Friday, July 24, 2015

The Rule of Saint Benedict: Chapter 12

Now, we move into the way Lauds is supposed to be conducted. Lauds is similar to Matins, or Orthros in the Eastern churches. Lauds is so called because, "the three last psalms of the psalter (148, 149, 150), the Laudate psalms, which in former versions of the Lauds of the Roman Rite occurred every day, and in all of which the word laudate is repeated frequently." (Wikipedia)

Thursday, July 23, 2015

The Icons of the Most Holy Theotokos of Pochaev

On July 23, we commemorate The Icons of the Most Holy Theotokos of Pochaev:

The Icon of the Mother of God of Pochaev - Metropolitan Neophytus, a bishop belonging to the see of Constantinople, was traveling through Volhynia in Ukraine where he was given hospitality by a pious woman, Anna Goyskaya. The bishop gave this woman an icon of the holy Theotokos, which began to work miracles, including the healing of her blind brother. In 1597 the icon was given to the monks residing in Pochaev near the border of Galicia, where the Mother of God had appeared in 1340, leaving an imprint of her footprint in the rock, from which a stream gushed forth. In 1675 when the Lavra of Pochaev was besieged by the Moslem Turks, it was saved by the miraculous intervention of the Mother of God through her wonderworking icon. Even though the Lavra of Pochaev came into Uniate hands for over a century, miracles continued to be worked through the holy icon. Since its return to the Orthodox Catholic Church in 1831, the icon has been a grace-bestowing support for Orthodox Christians, especially those in western Ukraine and the Carpathian region.

Read more at GOArch.org

Icon of the Mother of God

On July 23, we commemorate Icon of the Mother of God:

The Icon of the Mother of God "Joy of All That Sorrow" - As with so many other icons of the Theotokos, wonderworking copies of this icon have been found throughout Orthodox Russia, each with its own history and moving collection of miracles. In this icon, the most holy Mother of God is depicted standing full stature sometimes with, sometimes without the Divine Child in her arms; she is surrounded by all manner of the sick and the suffering, to whom Angels of the Lord bear gifts of mercy, consolation, and suitable aid from the most holy Theotokos. The icon "Joy of all that Sorrow" was inspired by the hymn of the same name; see page 222 in Great Compline. Through one copy of this icon, the sister of Patriarch Joachim was healed at the end of the seventeenth century in Moscow, from which time the feast was established. Another copy of the icon was found in Saint Petersburg; on July 23, 1888, during the severe thunderstorm, lightning struck a chapel at a glass factory, burning the interior walls of the church, but leaving the icon unsinged. From the violent disturbance of the air, the icon was knocked to the floor, the poor-box broke open, and twelve copper coins adhered to the icon in various places; afterwards many miracles were worked by the grace of the holy icon.

Read more at GOArch.org

Ezekiel the Prophet

On July 23, we commemorate Ezekiel the Prophet:

The Prophet Ezekiel ("God is strong") was the son of Buzi and a priest by rank. He was taken captive and brought to Babylon during the reign of Jechonias. In the fifth year of this captivity, about 594 or 593 B.C., he began to prophesy. Having prophesied for about twenty-eight years, he was murdered, it is said, by the tribe of Gad, because he reproached them for their idolatry. His book of prophecy, divided into forty-eight chapters, is ranked third among the greater Prophets. It is richly filled with mystical imagery and marvelous prophetic visions and allegories, of which the dread Chariot of Cherubim described in the first Chapter is the most famous; in the "gate that was shut," through which the Lord alone entered, he darkly foretold of the Word's Incarnation from the Virgin (44:1-3); through the "dry bones" that came to life again (37:1-14), he prophesied both of the restoration of captive Israel, and the general resurrection of our race.

Read more at GOArch.org

Phocas the Holy Martyr, Bishop of Sinope

On July 23, we commemorate Phocas the Holy Martyr, Bishop of Sinope:

This saint was known for the many miracles he worked and for his apostolic zeal in shepherding the flock of Sinope. He contested for the Faith during the reign of the Emperor Trajan, in the year 102, when he was burned to death in a bath-house. A homily in his honour was composed by Saint John Chrysostom. The translation of his holy relics is celebrated on July 23.

