Dear Friends
When a new-born baby comes into the world the life of the parents is transformed. There are things which they can do, others they must do, and others still which are best left avoided. There are new priorities, new perspectives, new challenges.
For those who put their faith and trust in God, we want to give thanks for the new arrival and bring the baby into our religious life as much, if not more, than other sides: on the fortieth day we bring the child to Church.
St Joseph and the Theotokos brought Christ on the fortieth day to the Temple, a feast we renew our participation in this week (Wednesday).
We are told in Scripture that when the Ark of the Covenant was brought into the first Temple,
When the priests came out of the holy place, the cloud filled the house, so the priests could not stand there ministering because of the cloud; for the glory of the Lord filled the house.
3 Kingdoms 8:10–11 (see also 2 Chronicles 5:13–14)
The cloud we see on various occasions and shows the presence of God. It is there to protect us, that we do not directly see God. When we use incense we are, in part, creating a cloud to shield ourselves likewise.
No such cloud was seen on the dedication of the second Temple, built after the Babylonian exile (2 Ezra 6:15–22), because it was only now—not born aloft in a golden ark but in the arms of the mystical Ark the Theotokos, not greeted by all Israel but by one priest and one prophetess alone, not with numberless sacrifices but a pair of turtledoves—that God came to dwell among his people; no cloud was present, no one was even looking for the Saviour, yet God himself is received.
And as Saints Simeon and Anna received him so should we: receive him as the desire of our heart, as the expression of our love, as the free gift to us of God, as the fulfillment of the promises given to Israel. Receive Christ through every sense and through every moment.
A new baby brings great joy to the parents, to the family and to us all: let us receive Christ today that the glory of the Lord may fill and shine through us.
As part of our measures against Covid-19, we strongly request all who attend our services to take a lateral flow test prior to attending.
Do you, or someone you know, want to join our mailing list and receive our weekly email? Then let me know.
Sermon
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, one God, Amen.
I am spiritually blind, my dear brothers and sisters, and in my blindness I fail to see the blessings the Lord grants me every day. I miss out and wallow at the roadside begging for scraps and change from those who walk by.
The Lord, in today’s Gospel, is continuing his journey from Galilee through Samaria and now comes towards Jericho. He is on his way to the passion and has even told to his disciples what was to come,
‘Then He took the twelve aside and said to them, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of Man will be accomplished. For He will be delivered to the Gentiles and will be mocked and insulted and spit upon. They will scourge Him and kill Him. And the third day He will rise again.” But they understood none of these things; this saying was hidden from them, and they did not know the things which were spoken.’ (Luke 18:31–34)
…
Read last Sunday’s sermon, What do you want the Lord to do for you?
Archive of Past Sermons.
Services this week
Friday 28th January
Discussion on the book of Exodus, 8 pm
Online only
Saturday 29th January
Vespers, 6.30 pm
At St Francis’ Hall, Eastleigh
Sunday 30th January
Divine Liturgy, 9.30 am
At St Francis’ Hall, Eastleigh
Online session is via Google Meet: please get in contact for the details.
As part of our measures against Covid-19, we strongly request all who attend our services to take a lateral flow test prior to attending.
Please join us: all are welcome, come and see.
Attending Church
We will be meeting at St Francis’ Hall, Nightingale Avenue, Eastleigh, SO50 9JA. We request you wear a mask unless exempt. Come and See.
Can I help you?
I am here for you, you need only ask. Is there a way I can support your life of faith? Get in touch.
Can you help the mission?
Yes, absolutely. Offer yourselves to the Lord: pray! Make available to him all your talents and ask him how he would like you to use them — listen for his reply.
Your prayers!
With love in Christ
Fr Alexander
[email protected]