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Tuesday of the Third Week of Pascha. There Will Still Be Moments of Confusion

That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing Him. And He said to them, “What is this conversation which you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood

Tuesday of the 2nd Week of Pascha. One of Christ’s Greatest Gifts to Us One of the Greatest Gifts You Can Give Yourself

And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, ”Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained. John 20:22-23 (From the Gospel Reading at the Divine Liturgy on Thomas Sunday) Christ is Risen! In yesterday’s reflection, we examined the sacrament of ordination, which has its genesis in John 20:22. In the very next verse,

Monday of the 2nd Week of Pascha. The First Ordination

Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, even so I send you.” And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, ”Receive the Holy Spirit.” John 20:21-22 (From the Gospel Reading at the Divine Liturgy on Thomas Sunday) Christ is Risen! In all of the Gospel accounts, Jesus “commissions” the Disciples to go out into the world and spread the Good News.

Bright Wednesday. The Resurrection-From the Gospel of Matthew

Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the sepulcher. And behold, there was a great earthquake; far an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone, and sat upon it. His appearance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow. And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead

Holy Thursday. Do THIS in REMEMBRANCE of Me

For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when He was betrayed took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it, and said, “This is My Body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of Me.” In the same way also the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My Blood. Do this, as often as you

Palm Sunday. Fear Not Daughter of Zion-Your King is Coming on a DONKEY

And Jesus found a young ass and sat upon it; as it is written, “Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your King is coming, sitting on an ass’s colt!” His disciples did not understand this at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that this had been written of Him and had been done to Him. John 12:14-16 (Gospel of the Divine Liturgy on Palm Sunday) When you think of the word “King,”

Friday of the Fourth Week of Lent. Leaning on God When You Are in Agony

And going a little farther He fell on His face and prayed, ”My, Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as Thou wilt.” And there appeared to Him an angel from heaven, strengthening Him. Matthew 26:39; Luke 22:43 (From the Gospel of the Vesperal Liturgy on Holy Thursday Morning) Jesus went to a place that was very familiar to Him-The Garden of Gethsemane. He went

Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Lent. Christ’s Hope for Us

Jesus said to His Disciples, “I do not pray for these only, but also for those who believe in Me through their word, that they may all be one; even as thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me. The glory which Thou hast given Me I have given to them, that they may be one

Wednesday of the Third Week of Lent. The New Covenant

Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” And He took a cup, and when He had given thanks He gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you; for this is My blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you I shall

The Dormition of our Most Holy Lady Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary (Part II)

Then came the third hour (9 A.M.), when the Dormition of the Mother of God was to occur. A number of candles were burning. The holy Disciples surrounded her beautifully adorned bed, offering praise to God. She prayed in anticipation of Her demise and of the arrival of Her longed-for Son and Lord. Suddenly, the inexpressible Light of Divine Glory shone forth, before which the blazing candles paled in comparison. All who it saw took