Read more at GOArch.org

The Rule of Saint Benedict: Chapter 11

So this post was here yesterday, and now it's gone. I have no idea what happened other than that I must have overwritten it with the new one. I have no idea how that happened. So here is Chapter 11 again.

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Mary Magdalena, the Holy Myrrh-bearer

On July 22, we commemorate Mary Magdalene, the Holy Myrrh-bearer and Equal to the Apostles:

Saint Mary was from Magdala in Galilee on the Sea of Tiberias, and for this was named Magdalene. When the Lord Jesus cast out seven demons from her, from which she had been suffering, she became His faithful and inseparable disciple, following Him and ministering unto Him even to the time of His crucifixion and burial. Then, returning to Jerusalem together with the rest of the Myrrh-bearers, she prepared the fragrant spices for anointing the body of the Lord. And on the Lord's day they came very early to the tomb, even before the Angels appeared declaring the Resurrection of the Lord. When Mary Magdalene saw the stone taken away from the tomb, she ran and proclaimed it to Peter and John. And returning immediately to the tomb and weeping outside, she was deemed worthy to be the first of the Myrrh-bearers to behold the Lord arisen from the dead, and when she fell at His feet, she heard Him say, "Touch Me not." After the Lord's Ascension, nothing certain is known concerning her. Some accounts say that she went to Rome and later returned to Jerusalem, and from there proceeded to Ephesus, where she ended her life, preaching Christ. Although it is sometimes said that Saint Mary Magdalene was the "sinful woman" of the Gospel, this is nowhere stated in the tradition of the Church, in the sacred hymnology, or in the Holy Gospels themselves, which say only that our Lord cast seven demons out of her, not that she was a fallen woman.

Read more at [ GOArch.org www.goarch.org/chapel/saints_view?contentid=136&language=en]

The Rule of Saint Benedict: Chapter 10

This is another short chapter that details how summer Vigils should be kept.

Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Symeon the Fool for Christ

On July 21, we commemorate Symeon the Fool for Christ:

These Saints were from the city of Edessa in Mesopotamia and flourished during the reign of Justin the Younger (565-578). After a pilgrimage to Jerusalem they were moved with a desire to forsake the world; they were tonsured monks by the Abbot Nicon, and soon after left the monastery to struggle together in the wilderness near the Dead Sea. When they had passed a little more than thirty years together in silence and prayer, Symeon, having reached the heights of dispassion, departed for Emesa in Syria, where he passed the rest of his life playing the fool, saving many souls from sin while hiding his sanctity with seemingly senseless behavior. He reposed in 570; by the providence of God, John, who had remained in the wilderness, departed soon after.

Read more at GOArch.org

The Rule of Saint Benedict: Chapter 9

This next chapter covers more of how formal prayers are to be conducted.

Monday, July 20, 2015

The Rule of Saint Benedict: Chapter 8

I decided to take a break from posting yesterday and try to focus on worshiping. Our parish had its first Divine Liturgy in our new building and I wanted to have no distractions so I could be in a worshipful mood when I got to church.


The Glorious Prophet Elias

On July 20, we commemorate The Glorious Prophet Elias (Elijah):

