What is the true Church? Often we hear people say the church he belongs to is the true church. But what is the use of saying such things when there is no compassion in that church? When, instead of its pastor welcoming someone as a fellow brethren, turns his brother away? Saying such and such is the true Church means nothing without love for fellowman. As St. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 13: If I have faith as to move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. Without love a church is empty--it is just a museum. We Orthodox say we are the true Church; we must then live the Gospel so people will see that truth in the Church. Let us be compassionate as Christ intended His Church to be. Then we can draw people in, as they see a Church which has love, compassion and mercy in it.
Friday, May 02, 2014
Monday, March 11, 2013
Christ's Judgment, or Reflection on Judgment Sunday
As we move closer towards Holy and Great Lent, we read on Judgment Sunday the passage concerning the sheep and the goats (cf. Matthew 25:31ff), where Christ will judge all people not just according to their faith in Christ, but according to what they've done. Or more particularly, how they showed their faith by what they've done. This is important to note, since a number of non-Orthodox, and particularly Protestants, would contend that faith, or proclaiming one's belief in Christ alone, is enough. Of course we start off with our faith in Christ--in the Protestant context, that would mean believing in Him. Belief though should not be merely by knowing Jesus, but a real life in Him by obeying Him. In the Orthodox view, this is the more complete faith--knowing Christ and following Him by obeying Him. So we see this then in the passage in Matthew. Interestingly, St. Paul echoes the same in Romans 2:5-8, especially in verses 7-8: eternal life to those who seek glory, honor, and immortality through perseverance in good works,
but wrath and fury to those who selfishly disobey the truth and obey wickedness. He would repeat this in verses 9-10 to stress his point. In Revelation as well we find the same thing regarding Judgment: “Behold, I am coming soon. I bring with me the recompense I will give to each according to his deeds." (Revelation 22:12). We must then live our lives following His will, doing it with love. And above all, indeed, it should be with love, as St. Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 13. Indeed, he writes that the greatest virtue is love, and good works in another sense is love in action, or faith working with love in action. As we move towards Great Lent this should be in our hearts, that we must do things with love for God and for our neighbor. All that we do is geared towards love, for we are here because of His love for us, and we are reminded of this each Great Lent, and indeed each day we are with Him.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
The Publican and the Pharisee
Last Sunday we read about the publican and the Pharisee. This then starts our preparation towards Holy and Great Lent. The Gospel leads us to reflect on one aspect, often said but often not quite followed: humility. Often we are told to be humble. Often though, we fail to do so. Our world today calls us instead to brag on about what we've accomplished, on what we've done. But there is more to that than simply not telling what we've done--it is about obedience. It is about confronting ourselves and seeing ourselves as who we are--that we are sinners in need of Christ's love and forgiveness. So the Church reminds us of this, that as we go towards Lent, we must again go back and realize that we are sinners.
We are often reminded of this in our prayers. In Liturgy we say often, "Lord, have mercy". And again: O God be gracious to me a sinner and have mercy one me. And how often we are reminded of The Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner. Yet, do we reflect on these things? It is worthwhile to reflect on them, if we have not done so yet. For here we see something--a need for mercy, for forgiveness. We strive, and yet we fail. And yet there is hope--for in The Prayer, we appeal to our Lord to have mercy on us. And He shows us this mercy, if we really seek for it. He shows us that we are not hopeless, because He is always there waiting for us. So we must pray as often as we should, asking His mercy, and then doing His will, which is to live in Him, for then by doing so we then show that we are His. We must strive, to carry on, towards that perfection which the Lord calls us to do, and in the end He will reward us for our tears and our struggles.
