In the Gospel, our Lord invites us each to become His followers with a challenge; “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it.” (Mark 8.34-35) These words have been a point of confusion for some and salvation to others. How is it possible to lose our life save it at the same time?
The answer lies within the mystery of the Holy Cross, since in fact we are each invited to take up our cross and follow Him, the Savior of all humanity. The Cross of Christ, a tool of death for the Romans, brought life to Christ, and all human beings joined to Him in baptism, in the Resurrection. Christ suffered through the Cross in order that life would prevail for His people, and we are invited to participate in the same reality.
As Christians we must embrace and accept suffering as a necessary part of life, not because Christ desires us to suffer, but because when we choose to deny the world and embrace God, the world fights against us with temptation and suffering. As Saint Paul teaches us, “We also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” (Romans 5.3-5)
Embrace suffering my dear brothers and sisters this Lenten Season for your salvation!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Freedom is a Gift from God
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” These famous words from the Declaration of Independence set in motion a national consciousness committed to defend and promulgate the ideal of freedom here and abroad that has endured for over two hundred years. This freedom though comes with responsibility. And as with any gift we receive, we are obliged to respond with gratitude to the one who gives.
Whether some choose to acknowledge it or not, it is God that ultimately is the grantor of the freedom that we hold so dear in our nation and His gift of freedom comes with the expectation that it is used for the glory of God and not our own glory. As Saint Paul writes, “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful.” (1 Corinthians 6.12) It appears that Saint Paul was keenly aware that there would be times when we might freely choose something that would cause us harm. It goes without saying that I have the freedom to climb to the highest building and throw myself off the roof, but who would dare suggest this action would be helpful?
This week the Greek Orthodox Church in Florence is celebrating “A Week of Freedom” in conjunction with Greek Independence Day on March 25th. The Greeks, desiring their freedom from the Ottoman Empire in 1821, following the example so gallantly displayed by our American founders, and calling upon the grace of God, declared themselves free to worship and live apart from the oppression of the Ottomans. The Greeks never forgot that it was God that desired all human beings to be free. It was for this reason that they chose March 25th, the Feast of the Annunciation, to begin their battle for freedom. It was after all, the glorious announcement by the Archangel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary that the Son of God would be born of her for the salvation of all humanity to live “free from sin.” (Romans 6)
So what should our response be to God for this freedom from sin? All He asks is that we love each other. “Love is the fulfillment of the Law.” (Romans 13.10) How can we continue to allow our fellow human beings to suffer with hunger and homelessness if we love them? How can we continue to allow our fellow human beings to suffer the wrath of alcohol and drug addiction if we love them? How can we continue to ignore the needs of others when we have been so richly blessed by God? How can we continue to watch innocent babies slaughtered at the hands of doctors sworn by an oath to “do no harm?” We cannot!
I invite you to join our efforts this week and honor freedom! There are steps we can take TODAY that will show our love for our fellow human beings. First we must pray for each other that our hearts be opened to God’s call for a relationship with Him. Second we must live every moment as if we love Him. “If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar.” (1 John 4.20) Finally, we must take the time in our personal lives to help others, either by volunteering at local charities or by supporting those efforts to the best of our ability.
These are simple things we can do ourselves, whether or not the masses join our efforts. Not everyone will join us, but then again…with God all things are possible.
Whether some choose to acknowledge it or not, it is God that ultimately is the grantor of the freedom that we hold so dear in our nation and His gift of freedom comes with the expectation that it is used for the glory of God and not our own glory. As Saint Paul writes, “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful.” (1 Corinthians 6.12) It appears that Saint Paul was keenly aware that there would be times when we might freely choose something that would cause us harm. It goes without saying that I have the freedom to climb to the highest building and throw myself off the roof, but who would dare suggest this action would be helpful?
