This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. – The key to progress in life. Audio homily 36th Sunday after Pentecost, 2011

“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” This extreme statement by the Apostle Paul must define the way we live our life, and is the key to making any progress in virtue. It is a &mindset” that permiates Orthodox Christian life and prayers, but is not well understood. Let us look at how in our daily lives we can make this saying “worthy of all acceptation”. Many examples from the scriptures will help us, such as the publican, the woman who annointed the Lord’s feet, and the Apostle Peter.

Avoid profane and vain babblings. Life is short. Treat each day as your last, and you will never sin.

Contemporary wisdom tells us that “life is short,” and so we should enjoy ourselves, take up a challenge, or make a difference in the world. We should not waste the little time that we have.

Likewise, the holy fathers tell us that each day could be our last, and that we should therefore “redeem the time, because the days are evil.” Or, as one of the desert fathers said, “Treat each day as your last, and you will never sin.”

Life is short, but what does this mean?

Commentary on 1 Timothy 6:17-20, Nov 27/ Dec 10 27th Thursday after Pentecost