Accountability Management – Day 25 of 40

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Armodoxy for Today: Accountability Management– Day 25 of Lent

There is no name tag on your shirt that says, “Manager,” because God has placed upon you the greatest tag of all. He’s named you as His child. Take advantage today. Is there anything that speaks to your heart more than the dreams that you have – the accessibility to a life that is rich and full? It is yours. It is yours because God has placed you in charge of that life – the steward and manager of that life. You do not have a right to place it in a closet. You do not have a right to trash it. All you have a right to do is enjoy it. Let it flower. Let it be fruitful. Let it bring glory to God.

By using the metaphor of stewardship, Jesus makes it very clear that we are accountable for our life. One day, like the manager or steward in the parable, we will be asked to produce a record, an accountability of our stewardship. What did we do with what God has given us? Did God give us talents? Did He give us an ability? Did He give us a smile? Did He give us a heartbeat and a breath? What did we do with that gift? What did we do with our lives?

Imagine giving a gift to a friend or a loved one. Wouldn’t you like to know that your friend enjoyed that gift? At some point wouldn’t you ask your loved one, “What did you do with that gift that I gave you? Did you enjoy it?” And certainly, how hurt you would be if that person had taken your gift and stored it in a closet or worse yet, just thrown it in the trash and never once paid attention to it. Likewise, God wants to know that the gift He has given us, that most valuable commodity – the breath that we breathe, the heart that beats, the smile that comes from our hearts – is being used and is being used wisely. Ultimately, is it being used to spread love of God to others. That is the demand put upon us as stewards of God’s gifts. We are stewards of our lives. We are responsible for the talents that are given to us, to share them, use them, and to give an account of How? Where? And What did we do with all that God has given us?

Today’s act of charity is to produce the fruit of your talent. Fast from fears that discourage you. Enjoy today’s recipe for Curry Butternut Squash which appears below.

We pray with St. Nersess Shnorhali’s 11th hour, Jesus, wisdom of the Father, grant me wisdom that I may always think, speak and do that which is good in your site. Save me from evil thoughts, words, and deeds. Have mercy upon all your creatures, and upon me, a great sinner. Amen.

Lenten Recipes by Deacon Varoujan: Recipe 25: Curry Butternut Squash

Feeding the Beast – Day 24 of 40

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Armodoxy for Today – Feeding the Beast – Day 24 of 40

The Parable of the Dishonest Steward brings to focus the problem of ethics. A man who was dishonest was commended – applauded – for his actions. It is easy to mix emotions, motivations, desires, and actions in a mix that may yield favorable results but not necessarily good results considering the actions that were taken to produce those results. The Dishonest Steward parable begs the question, do the ends justify the means.

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes inside people. He said, “My son, the battle is between two wolves inside us all. One is evil. It is anger, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, deception, false pride, superiority and ego. The other wolf is good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, righteousness, compassion and faith.”

The grandson thought about it for a moment and replied, “But Grandfather, which one wins?”

The old Cherokee simply replied, “The one you feed.”

Lent is the period of time where we turn inward and restrict our diet. In so doing we check our feeding habits.

An act of charity today is to feed the good wolf. Fast from the food of the evil wolf.

But certainly try, Berry Good Chili, the recipe is at the link below.

We pray, from St. Nersess Shnorhali’s nineth hour All provident Lord, place Your holy fear as a guard before my eyes so they may not look lustfully; before my ears so that they may not delight in hearing evil words; before my mouth so that it may not speak any falsehoods; before my heart so that it may not think evil; before my hands so that they may not do injustice; before my feet, that they may not walk in the paths of injustice; but so direct them, that they may always be according to all Your commandments. Have mercy upon Your Creatures and upon me, a great sinner. Amen.
Lenten Recipes by Deacon Varoujan: Recipe 24: “Berry Good Chili”

 

Gifted Talents – Day 23 of 40

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Armodoxy for Today: Gifted Talents – Day 23 of Lent

We began this week with the Parable of the Dishonest Steward (Luke 16) which brought us to a discussion of stewardship. We continue today by asking, what are the talents that we possess? How can we use them? How can we improve our own lives, as well as the lives of our families, friends and community using those talents? God has given us the resources that we need to deal with life. He has given us the ability, the strength and the courage to move forward. He has given us breath! He has also endowed us with talents. Do you sing or play music? Are you able to craft something? Do you have reasoning and logical skills? Can you invest? Can you make money? Can you heal? Can you console? Can you walk in harmony with others? These are gifts from God.