This week the Greek Orthodox Church in Florence is celebrating “A Week of Freedom” in conjunction with Greek Independence Day on March 25th. The Greeks, desiring their freedom from the Ottoman Empire in 1821, following the example so gallantly displayed by our American founders, and calling upon the grace of God, declared themselves free to worship and live apart from the oppression of the Ottomans. The Greeks never forgot that it was God that desired all human beings to be free. It was for this reason that they chose March 25th, the Feast of the Annunciation, to begin their battle for freedom. It was after all, the glorious announcement by the Archangel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary that the Son of God would be born of her for the salvation of all humanity to live “free from sin.” (Romans 6)
So what should our response be to God for this freedom from sin? All He asks is that we love each other. “Love is the fulfillment of the Law.” (Romans 13.10) How can we continue to allow our fellow human beings to suffer with hunger and homelessness if we love them? How can we continue to allow our fellow human beings to suffer the wrath of alcohol and drug addiction if we love them? How can we continue to ignore the needs of others when we have been so richly blessed by God? How can we continue to watch innocent babies slaughtered at the hands of doctors sworn by an oath to “do no harm?” We cannot!
I invite you to join our efforts this week and honor freedom! There are steps we can take TODAY that will show our love for our fellow human beings. First we must pray for each other that our hearts be opened to God’s call for a relationship with Him. Second we must live every moment as if we love Him. “If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar.” (1 John 4.20) Finally, we must take the time in our personal lives to help others, either by volunteering at local charities or by supporting those efforts to the best of our ability.
These are simple things we can do ourselves, whether or not the masses join our efforts. Not everyone will join us, but then again…with God all things are possible.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Don’t Let the Roadblocks of Life Keep You from Christ
Now that spring is upon us we have already noticed increased road construction. One thing about road construction: it always includes roadblocks that make it difficult to travel where and when we desire. The same can be said about our spiritual travels during Great Lent. Great Lent is a time when the Church has called us to a journey of increased prayer, increased fasting and increased works of charity, and the world, under the influence of the devil, continues to place road blocks in our path. Such was the case with this Sunday's Gospel.
Saint Mark tells us of a group of friends carrying a paralytic. When they arrived to see Jesus, a huge crowd had gathered, “so that there was no longer room to receive them, not even near the door.” (Mark 2.2) These friends were hoping for a miracle from Christ but couldn’t even get close enough to see Him from a distance. They could have just given up and returned home, but their friend would still be paralyzed, so “they uncovered the roof where He [Jesus] was. So when they had broken through, they let down the bed on which the paralytic was lying.” (Mark 2.4)
These few friends didn’t allow the roadblock to keep them from approaching Christ. They took action and found a way; some would even say they ‘made’ a way, to get through to Jesus Christ for the sake of their friend. “When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven you.’” (Mark 2.5)
There will always be roadblocks on our journey to God. But if we really want to be with Him, we won’t turn back. We will find a way to be with Him even it means climbing the roof. After all, isn’t heaven worth it?
Saint Mark tells us of a group of friends carrying a paralytic. When they arrived to see Jesus, a huge crowd had gathered, “so that there was no longer room to receive them, not even near the door.” (Mark 2.2) These friends were hoping for a miracle from Christ but couldn’t even get close enough to see Him from a distance. They could have just given up and returned home, but their friend would still be paralyzed, so “they uncovered the roof where He [Jesus] was. So when they had broken through, they let down the bed on which the paralytic was lying.” (Mark 2.4)
These few friends didn’t allow the roadblock to keep them from approaching Christ. They took action and found a way; some would even say they ‘made’ a way, to get through to Jesus Christ for the sake of their friend. “When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven you.’” (Mark 2.5)
There will always be roadblocks on our journey to God. But if we really want to be with Him, we won’t turn back. We will find a way to be with Him even it means climbing the roof. After all, isn’t heaven worth it?
