Today’s Sermon in a Nutshell:

Christ is Risen!

Today’s Sermon in a Nutshell:

There is certainly a wellspring of knowledge and nourishment contained in Holy Scripture, which I why it is preeminent to the first portion of our Divine Liturgy. All its teachings, parables, prophecies, miracles, encounters, interactions, and events provide spiritual sustenance to enlighten and embolden our faith. 

Yet, as you know, I often find the most obscure and overlooked biblical passages to be tender, didactic reminders that one need not do remarkable things to show honor, glory, and gratitude to God. For instance, when the jailor who held Paul and Silas prisoner was witnessed to, baptized, and converted to Christianity (along with his entire household), he invited the apostles to his house and “set food before them” (Acts 16:34).

This seemingly simple gesture is actually quite significant. Providing a meal for anyone – even today – is a sign of welcome; and hospitality is not only integral to our Faith, but a hallmark. It expresses and punctuates the theological and intellectual aspects of our beliefs through an act which demonstrates kindness, warmth, love, and respect; and by offering it, we put our faith in action, ultimately showing our love towards God: “Whatever you have done to the lest of these my brethren, you have done it to me.”

Sharing a meal also promotes unity, inclusion, and togetherness; familial interaction based upon the synergistic, symbiotic relationship within the Holy Trinity. Thus, eating is not simply meant to fulfill a bodily necessity, but provides physical and spiritual communion, fellowship, celebration, and thanksgiving. This is why our Lord chose a “meal” to be the foundation, as well as the apex of the Church’s worship, realigning man’s eternal hunger for God to its original spiritual context in the Garden of Eden.

Thus, we gather in God’s House, at His Holy Table, to share a meal of joy and celebration; gratitude and thanksgiving; of purpose and promise; faith and fulfillment; of unity and love. A Feast of Faith binding past, present, and future together eternally in Communion with the Living God. 

Fr. John