Redeeming the Time Vol. 02.169 12th Sun after Pentecost Aug 17/30, 1998

August 17/30, 1998

Vol. 02.16

News and Announcements *

Gleanings from the Fathers *

The Youth Group met last Sunday, and had a spirited discussion. It was so profitable that it was decided to delay the church council meeting, which would have met after the Youth Group, until this week. The secretary has published the minutes. Here are some highlights:

• The Patrons of the group are the Seven Maccabean martyrs.
• An anonymous benefactor is giving the group $50 a week!
• It was unanimously decided that 10% of the group's earnings, including donations but excluding interest, would go towards the building fund.
• The first fund raiser was determined to be a bake sale at a local grocery store. The date was tentatively set for either the first or second weekend in September, 9/6 or 9/13.

Everyone baptized in the orthodox manner has received mystically the fullness of grace; but he becomes conscious of this grace only to the extent that he actively observes the commandments.

We who have received baptism offer good works, not by way of repayment, but to preserve the purity given to us.

When you will go down into the water, do not represent to yourself water alone, but await salvation from the operation of the Holy Spirit; because without the one and the other it is impossible for thee to attain perfection. It is not I who say this, but the Lord Jesus Christ, Who has authority over this. He says: "Except a man be born from above," and He adds to this: "of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God" (John 3:3, 5).

Saint Cyril of Alexandria.

Since two aims are assumed in baptism - to exterminate the sinful body, so that it would no longer bear the fruits of death, and to revive the spirit, in order to have fruit in holiness - the water depicts death, receiving the body as though into the grave, while the Spirit communicates life-creating power, raising our souls up from sinful deadness to the original life - which also means to be born from above by water and the Spirit.

Since we consist of two natures, that is, of soul and body, of natures visible and invisible, so also the cleansing is two-fold, namely by water and the Spirit. And one is received visibly and bodily, while the other at the same time is performed invisibly and non-bodily; one is figurative, while the other is true and cleanses the very depths.

Some without fulfilling the commandments think that they possess true faith. Others fulfill the commandments and then expect the kingdom as a reward due to them. Both are mistaken.

When you hear the Lord saying that if someone does not renounce all that he has he 'is not worthy of Me' (Matt. 10:37), apply this not only to money but to all forms of vice.

"Redeeming the Time" is an almost weekly Journal of St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, Dallas Texas. Distribute this text if you wish, but only if attribution and all contact information are included. I would appreciate being contacted if any large-scale use of this text is desired. All unsigned or unattributed portions © 1998 Fr Seraphim Holland. All rights reserved

Email: seraphim@orthodox.net