From the May/June 2024 edition of “The Light”
Having labored patiently, with the help of God, through the Triodion, Great and Holy Lent, and Holy Week, we reaped the rewards during the Pascal services on Sunday morning. Laboring entailed orienting ourselves towards Christ and turning away from our society that professes and entices us to live a life of pleasures, ease, procrastination, and abundance. In his customary sermon, St. John Chrysostom delivered the good news of exhilaration, “Let us all enter into the joy of the Lord for the Lord gives rest to him who comes at the eleventh hour, as well as to him who toiled from the first. To this one He gives, and upon another He bestows. He accepts the work as he greets the endeavor. The deed He honors and the intention He commends.”
Our Lord is munificent and overly supportive! He wants us to succeed in gaining His favor and return to the fold. Our intentions and efforts, no matter how minuscule they be, are crucial in attracting His disproportionately copious generosity and kindness! Nevertheless, His excessive rewards should promote in our psyche increased attempts to do better on our side. One way to do that is what St. Ephraim the Syrian suggests, “Brethren we are spiritual merchants, similar to those merchants who take care of material goods. Everyday, the merchant counts his profit and loss, and if he finds loss, he will work on fixing it. Similarly, my beloved ones, you should be careful every day, morning, and evening, watching over your commerce. In the evening, test your heart and ask yourself: did I anger God in any way, or did I say vain words, or was negligent? Did I anger my brother or judge anyone? Was my mouth chanting, and my mind wandering away in earthly cares? Did I face a carnal temptation and accept it with gladness? If you fail the test, think how to restore yourself. Sigh and weep in order not to fall again.” Our diligence on a daily basis, as St Ephraim proclaims, is the key to our success in achieving further goals and reconciling ourselves to God on a continual basis.
In other news, the PLC hosted by St. Stephen Church, Hiram, GA, is upon us. It is planned to be held during the period June 12 to June 15. However, you are welcome to stay on Sunday June 16, for two Hierarchical Divine Liturgy in two days. If you have not registered for the PLC, please do so promptly by clicking the link here. In addition, Camp St. Thekla is also fast approaching and is planned for June 23-June 29 for session one and June 30-July 6 for session two. Furthermore, please be on the lookout for the Fall Retreat at the diocese website.
May God bless you and may the Holy Trinity protect you all!
+BISHOP NICHOLAS