Archive for February 2018

The Great Fast is only a few days away. If you follow the fasting rules of the Church, you have already begun to fast from meat. If you really like meat, you may wonder if you can make it all the way to Pascha. If you’re new to fasting, you’re almost sure you won’t make…

On the final Sunday of the Triodion, the day before Holy and Great Lent, our hearts and minds are focused on the blessed opportunity for forgiveness. We call this day, Forgiveness Sunday, and the Gospel lesson begins with the truth, “If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father also will forgive you; but if…

What if when we die, we all end up in the same place? What if we all end up in heaven? What if we don’t like being in heaven? The story of the Last Judgment found in Matthew 25.31-46 lays out the criteria Christ will use in our judgment. Are we able to see others…

Half way through the Triodion, and we have been reminded that we are all sinners in need of repentance, and that when one does repent and return home, we must welcome them with open arms. On the third Sunday of Triodion, known as Judgment Sunday, we are reminded of another danger. “Depart from Me, you…

The Parable of the Prodigal Son teaches more than just repentance. It also teaches those who “never left” that we are called to welcome home those who left the Church. When they return home, it will be our opportunity to restore them to the original honor and status they enjoyed before leaving. If we are…