SACRAMENTAL LIVING

“Jesus urges us to “give to the poor” (Mt 19:21) and to lay down our lives for others (Jn 15:13). But even such a selfless act done without love profits us nothing.” (Orthodox Study Bible, 1 Corinthians 13:3) “We should constantly seek opportunities to minister to others physically and spiritually…our charitable acts must flow from a sense of authentic Christian philanthropy, because without love, almsgiving is like “a flower lacking beauty and fragrance.” The loves typified

“When we are a healing presence to others, we are, in some sense, a healing presence to Christ Himself, who resides in others. Better said, Christ is the healing presence in us who moves through us to heal others...every person is called to be a healing presence—that is, to love others…Many of us shrink from becoming a healing presence to others because of the initial cost. We don’t experience the full joy because we get stuck in the suffering. Joy emerges by living through t

“Christians see the same facts as the non-Christian, in other words, but because of this worldview we see them differently; we see them in a larger, indeed in a far richer, context. The typical non-Christian looks at arithmetic, for example, and says, “Two plus two make four. I’ve no idea why—it just seems to work. Whatever.” The Christian who sees the same numbers through the lens of the biblical worldview can say, “Two plus two make four, and this is a glorious example of t

“The gift of God is the grace of the Holy Spirit...This grace fills up what is lacking...But it is not automatic. We must stir up and rekindle it.” (Orthodox Study Bible, 2 Timothy 1:6) “Neither the learned nor the illiterate of whatever race or rank come to God led by human reason; but everyone who is converted to God is first stirred by God’s grace.” (Prosper of Acquitaine) “It is needful for thee to be willing and eager to rekindle God’s gift of grace. Even as fire require

“Names are inseparable from identity, belonging, and place. Parents throughout the world hope that the names they give their children will describe their babies’ personalities and roots. Their desire is for the name to shape that child’s character and identity and, in the end, destiny. The hope is that a child will blossom into her name, into her calling.” (Marlena Graves) The names we use for ourselves, for others, and for God shape our thought and influence our understandin

“There is only one true proof of wholehearted love of God – if you strive to exercise care by laboring solicitously on behalf of your brothers.” (St. Bede) “When God wanted to offer proof of himself to the people of the ancient world, He called upon Israel, his chosen nation, to give witness of His existence. “People of Israel, you are my witnesses; I chose you to be my servant, so that you would know me and believe in me and understand that I am the only God. Besides me ther

“To guard a nation against attack requires constant surveillance and early detection. The armed forces of our nation remain ready for deployment at any time, but without the gathering of intelligence such preparedness is of little value. The same is true of our life in Christ. Prayer, worship, and the sacraments help us but little unless we are trained in the use of these spiritual weapons, employ them regularly, and stay aware of developments around us.” (Dynamis 6/3/2014) "

“What is meant by, ‘according to Measure”? It means not according to our merit, for then would no one have received what he has received: but of the free gift we have all received. And why then one more, and another less? There is nothing to cause this, he [St. Paul] would say, but the matter itself is indifferent; for everyone jointly contributes towards ‘the building.’ And on this account he shows that it is not of his own intrinsic merit that one has received more and anot

“Our modern world encourages us to prepare for the future through retirement accounts, good education for our children, and insurance to protect our valuables against foreseeable risks. These plans, however, are designed for “time-limited” hereafters, for they encompass a period that lies just over the horizon in terms of the days, months, and years ahead. Compare this timeline with the words of the Lord Jesus concerning the future: “Heaven and earth will pass away” Luke 28:3

“Our world does not need theories concerning Christ, but rather the testimony of lives that reveal the Lord…We are to exhibit His presence in our lives so that others will awaken and turn to Him.” (Dynamis 1/7/2020) “The greatest spiritual guides are those whose manner of life teaches as much or more than their words and advice.” (Constantina R. Palmer) “A changed life speaks loudly and clearly, and it is often the most effective way to influence a family member…A changed lif