We are often reminded of this in our prayers. In Liturgy we say often, "Lord, have mercy". And again: O God be gracious to me a sinner and have mercy one me. And how often we are reminded of The Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner. Yet, do we reflect on these things? It is worthwhile to reflect on them, if we have not done so yet. For here we see something--a need for mercy, for forgiveness. We strive, and yet we fail. And yet there is hope--for in The Prayer, we appeal to our Lord to have mercy on us. And He shows us this mercy, if we really seek for it. He shows us that we are not hopeless, because He is always there waiting for us. So we must pray as often as we should, asking His mercy, and then doing His will, which is to live in Him, for then by doing so we then show that we are His. We must strive, to carry on, towards that perfection which the Lord calls us to do, and in the end He will reward us for our tears and our struggles.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
New Year, New Life
Every start of the year, we see it as a new day. A new life for many of us. How do we start this new year then? Many of us make resolutions. If ever there is one resolution we must do, it should be that we must be faithful to our Lord and follow Him. Our new life then should be a new life in the Lord, living in obedience to Him and being faithful to His commandments. That should be the new life we must strive, each day, and that we must keep. It is a life that we should keep not just at the start of the year, but everyday for the rest of our lives. So as the celebration stops and the grind of daily life returns, we must keep this new life in Christ, really focusing on Him and obeying Him. Then our life will be one of joy and peace, knowing that we are with Him and that we live the life that our Lord desires for us.
Monday, December 17, 2012
Axios! Many Years to His Beatitude!
http://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/64912-youhanna-yaziji-elected-new-greek-orthodox-patriarch-of-the-levant-and-antioch
His Beatitude, John X has been elected as Patriarch of Antioch and All the East on Dec. 17, 2012. Many years to His Beatitude! Axios!
His Beatitude, John X has been elected as Patriarch of Antioch and All the East on Dec. 17, 2012. Many years to His Beatitude! Axios!
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Sunday of Forgiveness and Great and Holy Lent
Last Sunday was the Sunday of Forgiveness, as well as Cheesefare Sunday. This signals to us the start of the most solemn season in the Church, Great Lent. Last Sunday we read about how we must forgive one another (Matthew 6:14-21) as well as how we must be when we fast. This season we are called to repentance as well as forgiveness. As we journey towards that day when He died for us, we reflect on how despite our sins He still found us worthy of forgiveness. That should not be lost on us. And just as much as He forgave us, then we must show the same mercy to those who offend us.
This season as well we are called to fast. Fasting is a way of reminding us of what we should do; that is, to take off our inclinations to sin and sin itself. Fasting then is a start--if we can avoid certain foods during Lent, then we should be able to avoid sin as well. It goes without saying that when we fast, we do it in prayer. Fasting without prayer is merely dieting, and spiritually it does us no good if we fast without prayer. So fasting done in prayer and reflection helps us focus on our goal, that is Christ Himself. We pray that His mercy and forgiveness be with us. We pray that we have the courage to face ourselves and take off our sinful selves and put on Christ, as we have promised at baptism. We remember this season that we have to put on Christ as His followers.
But it shouldn't only be this season that we should reflect on these things. We are called to live this life daily. It should not only be at Lent that we remember this--and even that, if at all--but it must be part of our life every single day. So we ask for His grace that, everyday, we live our Christian life the way He wants us to live it. Then we are ready to be with Him, as we go on each day to be more like Him.
This season as well we are called to fast. Fasting is a way of reminding us of what we should do; that is, to take off our inclinations to sin and sin itself. Fasting then is a start--if we can avoid certain foods during Lent, then we should be able to avoid sin as well. It goes without saying that when we fast, we do it in prayer. Fasting without prayer is merely dieting, and spiritually it does us no good if we fast without prayer. So fasting done in prayer and reflection helps us focus on our goal, that is Christ Himself. We pray that His mercy and forgiveness be with us. We pray that we have the courage to face ourselves and take off our sinful selves and put on Christ, as we have promised at baptism. We remember this season that we have to put on Christ as His followers.
But it shouldn't only be this season that we should reflect on these things. We are called to live this life daily. It should not only be at Lent that we remember this--and even that, if at all--but it must be part of our life every single day. So we ask for His grace that, everyday, we live our Christian life the way He wants us to live it. Then we are ready to be with Him, as we go on each day to be more like Him.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Long time since I last wrote...
I guess I have stayed a bit too long away from my blog. It is almost Great and Holy Lent, and I have not posted since the visit of His Eminence, Metropolitan Paul of Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines. Anyway, my apologies.
