Ask Father Jim
QUESTION:
Many people in my Church Parish tell me that on late Saturday evening/Sunday morning when we sometimes get home from a late dinner or dance (like around 2:30 a.m.); we then should not eat or drink before taking Holy Communion at the Sunday Liturgy. Tell me! (T.Z.)
ANSWER:
“DO NOT” APPROACH THE CHALICE…If you eat or drink or celebrate after 12:00 a.m. Midnight Saturday for it is now Sunday.
If you have not fasted on Wednesday and Friday and especially spiritually prepared yourself on Saturday
If you have seriously sinned and not partaken of Holy Confession and personal prayer.
Read the words of the late Fr. George Mastrantonis:
“Strengthen your belief in Communion. Apply the Christian principles of self control and sympathy for others; pray constantly; ask the Lord to guide you; avoid temptation; keep your stomach light, your mind sober, your flesh pure, your relations calm – humbly in the Name of the Lord. Recognize your sins and avoid them – especially sins of neglect. Live in prayer, almsgiving, forgiveness, and good will”.
Approach the Holy Chalice “With Fear of God, with Faith and with Love”.
QUESTION:
Tell me Father why some Greek Orthodox people just come to their Church occasionally and feel spiritually justified with God; while some others are so faithful? (T.A.)
ANSWER:
As Orthodox Christians, we must WORSHIP, WITNESS the Faith and Teachings and be True STEWARDS of our Lord Jesus Christ.
We all need to be strengthened in our faith, worship and stewardship.
“Scene One”: There are those who worship frequently and faithfully in attendance; but who have no love and charity for their brothers and sisters.
“Scene Two”: Those who come to the Divine Liturgy and fill up their “faith tanks” and return only when they are empty of faith nourishment. They also are not supporters of the Parish Life and Ministries.
“Scene Three”: God’s people who are living Stewards of the Church; worshiping, sharing the faith, upholding the Ten Commandments and being an Orthodox Christian alive and supportive of the Ministries.
Who are you?
AWAKEN YOUR FAITH COMMITMENT TODAY…
Our Lord is waiting for “U”!
QUESTION:
I remember some sixty years ago being told by my parents that only the Orthodox would be rewarded in heaven because we were the true faith. Should we concern ourselves with other religions? (A.O.)
ANSWER:
As Orthodox Christians, we have a spiritual and moral obligation to share our faith with other Christians and non-Christians alike. Our commitment and love for Christ is the greatest gift and example to others. Let them see your true faith and allow them the experience of Orthodoxy.
Let us be reminded of 1 Peter 8-9:
“Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.”
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