Our Mind is like a Flute The Creator has bestowed divine beauty on us by adding, to his own image in us, the likeness of the qualities he himself possesses. This beauty brings with it other benefits with which God has generously enriched our human nature. For instance we ought to consider our minds as far more than a gift. They are a way of sharing the mind of God. But the mind by itself,
It is not the Body that Sins Do not believe anyone who maintains that our bodies have nothing to do with God. I might say in passing that people who regard the body as corrupt most often defile it with impure actions. But what can possibly be wrong about this marvelous body of ours? Look at the beauty, the harmony of it. The eyes are shining, the ears are placed in the most convenient position
Beyond Medical Knowledge Even without anyone to instruct us we are quite able, on the basis of what we see, live and feel, to understand how our body is formed. Its own nature teaches us. It may be useful, nonetheless, to consult experts to have a clearer idea. The science of anatomy has allowed us to know the positions of the individual parts of the human body. Other sciences help us to grasp their uses.
The Body was Made by One who Knows What He is Doing Look within yourself. From your own nature you can learn something of your Maker. There is nothing to be ashamed of in your body. If you are in control of its members, they are not in the slightest evil. Adam and Eve in paradise were naked at first and their bodies did not appear shameful or disgusting. Our limbs do not cause sin,
The Feast of the Annunciation is one of the earliest Christian feasts, and was already being celebrated in the fourth century. There is a painting of the Annunciation in the catacomb of Priscilla in Rome dating from the second century. The Council of Toledo in 656 mentions the Feast, and the Council in Trullo in 692 says that the Annunciation was celebrated during Great Lent. The Greek and Slavonic names for the Feast may be
Hope Lessens the Labour The Psalter begins with the words: ‘Happy is the one who does not take the counsel of the wicked for a guide.’ These words immediately show us our final end which is happiness. The hope of future goods, therefore: can help us to accept willingly the sufferings of life. For anyone travelling along an impassable road, the hope of a comfortable hotel is a relief. Merchants have to face many risks,
God makes Good Loans, but do we make Good Investments? According to the parable of the Lord [Luke 19:12-27], the first of ten servants told his master when he returned from a long journey, ‘Lord, your pound has made ten pounds more.’ That servant’s single pound bore interest tenfold. A second servant’s pound bore fivefold. A third servant’s pound bore no interest at all. ‘Why did you not put my money into the bank?’ The
Childishness or the Spirit of Childhood? Jesus says: ‘Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God.’ [Luke 18:16] If that is how things are, growing up means, loss. Why should I desire to grow up if adulthood deprives me of the right to the kingdom? Can you explain why God should have given us physical development which favours vice, not virtue? And for what
© 2020 Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral
