Responsible for Love

The anticipation is growing... soon to be spring. Today, after leaving church following the Liturgy of Saturday of Souls, when we pray out of love and Christian duty for those who have gone before us, I found new signs of life. There they were little tiny green tripods, creeping out of the ground shyly amidst the volumes of snow surrounding the parish grounds. Yet, in that little sheltered row, they were almost hidden. I would guess that these lifeforms, possibly crocus, were overwhelmed by the mass of whiteness still dominating the area and hoped, like we do, that it will melt away quickly. The sun, in all its brightness has given notice for advancement, like it or not. It won't be long when the stacks of snow will be but a memory and the new green will proudly stand with its foliage and flower for all to see in all it's glory. Somehow, when we wait for new life to show itself, it seems like a ponderous time. Especially when it has been as difficult as this winter.

Another sign of the impending spring, is arriving at what we call meatfare Sunday. It is a marker that Lenten Spring has begun and, as we approach the Sunday of the Last Judgment, we realize that all that does not produce in life, is doomed to die. The fruit of our life is "love." We will be judged on the gift of love. We have been given the grace of Christ's love and how we accepted the responsibility to love or refused to love. Love is a decision. Personal love is essential for man to thrive, without it, we are all sick, thirsty and hungry. Personal love is the true mission of the church. For "inasmuch as you have done it onto one of the least of these My brethren, you have done it unto Me."

I hope that you will find it in your heart to put love first and that you will reap the reward of eternal life when the books are opened and all is disclosed. Love is what you will take with you, and it is all that matters in the end.

Love, which is so wonderful and brings a joy filled step, is like a touch of spring generating happiness as it basks in the sun soaked rays of heaven. It is the kingdom of God within us. It is how the beauty of the whole creation is reflected in a very unique and special way.

For the Salvation of the World

As a child we, as well as most of my family and friends, hung a crucifix on the wall. We were given crosses to wear at our Baptism, First Communion and Confirmation. We knew about the Resurrection of Christ, but the emphasis was on His death. It was the budded cross that led me to Orthodoxy, one that I purchased for my birthday several years, prior, 27 years ago.

On face book today, I read with interest that someone thought the focus should be on the Resurrection, as many were crucified regularly, but no one rose from the dead, except Jesus. Years ago, I would have agreed with that statement. While it is true that you cannot have one without the other, the work was accomplished on the cross. Death was destroyed by His death.

The plan of salvation, began at the beginning of time, and took many years to be fulfilled by the only One that could. This was not an ordinary crucifixion, Jesus is the only sinless One, who carried the sins of the entire world, by His own free will.

It was the most savage form of execution in which exhausted dying people, tried to lift themselves up in order to breathe. Jesus was beaten with tipped metals, wearing a crown of thorns, nail to the cross, pierced in His side, during the heat of the day, stripped of His clothing, spit upon, laughed, and mocked by by standers and those He had created with His own hands, while His mother looked on in terror, was not your ordinary crucifixion.

Everything that was done to Jesus was to fulfill what the prophets in the old testament said would happen. He was rejected, despised, and innocent. He did it for all of us. Who could love you more. Someday, we will all know when He comes again, and when every knee shall bend and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

No one else would have or could have done it. (Read in Revelation1:18) "I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.

Jesus destroyed Death by His Death on the cross. He was victorious in His death and won for us life, for the salvation of the world.

What followed was the Resurrection and Ascension, with many eye witnesses. See (John19:37) "They shall look upon Him whom they pierced." The centurion, who saw Him breathe His last in (Mark 15:39) said "Truly this Man was the Son of God."

It was not the Resurrection that saved mankind, but it proves that Jesus is God. Salvation was completed on the cross with the utterance of three little words, (John 19:30) "It is finished!"

Taken from the Holy Friday Afternoon, HOLY WEEK AND EASTER SERVICE BOOK:

"Today a strange and fearsome mystery is witnessed. The infinite One is held; the One Who loosed the curse of Adam is bound; the One Who tries the inward heart of men is Himself tried; He Who sealed the deeps is sealed in prison; the One before Whom the powers of heaven stand quaking stands before Pilate; the Creator is struck by the hand of the creature; the One who judges the living and the dead is judged for the Cross; the One Who despoiled Hades is shut up in a tomb."

