Comments for Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime McKinney TX Homilies, scripture commentary, spiritual reflections Tue, 14 May 2013 00:17:08 +0000 hourly 1 Comment on Kermit Gosnell and the culture of sexualism and death. On the date of the guilty verdicts in his trial. by Deborah http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/2013/05/13/kermit-gosnell-and-the-culture-of-sexualism-and-death-on-the-date-of-the-guilty-verdicts-in-his-trial/comment-page-1/#comment-32223 Deborah Tue, 14 May 2013 00:17:08 +0000 http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/?p=4321#comment-32223 <span><span><span>'Punishment' (or harsh consequences), justly administered by those whom God has placed in authority, is often the first step toward healing for those so broken and blinded by evil that they are not yet capable of comprehending any other form of therapy.</span></span></span> <span><span><span>"For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil." Romans 13:3-4 We can hope that those who express gladness over the verdict are not rejoicing in the punishment of this man but over the fact that justice was done and we are not yet to the point where evil is unopposed and evildoers can commit their murder of innocents without experiencing any consequences.  We, as individuals, are not to judge and condemn others, but the Lord has given the sword to those in authority to protect the innocent and hopefully rehabilitate the perpetrators.  </span></span></span> 'Punishment' (or harsh consequences), justly administered by those whom God has placed in authority, is often the first step toward healing for those so broken and blinded by evil that they are not yet capable of comprehending any other form of therapy.
"For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil." Romans 13:3-4

We can hope that those who express gladness over the verdict are not rejoicing in the punishment of this man but over the fact that justice was done and we are not yet to the point where evil is unopposed and evildoers can commit their murder of innocents without experiencing any consequences.  We, as individuals, are not to judge and condemn others, but the Lord has given the sword to those in authority to protect the innocent and hopefully rehabilitate the perpetrators. 

]]> Comment on Thomas is just like us in at least one way; it must be in two ways if we are to be saved. by Deborah http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/2013/05/13/thomas-is-just-like-us-in-at-least-one-way-it-must-be-in-two-ways-if-we-are-to-be-saved/comment-page-1/#comment-32217 Deborah Mon, 13 May 2013 17:44:31 +0000 http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/?p=4319#comment-32217 Every Divine Liturgy is a reenactment of this scene of the Lord inviting His beloved disciple to approach Him, touch His wounded Body and to cease disbelieving. I, like Thomas, come with doubts, with unseeing eyes<em> "...not discerning the Body and Blood</em>" of my risen Savior, But coming, like Thomas, with the desire to believe, I respond to His invitation to <em>"Come, taste and see that the Lord is good"</em>.  The Lord is indeed good and <em>He is indeed risen!</em> Every Divine Liturgy is a reenactment of this scene of the Lord inviting His beloved disciple to approach Him, touch His wounded Body and to cease disbelieving. I, like Thomas, come with doubts, with unseeing eyes "…not discerning the Body and Blood" of my risen Savior, But coming, like Thomas, with the desire to believe, I respond to His invitation to "Come, taste and see that the Lord is good". 

The Lord is indeed good and He is indeed risen!

]]> Comment on Thomas is just like us in at least one way; it must be in two ways if we are to be saved. by Orthodox Collective http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/2013/05/13/thomas-is-just-like-us-in-at-least-one-way-it-must-be-in-two-ways-if-we-are-to-be-saved/comment-page-1/#comment-32215 Orthodox Collective Mon, 13 May 2013 15:16:54 +0000 http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/?p=4319#comment-32215 [...] is just like us in at least one way; it must be in two ways if we are to be saved. http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/2013/05/13/thomas-is-just-like-us-in-at-least-one-way-it-must-b...Monday, May 13th 9:33 amclick to expand...A Personal Testimony About the Myrrh-Gushing Icon of St. [...] [...] is just like us in at least one way; it must be in two ways if we are to be saved. http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/2013/05/13/thomas-is-just-like-us-in-at-least-one-way-it-must-b…Monday, May 13th 9:33 amclick to expand…A Personal Testimony About the Myrrh-Gushing Icon of St. [...]

]]> Comment on “…What sign showest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?” [John 2:18] The Greatest signs are in the heart Bright Thursday 2013 by Deborah http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/2013/05/09/what-sign-showest-thou-unto-us-seeing-that-thou-doest-these-things-john-218-the-greatest-signs-are-in-the-heart-bright-thursday-2013/comment-page-1/#comment-32176 Deborah Fri, 10 May 2013 01:08:38 +0000 http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/?p=4315#comment-32176 When I get the signs that I wish and hope to see, I believe. But there are many signs that are placed in front of me that I choose to ignore because I do not like what they are telling me.  I 'trust' when things are going the way I would like them to go.  But genuine trust is believing in the Lord, obeying in faith, even when the signs are not those I wish to see and are pointing me in a direction I do not wish to go. When I get the signs that I wish and hope to see, I believe. But there are many signs that are placed in front of me that I choose to ignore because I do not like what they are telling me.  I 'trust' when things are going the way I would like them to go.  But genuine trust is believing in the Lord, obeying in faith, even when the signs are not those I wish to see and are pointing me in a direction I do not wish to go.

]]> Comment on “…What sign showest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?” [John 2:18] The Greatest signs are in the heart Bright Thursday 2013 by Dn. Nicholas http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/2013/05/09/what-sign-showest-thou-unto-us-seeing-that-thou-doest-these-things-john-218-the-greatest-signs-are-in-the-heart-bright-thursday-2013/comment-page-1/#comment-32171 Dn. Nicholas Thu, 09 May 2013 15:58:04 +0000 http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/?p=4315#comment-32171 <span>"</span><span>Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did. </span><span>But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men, </span><span>And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man" (2:23-25, the end of the reading).</span> "Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did. But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men, And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man" (2:23-25, the end of the reading).

