Tag Archive for: Lent

And in the End…

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Armodoxy for Today: And in the End…

A week spent on the theme of the Second Coming of Christ, culminates today with this message, one which I only preface with the note that I needed to undo so much misconception and misunderstanding about the Second Coming of Christ be before I could share this with you. Indeed, today’s message was given to us by Jesus Christ but is often run over and/or forgotten because of the appeal that sensationalized and dramatized readings of the Book of Revelation or Old Testament mythology that accentuates end-of-world disaster.

If you’d listened to the last daily messages of the last four days – those dedicated to the Second Coming of Christ – then you are ready to hear truth about the end by Jesus Christ himself. This will only make sense if you have followed the Armodoxy manual of eschatology as presented over the last few days, so if you have not read or heard those messages please do so before proceeding.

This, then, is the description of the Second Coming according to Jesus Christ, offered to you here on this 40th day of Lent as a fitting culmination of our Lenten Journey as we engage in the life that is before us. And Jesus says,

“When the Son of man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne.  Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate them one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats,  and he will place the sheep at his right hand, but the goats at the left. Then the King will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see thee hungry and feed thee, or thirsty and give thee drink? And when did we see thee a stranger and welcome thee, or naked and clothe thee? And when did we see thee sick or in prison and visit thee?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.’ Then he will say to those at his left hand, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ Then they also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see thee hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to thee?’ Then he will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it not to one of the least of these, you did it not to me.’ And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

Missing the Destination

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Armodoxy for Today: Preparedness

Sunday was the sixth Sunday of Lent, known as the Sunday of Advent, or coming, referring to the Second Coming of Christ. We continue from yesterday’s message…

Since Apostolic times we, the Christian Church, confesses to Christ’s return to judge the living and the dead. And we have traveled the course prescribed by our Church for two Millenia. Sadly, somewhere along the way of two-thousand years of Christianity, someone pulled the switch and took the train off course. I don’t know how, who or when, all I know is those on board will miss the destination.

It has become quite popular for people to interpret prophecies, especially the Book of Revelation. Millions are spent by innocent victims who are being given misleading information – false interpretation of philosophy – for a chance to be part of the select group that will outlast horrifying and cataclysmic events, trials and tribulations and end up sitting with Jesus on his return.

Furthermore, these false readings have caused wars and escalated anxiety and fear in an effort “help God usher in the Kingdom.”

Is it any wonder that our Church Father designated the Gospel Passage from Matthew chapter 22 as the passage for the Second Coming. Listen attentively, because you may think you missed something…

But when the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they came together. And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question, to test him.  “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?” And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.  This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.  On these two commandments depend all the law and the prophets.”

Did you hear that? Or, I should ask, what did you NOT hear? Nothing about horseman, tribes, the sun falling out of the sky or 666? That’s right! The Church Fathers ask us to read this passage on the Sunday of Advent because they don’t want us to miss the destination, that is, life! Just as Christ asks us, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well. Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Let the day’s own trouble be sufficient for the day.” (Matthew 6:33-34)

It is easy to be consumed by end time discussion, and lose track of life itself. With this passage we learn, the best way to be prepared for the Second Coming of Christ is to adhere to the teachings of the First Coming of Christ: to love God and neighbor. “On these two commandments depend all the law and the prophets.”

We continue tomorrow.

Farsighted Victory of St. Gregory at the Pit

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Armodoxy for Today: Farsighted Victory

On this final Saturday of the Lenten season, the Armenian Church commemorates St. Gregory the Illuminator’s admission into Khorvirab, or “the Deep Pit,” a place of exile and punishment. It is at the base of Mt. Ararat and is marked with a church atop the sacred space. St. Gregory was sentenced there for the capital offense of spreading the Christian Gospel through Armenia. For thirteen long years he remained in that subterranean dungeon, being nourished and cared for by the prayer and love of a faithful young lady who had converted to Christianity. He found the strength – the kind which comes from within – to challenge the system and to remain faithful to the principles and beliefs that are at the core of Christianity. Meanwhile, the Gospel of Christ had been planted and was now blossoming, in this young girl’s heart. Both St. Gregory and this young lady, Khosrovidughd, showed physical and inner strength, and we remember that strength today.

The commemoration of St. Gregory’s entrance into the Pit should remind us of the many “pits” – prisons and dungeons in our lives. It is easy to blame others for those falls, but we should not discount our role in creating some of those prisons. Yes, even St. Gregory could have done otherwise but he did not, and therefore, he is responsible for being in Khorvirab. As noble as the reasons may be for our actions, we are part of an equation which has rewards or consequences on the other side of the equal sign.