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Take Great Lent One Day at a Time
Like any journey, our Lenten Journey must be taken one day at a time. Take time TODAY for your journey focusing not on whether you can reach the end without failing but focusing rather on offering God your best today. Read Scripture, pray, fast, and do something for others.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Fasting Guidelines for Weekday Liturgies
Now that Great Lent is upon us and the Church offers the Presanctified Liturgy each Wednesday evening, the question of fasting and Holy Communion again raises to the surface. On Sunday we know (provided we are healthy and no other prohibitions from our doctor regarding fasting) that we should refrain from all food and drink until after we receive Holy Communion on Sunday mornings. But what if we are planning on receiving Holy Communion on Wednesday night, when should be fast?
For those adults who are physically able, we are asked to fast just as we would on Sunday morning all day from the time we awake until after we receive Holy Communion. It is acceptable to drink simple beverages such as coffee or tea or preferably water (not milk, milkshakes, beer etc) until about noon and then complete fast until Holy Communion. I must remind you that fasting is not meant to make you ill, but to be an offering to God and discipline of our bodies. If you become light headed or need some food, by all means have a small snack especially if you are in a situation where you must remain alert such as driving or other physical labor. If you must eat during the day, a light breakfast and light lunch should be sufficient followed by a complete fast following lunch until Holy Communion.
For those children who already fast on Sunday morning, they should be asked to follow as much of the fast as they are able. As parents this will require discernment in how are children are behaving and feeling. Again it is not meant to make our children ill, however many times our children can fast more than we realize and it should be encouraged as an offering to God and spiritual discipline. For children who do not yet fast, a small snack should be offered around 4pm.
For everyone who is receiving Holy Communion, or Holy Unction or any other Mystery (Sacrament) of the Church, the Church teaches us to fast in preparation and we should do this to the best of our abilities. Great Lent is a perfect time to exercise our free will and to offer our “bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God.” Romans 12.11)
As will all spiritual disciplines, we should speak with our Spiritual Father for guidance and suggestions.
For those adults who are physically able, we are asked to fast just as we would on Sunday morning all day from the time we awake until after we receive Holy Communion. It is acceptable to drink simple beverages such as coffee or tea or preferably water (not milk, milkshakes, beer etc) until about noon and then complete fast until Holy Communion. I must remind you that fasting is not meant to make you ill, but to be an offering to God and discipline of our bodies. If you become light headed or need some food, by all means have a small snack especially if you are in a situation where you must remain alert such as driving or other physical labor. If you must eat during the day, a light breakfast and light lunch should be sufficient followed by a complete fast following lunch until Holy Communion.
For those children who already fast on Sunday morning, they should be asked to follow as much of the fast as they are able. As parents this will require discernment in how are children are behaving and feeling. Again it is not meant to make our children ill, however many times our children can fast more than we realize and it should be encouraged as an offering to God and spiritual discipline. For children who do not yet fast, a small snack should be offered around 4pm.
For everyone who is receiving Holy Communion, or Holy Unction or any other Mystery (Sacrament) of the Church, the Church teaches us to fast in preparation and we should do this to the best of our abilities. Great Lent is a perfect time to exercise our free will and to offer our “bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God.” Romans 12.11)
As will all spiritual disciplines, we should speak with our Spiritual Father for guidance and suggestions.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Whenever You’re Ready…God is Waiting
In the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15.11-32) we hear of a son who leaves his father for a life of selfish waste and “high living” until he finds himself broke and eating pig slop. In this state of lowliness the son remembers that his father’s servants lived better than he was, so he decided to return to his father and live as a servant. Anything would be better than living with pigs!
The entire time the son was wasting his inheritance, the father waited and kept watch for his son to return. He never chased after the son, but watched the horizon for any sign of his son’s return. And one day he did. “But while he was yet at a distance, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.” (15.20) The father was so full of joy that he ran to embrace his son and welcome him home. He didn’t even consider allowing his son to remain as a servant, but restored him to his rightful position as a son. “But the father said to his servants, 'Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet; and bring the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and make merry; for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.'” (Luke 15.22-24)
Today is our chance to act like the prodigal son. God is waiting for us to turn our life and face Him so He can run to us and embrace us and escort us into His kingdom. We shouldn’t be afraid to face Him. He will only love us and welcome us home. There is only one thing that keeps us away from God….our own choice. Just as the son had to choose to return to his father we must choose to face God with our lives.
