repentance – Royal Doors

Jan

16

2017

Mark 9:42-10:1- Yes, Hell Exists…

Faithfear, hell, repentance

Christ is Born! "There is nothing to fear but fear itself." These words uttered by Roosevelt in the 1932 Presidential election have taken on a life of their own, essentially saying that fear is unnecessary, crippling, and for those who haven't matured enough to realize that everything is possible. Christians however know that fear has a purpose. In our reading today our Lord outlines what awaits for those who turn their backs on Him through persisting in sin. He is not using scare tactics, but, as a loving Brother, trying to get us safely home to His Fathers house. Yes,…

Mark 9:33-41- Chicken or egg? Faith or Works?

Faithcharity, faith, Lent, prostrations, repentance, works

Christ is Born! During our largest season of communal repentance- Great and Holy Lent- one of the ascetical practices we practice are prostrations. Over and over and over again we bow completely to the floor touching our heads on the ground. After the canon of St. Andrew, and over 300 prostrations later, it is fairly common to wake up sore the next morning. We bow down to the ground to show God reverence, but also to communicate with our own souls- to help us to repent! Many times we feel as though our actions are a one-way street which originate…

Luke 3:1-18- On the Road to Meet the Saviour

Faithcorporal works of mercy, repentance, road

Christ is Born! My grandfather spent many years as a draftsman working to design our highways. Years later my father would work with the construction crews which would actually level the ground and imprint the road not only on the map, but on the earth itself. My biggest contribution is using those highways to drive across the country. My journeys across the country would have been impossible without them! A lot of work had gone into establishing those roads. The people who John was ministering to in our reading today asked him an important question: "What must we do?" They…