As we mature in faith, we understand that there are serious consequences if not ramifications to every decision we make. Much like was the case for St. Gregory, if we stay firm to our principles, we may be challenged with pits in our lives.

Sitting here today, removed by 1700+ years from St. Gregory, we have a special vantage point. History may be translated into the advantage of farsightedness. We know that St. Gregory was punished in Khovirab –the Pit – but we also know the history that he was delivered and as a result, the conversion of Armenia took place, making it the first Christian nation on Earth. From the actions of St. Gregory’s death sentence, a people were given an opportunity to live.

This farsightedness is a gift from God. It is the ability to stand at one point in history and see another. To stand at Good Friday looking up at the Cross with farsightedness and see the Resurrection is our calling.  St. Gregory’s crucifixion the resurrection of a nation took place. Truly, farsightedness is a Christian gift because we see crucifixions through the lens that reveals resurrection. We see the empty tomb of Easter while standing at the cross of Calvary on Good Friday. Sometimes the pits of life are very, very deep, which is the meaning of the word Khorvirab. We struggle to overcome our difficulties. We search for a glimmer of light coming from above – a bit of light to keep us focused on hope to get out of the ditch. We appeal to farsightedness to see the beams of light coming our way.

This farsightedness kept St. Gregory alive. He was certain of resurrection following his crucifixion.

We pray a prayer given to us by the father and patron saint of the Armenian Church, St. Gregory the Illuminator:

Blessed is your love for human kind my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Save me from my enemies for like a lion they growl and roar seeking to swallow me up. Now my Lord, flash your light up and destroy their power. Exalted God the only sinless one grant me this sinner your abundant compassion. Save me this wicked one by the grace of your mercy receive me into paradise with the perfectly just. Receive the prayers of this your sinful servant by the intercession of the saints who are pleasing to you Jesus Christ our Lord. Glory to you with the Father and the Holy Spirit, unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Directional Prayer (Judge)

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Armodoxy for Today: Directional Prayer

The Parable of the Unrighteous Judge is the theme of this week of Great Lent. The parable is recorded in the 18th chapter of the Gospel of Luke. Yesterday, we heard the story of a judge who is neither afraid of God nor ashamed of men. He is continuously hounded by a widow who begs him to see her case. He finally breaks down, reasoning that she will wear him out unless he see her case.

The parable might leave some with the impression Jesus is explaining how God answers prayers – that if we are persistent, we can wear-down God to give us what we desire. Perhaps it is for that reason that the evangelist St. Luke, writes a few words of explanation as a preface to the parable. He says, “Jesus told His disciples this parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” St. Luke’s preface suggests that during his time – during the first century –  as is the case today, there was and is a misconception about the nature of prayer.

When Jesus teaches us the “Lord’s Prayer” he warns, “Do not heap up extra words. Your heavenly Father already knows what you need. Therefore when you pray, pray like this. Our Father, which art in heaven … ” Let’s think about that for a moment. If our Heavenly Father knows what we need, why then should we pray? This question betrays the fact that we have a misunderstanding about prayer.

Prayer is not merely a conversation with God. We pray because we need a conversation with ourselves. God already knows the desires of our heart. He knows our needs and as a loving father, wants the best for us. The real question is, do we know our needs? It may sound strange, but unless you have a true focus on your life, it is questionable whether or not you know what your needs are.

Do you suppose God doesn’t know that you are feeling lonely? Yet, only you can extend yourself to another for companionship. Pray then for courage, for the ability to forgive your past. Do you suppose God doesn’t know that your friend is struggling with an illness that can consume her life? Yet, you have the feet to enter you into her room, and the arms to embrace her during her time of trouble. Pray then, for strength, for the ability to resist comments, and only listen. Do you suppose that God doesn’t know that the world is in despair and on the brink of war? Yet, only people, you and I, have it within them to lay down their arms. Pray then for the spirit of peace, inside you and to be the instrument of that peace where you go.

Pray to God, but direct that prayer to God who resides in you as well as in Heaven. This is yet another lesson from the Unrighteous Judge.

We will continue with a deeper look at the nature of prayer tomorrow. Today we pray, Here my prayer O Lord, and open my spirit to your mercy and love. Amen.

