We are heirs of God through Christ (Galatians 4:4-7)   There are many striking features to this passage, which is read on Christmas. Although it is the shortest reading in the Orthodox Church year, these four verses summarise the essence of the Christian message: how Christ fundamentally changes our relationship with God from a slave obedient to the Law (before the advent Christ) to the freedom of sonship. It was God’s plan from the beginning of creation to provide a way to save man. In verse 4, the “fullness of time” refers to the historic significance of Jesus’ birth (God [...]

The Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31) The Lord said that “there was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously each day” (v19). This man possessed every known comfort. Many would say he was successful and had made it. Poor Lazarus “full of sores, lay abandoned at his gate” (v20). Lazarus was consumed with thirst at the very edge of the spring. The two men then died. The theatre performance, being their lives on Earth, abruptly ended. The masks that they both wore were removed and the truth revealed. The rich man, [...]

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 [...]

Epistle Reading of the Birth of St John the Baptist – June 24 (Epistle to the Romans 13:11-14, 4:1-4) Our Church has assigned this reading for the Birth of the Forerunner. Whilst St Paul does not directly refer to St John the Baptist, he is nevertheless an excellent example of all the virtues St Paul is referring to. When St Paul writes that, “now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed” (13:11), it reminds us of St John the Baptist’s mission in calling the Jews from their [...]

Sunday of Thomas (John 20:19-31) The Sunday of St Thomas follows after Easter Bright Week (Lambri Evdomada). The Gospel reading commences with the disciples assembled together in fear. Jesus comes and shows them His wounded hands and side (v 20). In doing so he dispels all doubt about who He is. Thomas was not present at Jesus’ appearance. When told by the others, Thomas showed his doubt (v 25). Jesus appeared again to the assembled disciples. This time Thomas was present (v 26-27). Like the Good Shepherd in the parable of the lost sheep, Jesus came back especially for Thomas. [...]