]]> Comment on “…Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it ” [John 2:5] Bright Wednesday 2013 by Deborah http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/2013/05/08/whatsoever-he-saith-unto-you-do-it-john-25-bright-wednesday-2013/comment-page-1/#comment-32164 Deborah Wed, 08 May 2013 12:43:08 +0000 http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/?p=4313#comment-32164 The thing I love most about this story is the interaction between the Theotokos and her son.  A problem arises at what is supposed to be a very happy, human event---a wedding.  Everyone is celebrating and now, perhaps due to a lack of proper planning or an oversight, something is about to occur that is going to cause the feast to end on a down note---<em>there is no more wine</em>. The Theotokos sees this and is concerned for the young couple and their families.  She knows exactly where to go to get help---<em>to the Lord.</em>  He has never worked a miracle before yet somehow she knows that He will have the answer.  But she doesn't ask Him to help or tell him what to do----<em>she simply comes to Him and informs Him of the need.</em> The Lord's response is interesting.  He essentially asks her why she is coming to Him with this problem and tells her that His 'hour has not yet come' indicating that He can't do anything yet.  This reminds me of the times the Lord would ask people who came to Him for healing what they wanted Him to do for them or the time He indicated to the Syro-Phoenicean that He couldn't help her.  Yet, like this woman, the Theotokos persisted.  She didn't reply to her son's question, <em>she simply trusted</em>---and she turned around, not knowing what He would do and told the servants to<em> 'do whatever He tells you to do'.</em>  This is the demonstration of our Mother's faith and confidence in her Son. So, from this example, I know exactly what I am supposed to do when the wine runs out in <em>my</em> life.  I present the problem to the Lord (or even better, ask His Mother to present the problem to Him, as well.)  Then no matter what kind of immediate response I get (or don't get) I trust, persist, and wait for what He tells me to do.  As in the case in this story, what He tells me to do can be something seemingly odd and unexpected (like directing me, as a Protestant in a time of crisis, to seek out the help of an Orthodox priest)---but mine is not to question why, but to obey.  And in obeying,<em> through His grace,</em> He turns my lack and the bitter water of my tears into the wine of joy and gladness. The thing I love most about this story is the interaction between the Theotokos and her son.  A problem arises at what is supposed to be a very happy, human event—a wedding.  Everyone is celebrating and now, perhaps due to a lack of proper planning or an oversight, something is about to occur that is going to cause the feast to end on a down note—there is no more wine. The Theotokos sees this and is concerned for the young couple and their families.  She knows exactly where to go to get help—to the Lord.  He has never worked a miracle before yet somehow she knows that He will have the answer.  But she doesn't ask Him to help or tell him what to do—-she simply comes to Him and informs Him of the need.

The Lord's response is interesting.  He essentially asks her why she is coming to Him with this problem and tells her that His 'hour has not yet come' indicating that He can't do anything yet.  This reminds me of the times the Lord would ask people who came to Him for healing what they wanted Him to do for them or the time He indicated to the Syro-Phoenicean that He couldn't help her.  Yet, like this woman, the Theotokos persisted.  She didn't reply to her son's question, she simply trusted—and she turned around, not knowing what He would do and told the servants to 'do whatever He tells you to do'.  This is the demonstration of our Mother's faith and confidence in her Son.

So, from this example, I know exactly what I am supposed to do when the wine runs out in my life.  I present the problem to the Lord (or even better, ask His Mother to present the problem to Him, as well.)  Then no matter what kind of immediate response I get (or don't get) I trust, persist, and wait for what He tells me to do.  As in the case in this story, what He tells me to do can be something seemingly odd and unexpected (like directing me, as a Protestant in a time of crisis, to seek out the help of an Orthodox priest)—but mine is not to question why, but to obey.  And in obeying, through His grace, He turns my lack and the bitter water of my tears into the wine of joy and gladness.

]]> Comment on “Come and see” – It applies to everything. John 1:46 Bright Tuesday 2013 by Deborah http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/2013/05/07/come-and-see-it-applies-to-everything-john-146-bright-tuesday-2013/comment-page-1/#comment-32157 Deborah Tue, 07 May 2013 12:42:26 +0000 http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/?p=4311#comment-32157 My problem with 'Come and see' is that sometimes I am just too comfortable where I am to go and see.  I am hesitant in putting forth the effort to go and I am hesitant in wanting to see---to look at myself, my problems and those of my loved ones and of the world.  Some days I would rather 'Stay and sleep' than 'Come and see'.  :0( My problem with 'Come and see' is that sometimes I am just too comfortable where I am to go and see.  I am hesitant in putting forth the effort to go and I am hesitant in wanting to see—to look at myself, my problems and those of my loved ones and of the world. 

Some days I would rather 'Stay and sleep' than 'Come and see'.  :0(

]]> Comment on How to BECOME a child of God John 1:12-13 by Deborah http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/2013/05/06/how-to-become-a-child-of-god-john-112-13/comment-page-1/#comment-32153 Deborah Mon, 06 May 2013 22:03:41 +0000 http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/?p=4308#comment-32153 An example related to my question about the meaning of 'might believe' in verse 7:  The English word 'might' is the past tense of the word 'may'. But in English it is used in different ways.  If I say <strong>"You <em>may</em> come to my house."</strong>  I could either mean that you have been granted access to my house (i.e. you are allowed to come) or I could mean that you might possibly, <em>but not necessarily</em>, come to my house. An example related to my question about the meaning of 'might believe' in verse 7: 

The English word 'might' is the past tense of the word 'may'. But in English it is used in different ways.  If I say "You may come to my house."  I could either mean that you have been granted access to my house (i.e. you are allowed to come) or I could mean that you might possibly, but not necessarily, come to my house.

