Reflections

When entering the monastic life, Christian monks are taught a very valuable spiritual lesson. They are taught not to be affected by human praise or insults alike. If people praise us, pride may creep into our hearts leading to vain glory. If people insult us, this may lead us to revenge or despair. People are often not fair in the way they judge because of their lack of knowledge. Therefore, it is best to thicken our skin and not worry about how people view us. Only God knows what exactly is in the hearts. He is just, merciful and He loves us. 

Dear friends, seek to please God. Do good to others not to seek their praise but rather give praise to God who transformed you into a better person. Don’t be affected by insults because God is your ultimate judge. 

You are a child of God Almighty. You are dear and valuable to Him. Nothing should affect your self-value or esteem. Focus on your Heavenly Father and the rest is secondary. Love people because this is your new nature not seeking any secondary gains. Pray for those who insult you that they may repent and come to know God. Be proactive not reactive. Bring people to God.

May God bless you. 

Jesus in His deepest pain on the cross taught us the ultimate lesson on forgiveness. He prayed for those who were crucifying Him while being tormented on the cross!! 

Jesus said “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34). Anger and Revenge would have been on the natural man mind, but when the divine speaks, only moral perfection is uttered. 

Dear friends, you may feel revengeful to those who hurt you. But ask God to give you the power of forgiveness. Jesus not only forgave those who crucified Him but also prayed for them. Forgiveness opens the gates of heaven to us. Forgive and pray for someone who hurt you. Be like Christ who is our example to emulate. Love is powerful because it can turn enemies into friends. Revenge only exacerbates the hatred leading to wars and loss. Choose the narrow path that leads to the kingdom. Unfortunately, only few choose this path. 

May God bless you. 

[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” overlay_color=”” video_preview_image=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” padding_top=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” padding_right=””][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” center_content=”no” last=”no” min_height=”” hover_type=”none” link=””][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””]

Don’t Repay Evil with Evil:

St. Paul wrote “17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good.” (Roman 12:17-21)

Dear friends, if we repay evil, then we are no different than those who commit evil. If we love God, we must do our best to gain people around us. This is difficult to do on your own. We need God’s to help do this. God will give us the power to forgive and to do good.

We can change those around us by repaying evil with good. Otherwise, we only offer back evil, and we lose our internal peace. Be wise. Follow what your creator Has commanded you to do. God can defend His children against all evil according to His wisdom.

May God bless you.

---

Prayer:

O God, be attentive to help me. Lord, make haste to help me. Let them be ashamed and confounded who seek my life. Let them be turned back and ashamed who desire evil against me. Let them be turned back because of their shame, who say to me, “Well done! Well done!” Let all those who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; and let those who love your salvation say continually, Let God be magnified! But as for me, I am poor and needy; O God, help me! You are my help and my deliverer; Lord, do not delay. (Psalm 70)

[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” overlay_color=”” video_preview_image=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” padding_top=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” padding_right=””][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” center_content=”no” last=”no” min_height=”” hover_type=”none” link=””][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””]

Restoration:

God created Adam and placed in him paradise. Then He created Eve to be Adam’s wife and companion. They disobeyed God and they were kicked out of heaven. They lost their comfortable and pure life in paradise. Now they had to toil and work to make a living. Sin made them lose paradise and now they and their descendants must suffer the consequences of sin, namely sickness and death.

Even though we are not responsible for Adam and Eve’s sin, we inherited the effects of their sin. In this fallen world, we all will eventually get sick and die.

God never gives up on His creation. He loves His creation and He sent His only begotten son Jesus to save the world. God wanted to restore what Adam and Eve had destroyed. Jesus conquered death by His resurrection. Our sins are forgiven by the price He paid on the cross.

Therefore, death can no longer conquer us. Jesus gave us victory. Even though we may die physically, we shall have eternal life in the Kingdom of God. Jesus restored what was broken. God loves us, and as our Father, always tries to fix the mess His children cause.

