Holy Week: Tuesday

Holy Week: Tuesday

04/15/014

Just yesterday we were reminded of the cursed fig tree. Today we revisit this topic, and are taught the parable of the talents. Likewise, we hear about the destruction of the temple and are made knowledgeable of the second coming.

1. Withered Fig Tree
2. Second Coming

Today we notice that Christ returns to Jerusalem where the disciples encounter the fig tree that was cursed. Today, it is completely withered Matthew 11:20-21"Now in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. And Peter, remembering, said to Him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree which You cursed has withered away.” We are reminded once more of the consequences of remaining unfruitful. 

Likewise today we are also reminded to remain vigilant and faithful till the end of days. In liturgy we recite "we look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the coming age. Amen" and at times it's more of a recitation than a contemplation. The resurrection of the dead will only come during the end of time, during Christ's second coming.

During Pascha services tonight we read Matthew 24:3-35 where the disciples are seated with Christ on Mount Olives and question what signs to expect during the end of times.

These signs are described below. Matthew 24:3-35

And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.  For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many.  And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.

I wrote a small poem ...

Nation against nation will rise,
friends and families breaking ties,
it's hard to tell between truth and lies,
and it'll be too late to wonder why.

We've become a world filled with killing and hate,

We've become a bleeding heart, without a pulse or rate.

We offend, betray, kill and sin we recreate,

but love, ... we've considered it, such a heavy weight.

and so, the love of many will grow cold,

the love of earthly desires will be uncontrolled,

We'll crave prestigue, honor, silver and gold,

Yet God's word we knowingly withhold.

Christ warns that the tribulations will not cease,

The calamities and hatred will not decrease,

but in faith and hope we must increase,

as we await the day He comes to restore the peace.

And when that day comes, what will you say?

Will you offer your fruits to God and display,

or will you cover your face and look away,

and feel regret for your evil ways?

Yet a promise was left, a promise He gave,
"He who endures to the end shall be saved".

resist the sin by which you have been enslaved,

and offer thanks to He who shall be praised.

I never thought of this before, but let's recall yesterday's message concerning the fig tree and now let's examine today's message concerning the second coming. We are warned of the consequences of not being fruitful and today we are reminded of the calamities and tribulations that will occur during the end of days. Now, let's put these two together and see what message we're left with. "Be fruitful during the season of tribulations". Resist the sin that has chained you down, it's like a virus that will only continue to feed on you until it has taken over. Moreover, be fruitful in time of tribulation and be prepared to carry your cross all the way to Golgotha while reciting "let it be according to your mercy O Lord, and not according to my sins."

Amen.

 

Holy Week: Monday

Pascha Day 1

Monday 4/14/2014

As lent slowly begins to end, we are approached with perhaps the greatest spiritual week, Pascha week. The word  pascha is a Coptic word meaning pass over, an event that was first celebrated by the Israelites prior to their exodus out of Egypt. During this week, our beloved church has created for us an organization of passages from both the Old and New Testament. These passage allow us to follow Christ's steps to the crucifixion.

Just yesterday, the church was filled with joyful tunes as the congregation shared in proclaiming "Hosanna in the Highest". However, the mouths who sang joyfully and welcomed Christ into Jerusalem, shouted bitterly on Good Friday "Crucify Him". We too are no different. We appear to want to welcome Christ in our hearts, yet crucify him multiple times a day.

Today, we are reminded of the cursed and unfruitful fig tree.

Matthew 21:19- "Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” Immediately the tree withered.

There are three main aspects to consider when contemplating on this verse.

1."Found nothing on it except leaves"

2. "May you never bear fruit again"

3. "Withered"

"Found nothing on it except leaves", allows us to understand that the tree was in fruit bearing season. It was well nourished and had all the resources needed to bear fruit. In John 15:5, we learn “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.

Those who bear leaves are those who are knowledgeable of the law. They understand good from evil but have dedicated their resources to the present life. We too bear many leaves: such as earthly desires, cares of the world, as well as dreams and thoughts that do not incorporate Christ in our lives. We make hasty decisions without asking for His will, eat meals without giving grace and sleep without thanking Him for the countless blessing that he has showered us without throughout the day. 

"May you never bear fruit again", reminds us that if we display nothing but leaves, we will never be fruitful. If our priorities in this life are the desires of this world, we will never bear spiritual fruit that Christ hungers for. We must grow in virtue, in love, in wisdom and in reverence of others. In Colossians 1:10  we are asked to "walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God". We are not expected to strictly follow the laws and commandments sent to us, rather, we are expected to take action and do good works and bear fruit.

Finally, we must fear becoming "Withered" ... This aspect was the punishment of the fig tree and the church reminds us that one day we will all stand in front of the Throne of God and will be held accountable for every second spent here on earth. How many seconds have you taken out of your day so far to remember His suffering or even His passion on the cross that you have placed him on?

This parable reminds us that if we do not bear fruit during our years that are accounted for here on earth, we will wither and die. Again, in John 15:6, we are reminded that "If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered." 

As David the Psalmist says in Psalm 1:3

He shall be like a tree
    Planted by the rivers of water,
    That brings forth its fruit in its season,
    Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper.

Give Christ the chance to nourish you and you will prosper.

 Finally, If Christ was to evaluate your life as of this moment, would you have been withered or considered fruitful? May God have mercy on us and grant that we may one day "walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with long suffering, bearing with one another in love" Ephesians 4:1-2 and bearing forth fruit in due season.

Be Fragrant when Crushed

4/7/14


I’ve played the role of the super hero for too long and have realized that the ones that I’m trying to save are the feet stepping on my cape. Yes, for so long I’ve loved unconditionally, unlimitedly, with no cost or maintenance charges, completely tax free; only to realize that the ones I hold closest to my heart are treating my coins of love as useless spare change. As pennies, dull, aged and almost irrelevant, tossed on the ground to be stepped on and forgotten.


Have you not heard the saying "a dull aged penny is sufficient in the day of trouble", but truly, familiarity breeds contempt. This has taught me a priceless lesson, do Good for good and do not expect to be thanked in return. Look at the palm of your hand and examine the fine lines that run from east to west and the indentations that define your unique fingerprints. Are these prints what make us significant? Do they only function by differentiating a criminal from another? So how do we define goodness or love? Do it arise naturally or is it learned? Perhaps it's embedded in between the hydrogen bonded double helical structure in our DNA? 

Love is learned. Love requires selflessness, to put one's needs before your own. Love is pure, free from the contamination of contempt. Love is finding joy in even the most of stressful and darkest of moments.

“Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you…” (Matthew 5:44). 

When those who have hurt me gave me every reason to be angry, Christianity taught me otherwise.In my heart remains a mark, a year, a memory, a struggle and yet a victory of how I carried on. 

They often say, love the life you live and live the life you love. Do not let anyone hinder you from living the life you love and reaching your full happiness. Just forgive.

 

 So be fragrant when crushed.