Last Sunday was Judgment Sunday and Meat-fare Sunday. We recall on that day the final Judgment (Matthew 25:31-46), where we see Jesus as Judge. We also realize that His Judgment is hinged not only on our faith, but how we lived our faith. Overall, what Jesus wants from us is to love--love the Lord as well as our neighbors. What we do then has much importance; recall, for instance, that in Romans 2:5-8 Paul shows the same Judgment scene, where those who do good will go to their reward while those who do evil to their punishment. It is clear then that Judgment will be based on how we have lived our faith, a faith working in love. As Paul would later affirm in Romans, love is the fulfillment of the Law.
As we near Lent, we reflect on this--how we lived our lives, and are called to repentance. The first Sunday of the Triodon has the Publican and the Pharisee; the second Sunday the Prodigal Son and last Sunday, Judgment. In all these, we are prepared for that time when we recall His suffering, death and Resurrection. In that time, we should reflect on our lives, and what we can do to correct whatever we need to. The Lord is kind, as we are shown in the Prodigal Son--He waits for us patiently to return to Him. But we must not recall these things only during Lent, but each day, for often we fall short and have need of His mercy.
Last Sunday as well was Meat-fare Sunday. It is the last day for us Orthodox to eat meat, in preparation for the Great Fast of Lent. Fasting must be done in prayer; we do not fast simply for its own sake, but to help us in prayer as well as help us to slowly take out sins and our disposition towards sin, towards as more holy life. So we should reflect as well on this, that our life is a life of sacrifice, as life lived in penance. Such a life then, lived in prayer and contemplation, would be a holy life, one where, as we in the Cherubic Hymn, we lay aside all the cares of this life, and focus on a life in service to our Lord.
Last Sunday was Judgment Sunday and Meat-fare Sunday. We recall on that day the final Judgment (Matthew 25:31-46), where we see Jesus as Judge. We also realize that His Judgment is hinged not only on our faith, but how we lived our faith. Overall, what Jesus wants from us is to love--love the Lord as well as our neighbors. What we do then has much importance; recall, for instance, that in Romans 2:5-8 Paul shows the same Judgment scene, where those who do good will go to their reward while those who do evil to their punishment. It is clear then that Judgment will be based on how we have lived our faith, a faith working in love. As Paul would later affirm in Romans, love is the fulfillment of the Law.
As we near Lent, we reflect on this--how we lived our lives, and are called to repentance. The first Sunday of the Triodon has the Publican and the Pharisee; the second Sunday the Prodigal Son and last Sunday, Judgment. In all these, we are prepared for that time when we recall His suffering, death and Resurrection. In that time, we should reflect on our lives, and what we can do to correct whatever we need to. The Lord is kind, as we are shown in the Prodigal Son--He waits for us patiently to return to Him. But we must not recall these things only during Lent, but each day, for often we fall short and have need of His mercy.
Last Sunday as well was Meat-fare Sunday. It is the last day for us Orthodox to eat meat, in preparation for the Great Fast of Lent. Fasting must be done in prayer; we do not fast simply for its own sake, but to help us in prayer as well as help us to slowly take out sins and our disposition towards sin, towards as more holy life. So we should reflect as well on this, that our life is a life of sacrifice, as life lived in penance. Such a life then, lived in prayer and contemplation, would be a holy life, one where, as we in the Cherubic Hymn, we lay aside all the cares of this life, and focus on a life in service to our Lord.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Pastoral Visit of His Eminence, Metropolitan Paul
His Eminence, Metropolitan Paul, Metropolitan of the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippines, is making his pastoral visit from January 28 to February 4, 2012 here in the Philippines. We pray that his visit may bear much fruit for the Church here in the Philippines.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Sunday's Gospel Reflection (January 22)
Last Sunday we saw the Gospel in which Zaccheus wanted to see who Jesus was (Luke 19:1-10). He was a tax collector, not exactly the best loved type of person in those days. Still, when Jesus saw him, He called on him and told him that He would come to his house that day. This apparently touched Zaccheus, for he was willing to change for Jesus. When we are called, this must be our attitude as well. We remember the same thing happening to the Apostles when Jesus called them; they left whatever they were doing and followed Him. It is a great risk, yet it also shows a faith totally for the Lord--a faith willing to drop everything for His sake. This is the faith which our Lord wants, a faith like that of a child's, very much innocent and trusting.