]]> Comment on How to BECOME a child of God John 1:12-13 by Deborah http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/2013/05/06/how-to-become-a-child-of-god-john-112-13/comment-page-1/#comment-32152 Deborah Mon, 06 May 2013 21:51:08 +0000 http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/?p=4308#comment-32152 <em>Bless, Father, </em>   <em>My thoughts on these verses:</em> None of us chooses to come into being. Our conception and birth occur as a result of the desires and wills of our parents.  Even if our coming into being was not planned, expected or desired, human will, desire and action was involved. But John describes a new kind of birth, a birth not of flesh or of man's actions, but a birth of spirit and of God. Like a newborn infant that has been brought into the world, this new Life, given to us through faith in Jesus Christ, now gives us the power, the potential, to grow into true sons of God. In one sense a son is a son from the moment of his birth. An adopted son is considered a son when he is adopted by his parents.  But to become a full son the boy must grow beyond infancy and childhood and become like his father.  We have been born into the family of God, we have been adopted as His children and, God willing, we will one day be like our Father. So those who are growing in Christ have become, are, and one day will be, sons and daughters of God. The two verse that really struck me were verses 7: <strong> "The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light,<em> that all men through him might believe." </em></strong>and verse 9: <strong>"That was the true light that lighteth <em>every man that cometh into the world."</em></strong>  I would be interested in Patristic commentary on these verses.   The words that I would like to understand better in their original linguistic context and meaning are: "might believe" in verse 7 ('might believe' as in a possibility of belief or 'might believe' as in to be given the power to believe?) and "lighteth" and "every man" in verse 9.  I understand that we have free will that can lead us into such darkness that, even when the light is shining into our darkness, we will not comprehend it (v. 5).  But I am also interested in what these verses may have to say about how the Lord addresses that darkness. Bless, Father,

 
My thoughts on these verses:

None of us chooses to come into being. Our conception and birth occur as a result of the desires and wills of our parents.  Even if our coming into being was not planned, expected or desired, human will, desire and action was involved.

But John describes a new kind of birth, a birth not of flesh or of man's actions, but a birth of spirit and of God. Like a newborn infant that has been brought into the world, this new Life, given to us through faith in Jesus Christ, now gives us the power, the potential, to grow into true sons of God.

In one sense a son is a son from the moment of his birth. An adopted son is considered a son when he is adopted by his parents.  But to become a full son the boy must grow beyond infancy and childhood and become like his father. 

We have been born into the family of God, we have been adopted as His children and, God willing, we will one day be like our Father. So those who are growing in Christ have become, are, and one day will be, sons and daughters of God.

The two verse that really struck me were verses 7:  "The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe." and verse 9: "That was the true light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world."  I would be interested in Patristic commentary on these verses.   The words that I would like to understand better in their original linguistic context and meaning are: "might believe" in verse 7 ('might believe' as in a possibility of belief or 'might believe' as in to be given the power to believe?) and "lighteth" and "every man" in verse 9. 

I understand that we have free will that can lead us into such darkness that, even when the light is shining into our darkness, we will not comprehend it (v. 5).  But I am also interested in what these verses may have to say about how the Lord addresses that darkness.

]]> Comment on A way to pray for someone with the Jesus Prayer by Maxim http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/2012/12/04/a-way-to-pray-forr-someone-with-the-jesus-prayer/comment-page-1/#comment-31612 Maxim Mon, 24 Dec 2012 01:05:32 +0000 http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/?p=4285#comment-31612 Christ Is Born!  Glorify Him!  Glory Be To God for all things!  Thank you Lord for this day, for our blessings, for our life,for it's beginning,for its continuance and it's end.  Glory to theFather and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Amen. Have mercy on me O God and help me. Christ Is Born!  Glorify Him! 
Glory Be To God for all things! 
Thank you Lord for this day, for our blessings, for our life,for it's beginning,for its continuance and it's end. 
Glory to theFather and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Have mercy on me O God and help me.

]]> Comment on The healing of the woman with a spirit of infirmity 18 years teaches us that love is the highest law and HOW to love + 7 homilies on Psalm 118 by Alice C. Linsley http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/2012/12/10/the-healing-of-the-woman-with-a-spirit-of-infirmity-18-years-teaches-us-that-love-is-the-highest-law-and-how-to-love-7-homilies-on-psalm-118/comment-page-1/#comment-31472 Alice C. Linsley Thu, 13 Dec 2012 23:48:12 +0000 http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/?p=4288#comment-31472 It is difficult to imagine how terrible her life must have been in our time when we take a different attitude toward blood.  If a woman bleeds for too long and too much, doctors do a DNC. No one would even come near her in those days.  Yet she drew near to Him in faith, and as the Psalmist reminds us: the Lord never abandons those who seek Him.   It is difficult to imagine how terrible her life must have been in our time when we take a different attitude toward blood.  If a woman bleeds for too long and too much, doctors do a DNC. No one would even come near her in those days.  Yet she drew near to Him in faith, and as the Psalmist reminds us: the Lord never abandons those who seek Him.
 

]]> Comment on The healing of the woman with a spirit of infirmity 18 years teaches us that love is the highest law and HOW to love + 7 homilies on Psalm 118 by Orthodox Collective http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/2012/12/10/the-healing-of-the-woman-with-a-spirit-of-infirmity-18-years-teaches-us-that-love-is-the-highest-law-and-how-to-love-7-homilies-on-psalm-118/comment-page-1/#comment-31400 Orthodox Collective Mon, 10 Dec 2012 16:34:08 +0000 http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/?p=4288#comment-31400 [...] 18 years teaches us that love is the highest law and HOW to love + 7 homilies on Psalm 118 http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/2012/12/10/the-healing-of-the-woman-with-a-spirit-of-infirmity-...Monday, Dec 10th 10:28 amclick to expand...Joining in... [...] [...] 18 years teaches us that love is the highest law and HOW to love + 7 homilies on Psalm 118 http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/2012/12/10/the-healing-of-the-woman-with-a-spirit-of-infirmity-…Monday, Dec 10th 10:28 amclick to expand…Joining in… [...]

