Christ is Risen! Alleluia!
The Lord is risen from the dead, and has trampled death underfoot. How is it that we still experience sickness and sorrow? What last holdout must death have that we must pass through it to reach the Lord?
Fr. Patrick talks about peace and joy reigning in the midst of sorrows. And finding Our King as he reigns among his enemies.
Christ is Risen! Alleluia!
If any have toiled from the first hour, let them receive their due reward; And if any delayed until the ninth hour, let him not hesitate; but let him come too. And he who arrived only at the eleventh hour, let him not be afraid by reason of his delay. For the Lord is gracious and receives the last even as the first. He gives rest to him that comes at the eleventh hour, as well as to him that toiled from the first.
Today Fr. Patrick preaches the hope and assurance of the resurrection. And meditates on where we go and what we should do now that Our Lord is victorious.
Lo the Blessed Cross is displayed Where the Lord in the flesh was suspended And by his blood from his wounds Cleansed and redeemed his Elect.
As Christ and his followers spend the week in prayer; the Enemy gathers his men for preparations of their own. The listless wanderers of the night at last set about to a purpose. The practitioners of impiety have suffered what little they can stand, and they will have payment for it. For they have never been known to forgive even the smallest of debts.
“Behold: I set before you life, and death; blessing, and curses.” No longer can the curtain of darkness shroud the secret plottings of the night. For Light is on Death’s doorstep, and its gate shall not prevail.
“As was his custom”
These are the words used by St. Luke the Evangelist to describe the prayer life of Christ. Yesterday we were given an example in Mary, sister of Lazarus, of piety, devotion, and sacrifice. But what of the Lord himself?
Today Fr. Patrick discusses the piety and devotion of the Son of God. The perfect manifestation of the Law of God, who lacks nothing in his love for the Father and Spirit. In his lived experience, and shining Gospel we find every answer to our lives. For his righteousness is everlasting, and his Law is truth.
“But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”
The age in which we live seeks to divorce Religion and Spirit. To put a rift between a heartfelt, genuine faith - and any real, tangible acts or expressions of that faith. “Be spiritual, not religious” is a maxim found on many street corners and rear windshields.
But who can actually separate these two? Can love be true and genuine if it is devoid of action and expression?
Fr. Patrick takes on piety and devotion this week as we enter the final days before Pascha. And reflects on a living icon scripture gives us of just such a piety, to guide us on our way to the object of our true desires.
“Let the proud be confounded, for they go wickedly about to destroy me; but I will be occupied in thy commandments. I am small and of no reputation; yet do I not forget thy commandments.”
Behold: the Humble and Holy Man. He who fills the hungry with good things, but sends the rich away empty. Who puts down the mighty from their seat, and exalts the humble, and the meek.
Fr. Patrick today reflects on the greatness of humility; and the God who loves it - and is perfect in its practice.
Our Lord is on the battlefield, sword in hand; and is making his way to the place of his ultimate victory. Met with the propaganda of his enemies today, he proclaims the certainty of their doom, and sets the terms for those who would ally with him in the great battle.
Fr. Patrick discusses faith, unity, and the call to action today. It is not enough to not be evil. It will not do simply not to hurt someone. The bare minimum has fallen away, and it is time to choose a side.
As we march the long and winding road to Jerusalem and Good Friday, surrounded by penitent reminders of what is to come. We are given a curious detour up Mt. Tabor. And though it is not given full celebration until later in the year, we witness the Transfiguration of Our Lord. One last brilliant revelation before the darkest moment that will ever come to pass.
Fr. Patrick talks about faith and hope in the midst of this Lenten journey. And reflects on the power of knowing who it is we really serve.
“The Lord hath put on his apparel, and girded himself with strength”
Lo, the time for battle has come! Into the wilderness our Great Champion has gone before us, and we are to follow. For who is God beside the Lord? Who teaches our hands to make war, and makes bronze bows of our arms. He has set out to destroy all those who would harm his creation. “I shall pursue and overtake them, and will not turn until they have fallen. They shall cry out, even to the Lord, but none shall hear them; and I shall grind them to powder”
Fr. Patrick speaks on spiritual warfare, its nature, and how to conduct ourselves amidst the battle. A Blessed Lent to you, as we struggle on to Pascha!