The Misunderstood Judge

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Armodoxy for Today: The Misunderstood Judge

The Sunday of the Unrighteous Judge is the third Sunday during lent that gets its name from a character of questionable moral fiber. Joining the Prodigal Son and the Dishonest Steward from the last two Sunday, today the Unrighteous Judge rounds off the trilogy by bringing focus to our prayer life. Jesus offers the parable in the 18th chapter of the Gospel of Luke.

The Unrighteous Judge is a man who, as Jesus explains, did not fear anyone – not even God, nor was he ashamed of any person. In the town where he served as judge a widow kept coming to him and pleading with him, begging him to hear her case. For some time he refused, but finally he said to himself, “Even though I don’t fear God, nor do I care about men, but because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice so she won’t eventually wear me out!” Jesus concludes his parable with an interesting statement. He says, “Listen to what the unjust judge says and will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones who cry out to him day and night. Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, He will see that they get justice, and quickly.”

Indeed, this is an odd story at least on the surface. At first reading you might think that Jesus compares God to this unrighteous, unjust judge. Following that parallel you’re inclined to think that God can be worn out or worn down. It is as if we continue to pray repeatedly, God will eventually say yes to our needs and to our desires. So keep praying, be persistent. Persevere like the old lady! And in the end God will be tired of hearing you and will change His mind! Imagine that… if His answer to you was no, you’ve now succeeded in changing His mind to Yes!   As much as you’d like to believe that God can be easily swayed, and even if it falls in line with practices found in the Old Testament, that not what Jesus taught.

Read Luke chapter 18. This week we will look at prayer and the power of that prayer to move mountains. We will take an Armodox approach to the parable and the message Jesus shares. We’ll dare to ask the question: why pray to a God who does not answer prayers. For today, we begin with the simplest lesson on prayer, first, in Jesus’ words, if the Unrighteous Judge, who was not afraid of God or man, vindicated the woman, how much more will Your caring and loving Father in Heaven take care of you and all His children.

We pray, Lord, teach me to trust You. As You taught us, allow me to understand my Heavenly Father as the One who cares and loves me and all of His children endlessly. Amen.

Transforming Ugliness

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Armodoxy for Today: Transformation through Christ

During the last few weeks of Lent, we met the Prodigal Son and the Dishonest Steward through a couple of Parables offered to us by Jesus and recorded in the Gospel of St. Luke. This Sunday, we will meet the Unrighteous Judge, completing a trilogy of “heroes” picked out by Jesus to teach us about the moral truths of life.  The characters, the Prodigal, the Manager and the Judge, are all people who we would hardly consider to be models of character and ethics, yet Jesus selects them for these lessons. Only Jesus can take something of deception and negative imagery and transform it into examples for our lives and for living.

William Shakespear wrote, “All that glitters is not gold” (Merchant of Venice). We may twist this around to say that not all that is dull is tin. We have something to learn from each of our encounters, from the variety of people that we meet. Jesus invites us to interact with our world and understand that there is an opportunity to learn and grow from everyone.  considering that everyone is a child of God.

With these ethically “ugly” people, the Prodigal, the Unrighteous and the Unjust, Jesus shares a bit of beauty about them to teach about the Kingdom of Heaven. As we are winding down the Lenten journey, consider the words that separate us from God, when the tempter offered the forbidden fruit. The words, “Take and Eat” – those words of condemnation, Jesus took those same words and transformed them into words of salvation: “Take and Eat” establishing the Holy Eucharist.

We offer a prayer of thanksgiving today, We thank you Lord, for opening our heart and soul to the beauty of the world and using us to express that beauty. Amen.

The Example of the Squirrely Steward

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Armodoxy for Today: The Example of the Squirrely Steward

What has been referred to as the dishonest manager is the second character in a trilogy, like the prodigal son from last week and the unrighteous judge that we will look at next week. This character 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.

Yesterday, we read the parable found in Luke chapter 16. It is confusing for the mere fact that this thief and cheat – the squirrely steward, as we referred to him  – is commended by the master. Jesus uses him to make a point

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. 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.

During this Lenten season you were asked to take an inventory of the things that are essential and necessary for your life. Today the exercise is to inventory the gifts of God in your lives. What talents do 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 by the use of 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. Today is the day to examine those gifts you have. You are coming into a world that has so many problems and difficulties. It needs the presence of God today. Not yesterday and not tomorrow. Today. And 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. Furthermore, 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.

In the next few days we will be looking at the models of stewardship.