"How could the lawless assembly condemn to death the sovereign of the universe, unabashed as He reminded them of the benefits secured for them: "My people, what have I not done for you? have I not sated Judea with wonders? have I not raised the dead with but a word? Have I not cured all manner of sickness and infirmity? Yet how do you repay Me? How can you be so unmindful of Me as to lay wounds on Me in return for healing; killing Me in return for life; hanging your benefactor on a cross like a felon, the lawgiver like one outside the law, the King of all like a man condemned?"

"When the heavenly Powers saw You falsely accused as an impostor, and the tombstone sealed by the very hands that lanced Your pure breast, they shuddered at Your indescribable forbearance. Yet rejoicing over our salvation, they cried out to You, Glory to Your condescension, loving God!"

Will you be to busy to attend services this year? Are you still to proud to wear the the symbol of faith that people have died for, including the only One that loved you enough to die for your salvation? Do you have a cross in your home? It's something to think about....but don't wait to long, it may be later than you think.

All scriptural references were taken from the Orthodox Study Bible

Was Lazarus really dead in the Tomb?

Adult education should challenge your thoughts to your inner core. But, this is one question that never entered my mind. There are stories of people who were buried alive because sometimes, they couldn't tell when people slipped into a coma and only appeared to be dead. The evidence in this account, is overwhelmingly tipped toward his death. It does not hurt to ask the question. It makes you think a little bit and reinforces "your" faith. We find the Raising of Lazarus in John, chapter 11:1-44, and is curiously not synoptic., which in the end, probably means very little.

What does say more than words, is the very next course of action, and that is how the Sanhedrin responded. Verse (48) says: "If we let Him alone like this, everyone will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and nation." Jesus is a threat to them. Following that, is Palm Sunday. Chapter 12:12 "they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, (13) "took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out: "Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!' The King of Israel!"

That sounds to me like the word was out. The facts of the story stand alone. He was dead four days with a "stench". In chapter 44, it says "And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with grave-clothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth."

Jesus prayed eyes lifted, (Chapter 41) "Father, I thank You that You have heard Me." The old testament teaching is that God hears the righteous. The by-standers witnessed the Glory of God in the miracle.

The raising of Lazarus is a Prefigurement of the death and Resurrection of Christ, the mystery of the Golgotha events. It is a confirmation of the universal resurrection, and the Power that Christ has over death. There was no indication that Lazarus came out bearing marks of decay, which proves that God is able to "restore" our bodies after physical decay.

Lazarus of Bethany, was sick and died while Jesus postponed his arrival, delaying it two more days, where the Jews sought to stone him. Saying (11) "Our friend Lazarus sleeps, but I go that I may wake him up." and further, (14) "Then Jesus said to them plainly, "Lazarus is dead" (7) "Let us go to Judea again." Jesus, the only sinless One, does not lie. If He said he was dead, he was dead.

The line that nails it for me is (35-36) "Jesus wept. Then the Jews said, "See how He loved him!"

Weeping is the natural human response to death. (Chapter 11:45) "The many of the Jews who had come to Mary, and had seen the things Jesus did, believed in Him." (46) "But some of them went away to the Pharisees and told them the things Jesus did."

By Raising Lazarus from the dead before His passion, Jesus sealed His own death. Through His death came Life."

So,what do you think? Was Lazarus dead or alive?
All scriptural references were taken from The Orthodox Study Bible"

Having Good Intentions

Meatfare Sunday is upon us, and we all have good intentions. We will follow Christ this time and give our all. We will attend the services prescribed, and take all the other necessary steps. But, where will our heart be?

Today's reading of the day, (Mark:14:43), takes us to the garden, not of Paradise, but Gethsemane. Then suddenly as if in a mob scene, Jesus is kissed on the cheek, not for the sake of love, but for deceit. Several follow Jesus, John and Peter, as he is taken away.

Relationships, formed from the beginning by Jesus in a scene of violence, marked the tone of what's to come, somber and sad. A ban of friends scattered, lost and afraid.

This story would not end in the way the disciples perceived it would that day. But, in the fulfillment of the scriptures, and in a glorious Resurrection.

