Ask Father Jim
QUESTION:
Why do we have sufferings (physical and spiritual) as Christians? I know our body is only human but why can’t God heal us before it happens? (T.T.)
ANSWER:
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me.” (Matthew 11:28-29)
In today’s society we are heavy laden and it seems all we hear is bad news, illness and tragic events. The world is indeed noisy and confusing; but we need to take the words of the Gospel of St. Matthew seriously EVERY DAY!
We need to realize that our bodies are human and susceptible to disease and sickness. In these days we work, travel and worry at a furious pace. There is no time for much relaxation and pleasure. Busy means success and worldly survival. We need to learn, interact and network with the right people and circumstances. To add to the fury…we obligate ourselves to such a degree that we forsake our own physical and spiritual health to educate ourselves with many degrees and know nothing about our Lord, His Church and His Teaching. Just ask around and see how many of us can recite even the Ten Commandments. You’ll be surprised!
Illness (human or spiritual) is a result of earthly life. We see that we are human, temporary, fragile and that happenings do take place – good and bad. When we see sickness…we then realize health! When we experience loneliness we rejoice in sharing friendships. When we see individuals void of Christ…we then can see Him in our midst.
Take time, take care and take the opportunity to appreciate what God has given unto us.
Oh! One more thought: “A cheerful heart is a good medicine, but a downcast spirit dries up the bones.” (Proverbs 17:22)
QUESTION:
Can Faith save us in our Christian walk? (P.S.)
ANSWER:
Yes, only if it is a “full faith in God!”
Faith is not just part of our being; it is the total self. The heart, soul, mind and person of an individual needs to be believing in order to be saved through faith.
Our actions, good works and Godly words all must culminate to uphold and perfect this faith.
St. Maximos the Confessor writes: Faith along does not save. We must nurture our faith in God and love for Him through our works.
Jeremiah writes: “So not say you are the temple of the Lord, nor should you say that faith alone in our Lord Jesus Christ can save you, for this is impossible unless you acquire love for Him through your works.”
The total person must have total faith in God and only then will the reward be great.
QUESTION:
Why must money be the theme of our Church life? At the Liturgy why must there be the collecting of money? Can’t we just go and pray? (Tina)
ANSWER:
When we go, participate and pray in the Divine Liturgy; we experience the fullness of worship. We are His children and we bow our heads, bend our knees, receive His Body and Blood and await the Sacred Benediction. What do we five in return then?
First; we offer our love, devotion and sacred obedience to our Father and God.
Secondly; we gather as an Orthodox Community of believers to pray and worship as a Family of God.
Lastly; we offer ourselves...our STEWARDSHIP to God. We give of our “TIME”, “TALENTS” and of course of “TREASURES.” It’s part of our faith. We give in order to receive.
We offer of GIFT to God! The money we give is a reflection of our love for God. We simply give the fruits of our labors. What we offer (within each of our means) is a tribute and reflection of one’s love of God. The more we give...the more we love. Give freely and Give generously for God’s Ministries.
QUESTION:
If the Orthodox Church is a Church of Resurrectional Hope; why do we have a sad time in the Life of the Church called Lent? (M.S.)
ANSWER:
The Holy Orthodox Church begins Her Lenten Journey on CLEAN MONDAY...FEBRUARY 27TH...the beginning of GREAT LENT!
The Lenten Season actually is a glorious and uplifting opportunity to cleanse our mind, soul and body in that we may fully realize and experience the True Worship of the Church, His Presence and His Reality in our lives.
Great Lent (40 days prior to Holy Week) is a marathon FASTING from certain desirable foods, FASTING from sinful thoughts and actions, FASTING from gossip, ill-will, hatred and jealousy. I imagine we Orthodox Christians FAST from this world and look to the Godly World in anticipation of Christ’s Resurrection. What a “Spiritual Joy” Holy Lent affords us all.
We have the opportunity to now attend all the beautiful and meaningful Lenten Services throughout these weeks. It may be a sad time for this world; but it’s a glorious time for we Orthodox Christians.
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