]]> Comment on Pentecost “Out of His belly shall flow rivers of living water” Why the belly? by Judie http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/2009/06/03/pentecost-out-of-his-belly-shall-flow-rivers-of-living-water-why-the-belly/comment-page-1/#comment-31086 Judie Fri, 16 Nov 2012 19:13:18 +0000 http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/?p=916#comment-31086 Great lesson. as a babe in Christ, & filled with the holy spirit, this truly has been a great learning experience and a lesson well learned :) Great lesson. as a babe in Christ, & filled with the holy spirit, this truly has been a great learning experience and a lesson well learned :)

]]> Comment on “Launch out into the deep” – the first great catch of fish teaches about the Jesus prayer! by John Harvest http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/2012/10/08/launch-out-into-the-deep-the-first-great-catch-of-fish-teaches-about-the-jesus-prayer/comment-page-1/#comment-30300 John Harvest Tue, 09 Oct 2012 19:46:09 +0000 http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/?p=4202#comment-30300 You are truly Graced, Father.  I await, sometimes frustrated and impatiently,  for every new sermon. Glory to God!! John http://www.orthodox.net/sermons/pentecost-sunday-18_2012-10-07+launch-out-into-the-deep+the-jesus-prayer_luke5-1-11.m3u You are truly Graced, Father.  I await, sometimes frustrated and impatiently,  for every new sermon.
Glory to God!!
John
http://www.orthodox.net/sermons/pentecost-sunday-18_2012-10-07+launch-out-into-the-deep+the-jesus-prayer_luke5-1-11.m3u

]]> Comment on The Canaanite woman – Exactly how to pray. 17th Sunday of Pentecost. Matthew 15:21-28. Text,audio. by Helen http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/2012/09/29/the-canaanite-woman-exactly-how-to-pray-17th-sunday-of-pentecost-matthew-1521-28-textaudio/comment-page-1/#comment-30192 Helen Sat, 29 Sep 2012 20:40:59 +0000 http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/?p=4196#comment-30192 Nice icon too! Nice icon too!

]]> Comment on The Canaanite woman – Exactly how to pray. 17th Sunday of Pentecost. Matthew 15:21-28. Text,audio. by Helen http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/2012/09/29/the-canaanite-woman-exactly-how-to-pray-17th-sunday-of-pentecost-matthew-1521-28-textaudio/comment-page-1/#comment-30191 Helen Sat, 29 Sep 2012 20:38:55 +0000 http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/?p=4196#comment-30191 Father Seraphim, I love this sermon which explains how to pray.  And, Deborah, I love your explanation of all the different possibilities to explain the woman's situation.  Meaning: no matter what, who or why, our prayers must be in this way: Persistent and humble.  I think the humble part must also include some or a lot of thanksgiving to God, for all that He has given me already.   And Persistent.  As a mother, it is good to pray for my children persistently, like Saint Monica, mother of St. Augustine.  Thanks for explaining that, Father Seraphim.  It's not only okay, it's mandatory to be persistent in prayer.   And simple.  I don't have to be eloquent every time I present my prayer.   Fr. Seraphim, may God grant you many years, full of health, strength, wisdom and joy!!! Father Seraphim, I love this sermon which explains how to pray.  And, Deborah, I love your explanation of all the different possibilities to explain the woman's situation.  Meaning: no matter what, who or why, our prayers must be in this way: Persistent and humble.  I think the humble part must also include some or a lot of thanksgiving to God, for all that He has given me already.
 
And Persistent.  As a mother, it is good to pray for my children persistently, like Saint Monica, mother of St. Augustine.  Thanks for explaining that, Father Seraphim.  It's not only okay, it's mandatory to be persistent in prayer.
 
And simple.  I don't have to be eloquent every time I present my prayer.
 
Fr. Seraphim, may God grant you many years, full of health, strength, wisdom and joy!!!

]]> Comment on The Canaanite woman – Exactly how to pray. 17th Sunday of Pentecost. Matthew 15:21-28. Text,audio. by Deborah http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/2012/09/29/the-canaanite-woman-exactly-how-to-pray-17th-sunday-of-pentecost-matthew-1521-28-textaudio/comment-page-1/#comment-30190 Deborah Sat, 29 Sep 2012 19:50:39 +0000 http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/?p=4196#comment-30190 I love this story because of the simplicity, persistence and humility this mother had in seeking help for her lost child.  Like the persistent widow with the unjust judge, she wasn't going to stop until she got what she got what she needed.  Bearing insult, rejection and disappointment, she was relentless and unwavering in her dedication to getting healing for her child---and she knew where to go to get it.  The Lord was her only hope.   Where does such love, courage and devotion come from?  Was she born that way? Raised that way?  Did it come from years of personal suffering? Was she persistent because she was used to constant rejection?  What kind of life did this woman lead that might have contributed to her daughter becoming possessed? Or did it have nothing to do with her actions at all?  How did she know that the Lord was the Messiah of Israel?  What made her think she could expect the Lord to help her? I don't know the answer to any of those questions. All I know from the story is that the Lord will help me if I don't give up.  No matter how terrible are my sins, if I don't give up coming to Him for deliverance for myself and my loved ones---and especially if I have powerful intercessors (like this mother pleading for her child ) who won't give up pleading on our behalf ---we will be saved.   I love this story because of the simplicity, persistence and humility this mother had in seeking help for her lost child.  Like the persistent widow with the unjust judge, she wasn't going to stop until she got what she got what she needed.  Bearing insult, rejection and disappointment, she was relentless and unwavering in her dedication to getting healing for her child—and she knew where to go to get it.  The Lord was her only hope.
 
Where does such love, courage and devotion come from?  Was she born that way? Raised that way?  Did it come from years of personal suffering? Was she persistent because she was used to constant rejection?  What kind of life did this woman lead that might have contributed to her daughter becoming possessed? Or did it have nothing to do with her actions at all?  How did she know that the Lord was the Messiah of Israel?  What made her think she could expect the Lord to help her? I don't know the answer to any of those questions.

All I know from the story is that the Lord will help me if I don't give up.  No matter how terrible are my sins, if I don't give up coming to Him for deliverance for myself and my loved ones—and especially if I have powerful intercessors (like this mother pleading for her child ) who won't give up pleading on our behalf —we will be saved.  

