Advent

With the Orthodox Nativity Fast, or season of Advent (looking to Christ's coming) upon us, I am taking some time to reflect upon my blessings, renewing my prayer life, and reading Holy Scripture. This quote below by St. John of Kronstadt casts a light on one of my many flaws: making judgments on people, whether spoken or not, it is something to be rooted out by the renewing of the Holy Spirit in me. 

Please make straight my crooked lines, O Lord!  Enable me to see Christ in others, stay my wont of judgment and grant vision of my own sins.

Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me, a sinner.

"Never confuse the person, formed in the image of God, with the evil that is in him, because evil is but a chance misfortune, illness, a devilish reverie.  But the very essence of the person is the image of God, and this remains in him despite every disfigurement." -St. John of Kronstadt

Probably like many of you reading, the Lord's Prayer is a staple in our life.  You may enjoy hearing the familiar refrain in Gaelic found here.

*Celtic cross is created by one of my favorite artists,  Cari Buziak.  The ogham writing on either side of the cross reads: "Hold Fast"