Jesus says, “He who has been faithful in a little, will be trusted with much.” Take your talent and create! Invest it and make more, whatever your talent may be. As an ambassador of God, that is, an ambassador of Love, you now have a responsibility to use your talents wisely to bring the presence of God into your own life as well as the lives of the people around you – your family, friends and ultimately, the world.

There is one provision to our use of talents that is often forgotten, you do not have a right to ignore your gifts and talents. You are the manager of your life. You must use what has been given you.

Your act of charity to is to assign your talents for use. Fast from negativity. All things are possible with God.

Enjoy a Lenten treat today – Roasted Red Pepper and Fresh Chickpea Pasta, the recipe is below.

We pray, Heavenly Father, you have created each and everyone of us unique and in that uniqueness you have endowed us with gifts of talent and energy. Help me to explore and exploit those talents for the betterment of our life and our world. Amen.

Lenten Recipes by Deacon Varoujan: Recipe 23: Roasted Red Pepper and Fresh Chickpea Pasta

Management Skills – Day 22 of 40

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Armodoxy for Today – Management Skills – Day 22 of Lent

In the Parable of the Dishonest Steward which we read yesterday (Luke 16), we find another character, like the one from last week – the Prodigal Son – who is far from the model you would expect in a religious story, and yet, Jesus uses him, he has the audacity to use him to teach us a lesson in life. It is a lesson in stewardship – managing the assets that we have in life.

We live in a world that is filled with real challenges. Reality is not based on or built on fairy tales or myths. Unlike playtime, life is demanding. It asks for our resources, the most precious of which is our time and effort – blood, sweat and tears. The question then becomes, how do we deal with, approach and overcome those challenges?

Jesus tells us that the challenges of life are real. They are to be met and overcome. The resources to do so are in place and need to be used. In his words, we are called to use “worldly wealth” to network and deal with the people of this world. In other words, in this world we must use the tools that this world offers, that is the “legal tender” of this world. Don’t shun those tools by ascribing some definitions based on your moral compass. Don’t pretend that you exist in some other world that is apart from the one we inhabit. This world is very real. Remember, you passed the half-way mark of Lent. Behind you see the road that brought you here but ahead of you is the one that unites you to the road of life. We need to use the means of this world to survive this world. What are those means? Our talents. The talents given to us by God.

An act of charity today is to become a steward of something that is in need of care, your church, a family or friend who is need of care. Fast from making practicing your faith only on Sundays.

Today’s recipe is Susty’s Super Tofu Salad, at the link below.

We pray, Heavenly Father, I thank You for the blessings You have bestowed upon me. Grant that I manage those talents in the ways that are pleasing to You and bring and harmony to our world. Amen.

Lenten Recipes by Deacon Varoujan: Recipe 22: Susty’s Super Tofu Salad

Cover Photo: K.T.Nalik 2010

Stewardship – Day 21 of 40

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Armodoxy for Today: Stewardship – Day 21 of Lent

We are over half way through the Lenten season. We climbed up the hill and we are now at the summit, coming down. We look down from the summit and see two paths, one behind us and even more importantly, the path in front of us. It is this path that connects to a larger road which is the journey of life. All that we are discovering during this Lenten period is part of the self-improvement process which fortifies our position in life by granting us the tools to better meet the challenges of life, be they physical, emotional or spiritual. God gives us the tools to handle the complexities of life and to render the journey a simple one.

As we come down off of the mountain, we enter a world that is very real. It is a world filled with difficulties and challenges, but at the same time, it has many victories. It has many moments for us to rejoice and many more to enjoy. Life is very real! How appropriate, that today, at this half-way mark in Lent, the Armenian Church prescribes the Parable of the Dishonest Steward as its Lenten lesson. This lesson, found in Luke chapter 16, connects us to the reality of life.

The Parable of the Dishonest Steward is given to us by our Lord Jesus. We read that there was a steward, that is, a manager. He was charged with taking care of his boss’ assets and money. Jesus refers to him as a shrewd, and even “dishonest” manager. He gets caught red handed in some business shenanigans and is on the verge of being fired. He acts shrewdly and doubles down by doing even more dishonest deeds against his employer thereby making friends for himself, especially considering his impending unemployment, this was a tactical preemptive move. He is calculated and knows that when he gets fired, these new friends will hire him. Then comes the kicker…  Jesus brings it down to this, “The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light. I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.”

