very beginning.

So what is our mission or better yet, what should be our mission as Christians? This is not so strange a question as you might think. When God created us, He created us with free will, and it is up to us to determine our mission or goal in life. God will not force us into any answer, and neither should we, by the way, force anyone else to choose a particular mission in life. Let me make it easy for you. Do you want to live forever? Do you really want to live forever with God in Heaven? If you do, then listen to what God has to say for your life. The Lord says, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” (Matthew 16.24) Jesus never says, “Hey you! Pick up your cross and come here.” It’s our choice to follow God, but if we really do, then let’s do it.

But following God comes at a price, just like it did for Joseph in this morning’s Gospel. There will come a time, just when we think we are going to get a chance to rest, that God is going to call us and expect us to get up and get moving. The question is, will we go? Will time wait for us?

Time marches on but we don’t’ have to. The fact is WE are in control of much more of our life than we give ourselves credit for. We have been led to believe that longer workdays and shorter weekends make a more productive society. We have been led to believe that more is always better. We were lied to! What creates a better life is time with God away from the commotion of the world. The world is filled with people, hard working people, that never went to college, never played sports, and never spent a single day at Disney World, and still their lives have been blessed beyond their expectations. They have food enough to eat, a roof over their heads, and clothes on their backs. The only difference between them and so many other people in our society is that they never forgot to find time for God.

Time might march on, but it will march on without us if we don’t give some of it to God. And I’m not just talking about coming to Church on Sunday. I thank God every week when I see our pews with people in them. Joseph probably thought he had done enough when the angel told him to move to Egypt, and we might think being in Church one Sunday here and there is enough. After all we have bills to pay and places to go. And Sunday IS the only day we have to sleep in. WRONG. We can sleep any other day we choose, we just don’t. We might even be in Church EVERY Sunday and think we’ve done enough, but when God calls, will we answer?

God is calling my brothers and sisters. He is calling us to a better life, one better than any CEO or government official could ever offer us. He is calling us to a life WITH Him in Heaven and He’s waiting for our answer. Will we find the time for Him now that the commotion of Christmas is over or will we just find another project to occupy our life? The choice is ours to make.

If you want this better life, then here’s what you have to do. Beginning right now, you have to listen to where God wants you to go, and since He most likely won’t be texting you or sending you a message on Facebook, the only way to hear Him is to pray and come to Church, AT LEAST every Sunday. Living the better life in Heaven begins right here in Church. If you really want to live a better life, staring now, make a commitment to be in Church every Sunday where you can hear the Gospel and receive Holy Communion and then find ways that you can serve God and assist in His mission just like Joseph.

Joseph had to get up in the middle of the night and flea to Egypt. I doubt many of us are being called to Egypt, but the Mission Center is always looking for people interested in foreign missions. It doesn’t have to be missions; it can as simple as coming to bible study every week and making a commitment to understanding God’s Word. It can be as simple as picking up the phone and calling people who haven’t been in Church for a while. Who knows….maybe they need to hear a kind voice. Whatever it is, God is calling each of us to some sort of mission in life, and He’s just waiting for us to respond.

I can tell you what it isn’t though….it isn’t more shopping and more commotion that does nothing more than keep us away from Church….that much I know.

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, goodwill toward men! (Luke 2.14)

The other day I was having lunch with a member of our community and I was approached by a woman with a big grin on her face. “I just have to tell you how much I enjoyed the Greek Festival,” she said. Oh boy, here we go again I thought to myself. “Yeah I know; the food is really good, blah blah blah.” But then she finished her sentence. “I wanted to thank you for allowing us to go in the Church. It was just beautiful. I thought afterward how much more work we Protestants have to do building our Churches. When I was in your Church, I really felt like God was there. Thank you!” WOW! Thank God our minds don’t always say what we’re thinking! For the first time ever the conversation was about God and the Church and NOT about food. Praise God! It really put me in the mood for Christmas.

What a great gift this woman gave me, and I know she has no idea how much it meant to hear her words. But you know; she’s right. You really can feel God in the Church and not just during Divine Liturgy. And it’s all because of tonight. It’s all because the Word of God became flesh. It’s all because of Christmas.

