It is a longstanding custom to bring a gift to the Church in
thanks for the blessings we have received from God. In the Old Testament days
many of these gifts were regulated and itemized by the Temple through the
Levitical Law. You can always read more about that in the Old Testament, but I
don’t want to focus on WHAT you bring to the Church but WHY you bring your gift
to the Church. Consider today’s Gospel lesson...
Gospel Reading: Luke 5:12-16 (RSV) - At that time, Jesus was in one of the cities, there came a man full of leprosy; and when he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and besought him, "Lord, if you will, you can make me clean." And he stretched out his hand, and touched him, saying, "I will; be clean." And immediately the leprosy left him. And he charged him to tell no one; but "go and show yourself to the priest, and make an offering for your cleansing, as Moses commanded, for a proof to the people." But so much the more the report went abroad concerning him; and great multitudes gathered to hear and to be healed of their infirmities. But he withdrew to the wilderness and prayed.
Many times we look at the Old Testament Law about offerings
and think they were gifts to God TO GET blessings. This morning’s Gospel
reminds us that the gifts were AFTER God had ALREADY given the blessing, “for a
proof to the people.” Has God blessed you this week? Go to the Church tomorrow
and give Him thanks by...
- Saying your prayers this evening and tomorrow morning
- Preparing to receive Holy Communion
- Arriving at Church ON TIME
- Making an offering to the Church
- Receiving Holy Communion
- Fully engaging the prayers of the Divine Liturgy
This should be your plan EVERY Sunday since I suspect God
has blessed you every week. When you receive a special blessing, go to the
Church during the week and...
- Light a candle
- Say a prayer of thanks
- Make an offering to the Church
This is how you can Live A New Life In Christ!
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