Chaplain's Corner 

Preparing for Christmas 

Lk. 10:25-37

At that time, a lawyer stood up to put Jesus to the test, saying, "Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" He said to him, "What is written in the law? How do you read?" And he answered, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbour as yourself." And he said to him, "You have answered right; do this, and you will live." But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbour?" Jesus replied, "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was; and when he saw him, he had compassion, and went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; then he set him on his own beast and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, 'Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.' Which of these three, do you think, proved neighbour to the man who fell among the robbers?" He said, "The one who showed mercy on him." And Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise."

This Gospel reading helps us to prepare for the Christmas Fast which began on November 15. During this period, we can eat fish except on Wednesdays and Fridays until December 17. 

As we fast this Christmas, let us fast from serving our own selfish desires, as we take steps to put the needs of others before our own.  Let us confess and turn away from habits of word, thought, or deed that keep us from truly loving our neighbours. Let us forgive. Let us give generously of our time, energy, and resources to help those who will not help us achieve any of our goals in this world, but in whom we encounter and serve our Saviour.  Let us offer ourselves to the Lord for the accomplishment of His gracious purposes for our lives and for our neighbours.

The Nativity Fast calls us to become rich toward God as we prepare to receive Christ at His birth.  We should all use these weeks to invest ourselves in Him, for He alone brings fulfillment to those who bear His image and likeness.  

I would like to encourage each of you and your families to attend the Divine Services during this period. For our children to be active participants in parish life. We have choir practice every Friday afternoon from 3:30-4.00pm in our church and I would love for all our young boys to come and serve in the altar.

With these words I wish you all a blessed Christmas Fast. 

Rev. Stavros Kakavas