Now compare that to something else I heard the other day. Again I was with a member of our Community (this time a different member) and a question came up about Christmas. “Were Mary and Joseph homeless?” Believe it or not this is a very popular question, because as we just heard, Mary “brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2.7) I’m not really surprised by this question because politicians have been pulling at our emotional heart strings for many years comparing Jesus’ birth in a stable (although we Orthodox know it was a cave) and the plight of the poor of our society today. It is unfortunate that people take advantage of high emotion around these seasons of joy and celebration to guilt people into giving money to the poor. This simply is NOT the Tradition of the Orthodox Church. Charity is an act of love not guilt.

To stay in the spirit of Christmas from our Holy Orthodox Tradition, then, I will NOT pander to those politicians and media mongers who so desperately seek to find fault and hypocrisy with Christians in general and Christmas more specifically. Instead I’m going to talk about what this woman felt in our Church…the presence of God.

Ever since God created the Universe He has revealed His presence to His creation. In the Garden of Eden He walked with Adam and Eve. After the fall, humanity no longer had the privilege of walking physically with God, but He never forgot us. Whether He spoke from a burning bush or manifested Himself as a pillar of cloud and fire in the desert (Exodus 13.22), God has never stopped revealing Himself to us. But, since the Garden we were never able to physically know His presence, until tonight…well 2000 years tonight to be exact.

This is the beauty of Christmas. The same God, Who created the Universe from nothing, who knows how many thousands of years ago, desired for us to be restored to the image we had lost. “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1.14) This is what this woman felt when she entered our Church. The glory of God, real and true, is present right now on the Holy Altar. She could only have felt His presence because He was born, which is why we are all hear right now in this Church.

There were no politics on that first Christmas night 2000 years ago. There was just joy; joy because the Savior had been born, not just any savior, but Christ the Savior. That’s why the angels burst out in song when they were telling the shepherds the news. “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (Luke 2.14) God has come to save us from this awful world full of pain and suffering and sin. God has come so that we might live a new life with Him in Heaven right now. We don’t have to wait until we die to enjoy the gift of Christmas. It’s not wrapped in a box that says, “DO NOT OPEN UNTIL JUDGMENT DAY!” We have been GIVEN eternal life. “Whoever believes in Him should not perish but HAVE eternal life” (John 3.16)

Christmas isn’t about decorations and candy and turkey and eggnog. It IS about gifts, well one gift anyway, the gift of life. The gift of Christmas is nonrefundable, nontransferable and nonnegotiable and it has YOUR name on it, just for YOU. Merry Christmas and by the way….Mary and Joseph were NOT homeless on Christmas. They were traveling to Bethlehem for the Roman census.

The End Has Arrived but We’re Just Beginning

New Testament Challenge, Day 40 – Revelation 12-22

In keeping with the Tradition of not preaching about this book I will simply say that the 40 Days of Blogging Challenge combined with the New Testament Challenge has come to an end with the book about THE END. I suppose it is appropriate that when Jesus finally does come back to usher in the new creation, all this life will be left behind for something better. With the Feast of Christmas, already being celebrated throughout the world as I write this, we usher in the New Testament, the New Covenant with God.

I began this challenge by sharing why I blog, but I end with something completely different…

Why do YOU read? Orthodox Christianity is not an intellectual faith. It is not a mental exercise. And it is most definitely NOT a system of beliefs and rules to be learned and filed away on some library shelf. Orthodox Christianity is a way of life. So if you come to this blog everyday and have not somehow been challenged, internally, to live a better life in Christ, then I have failed in my purpose for this blog. Of course, I won’t stop doing it, but you might stop reading it. That’s your decision and as I always like to remind people, the choice is yours to make.

NOW….if you want a real life in Christ, turn off your computer and go to Church! You’ll be better off there, trust me.


Merry Christmas and,

Be Transfigured! Life a New Life in Christ

I have this against you (Revelation)

New Testament Challenge, Day 39 – Revelation 1-11

Since I never preach about the contents of this book, as is the ancient traditions, I prefer to touch on a theme that, unlike so much of the imagery found in Revelation, cannot be doubted. In today’s readings we hear of letters that God sent to seven Church each bearing a warning. Each Church had found favor with God but was at risk of losing His favor.