Peter is the married and boisterous apostle, who tells Jesus three times that he loves Him. He's the one who trusted Jesus enough, like a child who walks to his parent, to leave his comfort zone and walk on the sea with the boat being tossed about, by the command of Jesus to "come." The contrary winds made him fear, calling out "Lord, save me!" (Matt:14:30). Peter is first to acknowledge Jesus as the Son of the Living God, saying: (Mark 8:29)"You are the Christ." Peter was to be the Leader of the Disciples, as seen in (Acts 1:15-26).

Peter, the follower, was privileged to witness, Jesus Transfigured on Mt. Tabor. There could have no been doubt at that point. Peter had good intentions, just like many of us and followed Jesus. (Matt26:69) tells us that Peter sat outside in the courtyard. It was bad enough that a simple servant girl, caused him to deny Jesus for the first time, another girl in the gateway the second, but he again for the third time is questioned by those standing, who approached Peter, saying his speech "betrayed" him. Peter, "betrayed Christ" for the third time.

It hurts to be "betrayed" especially by a close friend, Peter having sinned against the Master, wept bitterly. And as promised, the rooster crowed. Peter, becames like the prodigal, on the outside, in the mud, alone, afraid, and hungry for one he hurt and loves. It is the place to begin on our journey to the road of repentance. A longing to make things right. Desiring forgiveness, reconciliation and renewal of our "failed relationships" and our "brokenness."

Peter will face the Risen Christ at another time, healing the broken relationship. He is given another chance. We are too proud to say, forgive me, I'm sorry I hurt you. We go on hurting one another. Is this what Christ wants? I think not. We have an opportunity to begin anew, let's walk down that road of repentance together.

(Psalm 51:10)"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me."

(All scriptural references are taken from the Orthodox Study Bible)

Spiritual Discipline, & Direction

This evening we had a discussion on why Orthodox Christians abstain from meat on Wed. and Fri. each week, unless instructed to do so on the calendar that reads fast-free week or no fast. It is not for preparation to take Communion on Sunday. But it is a fast that we are required to participate in for reason of spiritual discipline, enhancement and spiritual direction.

Taking communion on Sunday has nothing to do with whether you ate meat on Wednesday or Friday. It should never be used as an excuse to not receive the body and blood of Christ. I believed it was part of my preparation for twenty-five years, wrongly. It's like when your mom said that if you catch a chill, you'll get a cold. We know this is not true, but it's there in the back of our mind. There are countless other examples out there, which are old wives tales, yet believed to be true, even today.

In preparing for the fast coming up, do you know what your allowed to eat or not allowed to eat and when? It will soon be upon us once again.
I just remembered a funny line in a movie where, someone said very loudly to another person who had just told her that her boyfriend was a vegetarian and he didn't eat any meat. (Her reply); "He don't eat no meat? No bother, I'll just make him lamb."

Sometimes, it just is what it is....

Last Night

Saturdays around here are terribly busy. Today was different. Our plans are to lay low and perhaps do odds and ends. If your the woman of the home, or homemaker, then you know that there is always something to do.

The reason we aren't venturing out as planned, is the wind. It is horrendous out there. Last night we enjoyed a fabulous meal by the fire, at an old tavern where the atmosphere and service were second to none.

I had learned during the day that my brother was recouping from his overnight stay at the local hospital in the ICU, on a regimen of pills and, having had tests to determine the cause of his distress, was due to go home. I'm sure it was and still is, a little concerning for the entire family.

Then, on our way to dinner, I heard my little grandson was just returning from the doctor's. An infant of five months, running a temperature, is always worrisome. His mom is a nurse and recognizing the signs of infection, took action immediately. Possibly pneumonia with developing ear infections.

We certainly needed a night to veg out. The evening was dark and eerie looking, not a star in the sky. We kept seeing flashes but really didn't know where they were coming from. Once seated, we learned by a loud clap of thunder, that we were going to be entertained by a storm in February. As we entered the building, we remarked that it was a good thing we had worn our boots, as there was water everywhere from the melting snow banks. The amount of snow shovelled on the piles were so tall, that you felt you were going through a tunnel.

Dark no more as the lightening brightened the room, in contrast to the roaring fire, in the fireplace. Two fiddler's banged out tunes that warmed the heart along with the Samuel Adams Light Ale that we were drinking, and our cornbread, which was wrapped in a black linen napkin, which held a fancy butter knife and homemade butter.

