Saint Athanasius – Christ as man and not another form

Saint Athanasius – Christ as man and not another form

Reading from the Prologue of Ohrid Jan 18 is the feast day of Saint Athanasius. They have a “reflection” sharing the thoughts of St. Athanasius.

The reflection revolves around the question “Why did the Son of God appear on earth in a human body and not in another form of creation?” This was a really interesting read.

They share Athanasius’ thoughts. He contemplates why Christ did not come “in some other better form of creation – for example, as the sun of the moon, or the stars or fire, or the wind —but just as man”. This is something I have never really contemplated though I have never questioned as a skeptic.

He goes on to say “…let them know that the Lord did not come to show Himself, but to heal and teach sufferers”. That is awesome. Christ did not come to bring glory to himself but to save us. He did God’s will and sacrificed himself because he loved us. Not because he demanded something first.

Athanasius goes on to say it was only necessary for him to come “but to serve for the benefit of the suffering ones, and to reveal Himself in such a way that this revelation would be bearable for the sufferers”. It is always humbling to remember that Christ as was the greatest example of a servant. Everything I do should be following his example. Then I will truly be serving God.

The reflection continues “Not one single creature was in error in the eyes of God, except man alone” he shares how the moon, the stars the wind and the water “remained as they were created”. Christ came to redeem what had fallen away from God’s created plan. Only people. Christ had to come as a human. We thought we could be better. We were saved. Glory to GOD!

Athanasius continues “…and the Honor belonging to God they transferred to devils and to men carved out of stone (idols)”. Many God’s are portrayed as idols in the Bible. It is interesting that people would expect Christ to come in the same way. It is not surprising that the way God revealed himself through Christ was done in a way that was not the prescribed or “desired” way.

Saint Athanasius finishes. “What, therefore, is so unbelievable in this, that the Logos appeared as a man to save mankind?” “Indeed, we also ask the unbelievers of our day: “In what form would you wish God to appear, if not as a man?””

Mark

Orthodox Dad in America

 

DOJ involved in School Discipline?

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2014/01/10/racial-disparities-why-the-justice-department-will-now-monitor-discipline-in-u-s-schools/

So the justice department headed by a criminal is going to insert itself in school discipline? Racial disparity needs to be looked at logically. If there is a higher number of infractions of discipline then wouldn’t there be more consequences handed out? The real solution is to stop the destruction of the family and stop expanding the racial divide!

CS Lewis Screwtape Letter 6 Part 2

CS Lewis Screwtape Letter 6 part 2

 

It has been a while since I had time to sit down and read and think. With Christmas, sickness, work and life it has been crazy but fun. None the less I had been rereading letter 6 and there is some fascinating thoughts in the last section.  Screwtape talks about hatred and how hatred can be spewn at mythical or far off people or objects that we will never meet. Satan uses this and directs this anger and hatred toward those around us.

I know that when I find myself frustrated, often at things I cannot change, I take it out on people that have nothing to do with my circumstance. This is something I know that I need to work on and become aware of.

Further, Screwtape talks about a really intriguing aspect. “Think of your man as a series of concentric circles, his will being the innermost, his intellect coming next and finally his fantasy….you must keep on shoving all the virtues outward till they are finally located in the circle of fantasy, and all the desirable (evil) qualities inward into the will”. This is incredibly interesting.

We have our will, as in what we do and choose to be (and what we find normal for ourselves). Then there is intellect, then outward fantasy. I know that too often I let intellect get in the way of things. Sometimes compassion is overruled by intellect “what is it worth? What will I get? Why should I?”

Satan wants us to push all of our goodness and positive character traits out to the edge of not believing that is who we are. They become fantasy. Goodness is not what we are made up of. These are just lofty ideas that I am not capable of. Instead, the less desirable qualities are prioritized. Not only that, we focus on them. We see what we are able to do, though it is not good, it is easy, or normal.

I will be honest, I do not have a lot of money, however I sometimes put up barriers to charity. I put “charity” as a fantasy because of intellect. There are things I can do aside from having money to develop charity. I could give time. I know that I am busy, however I can do more. Intellectually, I put up a barrier with my time. These are aspects I am trying to do a better with.

This idea presented in this letter is really eye opening. The concept of the circles is something I am going to use to push the good toward the “will”. I know I can do a lot more with the resources I have, including character traits.

 

Mark Lee

Orthodox Dad in America

18. CS Lewis Screwtape Letter 5 – Demons Delight

18. CS Lewis Screwtape Letter 5 –  Demons Delight

The first thing that came to mind in reading this is the fact that Satan and his minions delight in our squabbles, distractions and misfortunes. These things can easily distract us from our ultimate goal which is to be one with Christ and to raise ourselves up out of our earthly struggles. Satan is constantly working to make us miserable, to forget our goals and to wallow in self pity.