]]> Comment on Jesus walks on the water and the disciples are afraid. WHY? by Jim http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/2012/08/06/jesus-walks-on-the-water-and-the-disciples-are-afraid-why/comment-page-1/#comment-29772 Jim Sun, 26 Aug 2012 10:46:07 +0000 http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/?p=4174#comment-29772 im not orthodox but this helped alot with my assigmnet THANKS :) ps. sorry about the name, i want to stay anonymous Sincelery yours, A   im not orthodox but this helped alot with my assigmnet THANKS :)
ps. sorry about the name, i want to stay anonymous
Sincelery yours, A
 

]]> Comment on For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” It seems obvious now, but will it be after years of sin? by Deborah http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/2012/08/16/for-as-the-lightning-cometh-out-of-the-east-and-shineth-even-unto-the-west-so-shall-also-the-coming-of-the-son-of-man-be-it-seems-obvious-now-but-will-it-be-after-years-of-sin/comment-page-1/#comment-29559 Deborah Fri, 17 Aug 2012 12:09:59 +0000 http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/?p=4181#comment-29559 Father, Bless,   The final thought I had on this is that I am guilty of doing this everyday---there are plenty of areas of sin that I need to work on, things that I need to stop doing.  Although I know that they are wrong, I continue in various bad habits with the idea in the back of my head that one day I will stop and believe  that when the day of real testing comes I will be ready for it.   Sometimes I even convince myself that this confidence is 'faith', when, in reality, most of the time it is simply my excuse to continue in slothfulness..... Thank you for convicting words. Father, Bless,
 
The final thought I had on this is that I am guilty of doing this everyday—there are plenty of areas of sin that I need to work on, things that I need to stop doing.  Although I know that they are wrong, I continue in various bad habits with the idea in the back of my head that one day I will stop and believe  that when the day of real testing comes I will be ready for it.   Sometimes I even convince myself that this confidence is 'faith', when, in reality, most of the time it is simply my excuse to continue in slothfulness…..

Thank you for convicting words.

]]> Comment on For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” It seems obvious now, but will it be after years of sin? by Deborah http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/2012/08/16/for-as-the-lightning-cometh-out-of-the-east-and-shineth-even-unto-the-west-so-shall-also-the-coming-of-the-son-of-man-be-it-seems-obvious-now-but-will-it-be-after-years-of-sin/comment-page-1/#comment-29557 Deborah Fri, 17 Aug 2012 11:21:58 +0000 http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/?p=4181#comment-29557 ....or rather:  "We are already deceiving ourselves if we are convinced and certain that we will not be deceived or fail when tested." ….or rather:  "We are already deceiving ourselves if we are convinced and certain that we will not be deceived or fail when tested."

]]> Comment on For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” It seems obvious now, but will it be after years of sin? by Deborah http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/2012/08/16/for-as-the-lightning-cometh-out-of-the-east-and-shineth-even-unto-the-west-so-shall-also-the-coming-of-the-son-of-man-be-it-seems-obvious-now-but-will-it-be-after-years-of-sin/comment-page-1/#comment-29556 Deborah Fri, 17 Aug 2012 11:13:39 +0000 http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/?p=4181#comment-29556 <em>Just a few thoughts from reading this: </em> If a person is not convinced of the need to repent now, they are not on a trajectory leading towards repentance later.   To repent would mean not only to stop sinning but to regret having continued in sin before.  So marriage alone would not be a true conviction, confession and repentance of the sin of fornication but simply trying to 'have your cake and eat it, too' (i.e. sin while it's convenient and get absolution when your done.) Ignoring the pangs of conscience dulls the conscience, making future repentance less likely.  Certainty that we will not be deceived when tested is a sure way to be deceived when tested----just ask St. Peter about that. Just a few thoughts from reading this:

If a person is not convinced of the need to repent now, they are not on a trajectory leading towards repentance later.  
To repent would mean not only to stop sinning but to regret having continued in sin before.  So marriage alone would not be a true conviction, confession and repentance of the sin of fornication but simply trying to 'have your cake and eat it, too' (i.e. sin while it's convenient and get absolution when your done.)
Ignoring the pangs of conscience dulls the conscience, making future repentance less likely. 

Certainty that we will not be deceived when tested is a sure way to be deceived when tested—-just ask St. Peter about that.

]]> Comment on A TWO-FER today. A Homily on the Gospel of the Exorcism of the Lunatic Son, and some exegesis of a passage from 1 Corinthians. by john Harvest http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/2012/08/13/a-two-fer-today-a-homily-on-the-gospel-of-the-exorcism-of-the-lunatic-son-and-some-exegesis-of-a-passage-from-1-corinthians/comment-page-1/#comment-29512 john Harvest Thu, 16 Aug 2012 01:26:16 +0000 http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/?p=4177#comment-29512 <span style="font-family: times new roman,times,serif"><font size="3">Let me introduce myself:  my name is john.  I am an Orthodox Christian - roughly 3 years now.  I wanted to take a moment and thank you so much for the below cited sermon that was posted on your parish website.  It spoke directly to my soul and impactecd me profoundly; I had to listen to it twice.  My the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ continue with you.</font></span> <span style="font-family: times new roman,times,serif"><font size="3">Father bless,</font></span> <span style="font-family: times new roman,times,serif"><font size="3">john</font></span> <a href="http://www.orthodox.net/sermons/pentecost-sunday-10_2012-08-12+this-kind-goeth-not-out-but-by-prayer-and-fasting_matthew17-14-23.m3u" rel="nofollow"><font size="3">http://www.orthodox.net/sermons/pentecost-sunday-10_2012-08-12+this-kind-goeth-not-out-but-by-prayer-and-fasting_matthew17-14-23.m3u</font></a><font size="3"> </font> Let me introduce myself:  my name is john.  I am an Orthodox Christian – roughly 3 years now.  I wanted to take a moment and thank you so much for the below cited sermon that was posted on your parish website.  It spoke directly to my soul and impactecd me profoundly; I had to listen to it twice.  My the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ continue with you.
Father bless,
john
http://www.orthodox.net/sermons/pentecost-sunday-10_2012-08-12+this-kind-goeth-not-out-but-by-prayer-and-fasting_matthew17-14-23.m3u

]]> Comment on The “take home” about the ministry of the Holy Spirit in our lives. From Mark the Ascetic. by helen http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/2012/06/05/the-take-home-about-the-ministry-of-the-holy-spirit-in-our-lives-from-mark-the-ascetic/comment-page-1/#comment-28601 helen Wed, 04 Jul 2012 13:29:16 +0000 http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/?p=4142#comment-28601 Sorry, Fr. Seraphim, I've been meaning to write back sooner about this topic of St. Mark.   I made a mistake in my earlier comment, above.   St. Mark of Ephesus (celebrated January 19 / February 1) lived in the 15th century, in the 1400's.  He was the champion for Orthodoxy.  He was an ascetic, priest and archbishop.  He was sent to the Council of the Latins in Florence to unite the churches.  But he did not sign the decree.  Therefore, he saved the Orthodox Church from falling into the hands of the pope (the Roman Catholic church).   St. Mark the Ascetic, a/k/a Mark the Monk, (celebrate March 5 / 18) lived in the 5th century, the 400's in Egypt, at the same time as St. John Chrysostom, and lived as an ascetic for over 60 years.  He knew the Bible by heart and was known as very gentle, merciful and pure of soul.  He wept for the distress of others.  We still have some of his homilies such as the one above which Fr. Seraphim has shared with us.  His homiles are very beautiful.   I did some research to educate myself.  Actually, I am trying to understand the difference between the two saints.  I think I understand it now, myself.  I always thought it was one saint by the name of Mark, but they are two different saints who lived at completely different eras and are know for different gifts.  I hope this clears up the confusion that I caused in my first comment, above.   Fr. Seraphim, please print more of the writings of St. Mark the Ascetic. Sorry, Fr. Seraphim, I've been meaning to write back sooner about this topic of St. Mark.   I made a mistake in my earlier comment, above.
 
St. Mark of Ephesus (celebrated January 19 / February 1) lived in the 15th century, in the 1400's.  He was the champion for Orthodoxy.  He was an ascetic, priest and archbishop.  He was sent to the Council of the Latins in Florence to unite the churches.  But he did not sign the decree.  Therefore, he saved the Orthodox Church from falling into the hands of the pope (the Roman Catholic church).
 
St. Mark the Ascetic, a/k/a Mark the Monk, (celebrate March 5 / 18) lived in the 5th century, the 400's in Egypt, at the same time as St. John Chrysostom, and lived as an ascetic for over 60 years.  He knew the Bible by heart and was known as very gentle, merciful and pure of soul.  He wept for the distress of others.  We still have some of his homilies such as the one above which Fr. Seraphim has shared with us.  His homiles are very beautiful.
 
I did some research to educate myself.  Actually, I am trying to understand the difference between the two saints.  I think I understand it now, myself.  I always thought it was one saint by the name of Mark, but they are two different saints who lived at completely different eras and are know for different gifts.  I hope this clears up the confusion that I caused in my first comment, above.
 
Fr. Seraphim, please print more of the writings of St. Mark the Ascetic.

]]> Comment on How to become a Saint. You do want to be a saint, don’t you? Sunday of All Saints, 2012 by helen http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/2012/06/11/how-to-become-a-saint-you-do-want-to-be-a-saint-dont-you-sunday-of-all-saints-2012/comment-page-1/#comment-27905 helen Mon, 11 Jun 2012 16:30:11 +0000 http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/?p=4149#comment-27905 That's: one humble little angel, another angel sure to lift your spirits, and one beautiful Natalia.  May God bless them and protect them all their lives and fill their souls with His tender and almighty care. That's: one humble little angel, another angel sure to lift your spirits, and one beautiful Natalia.  May God bless them and protect them all their lives and fill their souls with His tender and almighty care.

]]> Comment on The “take home” about the ministry of the Holy Spirit in our lives. From Mark the Ascetic. by helen http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/2012/06/05/the-take-home-about-the-ministry-of-the-holy-spirit-in-our-lives-from-mark-the-ascetic/comment-page-1/#comment-27743 helen Tue, 05 Jun 2012 17:49:18 +0000 http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/?p=4142#comment-27743 Thank you, Fr. Seraphim, for this writing from St. Mark the Ascetic.  I love this saint.  I think he is also called St. Mark the Evgenicos (Pure) and St. Mark of Ephesus.  He has written some beautiful spiritual things and he was also a champion for Orthodoxy; during his lifetime he fought for the Orthodox ways and beliefs. Thank you, Fr. Seraphim, for this writing from St. Mark the Ascetic.  I love this saint.  I think he is also called St. Mark the Evgenicos (Pure) and St. Mark of Ephesus.  He has written some beautiful spiritual things and he was also a champion for Orthodoxy; during his lifetime he fought for the Orthodox ways and beliefs.

]]> Comment on Selections from Vespers, Liturgical Music Committee of the Diocese of Chicago and Mid-America, Choral Seminar, St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in McKinney, Texas. May 5/18 – 7/20 2012 by helen http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/2012/05/21/selections-from-vespers-liturgical-music-committee-of-the-diocese-of-chicago-and-mid-america-choral-seminar-st-nicholas-orthodox-church-in-mckinney-texas-may-518-720-2012/comment-page-1/#comment-27353 helen Fri, 25 May 2012 16:17:44 +0000 http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/?p=4133#comment-27353 Also, congrats to Natalia, beautiful job recording the choir.  I'm enjoying listening to this at my desk at work. Also, congrats to Natalia, beautiful job recording the choir.  I'm enjoying listening to this at my desk at work.

]]> Comment on Selections from Vespers, Liturgical Music Committee of the Diocese of Chicago and Mid-America, Choral Seminar, St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in McKinney, Texas. May 5/18 – 7/20 2012 by helen http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/2012/05/21/selections-from-vespers-liturgical-music-committee-of-the-diocese-of-chicago-and-mid-america-choral-seminar-st-nicholas-orthodox-church-in-mckinney-texas-may-518-720-2012/comment-page-1/#comment-27320 helen Thu, 24 May 2012 18:36:23 +0000 http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/?p=4133#comment-27320 So beautiful!  I wish I was there.  Congratulations to Ms. Sander and all the choir.  Great job, Fr. Seraphim! So beautiful!  I wish I was there.  Congratulations to Ms. Sander and all the choir.  Great job, Fr. Seraphim!

]]> Comment on “Having become bold” – What made Joseph, Nicodemus and the Myrhhbearers bold? by helen http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/2012/04/30/having-become-bold-what-made-joseph-nicodemus-and-the-myrhhbearers-bold/comment-page-1/#comment-26767 helen Fri, 11 May 2012 16:48:56 +0000 http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/?p=4111#comment-26767 That's a great sermon, very inspiring and very instructional.  Thank God! That's a great sermon, very inspiring and very instructional.  Thank God!

]]> Comment on Rocking Christ is risen troparion from Africa, and beautiful Serbian Orthodox Paschal Song by St. Vladika Nikolaj Velomirovich by seraphimholland http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/2012/04/17/rocking-christ-is-risen-troparion-from-africa-and-beautiful-serbian-orthodox-paschal/comment-page-1/#comment-25755 seraphimholland Wed, 18 Apr 2012 00:16:22 +0000 http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/?p=4091#comment-25755 Thank you Carol! Christ is risen! It has been a long time I hope all is well with you and your family. I will add this poem to the post. Thank you Carol! Christ is risen! It has been a long time I hope all is well with you and your family. I will add this poem to the post.

]]> Comment on Bright Week Do’s and Dont’s, Holy Week/ Pascha pictures and video by helen http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/2012/04/16/bright-week-dos-and-donts-holy-week-pascha-pictures-and-video/comment-page-1/#comment-25754 helen Wed, 18 Apr 2012 00:15:38 +0000 http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/?p=4087#comment-25754 Beautiful!  Beautiful!  Beautiful!   Christ is risen!  Truly He is risen! Beautiful!  Beautiful!  Beautiful!
 
Christ is risen!  Truly He is risen!

]]> Comment on Rocking Christ is risen troparion from Africa, and beautiful Serbian Orthodox Paschal Song by St. Vladika Nikolaj Velomirovich by Carol Surgant http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/2012/04/17/rocking-christ-is-risen-troparion-from-africa-and-beautiful-serbian-orthodox-paschal/comment-page-1/#comment-25753 Carol Surgant Tue, 17 Apr 2012 23:56:03 +0000 http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/?p=4091#comment-25753 The above Serbian song is a poem by St. Vladika Nikolaj. Here is a translation: People rejoice, all nations listen: Christ God is risen! Let us rejoice! Dance all ye stars and sing all ye mountains: Christ God is risen! Let us rejoice! Whisper ye woods and blow all ye winds: Christ God is risen! Let us rejoice! O seas proclaim and roar all ye beasts: Christ God is risen! Let us rejoice! Buzz all ye bees and sing all ye birds: Christ God is risen! Let us rejoice! O little lambs rejoice and be merry: Christ God is risen! Let us rejoice! Nightengales joyous, lending your song: Christ God is risen! Let us rejoice! Ring, O ye bells, let everyone hear: Christ God is risen! Let us rejoice! All angels join us, singing this song: Christ God is risen! Let us rejoice! Come down ye heavens, draw near the earth: Christ God is risen! Let us rejoice! Glory to Thee, God Almighty! Christ God is risen! Let us rejoice! Glory to Thee, God Almighty! Christ God is risen! Let us rejoice!   The above Serbian song is a poem by St. Vladika Nikolaj. Here is a translation:

People rejoice, all nations listen:
Christ God is risen! Let us rejoice!
Dance all ye stars and sing all ye mountains:
Christ God is risen! Let us rejoice!

Whisper ye woods and blow all ye winds:
Christ God is risen! Let us rejoice!
O seas proclaim and roar all ye beasts:
Christ God is risen! Let us rejoice!

Buzz all ye bees and sing all ye birds:
Christ God is risen! Let us rejoice!
O little lambs rejoice and be merry:
Christ God is risen! Let us rejoice!

Nightengales joyous, lending your song:
Christ God is risen! Let us rejoice!
Ring, O ye bells, let everyone hear:
Christ God is risen! Let us rejoice!

All angels join us, singing this song:
Christ God is risen! Let us rejoice!
Come down ye heavens, draw near the earth:
Christ God is risen! Let us rejoice!

Glory to Thee, God Almighty!
Christ God is risen! Let us rejoice!
Glory to Thee, God Almighty!
Christ God is risen! Let us rejoice!

 

]]> Comment on Cheesefare Wednesday Feb 9/22 2012 Joel 2.12-16; Joel 3.12-21 by Simply http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/2012/02/22/cheesefare-wednesday-feb-922-2012-joel-2-12-16-joel-3-12-21/comment-page-1/#comment-25518 Simply Wed, 11 Apr 2012 01:46:42 +0000 http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/?p=4031#comment-25518 I love this site! The material is priceless. Thank you for most of the posts and making my personal week. Compliments, Simply I love this site! The material is priceless. Thank you for most of the posts and making my personal week. Compliments, Simply

]]> Comment on Great Monday:The cursing of the fig tree teaches that we must bear fruit or we will wither and die and that we have no excuse for our lack of fruit; faith comes from obedience. by Deborah http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/2012/04/09/great-mondaythe-cursing-of-the-fig-tree-teaches-that-we-must-bear-fruit-or-we-will-wither-and-die-and-that-we-have-no-excuse-for-our-lack-of-fruit-faith-comes-from-obedience/comment-page-1/#comment-25398 Deborah Mon, 09 Apr 2012 12:15:17 +0000 http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/?p=4081#comment-25398 <em>Father, Bless, (I posted this as a comment on your Facebook link to this and then decided that it might be better to post here.): </em> <span>Thank you very much, Father, for a timely reminder. I always read this story in conjunction with the parable in Luke 13 where the Master comes to cut down the unfruitful fig tree and the steward pleads on behalf of the tree and asks to be given the time and chance to prune and fertilize the tree to see if he can get it to bear fruit. I know I cannot bear fruit without the help of the intercessors that God has placed in my Path to be the stewards of my soul. The story of the cursed fig tree is frightening. On my own I cannot bear fruit even in season, much less out of season and under adverse conditions. This other story of a barren fig tree given help and more time to bear fruit is a great comfort to me. I am thankful beyond words for the Lord's mercy and provision of grace through intercession. <em>Pray for,</em> </span> <span>Deborah</span> Father, Bless,
(I posted this as a comment on your Facebook link to this and then decided that it might be better to post here.):

Thank you very much, Father, for a timely reminder. I always read this story in conjunction with the parable in Luke 13 where the Master comes to cut down the unfruitful fig tree and the steward pleads on behalf of the tree and asks to be given the time and chance to prune and fertilize the tree to see if he can get it to bear fruit. I know I cannot bear fruit without the help of the intercessors that God has placed in my Path to be the stewards of my soul. The story of the cursed fig tree is frightening. On my own I cannot bear fruit even in season, much less out of season and under adverse conditions. This other story of a barren fig tree given help and more time to bear fruit is a great comfort to me. I am thankful beyond words for the Lord's mercy and provision of grace through intercession.