Elias of great fame was from Thisbe or Thesbe, a town of Galaad (Gilead), beyond the Jordan. He was of priestly lineage, a man of a solitary and ascetical character, clothed in a mantle of sheep skin, and girded about his loins with a leathern belt. His name is interpreted as "Yah is my God." His zeal for the glory of God was compared to fire, and his speech for teaching and rebuke was likened unto a burning lamp. From this too he received the name Zealot. Therefore, set aflame with such zeal, he sternly reproved the impiety and lawlessness of Ahab and his wife Jezebel. He shut up heaven by means of prayer, and it did not rain for three years and six months. Ravens brought him food for his need when, at God's command, he was hiding by the torrent of Horrath. He multiplied the little flour and oil of the poor widow of Sarephtha of Sidon, who had given him hospitality in her home, and when her son died, he raised him up. He brought down fire from Heaven upon Mount Carmel, and it burned up the sacrifice offered to God before all the people of Israel, that they might know the truth. At the torrent of Kisson, he slew 450 false prophets and priests who worshipped idols and led the people astray. He received food wondrously at the hand of an Angel, and being strengthened by this food he walked for forty days and forty nights. He beheld God on Mount Horeb, as far as this is possible for human nature. He foretold the destruction of the house of Ahab, and the death of his son Ohozias; and as for the two captains of fifty that were sent by the king, he burned them for their punishment, bringing fire down from Heaven. He divided the flow of the Jordan, and he and his disciple Elisseus passed through as it were on dry land; and finally, while speaking with him, Elias was suddenly snatched away by a fiery chariot in the year 895 B.C., and he ascended as though into heaven, whither God most certainly translated him alive, as He did Enoch (Gen. 5:24; IV Kings 2: 11). But from thence also, after seven years, by means of an epistle he reproached Joram, the son of Josaphat, as it is written: "And there came a message in writing to him from Elias the Prophet, saying, Thus saith the Lord God of David thy father, Because thou hast not walked in the way," and so forth (II Chron. 21:12). According to the opinion of the majority of the interpreters, this came to pass either through his disciple Elisseus, or through another Prophet when Elias appeared to them, even as he appeared on Mount Tabor to the disciples of Christ (see Aug. 6).

Read more at GOArch.org

Saturday, July 18, 2015

Holy Martyr Emilian

On July 18, we commemorate Holy Martyr Emilian:

This Martyr was from Dorostolum in Thrace, the servant of a certain pagan in the days of Julian the Apostate (361-363). As a fervent Christian, Emilian abominated the error of the pagans, and one day entered the temple and broke all the idols with a hammer. Seeing that others were arrested and beaten for this, he gave himself up of his own accord. He was mercilessly whipped, then cast into a fire, in which he gave up his soul without his body suffering harm.

Read more at GOArch.org

The Rule of Saint Benedict: Chapter 7

This next chapter is quite long; longer than the others that we have seen thus far. I think that this chapter being long is a good thing given the material that it covers.

Friday, July 17, 2015

The Holy Great Martyr Marina

On July 17, we commemorate The Holy Great Martyr Marina (Margaret):

This Martyr lived during the reign of Claudius II (268-270). She was from Pisidia of Cilicia and was the only daughter of a certain priest of the idols. On being orphaned by her mother, she was handed over to a certain woman who instructed her in the Faith of Christ. When she was fifteen years old, she was apprehended by the ruler of Olmbrius, and when asked her name, homeland, and faith, she answered: "My name is Marina; I am the offspring of the Pisidia; I call upon the Name of my Lord Jesus Christ." Because of this she endured bonds, imprisonment, and many whippings, and was finally beheaded in the year 270. Saint Marina is especially invoked for deliverance from demonic possession.

Read more at [GOArch.org www.goarch.org/chapel/saints_view?contentid=131&language=en]

On the Recent Chattanooga Shootings

The following is my response to the shooting in Chattanooga that killed four Marines.


The Rule of Saint Benedict: Chapter 6

This next chapter is actually very quite short, and it is on a topic that I know I have a problem with on most days.

Thursday, July 16, 2015

MYSTAGOGY: Eleven Anonymous Turkish Muslims Baptized Orthodox...

MYSTAGOGY: Eleven Anonymous Turkish Muslims Baptized Orthodox...: Eleven Turkish citizens, among them being a famous Turkish actor, were baptized a few days ago [in May 2015] Orthodox Christians. The Myste...

MYSTAGOGY: What Ever Happened to the Holy Altar of Hagia Soph...

MYSTAGOGY: What Ever Happened to the Holy Altar of Hagia Soph...: According to legend, after the fall of Constantinople to the Ottomans in 1453, three Venetian ships fled the city filled with various relic...

