The Ascension and the Helium Balloon!

John 14 : 9

Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip?

Why do baptized babies join the Resurrection procession?

Let's examine ourselves whether we truly feel, experience and manifest the characteristics of Christ's life within ourselves - love that is patient, kind, gentle, and unconditional; peace that surpasses understanding despite difficulties; and joy that cannot be taken away.

Do others see Christ's life in us?

Can we say with Paul that:

"it is no longer I who live but Christ lives in me" (Galatians 2:20)?

If we find ourselves falling short, let us humble ourselves before God and ask Him to renew His eternal life within us so that we may feel, experience, and manifest it.

1. It’s Rich — in Every Way
2. It’s a Real Experience
3. It’s Once a Year
4. It’s Personal

Colossians 3:5-17

5 Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, 7 in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them.

8 But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, 10 and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, 11 where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all.

Character of the New Man

12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. 14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

I have come to You O Lord, as the sick one to his physician, and as the hungry to the Spring of living water, as the poor to the Source of riches, as the sinners to the Savior, and as the dead to the Fountain of Life; for You are my salvation, my healer, my life, my strength, my comfort, my joy, and my rest is in you. Help me, protect me, and teach me to put my will in Your hands, that I may live according to Your will. Remove my weakness that I may be firm and continue to be faithful to You until the end. Amen.

The parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) is one of the most profound stories told by our Lord Jesus Christ. It speaks not only of repentance and forgiveness but also reveals the dangers of spiritual pride and the true meaning of our relationship with God. In this parable, we find two sons, both of whom lost their way, though in different manners.

Lent is indeed a powerful season in the Church designed to redirect our focus from the outer person — with its worldly distractions and concerns — to the inner person, where true spiritual growth and communion with God take place.

From the Orthodox Church Fathers' teachings, fasting is much deeper than just abstaining from certain foods.

Here's their understanding:

- St. John Chrysostom emphasizes that true fasting begins with the mouth - controlling not just food, but also harmful speech

- St. Basil the Great teaches that fasting must be accompanied by spiritual efforts: "Fasting with the body while continuing to sin is like flying with one wing"

- St. John Cassian warns against pride in fasting, teaching that vainglory can destroy its spiritual benefits

- St. Gregory Palamas teaches that authentic fasting involves all senses:

  - Eyes: Fast from impure looks and unnecessary entertainment

  - Ears: Abstain from gossip and idle talk

  - Tongue: Refrain from judging others and speaking evil

  - Hands: Cease from harmful actions

  - Mind: Control thoughts and desires

- St. Isaac the Syrian explains that fasting is not meant to punish the body but to:

  - Subdue passions

  - Clear the mind for prayer

  - Cultivate humility

  - Remember the poor

  - Practice self-control

- St. John Chrysostom emphasizes that money saved from fasting should be given to the poor: 

"The fast should be kept not by the mouth alone but also by the eye, the ear, the feet, the hands and all the members of the body"