I was just talking to my students about being people that make goals and choices. We make goals, we adapt and we make the best of what we have. We don’t make excuses. Let me rephrase that…we should not make excuses. There are always things we could have done better but we must take our circumstances and make the best of what we have. Satan delights in our uncertain routines.

One of the other things I noticed in this is the fact that Screwtape is talking about not delighting in things until the goal (destruction of this subjects soul) is complete. I like to think of that in the opposite way. Shouldn’t we be so focused on God and doing his will that we are not distracted by the small roadblocks, nor be boastful at achievements? Rather I must keep focused on the goal. Eternal salvation for myself and my family.

I recently wrote my thoughts about Luke 4 where Christ is tempted. Satan has a lot of power in this world. We must keep our focus and remember that God gives us the tools and the weapons to defeat Satan and his demons, no matter how determined they are. As we read in scripture and are reminded here in this letter from Screwtape, Satan is very determined. If we are passive and do not know our ultimate goal we will stumble more often, lose our way and ultimately fall. I must remind myself every day (and ideally every MINUTE) that I am not just living in spiritual passiveness but rather Fighting evil! As I have also written before it is not just God or Neutrality. Rather, it is God or Evil! if we are not moving toward God we are falling away from him. That can be a powerful (or scary) thought!

Lastly one wonderful thing in reading this is affirming the awesomeness of being part of the Orthodox Faith! Screwtape speaks of the “European Human” war. The Orthodox Faith is so powerful to me in the fact that many of those battles have been fought and we know that the faith can be traced back through apostolic succession to Christ and his direct apostles! Does this mean there are no new dilemas? Far from it. With technology and science advancements there are new questions being raised every day. However, the beauty is that there is always a foundation of truth, scripture and tradition set forth by Christ, his Apostles, the Martyrs and saints that have come before us. The distractions can be minimized though not necessarily distinguished. I vow to strive toward Christ every day (and every second) with my whole heart, and actively work against Satan and his demons.

Mark

Orthodox Dad in America

God Bless the Current Martyrs of the Orthodox Christian Faith!

and to think, Our country is providing weapons that are used in these attacks. Shameful. And the Martyrs of this day are unknown and uncovered. God Bless them! http://philotimo-leventia.blogspot.com/2013/10/syrian-rebels-attack-baptismal-service.html?spref=fb

14. John the Forerunner – The Conception

14. John the Forerunner – The Conception

Monday was the day we remember the Conception of John the Baptist. I was reading through the beginning of Luke with my Family and we had a lot of good discussions.

One thing we noticed was that An Angel, Namely Gabriel came to share the news of many of the miraculous and/or sudden conceptions. An Angel visited Joachim and Anna, Elizabeth and Zacharias as well as Mary and Joseph. On top of that, as mentioned in the Orthodox Study Bible, Rebekah, Hannah and Rachel were also barren then had children to fulfill God’s plan. It was considered a “reproach” as mentioned in v25 to be barren. In a way this was an earthly trial to humble these servants. I can only imagine not having a child, and not only being childless but being old enough to assume I would never have children, and then being approached by an Angel of God. This would open up my eyes really quickly as to the power of God. It is too often that I know that I take things for granted in my life and I forget the fact that God’s hand governs the events as well as the willingness to humble myself before God.

Another interesting topic came up. (Quick reminder I am not a scholar). When Zacharias was muted after his response to the Angel the question came up in comparison to Mary. Zacharias asks “How Shall I know this? For I am an old man and my wife is advanced in years” (v. 18). The Angel responds saying that “because you did not believe my words” you will be mute. Mary asks “how can this be?”. The OSB states that this is more of a inquiry rather than a lack of faith. On top of this God can see into our hearts. God knows everything about our questions, our answers, our actions and our intentions. This is something I need to work on and prayer about more regularly. Being willing to accept God’s will and the miracles and turns that may and will happen in my life. Anything is possible through God.

Another thing that I pondered in relation to this is the fact that God muted Zacharias to make the Birth of John more powerful! Zacharias showed faith in the naming of John and suddenly his voice returned and the people of Judea were “filled with fear”. They knew this was a miracle and something to be taken and pondered in their hearts. God used this as a way to teach others and show the power of God as well as to teach humility and trust to Zacharias himself. What was told to him by the Angel was true.

We also had a discussion of the fact that in v 15 it is mentioned “He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb”. John, who will be the person to baptize Christ and many others, calling the Holy Spirit to dwell within in those baptized, is filled with the Holy Spirit before before birth. We found this amazing and a great connection in the story.

Holy Saint John that prophesied the presence of Christ through your leaping in the womb please pray for us and help us to follow the path that you helped pave.

Mark

Orthodox Dad in America

The Unsung Truths of the Kenyan Mall Terrorists

The Unsung Truths of the Kenyan Mall Terrorists

So the horrors that unfolded in Kenya are sad beyond words. The fact that some things are not being shared is also sad.

Kenya has some of the strictest gun laws by the way.  They have about 5000 registered gun owners and 500,000-600,000 guns in the country. Hmm that doesn’t sound good. Well in the US the murder rate is less than 6 per 100,000 people and I think it is actually under 5 but in kenya it is over 20 per 100,000. Wow.

That being said the terrorists know that this place will have no resistance. No citizens with guns. Why wouldn’t they choose this as a target. The fact came out that an armed ex royal marine went back into the mall several times and saved nearly 100 people. that is amazing! The link is here

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2013/09/24/former-british-marine-saved-100-people-from-kenya-mall-armed-only-with-a-handgun/

This man is a hero. Where is the coverage? An armed man, willing to risk his life saved dozens.

in addition, the fact that some of the terrorists were grown here in America. The fact that radicals are being fostered in our own country expounds on the idea that America is not safer as I talked about in another post. Where is the outrage and uncovering of the this scary truth? Our borders are non existent (namely the southern border) and we are overlooking the facts.

So why is some of this being overlooked? Well the narrative isn’t favorable for those that want to push a certain agenda. Gun control laws are supposed to make us safer? Statistically I already showed the failure of Kenya’s gun laws. This is a fact that can’t be avoided. These numbers always lean the same way.

the fact that an armed man went in and saved dozens and isn’t being covered is sad. This man risked his life. People that are armed can do good. Criminals will not follow laws. I am not sure if this is news to anyone but it seems to be for the people trying to pass laws. When citizens can protect themselves we are all safer. Criminals will find guns. Look at Chicago. They too have some of the strictest gun laws and they are the murder capital of our country. Sounds like a progressive fantasy. The fact that a man had a gun, risked his life repeatedly against armed criminal terrorists shows that when people have the opportunity to defend themselves they can do amazing things. Thank God for this man and others like him.

I am also worried for the fact that we are overlooking the fact that this can happen here. We are sending arms to Syrian extremists but we want to disarm our own citizens? We are signing treaties to control weapons and at the same time the law that bans aiding terrorists is essentially nulled? What are we thinking?

We also have genius statements like “A World Trade Centre, a Mumbai hotel, a Boston marathon, a Nairobi shopping mall are all enticing to extremists. Defending them is near impossible. Better at least not to create them. A shopping mall not only wipes out shopping streets, it makes a perfect terrorist fortress, near impossible to assault,”

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2013/09/25/columnist-has-some-interesting-advice-to-combat-terror-attacks-just-stop-building-shopping-malls/

Ok so someone with an agenda of anti development thinks it is better to stop building places that people want to go. that is an amazing plan right? We are doomed aren’t we? ha ha. Oh boy. No, what we need is secure borders, armed responsible citizens, government leaders that follow the will of the people, truth, and GOD!

In Psalm 82 we read about people uniting under the premiss of anti Christian sentiment. People will unite  with the slogan “The enemy of my enemy is my friend”. We have several things we are fighting as Christians but we must stand fast in prayer and love as persecution exists from several fronts. The right for me to defend my family and those in need is an area that I believe to be self evident and actually required of me as a Father, Husband and citizen of this world.

Mark

Orthodox Dad in America

15. Mary, the Mother of God and her choices

Yesterday was Mary’s Birthday. a Day to reflect on Mary and her role in the salvation of the world. I was reading the children’s book of Mary and it was, first of all, great to have that book in our library so that I CAN read it to my kids. I found it very interesting that both Mary and her mother were approached by an Angel prior to becoming pregnant.

 

The part that is even more fascinating to me is that Mary always had free will. She CHOSE to be obedient to God. Imagine how scary this would have been. You will become pregnant, bearing the Song of God and he will save the world! All the while, carrying and giving birth to a baby while being young and unwed. She had amazing faith and courage and was trusting of God’s plan and opened her heart to his Love.

“Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38)

Oh Mary the example you have set before us. Mary is a standard bearer and someone we should emulate in our daily lives. How many times have I gone through the day have not focused on God. Mary had found favor as the bible says, for some reason. Probably because of her love even before being asked to carry the savior of the world, Jesus, in her womb.

Multiple times throughout the bible (including by Angels) Mary is called “blessed among women”. We must celebrate her and the examples she set.

Happy birthday Mary and let us not forget these examples and may God mercifully help us to always remember.

 

Mark

Orthodox Dad in America

14. Pride Before the Fall

 

14. Pride Before the Fall

A little ways back my priest made reference to the phrase “pride before the fall”. My wife asked me if I thought that our country is in this same category? I believe the US is in the category of “pride before the fall” however it was not for the reason she thought. I still think we are a light on the hill and a beacon of hope, or at least we were when our founders put their thoughts into actions and the founding of this great nation.