The Rule of Saint Benedict: Chapter 5

This next chapter on our journey through the Rule covers obedience.


Athenogenes the Holy Martyr of Heracleopolis

On July 16, we commemorate Athenogenes the Holy Martyr of Heracleopolis:

This Saint was from Sebastia of Cappadocia and , according to the Synaxaristes, became Bishop of Pidachthoa. He and ten of his disciples were tortured and beheaded by the Governor of Philomarchus in the times of Diocletian. There is a second Martyr Athenogenes commemorated today, mentioned by Saint Basil in Chapter 29 of his treatise "On the Holy Spirit"; it is said that as this Athenogenes approached the fire, wherein he was to die a martyric death, he chanted the hymn O Joyous Light in praise of the Holy Trinity

Read more at GOArch.org

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Vladimir, Equal-to-the-Apostles of Kiev

On July 15, we commemorate Vladimir, Equal-to-the-Apostles of Kiev:

Grandson of Saint Olga, Saint Vladimir ascended the throne of Kiev in 980. Though a zealous idolater, he was illumined by the grace of God, accepted the Christian Faith, and completely changed his ways. He was baptized in Cherson in 988, receiving the name Basil; he came forth from the font not only healed of a blindness lately afflicting him, but also from being passionate and warlike, he became meek, peaceable, and exceedingly godly. Whereas his grandmother had refused marriage with the Emperor in Constantinople (see July 11), he married Anna, sister of the Emperors Basil and Constantine, and was accompanied home by priests from Constantinople. Diligently seeking to spread Christianity throughout his realm like a new Constantine, he destroyed the idols (having the chief diety Perun scourged and then cast into the Dnieper River), and summoned all his subjects to Holy Baptism. He reposed in peace in 1015.

Read more at [GOArch.org www.goarch.org/chapel/saints_view?contentid=129&language=en]

The Holy Martyrs Cyricus and His Mother Julitta

On July 15, we commemorate The Holy Martyrs Cyricus and His Mother Julitta:

Saint Julitta was from the city of Iconium. Fearing the persecution of Diocletian, she took her son Cyricus, who was three years old, and departed for Seleucia; but finding the same evil there, she went over to Tarsus in Cilicia, where the ruler arrested her. He took her son from her and tried with flatteries to draw the youth to himself. But the little one, in his childish voice, called on the Name of Christ and kicked the ruler in the belly so hard, that the tyrant became enraged and cast him down the steps of the tribunal. In this manner, the child's head was crushed, and he gave up the spirit. As for his blessed mother, she first endured many torments, and finally was beheaded in the year 296.

Read more at GOArch.org

The Rule of Saint Benedict: Chapter 4

This chapter of the Rule covers good works. Many of my protestant readers may think that Orthodoxy is a works based religion, which is partially accurate; we are a faith based religion that practices faith based works. We don't think that these works will get us into heaven; rather we have faith, and doing works is a result of that faith.

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Rational Sheep and the Word of God

The Scriptures tell the story of humanity with a profound sense of language. The first action of God is speech: “Let there be light!” God does not teach man to speak – we can only assume from the Biblical story that humanity and speech exist together from the beginning. God brings the animals to Adam, “to see what he would name them.” Animals could not exist within the human world and not be named. This is not because there is something inherently “nameable” about animals – rather it is human beings who must name. I say that we must name, because it is an instinct:

Read more at Gloy2GodforAllThings

The above paragraph reminds me of a Celtic tradition where they would name things to have power over those things - such as a haunted hill or pass. Once those things were named you could then invoke that name to have power over it.

This tradition also passed to people, who would be given a name at birth, but would later be given names for appearance, or deeds. Oft times the birth name would be kept secret and the honorary name would be used instead.

The Rule of Saint Benedict: Chapter 3

I apologize for the tardiness of this post; I had the whole thing typed up with a nice intro on my Blogger app on my phone. Then it just disappeared. All of those words like I had never written them.


