Sent to me by Mother Paula, an Orthodox nun who was once a member of our parish.
+ Fr. Thomas Hopko: MP’s notes from his homilies
During Great Lent we are purposely remembering paradise. Radically repenting and changing our hearts and minds.
Lent is called the tithe of the year. 10% of the year (365 days)
We must be merciful. Forgiveness stops the power of evil. When one really forgives, we want everyone to be saved.
Remember, we have been baptized, died, raised with Him and sealed with the Holy Spirit. Our life is not our own, we belong to God, our master.
It is only through truth that we are loved by God, created, saved, wounded and healed. No matter how much we fall and sin, He takes us back. He never turns his back on us. We are God’s workmanship.
During the Fast all things we do are a means to an end.Prayer, fasting, almsgiving, etc.
Read the daily Lenten Bible readings. Attend the Lenten Church services.
Receive Lent with gladness!Pray to God to show mercy to one another, constantly forgiving.
Lent is a gift from the crucified Lord. Take it and say thank you! God gives us the grace to do this. Pray, accept the gift of life during this time.
Fasting and almsgiving should all be done in secret. Pray, go into your heart, your closet. Be joyful when you fast, be not dismal.
Just live one day at a time. All of our problems come from thinking, analyzing, and trying to figure things out.
Instead we should think of God and have an awareness of Him. Don’t look back and don’t be anxious for tomorrow.Live peacefully, calmly and patiently.
Lent is a gift given to us by God for our salvation and for the glory of God.
The purpose of the Great Fast is to obtain a broken, contrite and humble heart.
“Come to me all who are heavy laden and I will give you rest.Take my yoke upon you and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is good and my burden is light.” (Mt. 11: 28- 30)
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