Posts Tagged ‘Sacraments’
What God does and does not Control
One of the expressions about God that turns my head is, “God has a plan for me.” We usually say in regard to how we are supposed to live on earth. Another expression like it is, “God placed him in my life.” I don’t like either expression. Both expressions are a denial of free will.…
Read MoreEpisode 492 – The First Step in Our Salvation
Christ invites His follows, “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me.” The first step in following Christ into heaven is to deny ourselves. We must learn to get over ourselves if we want to follow Christ. The entire life of the Church is meant to…
Read MorePatience before Productivity
Technology has its benefits. This very blog which we produce for your benefit is only possible because of technology, and I am thankful. There is a ‘bad side’ to technology. Technology has created a sense of instant gratification. Sometimes it’s just better to wait. Brethren, working together with him, we entreat you not to accept…
Read MoreTrue Freedom
As Americans we live in the land of the free. As Americans we are free to express our opinions, believe in whatever we choose, and live as we please. Enshrined in our system is the idea that I can ‘do whatever I want’ so long as I don’t hurt anyone else. If only this were…
Read MoreNot What but Why
Many comedians like to joke about every child’s ‘first’ word. “Why?” Though rarely our first word, once we learn to speak, we are always wanting to know information. Why is the sky blue? Why did my goldfish die? Knowing why something happens gives us comfort. It is no different in our spiritual journey with God.…
Read MoreWe Cannot Remain Children Forever
When we are children, our parents protect us from danger. They guide us through decisions we don’t understand. They even make decisions for us we are unable to comprehend. In every way our parents shape us. Eventually we must grow up. We can’t remain children forever. When we are in first grade, we learn basic…
Read MoreHave I Changed Yet?
Today is the Leave-taking of Pascha, the last day of the Feast. It is the final day we greet each other and sing Christ is Risen, until next year. Last year in my blog “Christ is Always Risen” I wrote about reviving the fervor of Pascha. Today, I still wonder about my fervor. Every year…
Read MoreThe Power of Compassion
Jesus said, “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13.35) He also said, “Love your enemies.” (Matthew 5.43) Did you ever wonder what happens when we love one another and love our enemies? Even non-Christian historical texts verify that ancient Christians were compassionate to…
Read MoreYou Can’t Buy God
It is a sickness of our wealthy society. We believe that all we need is to have money, and then offer to give it, that we will get what we want when we want it. When we don’t, we keep our money and complain we were treated poorly. Money can’t buy God. This was the…
Read MoreDo What He Tells You
Every Orthodox Christian is taught that obedience is a blessing. We are taught to be obedient first to God, then to the Church through our spiritual father. There are many stories of blessings that come from obedience, not the last of which is eternal life. In today’s readings I was reminded of obedience. Take a…
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