On July 14, we commemorate Our Holy Father Joseph the Confessor, Archbishop of Thessalonica:

Saint Joseph was the brother of Saint Theodore the Studite (see Nov. 11). He also is called Studite, especially when he is mentioned together with his brother. According to Codinus, both of them composed the canons of the Triodion during the reign of Leo the Armenian, while in the Church of Saint Romanus (see Nov. 18); he is not to be confused with Saint Joseph the Hymnographer (Apr. 3). When Saint Joseph became Archbishop of Thessalonica, he was exiled thrice because of his godly zeal for the holy icons, suffering many hardships, imprisonments in dark dungeons, hunger, thirst, and every tribulation, in the midst of which he departed unto eternal life in 833.

Read more at GOArch.org
On July 14, we commemorate Aquila the Apostle among the 70:

Saint Aquila, who was from Pontus of Asia Minor, was a Jew by race and a tent-maker by trade. In the year 52 he and his wife Priscilla were in Corinth when Saint Paul first came there. They gave him hospitality, and the Apostle remained with them for many days, himself working at the same trade as they (Acts 18:2-3). And having believed in Christ through Paul, they followed him from that time on, working together with him and suffering perils with him for the sake of the preaching of the Gospel, as he himself testifies concerning them in his Epistle to the Romans, saying: "Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my helpers in Christ Jesus: who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the nations" (Rom. 16:3-4). When and where they reposed is unknown.

Read more at GOArch.org

More Wonderings of an Orthodox Parent

My wife gave birth to our third daughter almost 3 weeks ago. Her patron saint is Saint Ia Cornwall. Most people will recognize her as the namesake of a little place in Cornwall called Saint Ives.

Monday, July 13, 2015

The Passion of Homosexuality According to St. John Chrysostm

In the deep psyche of the homosexual world there is an autonomy of individual and selfish choice against the truth of God, a deep preference towards falsehood. It is for this reason that the way homosexuals display and advertise their "diversity" is very provocative. Arrogant attitudes and cocky appearances are displayed on television, and inaccuracies and falsehoods are spread about their demonic way of life. This is exactly why St. John Chrysostom boldly states: "Their ideology is satanic, and their life demonic." Thus, God abandons these people, who twist the truth concerning the creation of man and present falsehood with offensive boldness, namely that their perversion is an issue of genes or free sexual choice. And, "when God abandons, everything is turned upside down." A person’s entire mental state is flipped, his entire psychology and bodily existence transgress towards a psychopathological state. And it is exactly for all these reasons that the problem of homosexuality is primarily of a spiritual nature.


Read more at Orthognosia

Holy Martyr Golinduc

Saint Golindoux was a Persian, living in the reign of Chosroes II, King of Persia (590-628), and of Maurice, Emperor of New Rome (582-602). Moved by a divine revelation to become a Christian, she was betrayed to Chosroes by her husband and was cast into a dungeon called Oblivion for eighteen years, withstanding all attempts to make her deny Christ, and preserved by the grace of God. Set at liberty through the visitation of an Angel, she went to Jerusalem, and then to Constantinople, where she fell asleep in peace. She was called Mary in holy Baptism.

On July 13, we commemorate Holy Martyr Golinduc: Read more at GOArch.org

Stephen of Mar Sabbas Monastery

According to some, the Saint Stephen celebrated today was a nephew of Saint John of Damascus, different from the one celebrated on October 28, who later also became a Bishop.

On July 13, we commemorate Stephen of Mar Sabbas Monastery: Read more at GOArch.org

Synaxis of Archangel Gabriel

It is believed that the Synaxis of the Archangel Gabriel was transferred to this day from March 26 so that it could be celebrated more festively than in the period of the Great Fast; and, in fact, all the miracles of the Archangel are celebrated on this feast day, which has been listed here in the church books since the ninth century.

On July 13, we commemorate Synaxis of Archangel Gabriel: Read more at GOArch.org

The Rule of Saint Benedict: Chapter 2

Continuing on with the Rule, we move to the second chapter, which deals with the qualities of the abbot.

