Wednesday, February 21, 2018

'The Righteousness of Works and the Grace of the Spirit...'


Dear Parish Faithful,

GREAT LENT - The Third Day


"As the grace of God cannot descend upon souls which flee from their salvation, so the power of human virtue is not of itself sufficient to raise to perfection souls which have no share in grace... the righteousness of works and the grace of the Spirit, coming together to the same place, fill the soul in which they are united with the life of the blessed."

- St. Gregory of Nyssa
 
Please share any responses or comments with me that you may have upon reading these short Lenten reflections. With your permission, I could pass then share any such comments with the parish - either with your name or anonymously, whatever you prefer.
 
In addition, I am attaching a couple of older items that I have prepared for Great Lent. The first is a detailed description of the fasting discipline during Great Lent, prepared by Fr. John Hopko. The second is an excellent summary by Mother Paula of Archbishop Kallistos Ware's classic article on the Meaning of the Great Fast.