Preparing for Holy Nativity with Story of Zechariah, the father of St. John the Baptist (as recorded in Luke Chapter 1), are we listening?
In Holy Orthodoxy, the rules and fasts are not meant to create an atmosphere of failure. Rather, it is an understanding of our limits and knowledge that God does not have our limitations.
The rituals and festivals of Holy Orthodoxy are intended to bring us closer to God.
"We are limited," says Fr. John Brian in this sermon, "but God calls us beyond our limits - nothing beyond our ability to move closer to God."
Fr. John Brian also examines the ability of Zachariah to listen to the angel who visited him. Zachariah could only hear the news through all his limitations. We need to listen to the urgings of God outside these limitations - for with God all things are possible.
Please pray for Fr. John Brian who continues to encourage us in the continuing development of Christian spirituality.
This sermon uses and refers to scripture readings appointed by the Syrian Malankara calendar and was given on Sunday, November 17, 2013 by Fr. John-Brian Paprock at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Chapel, Madison, Wisconsin.
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