Sunday, July 12, 2015

Proclus & Hilary the Martyrs of Ancrya

These Martyrs contested in Ancyra in 106, during the reign of the Emperor Trajan. Saint Proclus was seized as a Christian and, confessing his faith, was burned on his sides and belly, was hung upon a beam with heavy stones tied to his feet, and finally was taken away to be shot with arrows. As he was being led forth, his nephew Hilary encountered him and greeted him, and was himself seized. After his uncle had been slain with arrows, Hilary, because he would not deny Christ, was tormented, then beheaded.

On July 12, we commemorate Proclus & Hilary the Martyrs of Ancyra: Read more at GOArch.org

6th Sunday of Matthew

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal of the First Tone

Let us worship the Word, O ye faithful, praising Him that with the Father and the Spirit is co-beginningless God, Who was born of a pure Virgin that we all be saved; for He was pleased to mount the Cross in the flesh that He assumed, accepting thus to endure death. And by His glorious rising, He also willed to resurrect the dead.

On July 12, we commemorate 6th Sunday of Matthew: Read more at GOArch.org

The Rule of Saint Benedict: Chapter 1

There are 73 chapters in the Rule of Saint Benedict. As a novice Oblate I am to read a chapter per day. For this reason I am going to attempt to post a chapter a day.

I have, since starting in February, read through the Rule twice. I am not bragging, merely stating. The Rule is quite profound, and I have found the reflection lessons each month to be more beneficial than seeing a psychologist. Any way, here is Chapter 1.

Saturday, July 11, 2015

Euphemia the Great Martyr

On July 11, we commemorate Euphemia the Great Martyr:

In 451, during the reign of the Sovereigns Marcian and Pulcheria, the Fourth Ecumenical Council was convoked in Chalcedon against Eutyches and those of like mind with him. After much debate, the Fathers who were the defenders of Orthodoxy, being 630 in number, agreed among themselves and with those who were of contrary mind, to write their respective definitions of faith in separate books, and to ask God to confirm the truth in this matter. When they had prepared these texts, they placed the two tomes in the case that held Saint Euphemia's relics, sealed it, and departed. After three days of night-long supplications, they opened the reliquary in the presence of the Emperor, and found the tome of the heretics under the feet of the Martyr, and that of the Orthodox in her right hand.


Read more at GOArch.org

The Rule of Saint Benedict

A little while ago, I posted on the Oblates of Saint Benedict and I wrote a little about what it meant to be an Oblate. Here I would like to republish some of the Rule, starting with the Prologue and going through all of the chapters. I may also post some of the reflections with my abbot's blessing.





Listen carefully, my son, to the master's instructions, and attend to them with the ear of your heart. This is advice from a father who loves you; welcome it, and faithfully put it into practice.

The labor of obedience will bring you back to him from whom you has drifted through the sloth of disobedience.

This message is for you, then, if you are ready to give up your own will, once and for all, and armed with the strong noble weapons of obedience to do battle for the true King, Christ the Lord.

First of all, every time you begin a good work, you must pray to him most earnestly to bring it to perfection.

In his goodness, he has already counted us as his sons, and therefore we should never grieve him by our evil actions.

With his good gifts which are in us, we must obey him at all times that he may never become the angry father who disinherits his sons,

nor the dread lord, enraged by our sins, who punishes us forever as worthless servants for refusing to follow him to glory.

Let us up then, at long last, for the Scriptures rouse us when the say: It is high time for us to arise from sleep (Rom 13:11).

Let us open our eyes to the light that comes from God, and our ears to the voice from heaven that every day calls out this charge:

If you hear his voice today, do not harden your hearts (Ps 94 [95]:8).

And again: You that have ears, listen to what the Spirit says to the churches (Rev 2:7).

And what does he say? Come and listen to me, sons; I will teach you the fear of the Lord (Ps 33 [34]:12).

Run while you have the light of life, that the darkness of death may not overtake you (John 12:35).

