The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:23-35)   This parable where the servant whose debt is forgiven by his master, but does not himself forgive the debt owed to himself, emphasises the centrality of forgiveness in a Christian’s life. What is the debt owed by the servant to the king? Jesus gives the answer with the greatest commandment “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind” (Matt 22:37). The debt is the inequality of love between God and man. Simply put, He loves us much more than [...]

How has COVID-19 created opportunities for spiritual growth?   Almost every person who has taken the time to reflect on COVID-19 notices that these are unique times. For the first time, many of us have been required to socially distance, or wear face masks. But diseases and pandemics have been a part of human life since the beginning. Our opportunity lies in how we deal with them and how we use these unique times for our benefit. Let’s start with the simple things. We were asked to keep away from each other to limit the risk of infection. Social places [...]

Our Holy Father Myron, Bishop of Crete (Commemorated 8 August) In 250 AD, amidst the stench and darkness of idolatry, a sweet smelling aroma emerged on the island of Crete. It was St Myron, who was born into an agricultural family in the village of Rafkos (near Knossos). His parents were devout and he learnt from a young age to have faith in God. St Myron distinguished himself in charity and compassion and he used to say that wherever there are poor, greed had previously been there. He married early and cultivated both the land and all the virtues. Every [...]

Divine Providence and Human Anxiety In the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), Jesus proposes that the life of the faithful should depend entirely on the Providence of God. This concept appears to be in direct contrast with the contemporary way of materially focused life. Whereas all those who want to follow Him should live a life exclusively dedicated to God, and not care about money and wealth (mammon). This clear-cut attitude of Jesus appears to imply that the Christian life and the pursuit of wealth, even if created by dedicated and honest work, are incompatible. Jesus could not have [...]

Giver of Light When Christ was transfigured on Mount Tabor, His chosen disciples were blinded by the light which emanated from His person such that they could not bear to face Him. And yet that same light warmed them and attracted them, prompting Peter to plead with the Lord that they be allowed to remain there. In the dismissal hymn we call our Lord the “Giver of light.” Why is He the “Giver of light”? Christ’s teachings, His sacrifice and His resurrection are all light but more importantly, God Himself is the Light. Christ is Light and He was sent [...]