God is Holy and for us to live in His kingdom we must become Holy. Therefore, we must experience transformation from the old sinful self into a new righteous self. This is what rebirth is or being born again means. We must grow to become Christlike. The old Adam brought sin, the new Adam (Christ) saved us and restored our relationship and communion with God. May God bless you.

---

Prayer:

God of our fathers, you always treat us with leniency. Do not withdraw your mercy from us, but by the intercessions of our fathers, guide our life in peace. With the blood of your martyrs throughout the world, as if with purple and fine linen having been adorned, your Church through them cries out to you, Christ our God. Send down your mercies upon your people. Grant peace to your commonwealth, and to our souls your great compassion. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever and unto ages of ages. Amen. (from the Small Compline)

[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” overlay_color=”” video_preview_image=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” padding_top=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” padding_right=””][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” center_content=”no” last=”no” min_height=”” hover_type=”none” link=””][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””]

Thy Will Be Done:

The Lord’s Prayer is so deep that it has the formula and the secrets on how to conduct our lives. After all, it was taught to us by the Lord Himself.

Books can be written on each phrase of this deep prayer. This is not an exaggeration. When we say Thy will be done, we learn the simple truth that God’s will is the best way for us to lead our lives. You may say how do I know God’s will?

If we depend on our will and wits and live according to the world standards, we often choose the wrong paths which often cost us. When we face situations where we are unclear about God’s will, we must seek it by prayer and spending time with the lord.

Dear friends, let us be practical and realistic. Who knows better about everything, us or God? God knows everything about everything. In addition, He loves us. After all, He is our Heavenly Father. He knows what is best for us. Therefore, willingly submit your will to God’s will. Give Him all your thoughts. Ask Him to bless your actions and plans and then, proceed according to His will.

The results are nothing short of a miraculous, influential life. The result is a better you. A more sanctified you. A happier, spiritually rich you. Thy will be done. When you pray the Lord’s Prayer, say it from the depth of your heart. Mean it. Live by it. May God bless you.

---

Prayer:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” overlay_color=”” video_preview_image=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” padding_top=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” padding_right=””][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” center_content=”no” last=”no” min_height=”” hover_type=”none” link=””][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””]

Means and Goals and Fasting:

We sometimes confuse spiritual means and goals. We focus on the means and we lose sight of the goal. Our ultimate goal is to grow in the knowledge of God. It is probably impossible to know God completely, because God is infinite.

If we fast or give up something for lent, our goal is to focus less on earthly matters, and focus more on spiritual, eternal life. Lent is a time of refocusing our minds. It is almost like going to a spiritual boot camp. It is an opportunity to grow closer to God and hence achieve our goal of knowing Him better.  So, fasting is really a way to reach our goal. We must not focus on what we give up or how we change our diet, but rather focus on the goal.

Fasting is a time for repentance. The first step to know God is to repent and confess our sins. God is a spirit. We cannot come to know God intellectually. We know God by the spirit. In order for the spirit to guide us to know God, we must be cleansed from our sins. What is the point of fasting if we still hold grudges, curse, and hate other people? The goal will never be achieved.

Dear friends, fasting is a time of spiritual blessings. If we understand how to truly fast, we can reap many spiritual rewards. It is a time for transformation to grow to be Christlike. It is allowing the spirit to overcome the flesh.

If you treat it like any other season, you will miss many spiritual benefits. If you give yourselves excuses, change will not happen. Take advantage of this Holy time because it can make the rest of the year blessed.    May God bless you.

---

Prayer Before Meals:

That the poor shall eat and be satisfied and they who seek the Lord shall praise him; their hearts shall live to the ages of ages. Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages, Amen. Lord have mercy (3X). Christ our God bless the food and drink of your servants, for you are holy always, now and forever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” overlay_color=”” video_preview_image=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” padding_top=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” padding_right=””][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” center_content=”no” last=”no” min_height=”” hover_type=”none” link=””][fusion_text]

Pick and Choose: Many of us care about our faith. We may go to Church every Sunday. We are generally good people.  However, we like to pick and choose which biblical commandments we want to follow and which we don’t.

Unfortunately, this half-hearted attitude is not acceptable to the Lord. God wants all of our hearts. If we are willing to follow all commandments but have not yet succeeded because of weakness, God would be happy. As long as we are seriously trying, God shall bless our efforts.

Dear friends, the first greatest commandment is to love God with ALL your heart. He is at the center. He is a priority. Therefore, try to do your best to apply all the Lord’s commandments to your life. Those who truly love God, take all, not just part of his commandments seriously.     May God bless you.

---

Prayer of Children:

Lord Jesus Christ, you received the children who came to you, receive also from the lips of your child this evening prayer. Shelter me under the protection of your wings that I may lie down in peace and sleep. Awaken me in due time that I may glorify you, for you alone are good and love all people.

Prayer of Adults:

Lord our God, whatever sins I have committed this day, in word deed, or thought, forgive me, for you are good and love all people. Grant me a peaceful and undisturbed sleep. Protect me from every abuse and plot of the evil one. Raise me up in due time that I may glorify you, for you are blessed, together with your only begotten Son, and your all holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” overlay_color=”” video_preview_image=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” padding_top=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” padding_right=””][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” center_content=”no” last=”no” min_height=”” hover_type=”none” link=””][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””]

On Fasting: “Do not say to me that I fasted for so many days, that I did not want this or that, that I did not drink wine, that I endured want; but show me if you from an angry man have become gentle, if you from a cruel man have become benevolent. If you are filled with anger, why oppress your flesh? If hatred and avarice are within you, of what benefit is it that you drink water? Do no show forth a useless fast: for fasting alone does not ascend to heaven.” –St. John Chrysostom

[/fusion_text][fusion_separator style_type=”single solid” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” sep_color=”” top_margin=”” bottom_margin=”20px” border_size=”” icon=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”center” /][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””]

Moving Mountains

“Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20

Faith can move mountains. Logically, it is impossible to move a mountain. But not with faith. How can a mountain so huge and so high be moved? Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

Dear friends, you think your problem is so hard for God to solve? Think again! You need to have faith.

Ask God to increase your faith. Nothing is impossible to almighty God. Trust in Him. A mountain in Egypt was moved by the prayer of St. Simon the Tanner in the 10th century. If God moved a real mountain in Egypt, can’t He move a mountain in your life?

May God bless you.

[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” overlay_color=”” video_preview_image=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” padding_top=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” padding_right=””][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” center_content=”no” last=”no” min_height=”” hover_type=”none” link=””][fusion_text]

 “…If it is the Lord’s will, we will do this or that.” (James 4:15)

We plan things and speak in certainty as if we have control of the future. We speak of the future as if we are immortal. We often forget that life is fragile and the unexpected can happen anytime without warning.

Dear friends, always say God willing, when you plan to do this or that. Life is unpredictable. We hope things will go as planned, but there is never a guarantee.

St. James wrote, “Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know that will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will we will live and do this or that.” (James 4:13-15)

May God bless you.

[/fusion_text][fusion_separator style_type=”single solid” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” sep_color=”” top_margin=”” bottom_margin=”20px” border_size=”” icon=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”center” /][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””]

Christ our God, at all times and in every hour, you are worshipped and glorified in heaven and on earth. Long in patience, great in mercy and compassion, you love the righteous and show mercy to the sinners. You call all to salvation through the promise of good things to come. Lord, receive my prayer at the present time. Direct my life according to your commandments. Sanctify my soul. Purify my body. Set my mind aright. Cleanse my thoughts and deliver me from all sorrow, evil and distress. Surround me with your holy angels that, guarded and guided by you, we may arrive at the unity of faith and the understanding of your ineffable glory. For you are blessed to the ages of ages.

Amen.

[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]