To the Church of Ephesus:

"I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name's sake and have not become weary. Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place -- unless you repent.” (Revelation 2.1-5)

To the Church of Smyrna:

"I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (Revelation 2.8-10)

To the Church of Pergamos:

"I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan's throne is. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. 'Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth.” (Revelation 2.12-16)

To the Church of Thyatira:

"I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first. Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols. And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent. Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds.” (Revelation 2.19-22)

To the Church of Sardis:

“"I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you.” (Revelation 3.1-3)

To the Church of Philadelphia:

"I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie -- indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you. Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.” (Revelation 3.8-10)

To the Church of Laodicea:

"I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing' -- and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked -- I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.” (Revelation 3.15-19)

It is clear from these few verses that God has warned us to take our Faith seriously and not to allow temptation to drive us away from Him and His Church. Unlike those who believe in the myth, “once saved, always saved,” God is warning us…

If you’re not living your faith, you had better start. If you are….then never stop!

I Can Hardly Wait for Christmas!

In just a few days we will celebrate Christmas and I can hardly wait, but I bet it’s not for the same reason as many others. For many people, the arrival of Christmas represents the end of weeks of celebrating and months of anxiety over the holiday season. I distinctly remember seeing Christmas items in stores in August and September. For those caught up in the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping, the arrival of Christmas brings a sense of relief that the commotion is finally over. But that’s not why I’m so excited.
For many people the arrival of Christmas brings to completion a month’s worth of decorating front yards, company parties and nights out “getting into the Christmas spirit” with long-time friends. Come Christmas morning, the decorations can finally come down and life “returns to normal” whatever normal is. But that’s not why I’m so excited.

I’m so excited for Christmas not because I get to decorate trees and give gifts but because of the gift that we have all received – the gift of life. Christmas is the celebration of, what the early Saint John Chrysostom called, the “Capital of Feasts,” because all the other celebrations of Christianity: Epiphany (Baptism of Christ) Annunciation (Announcement of Christ’s birth by Archangel Gabriel), Transfiguration on Mount Tabor, and even His Passion, Death, Glorious Resurrection and Ascension into Heaven, could not have taken place if He had first not been born. That’s why I’m so excited!

It has become cliché to remind people this time of year that we have forgotten the “reason for the season” or “left Christ out of Christmas” but that is exactly what has happened. Retailers have come to depend so much on Christmas shopping that stores stay open later and later every year, or open earlier and earlier, just to give someone that extra few minutes to spend money they probably can’t afford to spend. And THEN those same stores that depend upon Christmas shopping to secure their annual profits insist on “Happy Holidays” rather than “Merry Christmas.” INDEED!

This year rather than looking at Christmas as just another day or, worse, as a financial burden, find an Orthodox Church and spend some time with your family remembering the things that really matter. Don’t let all the hullabaloo of Christmas trees, Christmas carols, Christmas decorations, Christmas parties, and Christmas shopping, get the better of you. And don’t let people try to convince you it doesn’t matter, because it does.

This year celebrate the Birth of Jesus Christ and the taking on of humanity by the Divine Word of God, “so that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have life everlasting.”

“Make your call and election sure.” (2 Peter 1.10)

New Testament Challenge, Day 37 – 1&2 Peter


For most of the past week I have been writing about the risk of not maintaining what I would refer to as an “active faith” in Christ. Today’s readings ring clear again of the danger in allowing there to be a disconnect between our faith in Christ and our daily living. Saint Peter says,

“But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For it these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.” (2 Peter 1.5-9)

Saint Peter warns us,

“But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false prophets among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who brought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed.” (2 Peter 2.1-2)

Can it not be said, especially in the so-called Bible belt, that the Orthodox Church is blasphemed and spoken of as non-Christian by many pastors? What else can account for the fact that the ancient and Holy Traditions of the Apostles, who were guided “into all truth” (John 16.13) by the Holy Spirit, than the warning of Saint Peter? Like it or not, there ARE false teachers in Christianity today and we shouldn’t be surprised. Scripture tells to expect as much.

“Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless; and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation – as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures. You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicket; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

It’s almost Christmas and many of you may be reading this blog because you are searching for answers during the holiday season. I urge you this week, take control of your life and give it over to the Lord. It’s never too late (until your dead) to begin a new life in Jesus Christ. Why not make that new day today? Find a local Orthodox Christian Church and enter into the Kingdom of God for Christmas. It will be much better than any fancy-wrapped gift under a tree.

Faith Enough to Save

New Testament Challenge, Day 36 – Hebrews 11-13 & James

To major themes reveal themselves in today’s readings: the power of faith and the benefit of works. Saint Paul begins today’s section in Hebrews, Chapter 11, by reminding us of the power of faith. He says, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.” (Hebrews 11.1-2) The chapter is worth reading:

1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.3 By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible. 4 By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks. 5 By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, “and was not found, because God had taken him”;[a] for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God. 6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. 7 By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith. 8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; 10 for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. 11 By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child[b] when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised. 12 Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born as many as the stars of the sky in multitude—innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore. 13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them,[c] embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14 For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. 15 And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. 17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, 18 of whom it was said, “In Isaac your seed shall be called,”[d] 19 concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead, from which he also received him in a figurative sense. 20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. 21 By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff. 22 By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel, and gave instructions concerning his bones. 23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king’s command. 24 By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, 25 choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, 26 esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in[e] Egypt; for he looked to the reward. 27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible. 28 By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, lest he who destroyed the firstborn should touch them. 29 By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land, whereas the Egyptians, attempting to do so, were drowned. 30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days. 31 By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace. 32 And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah, also of David and Samuel and the prophets: 33 who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. 35 Women received their dead raised to life again. Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. 36 Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. 37 They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted,[f] were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented— 38 of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth. 39 And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, 40 God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us. (Hebrews 11.1-40)

It is quite clear that Saint Paul believed the power of faith was revealed in the willingness to DO the right thing in life. Now let’s take that and compare it with Saint James, also known as Iakovos in the Orthodox Church.

14 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? 17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. 18 But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your[d] works, and I will show you my faith by my[e] works. 19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! 20 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?[f] 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? 22 Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? 23 And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.”[g]And he was called the friend of God. 24 You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. 25 Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way? 26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. (James 2.14-26)

Taken in combination the two selections couldn’t be any clearer. We simply cannot have faith in God and NOT desire and strive toward works of charity and love.

We might, if we were bold enough write our own version of today’s selection:

“By faith, the waitress rejected a Sunday shift so she could attend Church. By faith, the retail owner remained closed on Sunday so his employees could worship God in Church. By faith, the Church opened its doors to strangers and welcomed the poor for a warm meal and bed at night.By faith you volunteered time to feed the hungry once a week. By faith you spent time visiting prisoners. By faith you brought your tithe to the Church knowing that God would find a way for you to eat." Yes, by faith we are saved IF our faith leads to these types of actions.

Do you have faith enough to save?

“Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away.” (Hebrews 2.1)

New Testament Challenge, Day 35 – Hebrews 1-10

There are two things that strike me today. First, I am “amused” how we begin our readings in Hebrews for the New Testament Challenge today just as we heard in Matthew’s Gospel during the Divine Liturgy today the entire genealogy of Jesus Christ. This is amusing to me because we just saw heard Saint Paul warn about spending so much time on genealogies and then we hear a long list of names in the Church. Why? Really for the same purpose that now we hear what Saint Paul offers to the Hebrew Christians. The book was, by the way, written to Jewish believers and “complete the picture” in the minds on the purpose and reality of Jesus Christ and the New Covenant. For that matter non-Jews had no need for a “New” Testament since they were not part of the Old or “First” Testament. Nonetheless Saint Paul gives us a clearer picture on the Sacrifice of Jesus Christ and its purpose.

“Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For indeed He does not give aid to angels, but He does give aide to the seed of Abraham.” (Hebrews 2.14-16)

In partaking of the flesh and blood, which is to receive Holy Communion, we are released from the fear of death. This is the great gift and role of Christ’s Passion on the Cross.