God knows who we are and where are and He is waiting for us to return to Him.
The entire time the son was wasting his inheritance, the father waited and kept watch for his son to return. He never chased after the son, but watched the horizon for any sign of his son’s return. And one day he did. “But while he was yet at a distance, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.” (15.20) The father was so full of joy that he ran to embrace his son and welcome him home. He didn’t even consider allowing his son to remain as a servant, but restored him to his rightful position as a son. “But the father said to his servants, 'Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet; and bring the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and make merry; for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.'” (Luke 15.22-24)
Today is our chance to act like the prodigal son. God is waiting for us to turn our life and face Him so He can run to us and embrace us and escort us into His kingdom. We shouldn’t be afraid to face Him. He will only love us and welcome us home. There is only one thing that keeps us away from God….our own choice. Just as the son had to choose to return to his father we must choose to face God with our lives.
God knows who we are and where are and He is waiting for us to return to Him.
Friday, February 11, 2011
The Need for Mercy
In the Gospel of Luke, our Lord offers us a chance to learn just what type of life He is expecting of us. In the Parable of the Publican and Pharisee, our Lord teaches, “Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 18.14) Humility is at the very core of our Christian lifestyle and the root in understanding the need for mercy.
The Tax Collector (Publican), whom the Lord lifts up as being justified, cried out “God, be merciful to me a sinner!” (Luke 18.13) In fact he couldn’t even lift his eyes up to God he was so full of shame for his sins. The Lord is teaching us a profound lesson – we are all sinners and we must accept that reality and beg for God’s mercy. On the contrary, the Pharisee, the one whom society presumed to be holy and righteous showed only pride when he declared, “God, I thank You that I am not like other men – extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector” (Luke 18.12) The Lord says, even though the Pharisee was dedicated to living according to the Law, since he could not see his own sinfulness and went so far as to think of himself as superior to the Publican, he was not justified.
No one is sinless except for God. Period! Whether we sin so-called “small” sins or “big” sins we still sin and until we can accept that reality we are not likely to seek God’s mercy in our lives. And if we don’t seek His mercy He can’t give us mercy, not because He doesn’t want to, but because we haven’t asked. God doesn’t force anything upon us, even mercy!
So follow the example of the Publican in the Gospel and acknowledge your sinfulness and beg for mercy. You will be justified by God – HE guarantees it.
The Tax Collector (Publican), whom the Lord lifts up as being justified, cried out “God, be merciful to me a sinner!” (Luke 18.13) In fact he couldn’t even lift his eyes up to God he was so full of shame for his sins. The Lord is teaching us a profound lesson – we are all sinners and we must accept that reality and beg for God’s mercy. On the contrary, the Pharisee, the one whom society presumed to be holy and righteous showed only pride when he declared, “God, I thank You that I am not like other men – extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector” (Luke 18.12) The Lord says, even though the Pharisee was dedicated to living according to the Law, since he could not see his own sinfulness and went so far as to think of himself as superior to the Publican, he was not justified.
No one is sinless except for God. Period! Whether we sin so-called “small” sins or “big” sins we still sin and until we can accept that reality we are not likely to seek God’s mercy in our lives. And if we don’t seek His mercy He can’t give us mercy, not because He doesn’t want to, but because we haven’t asked. God doesn’t force anything upon us, even mercy!
So follow the example of the Publican in the Gospel and acknowledge your sinfulness and beg for mercy. You will be justified by God – HE guarantees it.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Leave Your Comfort Zone and Reach for God
One expression very common in today’s society is, “get out of your comfort zone.” It is used in many areas, but the most common is in the gym. Fitness trainers know and athletes confirm for us that the only way to get physically fit and stronger is to get out of our comfort zone and push ourselves just a bit. Let’s face it; this philosophy works for just about anything we desire to accomplish. We can only swim when we leave the comfort of the dry land. We can only get married when we ask. We can truly only be successful in anything when we leave our comfort zone and reach for something greater.
