March 29, 2020 - Message from Father George
TIMES WE LIVE IN …
It seems that in the United States, nothing in human memory can compare to the potential devastation brought on by the recent coronavirus plague. Our whole way of life could be threatened, from the national economy down to our local communities, where businesses, employment, livelihoods, family groups, and every kind of organization and activity –
life as we have known it – could be facing major challenges.
Federal and state governments, along with regional and local authorities have come together in a massive series of plans to protect the people and help them through this difficult time, to address the health situation, and to prevent the collapse of the economy, so that the American way of life may be preserved. It is almost a war time economy.
We know what guidelines and regulations are coming from our own State, along with social distancing and health procedures which are for our own and the common good.
As Orthodox Christians, let us renew our dedication and commitment to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, as members of His Body, the Church. And let us pray for all those who are the first responders in the health care and hospital and home situations, and those who risk their own lives to help others with every kind of help which is being offered for
the general good – a reminder of the heroic and sacrificial actions of the “9 -11” responders.
Let us be truly thankful and grateful for those who show such care, concern, devotion and commitment to the well-being of others.
But what if we come to the end of our rope, when we come to a place or point in life when human strength is not enough? Some may give up and go down in defeat; but we as Christians will reach out to God and move on in His strength, no matter what we are facing: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear… (Psalm 45/45:1)
The cords of death encompassed me,
the torrents of perdition assailed me,
the cords of Sheol entangled me,
the snares of death confronted me.
In my distress I called upon the Lord,
to my God I cried for help.
From his temple he heard my voice,
and my cry to him reached his ears…
He bowed the heavens and came down;
He came swiftly upon the wings of the wind…
He reached from on high, he took me,
He drew me out of many waters.
(Psalm 18:4-6, 9-10; 16)
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God the Father and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you. Amen.
It seems that in the United States, nothing in human memory can compare to the potential devastation brought on by the recent coronavirus plague. Our whole way of life could be threatened, from the national economy down to our local communities, where businesses, employment, livelihoods, family groups, and every kind of organization and activity –
life as we have known it – could be facing major challenges.
Federal and state governments, along with regional and local authorities have come together in a massive series of plans to protect the people and help them through this difficult time, to address the health situation, and to prevent the collapse of the economy, so that the American way of life may be preserved. It is almost a war time economy.
We know what guidelines and regulations are coming from our own State, along with social distancing and health procedures which are for our own and the common good.
As Orthodox Christians, let us renew our dedication and commitment to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, as members of His Body, the Church. And let us pray for all those who are the first responders in the health care and hospital and home situations, and those who risk their own lives to help others with every kind of help which is being offered for
the general good – a reminder of the heroic and sacrificial actions of the “9 -11” responders.
Let us be truly thankful and grateful for those who show such care, concern, devotion and commitment to the well-being of others.
But what if we come to the end of our rope, when we come to a place or point in life when human strength is not enough? Some may give up and go down in defeat; but we as Christians will reach out to God and move on in His strength, no matter what we are facing: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear… (Psalm 45/45:1)
The cords of death encompassed me,
the torrents of perdition assailed me,
the cords of Sheol entangled me,
the snares of death confronted me.
In my distress I called upon the Lord,
to my God I cried for help.
From his temple he heard my voice,
and my cry to him reached his ears…
He bowed the heavens and came down;
He came swiftly upon the wings of the wind…
He reached from on high, he took me,
He drew me out of many waters.
(Psalm 18:4-6, 9-10; 16)
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God the Father and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you. Amen.