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just power from the consent of the governed”

This is awesome. We, all of us have unalienable rights. Rights that cannot be taken away. The founders knew this. These rights do not come from the President, politicians or any of the governing powers but from GOD. That being said, they still mention that the people institute power to the governing. The politicians as well as the common citizens have these rights.

I think the pride of the nation comes from those in power. They have lost the duty to stand for those rights of Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The current state of affairs leads to death in ways of abortions, rights being stripped away (being held indefinitely, spying, data collection so on and so on) and people’s ability to pursue happiness is being stripped by the government coming in saying in all essence “ you can’t do anything without our help”. The leaders are approaching things as if they are enlightened and so important. That is where the “pride” lies. We are the greatest nation on earth and most charitable nation in the history of the world. Our leaders have lost the foundation put by our founding fathers….GOD!

I was reading through James and 3:13-18 stood out as being a thread to this topic. James is actually reluctant to give advice for he warns against council being brought forth through pride. He warns against self centeredness. Does this not describe our leaders? Not all of them but the vast majority of them. “Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom” v13. I don’t see much meekness in our government at all. Everyone thinks that they have the answer to everything. They continue saying everyone needs to be tolerant of everything, yet you are intolerant if you hold your own thoughts  or dare I say practice “liberty”.

“But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above but is earthly, sensual, demonic.” This describes our politicans to the letter. Everything is done on a whim. Things are based on relative truth, the decibels of the people “outraged” over something, or the next political calculation. Things are completely earthly and sensual and possibly demonic as stated in the passage. Things that are not of God very well may be Demonic but things are certainly earthly and completely selfish and sensual based on the passing fad.

James speaks of the evil of the self serving things but then speaks of the goodness that comes from God. “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy”. Our leaders are incredibly hypocritical. Almost everything that is said from our current President is counted by his own words when speaking to a different crowd in a different context. This is true of other leaders as well. At the same time we are completely lacking in good fruits or mercy. Things that are being said are dividing us along gender and race lines when in fact it only serves certain people’s interests.

Our nation’s pride comes from the hypocritical, self centered politicians, that have lost the focus on God. We need to combat this by strengthening our homes and families and remember that God is not on our side, but rather, God just IS, therefore we must follow HIM. He is everlasting and constant. We need to correct course and get things back in order! God is not on our side or anyone’s side, but rather we must be on His side.

Mark

Orthodox Dad in America

13. C.S. Lewis – Screwtape Letters – 4

13. C.S. Lewis Screwtape Letters – 4

In this letter Screwtape makes an interesting statement about praying. He convinces that it is best to keep people from prayer all together. However, when prayer happens none the less, he says to make sure he remembers the “parrot-like nature of his prayers in childhood”. This is interesting given a recent conversation I had.

I was speaking with a gentleman at church about trying to not live in regret and not looking too far ahead in terms of making plans and being anxious. That might seem like an odd parallel but when we think of things beyond the present we lose sight of being close to Christ and lose our ability to have a prayerful heart. Screwtape talks about taking our minds out of our prayer and placing them into another time and place. This is something that I have to work on in church. This is tough with kids but something I want to get better at. It is not always bad to have thoughts of instances or saints or other pictures however I have to be careful that these thoughts are not taking me out of my prayerful state. This is something I am constantly working on. And as we read in letter 4, this is something that Satan and his demons are constantly working on as well!

Screwtape makes another really interesting statement. “what you must always remember, that they are animals and that whatever their bodies do affects their souls.” This is incredibly interesting to me. What we do impacts what we think and what lies in our hearts. As much as it is not a law that we pray a certain way or in a certain posture or position, it does impact our minds and hearts. It is common practice to stand when saying a prayer before a meal. It is easy to just stay seated but when we stand as a family, I do notice that the kids pay better attention and it seems to be more meaningful and thoughtful. I think what Screwtape is not only true of actions and posture but also of our words. We must be mindful of the words we say and the way we say them.

Lastly I find the statement Screwtape states really thought provoking. “It is funny how mortals always picture us as putting things into their minds: in reality our best work is done by keeping things out”. This is amazing to think about. This goes back to my previous post about edifying those around us and living our lives building people up. Think of how many opportunities we miss to do good or help those around us because we just didn’t entertain the thought. Don’t get me wrong, it is very conceivable that satan is putting things into our head, but the things that we don’t think but should are very disconcerting. I can think of times from the past few days, several in fact, that I could have done something better, been more helpful, been more prayerful, more compassionate, a better listener, less selfish and a million other things. I am working to live my life in a more prayerful, more observant and less selfish way, edifying those around me and building them up to be the best they can be.

Mark

Orthodox Dad in America