Pray for,

Deborah

]]> Comment on “You will die in your sins.” by Dn. Nicholas Park http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/2010/04/30/you-will-die-in-your-sins/comment-page-1/#comment-25155 Dn. Nicholas Park Fri, 30 Mar 2012 01:11:19 +0000 http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/?p=2194#comment-25155 <p>To expand on what Fr. Seraphim has said, this is in fact a heresy that the Church condemned in the 3rd century. There *is* a remedy -- namely, a desire to repent and turn back to Christ, coupled with the aid of Grace through the Sacrament of Confession.</p> To expand on what Fr. Seraphim has said, this is in fact a heresy that the Church condemned in the 3rd century. There *is* a remedy — namely, a desire to repent and turn back to Christ, coupled with the aid of Grace through the Sacrament of Confession.

]]> Comment on “You will die in your sins.” by seraphimholland http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/2010/04/30/you-will-die-in-your-sins/comment-page-1/#comment-25154 seraphimholland Fri, 30 Mar 2012 01:06:00 +0000 http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/?p=2194#comment-25154 <p>That is not what the quote said, or what we believe Anathamus. </p> That is not what the quote said, or what we believe Anathamus.

]]> Comment on “You will die in your sins.” by anathamus http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/2010/04/30/you-will-die-in-your-sins/comment-page-1/#comment-25153 anathamus Fri, 30 Mar 2012 00:48:27 +0000 http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/?p=2194#comment-25153 I have sinned, I accepted Christ, I sinned again, I am now damned without remedy. I have sinned, I accepted Christ, I sinned again, I am now damned without remedy.

]]> Comment on Twelve hour vigil in front of Planned Parenthood in McKinney TX. Abortion Euphemisms. Anger. Do not reason with the unreasonable. by helen http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/2012/03/08/twelve-hour-vigil-in-front-of-planned-parenthood-in-mckinney-tx-abortion-euphemisms-anger-do-not-reason-with-the-unreasonable/comment-page-1/#comment-23882 helen Sat, 10 Mar 2012 12:48:13 +0000 http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/?p=4061#comment-23882 Thanks for sharing all this experience, Father Seraphim.  You really tell it like it is.  Raw truth and raw feelings.  The part that made me cry was that 90 per cent of the motorists were positive towards you.  I'm surprised but extremely glad that you got a thumbs up from some people.   Thanks for sharing all of it, the bad, the good, and the funny (papers scattering).   Next Saturday I'm praying with you.  I can't come there, but  I'll be praying from home, in New York.  Two hours, at least.  Stop whatever I'm doing and pray for you all and the cause.  God be with you and those praying with you there next Saturday. Thanks for sharing all this experience, Father Seraphim.  You really tell it like it is.  Raw truth and raw feelings.  The part that made me cry was that 90 per cent of the motorists were positive towards you.  I'm surprised but extremely glad that you got a thumbs up from some people.
 
Thanks for sharing all of it, the bad, the good, and the funny (papers scattering).
 
Next Saturday I'm praying with you.  I can't come there, but  I'll be praying from home, in New York.  Two hours, at least.  Stop whatever I'm doing and pray for you all and the cause.  God be with you and those praying with you there next Saturday.

]]> Comment on Twelve hour vigil in front of Planned Parenthood in McKinney TX. Abortion Euphemisms. Anger. Do not reason with the unreasonable. by Fr. Photius Avant http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/2012/03/08/twelve-hour-vigil-in-front-of-planned-parenthood-in-mckinney-tx-abortion-euphemisms-anger-do-not-reason-with-the-unreasonable/comment-page-1/#comment-23719 Fr. Photius Avant Fri, 09 Mar 2012 01:53:51 +0000 http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/?p=4061#comment-23719 May God bless you abundantly for your witness and your prayers!  What that poor angry soul shouted at you, "You should have been abortions!" speaks volumes about the reality of abortion and what people <em>REALLY</em> know about it.  They shouted that you should have been killed as a poor, helpless infant--that this would have been a GOOD thing, so that "enlightened" people like them would not have to tolerate your "stupidity."  That, indeed, your stance on the issue makes you <em>worthy</em> of death. Again, God bless you for the holy work you are doing. May God bless you abundantly for your witness and your prayers!  What that poor angry soul shouted at you, "You should have been abortions!" speaks volumes about the reality of abortion and what people REALLY know about it.  They shouted that you should have been killed as a poor, helpless infant–that this would have been a GOOD thing, so that "enlightened" people like them would not have to tolerate your "stupidity."  That, indeed, your stance on the issue makes you worthy of death.
Again, God bless you for the holy work you are doing.

]]> Comment on Newsletter December 26 / January 8 Sunday after Nativity by helen http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/2012/01/08/newsletter-december-26-january-8-sunday-after-nativity/comment-page-1/#comment-22124 helen Mon, 09 Jan 2012 18:12:34 +0000 http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/?p=3970#comment-22124 Thanks for the reminder to give thanks to God! Thanks for the reminder to give thanks to God!

]]> Comment on Prison Ministry Pastoral Letter. The Jesus Prayer. A short and eclectic teaching about baptism by helen http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/2011/12/25/prison-ministry-pastoral-letter-the-jesus-prayer-a-short-and-eclectic-teaching-about-baptism/comment-page-1/#comment-21889 helen Tue, 27 Dec 2011 23:16:05 +0000 http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/?p=3954#comment-21889 Yes, I agree, Kyriaki, there's a lot of beautiful information in the above article on baptism.  I love it.  There's a lot of  hope for all of us struggling in our journey of life. Thank you, Father Seraphim, for all this great and awesome info.  And also, thanks for including the quotes from the saints. Yes, I agree, Kyriaki, there's a lot of beautiful information in the above article on baptism.  I love it.  There's a lot of  hope for all of us struggling in our journey of life.
Thank you, Father Seraphim, for all this great and awesome info.  And also, thanks for including the quotes from the saints.

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