We then must also be like them--willing to change, to drop everything in order to follow Him. It is the only thing He asks of us. It is not complicated or hard, for He did promise that His yoke is easy and His burden light. If we have a faith like that of Zaccheus', then we have started this journey towards Him. And as often as He said, He will always be with us and not forsake us, as long as we are there with Him.
We then must also be like them--willing to change, to drop everything in order to follow Him. It is the only thing He asks of us. It is not complicated or hard, for He did promise that His yoke is easy and His burden light. If we have a faith like that of Zaccheus', then we have started this journey towards Him. And as often as He said, He will always be with us and not forsake us, as long as we are there with Him.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Reflection for Sunday's Gospel (January 15)
The Sunday's Gospel was about the ten lepers who approached Jesus (Luke 17:12-19). Jesus said to them to go show themselves to the priests. Of the ten, only one, a Samaritan, went back and paid Him homage. Often we receive things unknowingly from God, or else take for granted what He has given us. We forget the blessings that we have. Yet at the same time we ask from Him many things. Perhaps we should begin to stop and reflect, and realize the many things we have that God has given us, or let us have. We are also so busy with our lives that we do not realize God moving; He is the one guiding us.
Also, the Gospel at another level shows how a stranger--a Samaritan--recognized what had happened. In a way, this shows how the Gentiles recognized Jesus more than His own. It is, in a way, a sign of how things will be.
We must then recognize as well God moving in our lives, that without Him our lives would be meaningless and without direction. We live in Him, as His followers. Let us not forget to thank Him then each day, most of all for life itself, that even in the hardest circumstances God is still there, and always remain our Hope.
Sunday, January 08, 2012
Reflection on Theophany (January 6)
Theophany was celebrated last January 6. It took me awhile to get around to my blog, but finally I am able to post. The Gospel last Friday (Matthew 3:13-17) shows us the Forerunner baptizing Jesus, and after that when He got out of the water, a dove hovered above Him while a Voice cried out, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased." This is the first manifestation of the Trinity in the Gospels, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit together in one place. This is also the first full revelation of Jesus as not merely the Messiah, but something more: the Son of God. It is amazing how this revelation is overlooked today; many do not expressly believe He is God, thinking Him to be only a man. Yet here we can clearly see He is more than man. Theophany celebrates this revelation to us, as we hold fast to the truth given to us by the Fathers of the Church. It is worth reflecting then: do we see Jesus as the Son of God? Do we accord Him the due reverence which is for Him? Nowadays there are people who see Jesus in a rather trivial way, even calling Him, "Bro". Such casual reference to Him does not fit someone who is King and Savior of all. We should not be so casual as to refer to Him as "Bro". Some people find this cute, but it lacks the respect that is befitting of Him. As the Father Himself revealed, Jesus is the Beloved Son, and so we must also honor Him with reverence.
Sunday, January 01, 2012
Reflections and Resolutions
As a new year comes, it's inevitable to look back at the past year and reflect on what happened. It's also inevitable at this time to make resolutions. Each new year is another chance to renew our lives. It is a time when there is much hope, and we look forward to the coming year with much optimism and enthusiasm.
But we must not forget the most important thing--to have the Lord when we make our resolutions. It is by His grace that we're given the strength to carry out our resolutions. Often we make them, but do we remember to ask His help whenever we make them? Let us ask His help and guidance then. It would not be in vain if we ask His blessing.
At the same time we thank the Lord for the past year, that there had been blessings as well as hardships. All of them are a part of life, and we thank Him for giving us the chance to experience life. No matter how hard life is, we must realize that He is always there to guide us, if we ask Him to do so. We are thankful that despite the hardships of life, He does not fail us.