Seeking his workman in a multitude of people, the Lord calls out to him and lifts his voice again:

Is there anyone here who yearns for life and desires to see good days? (Ps 33 [34]:13)

If you hear this and your answer is, "I do," God them directs these words to you: If you desire true and eternal life, keep your tongue free from vicious talk and your lips from all deceit; turn away from evil and so good; let peace be your quest and aim (Ps 33 [34]:14-15).

Once you have done this, my eyes will be upon you and my ears will listen for your prayers; and even before you ask me, I will say to you: Here I am (Isa 58:9).

What dear brothers, is more delightful than this voice of the Lord calling to us?

See how the Lord in his love shows us the way of life.

Clothed then worth faith and the performance of good works, let us set out on this way, with the Gospel for our guide, that we may deserve to see him who called us to his kingdom (1Thess 2:12).

If we wish to dwell in the tent of this kingdom, we will never arrive unless we run there by doing good deeds.

But let us ask the Lord with the Prophet: Who will dwell in your tent, Lord; who will find rest upon your holy mountain? (Ps 14 [15]:1)

After this question, brothers, let us listen well to what the Lord days in reply, for he shows us the way to his tent.

One who walks without blemish, he says, and is just in all his dealings;

who speaks the truth from his heart and had not practiced deceit with his tongue;

who has not wronged a fellowman in any way, nor listened to slanders against his neighbor
(Ps 14 [15]:2-3).

He has foiled the evil one, the devil, at every turn, flinging both him abs his promptings far from the sight of his heart. While these temptations were still young, he caught hold of them and dashed them against Christ (Ps 14 [15]"4; 136 [137]:9).

These people fear the Lord, and do not become elated over their good deeds; that brings about the food in them.

They praise (Ps 14 [15]:4) the Lord working in them, and say with the Prophet: Not to us, Lord, not to us give the glory, but to your name alone (Ps 113 [115:1]:9).

In just this way Paul the Apostle refused to take credit for the power of his preaching. He declared: By God's grace I am what I am (1 Cor 15:10).

And again he said: He who boasts should make his boast in the Lord (2Cor 10:17).

That is why the Lord says in the Gospel: Whoever hears these words of mine and does them is like a wise man who built hid house upon rock;

the floods came and the winds blew and beat against the house, but it did not fall: it was founded on rock
(Matt 7:24-25).

With this conclusion, the Lord waits for us daily to translate into action, as we should, his holy teachings.

Therefore our life span had been lengthened by way of a truce, that we may amend our misdeeds.

As the Apostle says: Do you not know that the patience of God is leading you to repent (Rom 2:4)?

And indeed the Lord assures us in his love: I do not wish the death of the sinner, but that he turn back to me and live (Ezek 33:11).

Brothers, now that we have asked the Lord who will dwell in his tent, we have heard the instruction for dwelling in it, but only if we fulfill the obligations of those who live there.

We must, then, prepare our hearts and bodies for the battle of holy obedience to his instructions.

What is not possible to us by nature, let us ask the Lord to supply by the help of his grace.

If we wish to reach the eternal life, even as we avoid the torments of hell,

then - while there is still time, while we are in this body and have time to accomplish all of these things the light of life -

we must run and do now what will profit us forever.

Therefore we intend to establish a school for the Lord's service.

In drawing up its regulations, we hope to set down nothing harsh, nothing burdensome.

The good of all concerned, however, may prompt us to a little strictness in order to amend faults and to safeguard love.

Do not be daunted immediately by far and run away from the road that leads to salvation. It is bound to be narrow at the outset.

But as we progress in this way of life and in faith, we shall run on the path of God's commandments, our hearts overflowing with the inexpressible delight of love.

Never swerving from his instructions, then, but faithfully observing his teachings in the monastery until death, we shall through patience share in the sufferings of Christ that we may deserve also to share in his kingdom. Amen.


*NOTE*

The Prophet being referred to is King David.

Friday, July 10, 2015

On Gay Marriage, Reprise

Some of you may have read my original post on the issue of gay marriage. So why am I writing yet another blog post about this? How have my views changed, if they have changed at all?