Rain in the Desert

"We are called to be saints. We are called to fellowship with God. We are called to sanctification and true freedom in Christ. We are called to lay hold of eternal life. May we ever strive to walk in that manner, worthy of the high calling as we press on in our Lenten journey."

Fr. Apostolos begins with the story of Brittany, a young girl he briefly knew who suffered from an incurable skin condition who demonstrated for him how to carry a cross. The gist of the homily is simple: there can be no resurrection without a death and no Paschal celebration without the Cross.

Fr. Apostolos talks about the privilege and responsibility we have of knowing Christ personally.

Fr. Apostolos reminds us of the effort needed and the benefits of participating fully in the spiritual fitness regimen of Great Lent.

Fr. Apostolos helps to prepare us for Great Lent with reflections on the humility of the Publican.

As we approach Great Lent, Fr. Apostolos reflects on the stories of Jason Gibson and Zaccheus. "As we apply the energy of our will and labor to tame our desires so that they serve us and as we avoid the trap of being enslaved by our desires, we can overcome our wounds and learn how to soar in the spiritual life."

Fr. Apostolos asks, "Of what value is our life in Christ?"

Fr. Apostolos shares from the book of Exodus and the life of St. Columba to prepare us for the Feast of Theophany.

Fr. Apostolos shares about the Incarnation. "As the Ark of the Old Covenant was held to be the physical manifestation of the presence of God to the people of Israel, the Ark of the New Covenant, the Ever-virgin Mary, is held to be the divine vessel of Immanuel, which means God With Us."

Fr. Apostolos exhorts us to be as welcoming to others at the Eucharistic feast as we are to welcoming new family members around our holiday tables.