SACRAMENTAL LIVING

“The deep calling of our lives is to find the fulfillment of our potential as those created in the divine image to become like Him in holiness. The God-Man has fulfilled this vocation and made it possible for all to share personally in His restoration and fulfillment of the human person. That is why our calling is nothing short of becoming ‘perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect’ (Matt. 5:48)…Holiness transcends the values of tolerance, social justice, and brotherh

“Christians are told by the authors of the New Testament to rejoice and be people of hope. However, living in the same world as nonbelievers, Christians still experience, like everyone else, moments of doubt, despair, despondency….The opposite of hope is despondency and despair. According to the spiritual tradition of the Church, the state of despondency and despair is the most grievous and horrible condition that a person can be in. It is the worst and most harmful of the si

“Most of us do not think we are in a constant battle. Most of us, rightly so, recognize the ugliness of evil when we see it on full display, for example, in the horrible events of the news. However, most of us miss the daily evil of the enemy because we think certain things are benign and miss the malevolence behind them. The thoughts we are pummeled with on a daily basis that cause so much distraction from what is truly important are of the enemy. That is why Christ, St. Pau

“The world here [1 John 2:15-16] is creation after the fall and under the dominion of Satan. It is creation no longer oriented toward God, but temporary and dominated by inordinate passions (see Mt 6:24; Lk 16:13; 1Co 7:29–31)…The world distorts every realm of God's good creation (see Jam 1:13, 14). There are (1) sensual pleasures of the flesh (physical passions), (2) intellectual attainments and capacities of the eyes (the soul's passions), and (3) inordinate possessions, po

“We often hear of ‘quality of life’... Let me ask you this, who has a better quality of life: the one who knows God is caring for him, or the one who does not? We all know people in perfect health who are miserable. They are afflicted with resentment, anger, prejudices, fear, self-pity and live joyless lives. True quality of life is only to be found in the life of Faith, worshipping God and participating in the Life of His Son.” (Bishop Joseph) “I am come that you might have

“As training prepares an athlete, so spiritual discipline prepares a Christian to exercise faith and enter the Kingdom…A balanced spiritual diet must include healing times of self-examination, repentance, and confession as part of our disciplines for spiritual growth.” (Orthodox Study Bible, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, OCPM 8/25/2016) “Inner spiritual discipline will create a clear sense of purpose and humility in your own heart.” (Father Barnabas Powell) "Now, the Lord is not tel

“If you want to satisfy your calling, follow the desires of your heart as God gives opportunity and directs your spirit. The Holy Spirit is the Person of God who gives you internal guidance. The closer you draw to God, the closer He gets to you through the Holy Spirit. …we should seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit above all else” (Mark Elfstrand, OCPM 1/8/2016) “…that you may listen for the voice of God. Ask for His guidance, then stop talking and wait for God's word. Too o