Your act of charity is simple, read the Parable of the Dishonest Steward in its entirety. We will take a dive into this story which leaves many people perplexed because the “hero” is a squirrely character. Fast today from making any judgment calls, on the people in the story as well as in life.

Celebrate the half-way mark of Lent with some Lenten Cookies, the recipe is below.

We pray, Lord, I thank you for entrusting me with my life and the world in which I live. Help me to become a better steward of my life and my world. Amen.

Lenten Recipes by Deacon Varoujan: Recipe 21: Lenten Cookies

 

Ego Placement – Day 20 of 40

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Armodoxy for Today: Ego Placement –  Day 20 of Lent

Continuing on yesterday’s look at the ego as motivator and hinderance to a full life, today we continue with ways of feeding the ego.

Think of the great people who have impacted the world. Now focus on the great people in your own life. They may be a parent or a teacher, or a mentor. You will find again that these have been the ones who have been willing to put themselves second to better the lives of others, be they their children, their husbands, their wives, their country, their society or their community. Whatever the case, in the sacrifice that they made, ego was contained. Ego was put on hold so that others were allowed to prosper.

To raise children, to support a husband or a wife, to deal with aging parents, to offer love and affection to people around, requires sacrifice. Armodoxy is the faith of the Armenian Church which has fed this atmosphere of sacrifice.

Many times in church life we need volunteers to get jobs done. Sometimes we think, would it not be easier if we paid people to work in these positions? Certainly it would be easier, but the real power of getting things done in the church is by volunteers, because in volunteerism the ego has to be suppressed. When you get down on your knees and wipe the floors of a church you acknowledge that there is something greater than yourself there that needs to be served. When you volunteer to help in community organizations, in organizations that have goals that are striving for peace or world justice, you are placing a greater-than-sign (>) between the purpose and yourself. In volunteering, the ego gets left behind. You are not as important as the “we.”

In the story of the Prodigal Son the younger brother is driven by ego. He wants his inheritance, not for some community project, not to better the lives of other people but to enjoy himself. Quickly we see that when the money runs out and so does the enjoyment. His friends back off. There is no intrinsic value to the things he acquired. He was driven by ego, and he lost the value of life.

Today’s act of charity is to increase the use of the word “we” and fast from the use of the words “I” and “me.” And try today’s recipe for Hot and Sour Soup, with link below.

Today’s prayer is a with a simple question presented to us by the saint of Armenian Orthodoxy, St. Gregory of Narek (6) to guide us in our prayers, What use, what good is it to me to exhaust myself with this stream of words, the voice of my sighing heart? Amen.

Lenten Recipes by Deacon Varoujan: Recipe 20: Hot and Sour Soup

That Little Big Thing – Day 19 of 40

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Armodoxy for Today: That Little Big Thing – Day 19 of Lent

We are at the third week of Lent. It has been a good journey. We have had time to look inward, to contemplate, meditate and pray. We have restricted our diets as well as restricted idle conversation. We are feeling good. The changes we are making are starting to impact others, our families our surroundings, our work environment, our communities and therefore, our world.

Now we start understanding that real changes come from within. Perhaps it is the only thing we can alter in this world, because it is the only thing in which we have complete control. God places that control in our hands. He gives us this life and He allows us to live it the way we wish.

We conclude this week by looking at one more dimension in the story of the Prodigal Son, namely the ego dimension. You see, all of our difficulties in life stem from the ego. Long before Freud put his finger on the motivators in life, Jesus was pointing sharing the importance of leaving ego behind. We are reminded of Jesus’ words, “He who loves his life will lose it and he who hates his life in this world shall keep it for eternal life.” (John 12)

Take a look at great people who have impacted society and life and are recorded in history in a very positive manner. You’ll find something very similar among all of their biographies. They have been willing to sacrifice themselves. They have given of themselves. Now, do not mistake this for low self-esteem or low self-worth. People who impact life in a positive manner have a very positive image of themselves, but they are also willing to sacrifice because that positive self-image is not a false one, nor is it built on false pride.