And so this year we turn to Him and to the Theotokos, as we should. It is a year of opportunities. With the Lord by our side, nothing is impossible. He will be there for us if we but cling to Him, for without Him we are nothing. But with Him, then we are whole, for He is everything.
But we must not forget the most important thing--to have the Lord when we make our resolutions. It is by His grace that we're given the strength to carry out our resolutions. Often we make them, but do we remember to ask His help whenever we make them? Let us ask His help and guidance then. It would not be in vain if we ask His blessing.
At the same time we thank the Lord for the past year, that there had been blessings as well as hardships. All of them are a part of life, and we thank Him for giving us the chance to experience life. No matter how hard life is, we must realize that He is always there to guide us, if we ask Him to do so. We are thankful that despite the hardships of life, He does not fail us.
And so this year we turn to Him and to the Theotokos, as we should. It is a year of opportunities. With the Lord by our side, nothing is impossible. He will be there for us if we but cling to Him, for without Him we are nothing. But with Him, then we are whole, for He is everything.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Christ is Born! Glorify Him!
Tonight we again celebrate the birth of our Savior. What does this mean for us? Is it just about the gifts, or the food, or the parties? It is something more than those--much more. It means that God loves us so much, as we see in the Gospel of John, that He would give His Son to us. It is the Light coming to us. It is God being with us. His birth means God has come down to us to be at our level, even if we do not deserve this. Yet He humbled Himself to be with us, to be close to us. That is the real wonder of this feast. And just as the angels did, we glorify Him for this. The heavens opened up and glorified Him, something that no mere man has the honor. Yet how many in those days noticed? Only a few shepherds--a prefigurement, if you will, of Him being the Shepherd. It was a glorious night. It was something which we should always remember, and look back to.
This day as well, let us not forget those who have recently suffered tragedy. Let us remember them in our prayers, that amidst their suffering Christ is there with them. Let us pray that they find peace and joy even amidst the trials, and most of all, that He is the Hope that shows us the way.
This day as well, let us not forget those who have recently suffered tragedy. Let us remember them in our prayers, that amidst their suffering Christ is there with them. Let us pray that they find peace and joy even amidst the trials, and most of all, that He is the Hope that shows us the way.
Monday, December 19, 2011
A Moment of Prayer...
For our brothers and sisters in Mindanao, especially in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan, who were hit by tropical storm "Sendong". Let us remember them and pray for them, that the Lord might have mercy on them. Let us also remember those who have perished in the disaster--may the Lord grant them mercy and compassion. May the Lord grant His compassion as well for the survivors, that they rebuild their lives with His help. As we who are safe look forward toward His birth, let us remember those who should be celebrating it as well, but now are in sorrow because of the disaster. May they find comfort in His birth, and that His hope is always present. Above all, our Lord's Nativity is about hope, and we all look forward to that day when there is no more sorrow and suffering, but joy in being one with the Lord.
Sunday of Genealogy
Yesterday was the Sunday before the Nativity, also known as the Sunday of Genealogy. Here we recall the roots of our Savior (Matthew 1:1-25). We read that His line include the great Patriarchs of Israel, as well as some who are sinners as well. That might sound strange in light of who Jesus is, but in reflection this actually highlights what His mission is all about: that He calls all towards Him. Everyone is welcome to Him. His own line attests to that: it includes those who are less than perfect to show us that all are welcome to the Kingdom if we sincerely are with Him and seek Him.
Matthew's genealogy also shows another aspect--to highlight that Jesus is a Jew's Jew, one who perfectly follows His Father. So as we reflect on this, we must realize that Christ's call is for all, and He will not turn away those who seek Him and repent of their sins. As we near towards His birth, that is what we must do--as The Forerunner has said, make straight the path of the Lord. We must do it not only at this time for His birth, but everyday. It is the call He makes each day to us.
Matthew's genealogy also shows another aspect--to highlight that Jesus is a Jew's Jew, one who perfectly follows His Father. So as we reflect on this, we must realize that Christ's call is for all, and He will not turn away those who seek Him and repent of their sins. As we near towards His birth, that is what we must do--as The Forerunner has said, make straight the path of the Lord. We must do it not only at this time for His birth, but everyday. It is the call He makes each day to us.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Orthodoxy of the Heart
This is one topic I have wanted to touch, but for some reason keep forgetting it. Orthodoxy of the heart; if I am correct, Fr. Seraphim Rose has a book with this title. What is essentially Orthodoxy of the heart?
It is, quite simply, living the Orthodox Faith. It is not mere head knowledge about Orthodoxy, but living the faith, becoming a witness for the Orthodox Church. Often people think it is enough that we know something about our faith; that is not so. Even our Lord has said, "Not those who say, Lord, Lord' will enter the Kingdom, but the one who does My Father's will".
So what does this mean then? How do we live our Orthodox Faith? It's not merely memorizing the Creed, nor knowing what to do in Divine Liturgy. It is good if we know those. It is good if we read the Bible, read about the early Fathers, know about Orthodox theology. Those are important. But it is not complete. What is more essential is praxis, what we actually do.
So when we fast, it is not just fasting for the sake of it, but we fast with the Lord in mind and our hearts in prayer. When we are at Divine Liturgy, we don't just sit at one corner but we join in the chanting, our focus on the Lord. But most of all, we show to others the love Christ has for us. It is by being kind to our neighbors. It is giving that smile to a stranger, or to listening to a friend who is grieving. That is when we become true witnesses to our Faith.
Being Orthodox is not looking or acting stern then, but it is that joyful living of our Faith. It is when we are sincere in our Faith that it truly shines. So when we say we are Orthodox, we must show it in everything that we do. Then we live the Orthodox Faith. Then when people see us, they do not turn away from us nor go the other way when they see us, but they readily come to you because they realize that Christ is within you. Then it won't be hard to share the Faith, to show them what the Orthodox Church is all about.
This is also helpful for those who, for one reason or another, do not have access to an Orthodox church or community; it might be that there are no Orthodox living nearby. How then can one be Orthodox is often the question for them. This is the answer: live the Orthodox Faith as faithfully as you can. Of course, for non-Orthodox, that would also mean learning what the Orthodox Church is all about. Start with Orthodox praxis like making the sign of the Cross. From there it will flow until the opportunity comes for you to truly go to an Orthodox church and join in Liturgy. The opportunity will come, as there is nothing impossible with God. As we often say, God will make a way for things to happen if we but believe in Him and trust Him.
So it is not difficult to live the Orthodox Faith and know it by heart--it really simple. It takes a sincere faith and one that is ready to follow the Lord. It is when we say, "Here I am, Lord" that we have Orthodoxy of the heart.
It is, quite simply, living the Orthodox Faith. It is not mere head knowledge about Orthodoxy, but living the faith, becoming a witness for the Orthodox Church. Often people think it is enough that we know something about our faith; that is not so. Even our Lord has said, "Not those who say, Lord, Lord' will enter the Kingdom, but the one who does My Father's will".
So what does this mean then? How do we live our Orthodox Faith? It's not merely memorizing the Creed, nor knowing what to do in Divine Liturgy. It is good if we know those. It is good if we read the Bible, read about the early Fathers, know about Orthodox theology. Those are important. But it is not complete. What is more essential is praxis, what we actually do.
So when we fast, it is not just fasting for the sake of it, but we fast with the Lord in mind and our hearts in prayer. When we are at Divine Liturgy, we don't just sit at one corner but we join in the chanting, our focus on the Lord. But most of all, we show to others the love Christ has for us. It is by being kind to our neighbors. It is giving that smile to a stranger, or to listening to a friend who is grieving. That is when we become true witnesses to our Faith.
Being Orthodox is not looking or acting stern then, but it is that joyful living of our Faith. It is when we are sincere in our Faith that it truly shines. So when we say we are Orthodox, we must show it in everything that we do. Then we live the Orthodox Faith. Then when people see us, they do not turn away from us nor go the other way when they see us, but they readily come to you because they realize that Christ is within you. Then it won't be hard to share the Faith, to show them what the Orthodox Church is all about.
