Spring Chicks for St. Patrick's Day

Too cute to eat?  Maybe right now, but in about 14 weeks, the freezer will be full.  This is our first foray into meat birds.  The egg laying flock is currently at about 45 hens, and we added a handful of Ameraucana hens to that number this week as well (can't wait to see those first blue and green eggs!).  As for most of these little guys, they are Delaware males destined for a short but meaningful life, then into the pot pie they go. 

Sunday of Orthodoxy in the Atrium

The atrium is the term for the prepared space for children in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.  It was the term the ancient church used to refer to the place of preparation for the catechumens, those being prepared in the faith.  On the first Sunday of Lent, we talked with the children about the Sunday of Orthodoxy.   Additional icons were placed all around the room, and we gathered at the prayer table.   Each child was given time to walk around the room and select a favorite icon, and a few children had icons they brought from home.  The icons were all placed on and around the prayer table, and each icon and its story was considered.  The term "windows into heaven" was introduced in relation to icons, and we joyfully proclaimed together 

"This is the faith of the Apostles, this is the faith of the Fathers, this is the faith of the Orthodox, this is the faith which has established the Universe!"

On Becoming an Orthodox Theologian

As we slowly work our way through implementing and adapting the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, I find myself constantly looking to better understand the differences between the Orthodox and Roman Catholic faiths.  Growing up a Reformed Protestant, I do understand the western mindset (and still struggle to overcome it!), but I knew very little truth concerning the Roman Catholic Church.  To faithfully represent Orthodoxy in the Catechesis, I must first understand the faith in which it is rooted.  It also means I am searching to better understand the teachings of the Orthodox Church.  The result, I find that my google searches often look something like this: "catholicism and theosis",  "orthodoxy and baptism", "catholic rite of baptism" etc.   Now, before you take the title of this post to imply that I consider myself on the road to becoming an Orthodox theologian, let me assure you, that is the opposite of my message here.  In my searching, I ran across an interesting statement concerning theology in the Orthodox church, one that I am sure we could all hold as a good reminder, any time we consider ourselves becoming "knowledgeable" about the faith.  


"Orthodox theology is of an explicitly mystical character. Theology in the Eastern Orthodox church is what is derived from saints or mystics of the tradition, and Eastern Orthodox consider that 'no one who does not follow the path of union with God can be a theologian'.  In Eastern Orthodoxy, theology is not treated as an academic pursuit, but it is based on revelation, meaning that Orthodox theology and its theologians are validated by ascetic pursuits, rather than academic degrees."


Once more I am reminded of how little I understand.  Once again I am reminded of the danger of 'studying' the Orthodox faith, rather than living it.  How easy it is to learn about the faith.  How easy to impress others with a list of deeply spiritual books read, or well thought out arguments, or carefully written blog posts.  What is the "proof" of Orthodox faith?  Our life.  How we live.  How we act.  What we say.  What we do.  How the light of Christ shines forth from us as from the saints.  Our humility.   How we dance with God.   

Six Things to Remember for Lent

Last year in the first weeks of Lent, our priest offered a homily with 6 guidelines for Lent and for life.  I still have the bulletin with my scrawled notes, (which I happened to come across in the many stacks of papers I have been digging myself out from underneath), so I thought I would share his words from last year as a good beginning for this Lent.  This are just bullet points, daily reminders to help us walk through the days of this journey with the goal of coming closer to the fullness of God.  So, what can you do this Lent?

1. Show up.  It is not just "going to church."  We are changed through the liturgical life and Eucharist. During Lent we are offered some of the most beautiful services of the year, don't turn down the opportunity to be present.

2. Contribute something.  Invest in something within the life of the church.  Believe in it.  Make it a part of your life.  Bring something to God.

3. Be nice.  Be kind, courteous to one another.  Everyone is created in the image of God, let the love of God show through you.

4. Get over yourself!  Everything is not about you.  Die to yourself.  Stop thinking in terms of how does this affect me.

5.  Pray.  Go into your closet and pray.

6. Be thankful.  Every breath, heartbeat, moment is a gift from God, thank Him continually.

Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall no enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.  Matthew 18:3

     Thus speaks the Lord, and His word is holy and true.  What advantage do children have over adults?  They have three advantages: in faith, in obedience, and in forgiveness.  The child asks his parent about everything, and no matter what his parent replies, the child believes his parent.  The child is obedient to his parent and easily subordinates his will to the will of his parent.  The child is forgiving, and even though he provokes easily, he forgives quickly.  Our Lord requires these three from men, faith, obedience and forgiveness.  He desires that men believe in Him unconditionally, as a child believes in his parent; that they be unconditionally obedient to Him, as a child is to his parent; and that they be forgiving in relation to one another, not remembering evil and not rendering evil for evil. 
    Faith, obedience and forgiveness are the three main characteristics of a child's soul.  Purity and joy are in addition to these.  A child is not greedy, a child is not lustful, a child is not vainglorious.  The child's eye is unspoiled by vices, and his joy is unspoiled by worries.
    O brethren, who can make us over again into children?  No one, except the one Christ.  He can make us over into children and help us to be born again by His example, by His teaching and by the power of the Holy Spirit. 
    O Lord Jesus, perfect in obedience and meekness, Eternal Child of the Heavenly Father, help us to become as infants by faith in Thee, by obedience toward Thee, and by forgiveness toward one another. 
To Thee be the glory and praise forever. Amen

January 30th, homily from the Prologue

Identity Crisis

I have crossed over, to the dark side.  I am a Mac.

This video is worth the time - seeing the faces of the people react to the destruction of Orthodoxy under communism - may none of us forget these lessons from history, nor the men and women who died for the faith.