False pride is very easy to acquire. Especially going through some of the Lenten rituals, as we are doing now, it is very easy to confidently boast, “Look at me, I am doing something that others can’t do.” In that statement we forget the reason for the Lenten season. In other words, the means become the focus of our actions rather than the end or goal of our efforts. The goal of Lent is to better ourselves and therefore better our relationships and our world. In the same way, we can think of our dietary restrictions during Lent. There is a reason for us to abstain from animal products. It is not only for the sake of lowering our cholesterol or our weight, but it is to keep things on an even playing field, and understanding what is essential in our lives.

Your act of charity today is to look within and inventory the changes that you’ve noticed over the past few weeks while observing the Lenten season. Fast from what is not necessary in your life.

Get ready to continue tomorrow with more ego talk. Today’s menu serves baked sweet potato wedges, with a recipe below.

We pray St. Nerses Shnorhali’s prayer, (4/24) Son of God, true God who descended from the bosom of the Father and took flesh of the Holy virgin Mary for our salvation, who was crucified and buried and rose from the dead and ascended to the Father. I have sinned against heaven and before you. Remember me like the robber when you come in your kingdom. Have mercy on your creatures and upon me a sinner. Amen.

Lenten Recipes by Deacon Varoujan: Recipe 19: Baked Sweet Potato Wedges

Cover Photo: K.T.Nalik 2009

Seeming Justice – Day 18 of 40

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Armodoxy for Today: Seeming Justice – Day 18 of Lent

When we first began looking at the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15) a few days ago, we heard that the father had two sons. So far we’ve only looked at the dynamics between the father and the younger son, today, we meet the older brother.

Of the three characters in the parable, perhaps it is the older brother with whom we can best identify. Perhaps it is because, well, basically he is a good guy. He is a friendly guy. He is the one who did the right things and stayed faithful. He stayed home and did not squander his father’s money. He was loyal. He was obedient. But mostly we see in him the man, who like all of us, recognizes the unfairness of life. There was an injustice that was being played out because when the younger brother came home, there was celebration. It was almost as if he was being rewarded for his breach of discipline.

The older brother also asks questions that could have arisen out of simple jealousy. Why not me? Why is it that good things happen to bad people? Why are the actions of the bad person being rewarded while my goodness goes unnoticed? I have been loyal. I have been the model son any father would be proud of. Now this son of yours comes home, after squandering and abusing what you have given him. How can he be worth of the fatted calf? A celebration? The ring of authority on his hand? Simply: Why not me? Perhaps it is this expression that rings the bell of familiarity in all of us.

There are many examples of unfairness in our lives. Often, we see people who seemingly do not deserve to be rewarded, yet they are honored with privileges and celebrations. Why not me? is only a natural question to follow this inequity. Not only is it natural, it is logical if we believe good should be rewarded,

The father in the story gives a very simple answer. His is an answer that comes from the vantage point of parenthood. “Son,” says the father to his oldest, “I have always had you. Whatever I have is already yours. But this, my son, was lost and now he’s found; was dead and now he’s alive.” In so saying, the father is asking his son to see the bigger pictures. It’s not just about this moment, but there is a bigger “project” so to speak. Ultimately, God’s aim is to have us all His children reconciled with all of His creation. It’s about a state of love and harmony so that everyone may share that Kingdom.

Your act of charity today is to celebrate an event you would not otherwise celebrate. Fast for pride which causes jealousy and keeps you at a distance from loved ones.  Perhaps begin your celebration with a Peach Cobler, today’s Lenten recipe, found below.

We pray with St. Gregory of Narek (53), The one who is afflicted and sighing you make happy. And the impudent you put in his place. And when our resources are exhausted
you perform the greatest miracles. For you forgive sins and erase our iniquity; you pardon our injustices and forget our sins as the prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah foretold. For all us sinners in our bewilderment, you remain the only condition for the good news.
To you with the Father and the Holy Spirit, glory and power forever. Amen.   (Translated by Thomas J. Samuelian)

Lenten Recipes by Deacon Varoujan: Recipe 18: Peach Cobbler

Cover photo: K.T.Nalik 2009

Applying the Father – Day 17 of 40

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Armodoxy for Today: Applying the Father – Day 17 of Lent

We continue learning from the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15) and today, continue on the character of the father. Yesterday we spoke of him as expression of the love of our Heavenly Father. Today, we understand the importance of this Lenten Season as we apply the father’s love to our lives.