This is also helpful for those who, for one reason or another, do not have access to an Orthodox church or community; it might be that there are no Orthodox living nearby. How then can one be Orthodox is often the question for them. This is the answer: live the Orthodox Faith as faithfully as you can. Of course, for non-Orthodox, that would also mean learning what the Orthodox Church is all about. Start with Orthodox praxis like making the sign of the Cross. From there it will flow until the opportunity comes for you to truly go to an Orthodox church and join in Liturgy. The opportunity will come, as there is nothing impossible with God. As we often say, God will make a way for things to happen if we but believe in Him and trust Him.
So it is not difficult to live the Orthodox Faith and know it by heart--it really simple. It takes a sincere faith and one that is ready to follow the Lord. It is when we say, "Here I am, Lord" that we have Orthodoxy of the heart.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Where That New Testament Church Is
I think this article here says it quite well: http://journeytoorthodoxy.com/orthodox-faith/finding-the-new-testament-church/#axzz1gOIdfizU For those asking, where is this New Testament Church that we should go to? Where can it be found? It is the Orthodox Church. This is the Church that has kept the teachings and Holy Tradition of the Apostles and early Church Fathers. I would not say this if I have not read and researched about it myself. But each of us makes our own journey, so your journey might be different from my own. However, I pray that it will lead you to the Church which has kept what the early Church believed in. Many today are making that claim--we are the church that knows the Bible; we are the church that is what was in the New Testament. Often though, when one look more closely, it turns out that their claims fall short. For most of my life I had been Catholic, until I began to realize that the Catholic Church's claims do not coincide with how the early Church actually was. I dug deeper, and I found the Orthodox Church. May that journey also lead you to our Lord's Church, the Church of the Apostles and the early Fathers.
Monday, December 12, 2011
My Wish List
A few weeks ago I posted about making a wish list; now I am posting here my own wish list. Of course, foremost we must turn to God if we ask for things. A faithful heart will not be turned away by the Lord, for He said that if we seek the Kingdom, He will give the things we need as well.
For the next year, I wish to see more growth in the Orthodox Church here in the Philippines. Whether under Antioch or the Ecumenical Patriarchate, a growth in Orthodox faithful is a good sign that the Faith is taking firm root. Of course, with a growth in numbers should come a growth in faith as well, and that orthopraxis would truly be taken to heart by every Orthodox faithful both here in the Philippines and in other countries.
Along with that, I hope that the communities would be fruitful, and that there would be more Orthodox chapels and churches built here in the Philippines. The communities here are crying for such. It would truly be a great blessing for the faithful to have more worship places for them, a place which they can call home. The Church after all is for them, not just for the clergy.
For the next year, I wish to see more growth in the Orthodox Church here in the Philippines. Whether under Antioch or the Ecumenical Patriarchate, a growth in Orthodox faithful is a good sign that the Faith is taking firm root. Of course, with a growth in numbers should come a growth in faith as well, and that orthopraxis would truly be taken to heart by every Orthodox faithful both here in the Philippines and in other countries.
Along with that, I hope that the communities would be fruitful, and that there would be more Orthodox chapels and churches built here in the Philippines. The communities here are crying for such. It would truly be a great blessing for the faithful to have more worship places for them, a place which they can call home. The Church after all is for them, not just for the clergy.
The Gospel for Sunday
Yesterday (or today for those living in the U.S. and some other places) the Gospel was all about the parable of a rich man giving a feast, and inviting many to attend it (Luke 14:16-24; Matthew 22:14). But those who were initially invited had various reasons for not attending; because of this, he asked his servants to instead to invite the cripple, the lame and the blind. As we go on towards the Nativity of our Lord, we often are called as well. What is the response that we give? Are we so busy with our lives, that we lose our focus on Him? Do we give excuses for not being with Him? Our attitude must be that when Jesus says, "Come, follow Me", we say, "Speak Lord, your servant is listening". We must be attentive--ready to follow Him, just as the Apostles did when He called them and they dropped everything they did to follow Him. For He said that everything He will give if we seek the Kingdom, so we need not worry about our concerns if we are in Him.