In this morning’s Gospel, the Woman from Canaan did just that. In fact, there were three ways she left her comfort zone. The Gospel of Matthew says, “And behold, a woman of Canaan came from that region and cried to Him, saying, ‘Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon possessed.’” (Matthew 15.22) This first venture out was when she left the comfort of her own home. The woman left her sick daughter and approached Christ begging for mercy. If the woman had not chosen to leave her home that day, she would never have encountered God on the road.
The same holds true for us. We left our comfort zone this morning when we decided to leave our homes and come to Church. It would have been very convenient to stay at home, pay some bills, read a book, go to the gym, etc. Many people have Sunday routines that don’t include Church but only when we leave that routine and come to Church are we able to meet the Lord who is truly present with us. We pray in the Divine Liturgy, “Lord Jesus Christ, our God, hear us from Your holy dwelling place and from the glorious throne of Your kingdom. You are enthroned on high with the Father and are also invisibly present among us. Come and sanctify us, and let Your pure Body and precious Blood be given to us my Your mighty hand and through us to all Your people.” (from the Divine Liturgy) Just like the woman, we would not be able to receive this blessing if we had chosen to remain home in our comfort zone this morning.
The second venture out of her comfort zone for the woman was when she ignored the ridicule of the people. “And His disciples came and urged Him, saying, ‘Send her away, for she cries out after us.’” (Matthew 15.23) She just as easily could have said, “I don’t need this; I’ll just go back home and pray to God from there,” but then she would not have met Him face to face.
Again the same is true for us. We have chosen to come to Church this morning despite many people ridiculing our decision to be in Church, or worse just like the woman, fellow believers try to send us away either by their actions or just the look on their faces. It would be much easier and much less painful quite frankly, to stay at home or attend another Church and remain in our comfort zone than to face ridicule from those who should be lifting us up. But we came to reach out to Christ just as the woman, and because we left our comfort zone He is blessing us this morning. Of course, we might not recognize it yet as I’m sure the woman didn’t realize her blessing right away.
Finally, the woman not only left her comfort zone, she discarded it all together by presenting herself to the Lord in complete and utter humility. “But He answered and said, ‘It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.” (Matthew 15.26) Not even the big dogs….the little insignificant dogs. What more could the woman take? First she leaves her house and the Lord doesn’t even answer her prayer. “But He answered her not a word.” (Matthew 15.23) Then she’s ridiculed by His disciples and He says, “I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” (Matthew 15.24) And finally after being called a dog, she has given up all pride and any sense of comfort. She boldly came forward and humbly says, “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their master’s table.” (Matthew 15.27) There isn’t anyone who would have blamed her for throwing up her hands and giving up after being called a dog, but not this woman. This was a woman of great faith. The Lord says, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.’ And her daughter was healed from that very hour.” (Matthew 15.28)
The Lord planned all along to heal this woman’s daughter, to be certain. He knew her deep faith and humility so He desired to lift her up for others as an example of faith. The same holds true for us. The Lord knows our faith. He knows how much we can handle and He knows how He plans to bless us. But He just wants us to leave our comfort zone and place our complete faith in Him, just like this woman, and He will bless us.
You see my brothers and sisters in Christ, if we desire to be blessed by God, sometimes we have to get out of our comfort zone and reach for God without fear of what others may say about us. Sometimes we have to get out of our comfort zone and stick with it or even chase after Him and swallow some of our pride. Sometimes we have to come in complete and utter humility and accept that we don’t deserve anything special from Him and just then He will reach back and bless us.
This week, take the chance and leave your comfort zone and reach for God. If you don’t fast, then fast this week. If you don’t normally come to bible study, come to bible study. If you don’t normally tell someone about your faith is Christ, share a few moments with a friend about how the Lord is working in your life. There are so many chances for us to leave our comfort zone, we just have to do it and the Lord will take care of the rest.
If we’re so willing to leave our comfort zone for the gym, a swim, or business, then why not leave our comfort zone for the Lord? The Woman of Canaan seemed to think it was worth it….don’t you?
In this morning’s Gospel, the Woman from Canaan did just that. In fact, there were three ways she left her comfort zone. The Gospel of Matthew says, “And behold, a woman of Canaan came from that region and cried to Him, saying, ‘Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon possessed.’” (Matthew 15.22) This first venture out was when she left the comfort of her own home. The woman left her sick daughter and approached Christ begging for mercy. If the woman had not chosen to leave her home that day, she would never have encountered God on the road.
The same holds true for us. We left our comfort zone this morning when we decided to leave our homes and come to Church. It would have been very convenient to stay at home, pay some bills, read a book, go to the gym, etc. Many people have Sunday routines that don’t include Church but only when we leave that routine and come to Church are we able to meet the Lord who is truly present with us. We pray in the Divine Liturgy, “Lord Jesus Christ, our God, hear us from Your holy dwelling place and from the glorious throne of Your kingdom. You are enthroned on high with the Father and are also invisibly present among us. Come and sanctify us, and let Your pure Body and precious Blood be given to us my Your mighty hand and through us to all Your people.” (from the Divine Liturgy) Just like the woman, we would not be able to receive this blessing if we had chosen to remain home in our comfort zone this morning.
The second venture out of her comfort zone for the woman was when she ignored the ridicule of the people. “And His disciples came and urged Him, saying, ‘Send her away, for she cries out after us.’” (Matthew 15.23) She just as easily could have said, “I don’t need this; I’ll just go back home and pray to God from there,” but then she would not have met Him face to face.
Again the same is true for us. We have chosen to come to Church this morning despite many people ridiculing our decision to be in Church, or worse just like the woman, fellow believers try to send us away either by their actions or just the look on their faces. It would be much easier and much less painful quite frankly, to stay at home or attend another Church and remain in our comfort zone than to face ridicule from those who should be lifting us up. But we came to reach out to Christ just as the woman, and because we left our comfort zone He is blessing us this morning. Of course, we might not recognize it yet as I’m sure the woman didn’t realize her blessing right away.
Finally, the woman not only left her comfort zone, she discarded it all together by presenting herself to the Lord in complete and utter humility. “But He answered and said, ‘It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.” (Matthew 15.26) Not even the big dogs….the little insignificant dogs. What more could the woman take? First she leaves her house and the Lord doesn’t even answer her prayer. “But He answered her not a word.” (Matthew 15.23) Then she’s ridiculed by His disciples and He says, “I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” (Matthew 15.24) And finally after being called a dog, she has given up all pride and any sense of comfort. She boldly came forward and humbly says, “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their master’s table.” (Matthew 15.27) There isn’t anyone who would have blamed her for throwing up her hands and giving up after being called a dog, but not this woman. This was a woman of great faith. The Lord says, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.’ And her daughter was healed from that very hour.” (Matthew 15.28)
The Lord planned all along to heal this woman’s daughter, to be certain. He knew her deep faith and humility so He desired to lift her up for others as an example of faith. The same holds true for us. The Lord knows our faith. He knows how much we can handle and He knows how He plans to bless us. But He just wants us to leave our comfort zone and place our complete faith in Him, just like this woman, and He will bless us.
You see my brothers and sisters in Christ, if we desire to be blessed by God, sometimes we have to get out of our comfort zone and reach for God without fear of what others may say about us. Sometimes we have to get out of our comfort zone and stick with it or even chase after Him and swallow some of our pride. Sometimes we have to come in complete and utter humility and accept that we don’t deserve anything special from Him and just then He will reach back and bless us.