The Prodigal’s father’s actions tell us what is required of us in our relationships, not necessarily with children, but with one another. There are people who have hurt us. The degrees of hurt are not consequential. Perhaps we have cried over a misspoken word, or we have been devastated by betrayal. The hurt has left a chasm in our relationships with others. We have all created divisions between ourselves and God by virtue of our actions or inaction,  yet God has given us a way back. We too must do the same and leave doors open for those people to return back to us. In other words, an end to grudges is in order. Don’t get caught up in foolish pride. Leave doors open without expecting someone to walk through. Don’t wait for those who have hurt you to return, just know that deep down there are many desires that may not be understood. If the door is open, they may return and when they do you must and will embrace them.

The heart is speaking to you. Do not think with your mind. Be ready to take in. Be ready to embrace, to hug, to suffocate them with the love that is in your heart. This is the example that Jesus gives us through the character of the father in the Parable. On the one hand it is showing us what our Heavenly Father does, and the example for us to do likewise to those in our lives. On the other hand we have prayed, “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who have trespassed against us.” God forgives us. We, therefore, have to be forgiving of others.

Your act of charity today is to open doors you have shut. Fast from locks that keep doors shut and relationships from continuing.

On the Lenten menu today is Asian Noodles with Edamame

Let us pray, from St. Gregory of Narek (12) [Lord] Inscribe your name on the skylight of my abode. Cover the roof of my temple with your hand. Mark the threshold of my cell with your blood. Imprint the outside of my door with your sign. Protect the mat where I rest with your right hand. Amen. (Translated by Thomas J. Samuelian)

Lenten Recipes by Deacon Varoujan: Recipe 17: Asian Noodles with Edamame

Cover Photo: Gregory & Luna Beylerian 2023

Patiently Waiting – Day 16 of 40

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Armodoxy for Today: Patiently Waiting – Day 16 of Lent

Continuing on the Parable of the Prodigal Son, today we look at the character of the father, who waits steadfastly for his child’s return home.

We first learn that the father gives without restriction or condition. His son says, “Give me my inheritance so I can go out and establish and begin my life.” The father, being a wise man, certainly understands that the son may lose or squander the money but does not argue with his child. He lets go. Even though he knows better, he also accepts that the child’s life is his to live. Yes, making mistakes can be painful, but it is by those mistakes that children learn.

The second time we see the father is when the son returns. Remember the son is remorseful, or at the very least he understands that he can have a better life by returning to his father’s house. No matter what the son’s intentions may be, the father seeing the son on the road back home, runs out to meet him on the road and does not even allow his son to ask forgiveness. He does not play a game of pride. He does not foolishly say, “Let me wait and see what he has to say.” He is there to accept his son. He does not say, “I told you so. I knew you would be back.”  Instead he recognizes his loved one – the son that he cared for, gave birth to and nurtured – had now returned! How excited he must be. Of course, he comes running up to his son and embraces him.

The father in the parable is an expression of our Heavenly Father. Jesus gives us a glimpse of the unconditional love of God. God in heaven waits for us to come home and when we do turn back, He does not wait for us to beg to return to His Kingdom. He is patiently waits for us to make that first turn-around. It’s then that He approaches us, embracing us fully. He takes us in, giving us Life! God accepts us as true children of his Kingdom. His acceptance of us is a given. The requirement is for us to say, “Yes, I have sinned. I have gone the wrong way. I have squandered what God has given me. I want to find peace. I want to find that love that God has created me in.” God waits for us to say, “I’m ready,” after which it all falls into place.

Your act of charity today is in the spirit of the Prodigal’s father, accept those who have wandered away. Are they looking for a way to come back and ask how open are you to forgive? Fast, today, from all that prevents you from opening the door to your heart.

Today’s recipe is Cherry Walnut chews, the recipe is linked below.

We pray, from St. Gregory of Narek, (33) O Lord, prepare for us honorable lodgings, for the partaking of your heavenly lamb, that we might eat life-giving manna of the new salvation and escape the punishments of condemnation. May our blasphemy be purified in the refiner’s fire, as the prophet told of the live coal in the tongs of offering at the altar, so that your mercy is proclaimed in all things as the lovingkindness of the Father, who embraced the prodigal son with fatherly inheritance, and led the prostitute to the bliss of the heavenly kingdom, was proclaimed by the Son of God. Amen. (Translated by Thomas J. Samuelian)

Lenten Recipes by Deacon Varoujan: Recipe 16: Cherry Walnut Chews