So our lives must be one of constant preparation. Our lives should be focused on Him, and that everything that we do we pray to Him and ask for His guidance. Then even if we have other concerns, we constantly remember Him and are always in Him. Then as well we are strong in resisting temptation because we are in Him and He provides the strength to endure all things.
So our lives must be one of constant preparation. Our lives should be focused on Him, and that everything that we do we pray to Him and ask for His guidance. Then even if we have other concerns, we constantly remember Him and are always in Him. Then as well we are strong in resisting temptation because we are in Him and He provides the strength to endure all things.
Friday, December 09, 2011
Beginning Orthodoxy: Start With The Sign of the Cross
This is probably the most basic in one's journey towards Orthodoxy. When I was Catholic, this was already a regular gesture for me. How we cross ourselves as Orthodox is different from how it is as a Catholic. Even before I became Orthodox I already crossed myself in the Orthodox way, starting in 2005.
It begins with the way we form the hand we cross ourselves with. As a Catholic, it didn't matter much how our crossing hand would be; we do what is most comfortable for us. However, in the Orthodox Church it is more specific. The thumb, second and third fingers touch together, while the fourth and the pinkie go down towards the palm area. All of these have meaning.
The three fingers touching together symbolize the Holy Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit). The two remaining fingers symbolize the two natures of Jesus: human and divine. They go down to show us that He came down on Earth, and is flush in the palm area to show us that He came to us in the womb of His mother, Mary.
In itself that is already a small catechism, and it is a good starting point to teach people, especially the young ones, about our Orthodox Faith. But it doesn't end there; next of course we have to cross ourselves.
For Catholics, the cross goes from left to right. In the Orthodox Church, it goes right over left. So we begin the cross at the temple of our head, then move towards at the center of our stomach, then to our right shoulder first, then to the left. The main difference between the Orthodox and Catholic way of crossing is that part where we touch our right shoulder first, instead of the left. For us Orthodox, this means that the Son of God sits at the right hand of the Father.
So as one can see, the Sign of the Cross, taken in whole from the way we form our signing hand, to how we make the Cross, is a small catechism. It teaches us something about what we believe in as Orthodox. Beginning with that actually is the start of orthopraxis. By doing that, we slowly acquire an Orthodox mindset. So for those who ask, how can one become Orthodox? It begins with praxis. Make small steps; do the sign of the Cross first, and then from there one can slowly begin to acquire that Orthodox mindset.
It begins with the way we form the hand we cross ourselves with. As a Catholic, it didn't matter much how our crossing hand would be; we do what is most comfortable for us. However, in the Orthodox Church it is more specific. The thumb, second and third fingers touch together, while the fourth and the pinkie go down towards the palm area. All of these have meaning.
The three fingers touching together symbolize the Holy Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit). The two remaining fingers symbolize the two natures of Jesus: human and divine. They go down to show us that He came down on Earth, and is flush in the palm area to show us that He came to us in the womb of His mother, Mary.
In itself that is already a small catechism, and it is a good starting point to teach people, especially the young ones, about our Orthodox Faith. But it doesn't end there; next of course we have to cross ourselves.
For Catholics, the cross goes from left to right. In the Orthodox Church, it goes right over left. So we begin the cross at the temple of our head, then move towards at the center of our stomach, then to our right shoulder first, then to the left. The main difference between the Orthodox and Catholic way of crossing is that part where we touch our right shoulder first, instead of the left. For us Orthodox, this means that the Son of God sits at the right hand of the Father.
So as one can see, the Sign of the Cross, taken in whole from the way we form our signing hand, to how we make the Cross, is a small catechism. It teaches us something about what we believe in as Orthodox. Beginning with that actually is the start of orthopraxis. By doing that, we slowly acquire an Orthodox mindset. So for those who ask, how can one become Orthodox? It begins with praxis. Make small steps; do the sign of the Cross first, and then from there one can slowly begin to acquire that Orthodox mindset.
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