Let us conclude with the prayer of St. Nersess Shnorhali:
Uncreated Essence, I have sinned against You in mind, soul and body; do not remember my former sins for the sake of Your Holy name. Have mercy upon Your Creatures and upon me, a great sinner. (I Confess with Faith 6/24)

Back to Reality: Stewardship

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Armodoxy for Today: Back to Reality

We are over halfway 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

Why Not Me?

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Armodoxy for Today: Why not me?

We conclude this week of diving into the parable of the prodigal son (Luke chapter 15) by looking at the third character in the story, namely, the older brother of the three characters, probably the older son is the one with whom we can best identify, perhaps because, well, basically, he is a good guy, at least he says he is. He’s a friendly guy. He is the one who did the right thing and stayed faithful. He stayed home and did not squander the money that his father had given him. He was loyal. He was obedient. Mostly we see him, the man who, like all of us, recognizes the unfairness of life. There was an injustice that was being played out right in front of him, because the younger brother came home, there was a celebration. It was almost as if he was being rewarded for his breach of discipline.

The older brother asks, why not me? Why is it that good things happen to bad people? Why are the actions of bad people rewarded while good actions, case in point me, go unnoticed. 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 rewards. Why not me? It’s only a natural question to follow this inequity. Not only is it natural, it’s logical. If we believe good should be rewarded, I’ve done right. I’m the good guy. Sure, I have faults, but basically, I’m a good person. Why isn’t my goodness being rewarded?

The father in the story gives a simple answer. His is an answer that comes from the vantage point of parenthood. Son, he says, I have always had you. Whatever I have is already yours. But this my son, your younger brother, was lost, and now he is found. He was dead, and now he is alive. And in so saying, the Father is asking his son to see the bigger picture. It’s not about this moment, but there is a bigger project, so to speak. Ultimately, God’s aim is to have us all in reconciliation with all of creation. It’s about a state of love and harmony so that everyone has access to the kingdom.

Now let’s push this a little further and challenge ourselves, because after all, there is true injustice in the world. But as the Lenten season unfolds, we’re understanding that the real problem is with our perception of the goal – of the prize. We’re looking at those excesses and material goods as the prize, and we lose sight of the true treasure that is already part of life. The proof? Take a deep breath right now. Can you feel it entering your lungs? That’s a gift from God on which you cannot place a price tag. Do you love someone? Someone you can look to a child, a parent, a husband, a wife, a boyfriend, a girlfriend, that is a gift. Do you have this ability to smile? Do you have the ability to look at a flower, at the trees, at the mountains, at the sea, and stand in awe for a second or two and realize that there is something far greater than material goods that we consume ourselves with. That’s the gift, and that is a gift that has been given to you by God. He says, don’t abuse it. Don’t be like the prodigal. Don’t squander what I have given you, and now don’t look for more. Anything more is excess.

God has placed love in your heart, and it’s up to us to use it, not abuse it. It’s up to us to share it with ones we love, with our family, our community, and with our world.

Today we end with this prayer from St. Nerses Shnorhali, O merciful Lord, have mercy on all your faithful, on those who are mine and those who are strangers, on those whom I know and on those whom I do not know. On the living and on the dead. Forgive all my enemies and those who hate me the trespasses they have committed against me. Turn them from the malice they bear toward me that they may be worthy of your mercy. Have mercy upon all your creatures and upon me a sinner, amen.

Father and Example

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Armodoxy for Today: Father and Example

We continue our dive into the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke chapter 15) by focusing on the father in the story.

The first thing we learn about him is that he gives completely, without restriction or condition. His younger 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. There are times in our lives when we need to let go. Even though we may know better than our children, their life is theirs. Yes, making mistakes can be painful, but it is in those mistakes that children learn. This father understand this rule: he lets go of his son. As difficult as it is, he allows his son – the one that he loves – to leave. He allows his son to establish his own life.

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 return goes 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 have been. Of course he came running up to his son and embraced him.

Now there are two dimensions to this. Let’s follow each of them. First, the father in the parable is an expression of our Heavenly Father. 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. Suffice it that we turn back home that He approaches us, embracing and grabbing us, He takes us in, giving us Life! That’s what this father did and that’s what our Heavenly Father does.

God accepts us as true children of His Kingdom.

Second, the 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 will embrace them.

Know that 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.

We now pray there prayer of St. Nerses Shnorhali, from the “I Confess with Faith”:

I confess with faith and adore you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, uncreated and immortal essence, creator of angels, of humans and all that exists. Have mercy upon your creatures and upon me, a great sinner. (1/24)