The second reason I am amused today is the clear implication that both Matthew’s Gospel and today’s readings in Hebrews suggest that it isn’t directly the flesh lineage that saves but the faith lineage. In the Gospel there are many other names of individuals who were fleshly descendents of Abraham, not excluding the billions of Muslims who are descendents of Ishmael. Saint Paul writes,

“Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you and evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; but exhort one another daily, while it is called ‘Today,’ lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” (Hebrews 3.12-13)

 Saint Paul could just have easily given this warning to any Christian believer, most especially so-called ‘cradle Orthodox’, who turn away from God in their lives.

While we may be members of the ancient Orthodox Christian Church, we must never think our ‘seat at the table’ is guaranteed as it wasn’t for the Jews. We must take our faith in Jesus Christ and allow it govern our lives and actions DAILY.

“Those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works.” (Titus 3.8)

New Testament Challenge, Day 34 – Titus and Philemon

Christmas is only one week away and our conscience might be heavy to do something nice for someone in need. This is because the love of God is in our hearts. The debate between good works and faith is alive in well in Christianity. Some say we are saved by faith alone while others say that good works are necessary for salvation. The reality is that both are required because you can’t have one without the other.

For Saint Paul salvation wasn’t something that was guaranteed. He always wanted us to remember how the disobedient Jews were removed from the Church because they didn’t bear fruit.

“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.” (Romans 11.20-21)

 This is why he warns us in today’s readings to maintain our good works.

There are several references to works as they relate to our faith:

“They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.” (Titus 1.16)

“In all things showing yourself to be a patter of good works.” (Titus 2.7)

“Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men.” (Titus 3.1-2)

“Those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works.” (Titus 3.8)

“And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful.” (Titus 3.14)

It’s almost Christmas and soon we will welcome the Incarnate Word of God into the world. Do you want Him to find you lazy and unfruitful in your faith or do you want Him to find you a “good and faithful servant?” (Matthew 25.21) The choice is yours.

Endless Genealogies

New Testament Challenge, Day 33 – 1-2 Timothy

The desire to seek out one’s past is common in all people. Take one step into any Church and as you meet new people, a litany begins, “And he is the brother of so-and-so, and the cousin of so-and-so.” etc. Now this is normally done, in the case of new clergy to seemingly protect the new clergy from saying something about another person that might not be flattering in front of their relatives. This happened to me when I first arrived in Florence in 2008. I could never understand the premise. Why in the world would clergy speak poorly of ANYONE in their community especially in front of ANYONE in the parish? That’s when it hit me. They weren’t trying to protect me; they were trying to influence me.

Too often society and that includes churches, fall victim to the idea of genealogies as the root of authority. “My daddy built that church!” “My granddaddy was the first preacher in that church!” While we should have joy that our ancestors were founding members of a church, since the founders of churches receive an extra blessing from God, the status of “Founding Family” should never be used as means of influence over community decisions.

This is essence of Saint Paul’s guidance to Saint Timothy.

“As I urged you when I went into Macedonia – remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine, nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith.” (1 Timothy 1.3-4)

 Saint Paul makes a clear association between genealogies and false doctrine as he says,

“Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith, from which some, having strayed, have turned aside to idle talk, desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say nor the things which they affirm.” (1 Timothy 1.5-6)

In our contemporary society we encounter many such people, claiming to have faith in Jesus Christ and claiming to teach the truth about Him. But when confronted with historical corrections to their theology based upon Holy Tradition, they respond as if Holy Tradition were man-made. They forget the commandment of Saint Paul:

“Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.” (2 Thessalonians 2.15)

Finally Saint Paul says,

“Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron.” (1 Timothy 4.1-2)

 This is happening everywhere you look in our society. Hasn’t the time come for a return to the Truth Faith as established by the Holy Apostles and handed down as Holy Tradition? Hasn’t the time for Orthodox Christianity to be the faith for America! Come and see! Come and witness ancient Christianity in a contemporary world. Come and see the original Christian Church!