This week, take the chance and leave your comfort zone and reach for God. If you don’t fast, then fast this week. If you don’t normally come to bible study, come to bible study. If you don’t normally tell someone about your faith is Christ, share a few moments with a friend about how the Lord is working in your life. There are so many chances for us to leave our comfort zone, we just have to do it and the Lord will take care of the rest.
If we’re so willing to leave our comfort zone for the gym, a swim, or business, then why not leave our comfort zone for the Lord? The Woman of Canaan seemed to think it was worth it….don’t you?
Friday, February 4, 2011
It’s Time to Get out of Your Comfort Zone
In the Gospel story of the Woman of Canaan, we hear much more than just a story of another miracle healing by Jesus Christ. Matthew has outlined his version of this miracle in such a way to almost leaving the actual healing as secondary to the story. In fact the confirmation of the healing is simply stated “And her daughter was healed from that very hour.” (Matthew 15.28) The truth of healing is indeed present, but, as in so many other instances, Jesus emphasizes the woman’s faith rather than the physical healing.
Matthew has chosen to emphasize the woman’s character in his teaching. “And behold, a woman of Canaan came from that region and cried out to Him, saying, ‘Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David!’” (Matthew 15.22) She chose to get out of her comfort zone and approach Christ rather than sit in her house waiting for a miracle. She had to swallow her pride and go after Christ and He did not make her journey too easy, although He clearly intended to heal her daughter. At first He didn’t even answer her call, but she persisted, “Lord, help me!” (Matthew 15.25) Then His Disciples tried to get rid of her and finally Jesus Himself says, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.” (Matthew 15.26) And still she persisted, “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their master’s table.” (Matthew 15.27) This was definitely NOT in her comfort zone, but in her humility she knew she must reach for Christ.
When was the last time you got out of your comfort zone to pursue Jesus Christ? It’s very easy to sit back and continue to “do what we’ve always done” because we’re comfortable with how it feels. But we can only really encounter God’s mercy when we leave our comfort zone and go after Him, calling to Him, “Lord, have mercy!” Don’t you think it’s time to get out of YOUR comfort zone? The Church is here for you with her arms wide open with prayer, fasting, almsgiving and attending services during the week. God is waiting, are you coming?
Matthew has chosen to emphasize the woman’s character in his teaching. “And behold, a woman of Canaan came from that region and cried out to Him, saying, ‘Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David!’” (Matthew 15.22) She chose to get out of her comfort zone and approach Christ rather than sit in her house waiting for a miracle. She had to swallow her pride and go after Christ and He did not make her journey too easy, although He clearly intended to heal her daughter. At first He didn’t even answer her call, but she persisted, “Lord, help me!” (Matthew 15.25) Then His Disciples tried to get rid of her and finally Jesus Himself says, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.” (Matthew 15.26) And still she persisted, “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their master’s table.” (Matthew 15.27) This was definitely NOT in her comfort zone, but in her humility she knew she must reach for Christ.
When was the last time you got out of your comfort zone to pursue Jesus Christ? It’s very easy to sit back and continue to “do what we’ve always done” because we’re comfortable with how it feels. But we can only really encounter God’s mercy when we leave our comfort zone and go after Him, calling to Him, “Lord, have mercy!” Don’t you think it’s time to get out of YOUR comfort zone? The Church is here for you with her arms wide open with prayer, fasting, almsgiving and attending services during the week. God is waiting, are you coming?
Sunday, January 30, 2011
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.
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.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
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!
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!
Friday, January 14, 2011
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.
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.
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.
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.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
On Frequent Communion
Saint Ignatius of Antioch, writing at the end of the first century, wrote these words to the Ephesians:
In Chapter 9, 10 and 14 of the “Didache of the Apostles”, written about 70AD it reads:
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!
“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!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
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)
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)
Sunday, January 9, 2011
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.”
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.”
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
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?
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
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!
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!
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
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
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
Sunday, December 26, 2010
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.
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.
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