Along came some of the best cream of mushroom soup that I ever tasted. And, before you knew it, we were slicing up prime rib, cooked to perfection, using our famous Russell Harrington/Dexter steak knives. The other utensils were in tune with the 1800 setting, which permeated the room. The fork was two prong and very sharp. Instead of a spoon a dull flat edged knive was to scoop up the mashed potatoes and squash carrot veggie of the day. Wall sconces, dimly lit, were probably fashioned right there in the village tin shop .

I'm very sure the butter was made there, possibly at the Freeman farm. It was dark yellow, rich and tasty. Coffee in an old styled mug hit the spot with a sinful dark chocolate cheese cake with chopped nuts, and vanilla ice cream.

The evening was still mild when we left, 49 degrees which would be temporary, as predictions for cold and wind were imminent. I thought I was dreaming, wearing a fall pink jacket in February. As we approached the driveway all was calm. Of course, I had my doggy bag in hand and noticing that we had not taken in our trash containers in, I suggested that we should.

Last night I woke to hear howling winds, and a trash container rolling around. It was around three o'clock. Since it kept me up, I was tempted to go out and retrieve it. Na....it would have to wait until morning. Come morning, I peeked out of the window, and there it sat (empty) in the middle of the road. Now, before the neighbors woke up and had to move it, it was quickly taken care of. Unlike last time that the winds took it for a ride, I did not have to pick up the spilled contents from neighbor's yards, during an a nor'eastern, blistery snow storm.

Things change faster than you can bat an eye, here in New England. But, this is ridiculous. We have had the most unusual weather patterns lately. Somehow, when the groundhog did not see his shadow, and an early spring was predicted, no-one could believe it because of the high mounds of snow and ice-packed gutters, which for the most part are seemingly melting at record speed. Two days ago, a friend told me she had seen her tree starting to produce buds. I didn't question it as my tiny red Japanese Maple, had sprouted red branches which also were developing bumps, which I observe to be the start of tiny leaves, just as my house plants...

Spring is in the air. The signs are visible for those who look for it. Today was the camping show in Springfield....let the dreaming begin. Tomorrow in Worcester, out come the Monster trucks. Soon enough, little Nathan will be showing off his newly learned swimming skills at the lake, where his brother Ryan, will experience the water for the first time.

First though, we will have to clean up the mess from this horrible wind, which has blown my neighbors shingles all over our yard. C' est la vie -- is what my mother used to say all the time. It means in French "such is life."

A Friday Fast-Free

It isn't often that we have a Fast-free Friday. In Orthodox preparation for Sunday Liturgy we normally do not eat meat on Wednesday and Friday. It is due to the fact that Jesus gave His life for world, on Friday. A book that I am currently reading, and suggest is: "For the Life of the World, written by Alexander Schmemann.

The second chapter, entitled The Eucharist, begins by saying, "In this world Christ was rejected." And sadly enough today, many are rejecting Him once again by their indifference. We are celebrating what we call just a glimpse into the Great Fast and Lent, knowing what is ahead. Most of us have been eating meat, and all of our favorite foods, in preparation for the beginning of what we call "meatfare Sunday" when we will give up meat until our Pascha. Then shortly after dairy, etc. Following the long fast, we will certainly enjoy in our home, the best lamb ever.

It is also known as the joyful fast. We will have stood at the foot of the cross, and we will have remembered who is the light and life of the world. Who it is that died in our place, and who we celebrate to be the One Resurrected from the dead. The only One, who ever was raised from the dead. "He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not." (John 1:10).

Alexander said the following: "He was the perfect example of life as God intended it. He was the heartbeat of the world and the world killed Him. But in the murder the world itself died. It lost its last chance to become the paradise God created it to be."

It's not too late to discover the real meaning of the "Cross of Christ." Walk with us, and find out why Christians proclaim the joy of the Resurrection, and continue to be credible witnesses to those seeking the way to Life, and the only Light to men.

The author tells us, "But as we stand before God, remembering all that He has done for us, and offer to Him our thanksgiving for all His benefits, we inescapably discover that the content of all this thanksgiving and remembrance is Christ. There is nothing else to remember, nothing else to be thankful for, because in Him everything finds its being, its life, its end."

Are you ready, to meet the Christ, the only begotten Son of the Living God? The words of Alexander Schmenann: "And in the light of the Eucharist we see that Christ is indeed the life and light of all that exists, and the glory that fills heaven and earth."