Dear Friends
Days are getting noticeably longer as the shortest days and longest nights get further away from us: there is a change in the air, an expectation, a longing for rebirth after the depths of winter. And, while records are being set for wet and blustery weather, we still look to the coming of spring.
And at this moment of transition, of change, of a “soon, but not quite yet,” the Church institutes a fast. She institutes a fast that we may prepare ourselves more fully, that we set aside what holds us to the pleasures of this world, that we once again reorientate ourselves towards the living God. And, whether we like it or not, whether we are prepared for it or not, the Great Fast, Lent, will start soon—this year, Monday 23rd February.
The Fast is not to make us suffer, it is not to make us irritable, it is not to make us bemoan our faith, it is to reevaluate our lives. Despite my protestations, I have sinned, I have fallen short of the glory of God, I have separated myself from my Lord and Saviour. And if I do not realign myself with Christ then I will wander away from Him—not deliberately, but slowly other paths through life will look tempting and I will discover myself no longer to be following my Lord but following another.
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, the Fast is given as a blessing to us to be brought back within the fullness of the Church that when the great and joyous Pascha arrives we may enter into that joyfulness all the more and live the Life of freedom which is found most perfectly in Christ. And then, on that Last Day, the Lord will turn to each of us and say in love and faithfulness,
Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord.
Matthew 25:21, 23
Let us, therefore, take the coming of spring, of new life all around us, as a sign and symbol of the new Life we have received in Christ that the tombs may be emptied, that freedom reign, that our release from the captivity of death, sin and idolatry may be perfected in us so all the more may see the Light of Christ through us and themselves be delivered.
Come and see!
Confessions are available following any service or by appointment.
We serve a meal following the Liturgy on Sundays. All are welcome.
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 have seen brothers and sisters squander their inheritance. They have wandered far from God and have wasted their lives in licentiousness. I have seen them and I thank God I am close to Him, near Him, and I will inherit what I deserve. They are wasting away, facing the consequences for their unrighteousness, while I work for the Church.
Yet some of them come to themselves. They have lived their lives and realise the life they live has only one future, death. Something pricks their conscience and they remember the Father’s House, and in humility and repentance they make their difficult return. And the Father receives them without question, without prerequisite, without consequence. They have defiled their inheritance, they have poured mud on the image of God within, and I am full of fury. “Why should I receive them into my Church?” I shout at the Father, “They’ve even forgotten how to behave, how to act, how to pray, how to repent.”
And the Father comes to me. He comes in love and compassion, He comes in faithfulness to me—for even if I do not act as I should, God remains loyal to me—and He says to me,
“Son, you are always with Me, and all that is Mine is yours.”
The Lord honours my work for Him; He does not disregard the effort I have made. But what good have I taken from it? I have been with the Father not out of love but that I might take everything for myself and the return of one who has wasted everything scares me and fills me with horror. “What if others return, too?” I ponder to myself, “must I share all with everyone who comes?” And the Lord continues in His love for me but expresses to me how I should respond.
…
Read this Sermon, Without question, without prerequisite, without consequence.
Archive of Past Sermons.
Services this week
Friday 13th February
Discussion on Job, 8 pm
Online only
Saturday 14th February
Great Vespers, 6.30 pm
At 3rd URC Scout Hall, Chandlers Ford
Sunday 15th February
Matins & Divine Liturgy, 9 am
At 3rd URC Scout Hall, Chandlers Ford
Online session is via Google Meet: please get indd contact for the details.
Please join us: all are welcome, come and see.
Attending Church
We meet at 3rd URC Scout HQ, Kings Rd, Chandlers Ford SO53 2EY. The Scout hall is behind and to the left of the URC Church. 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 parish?
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
webenquiry@orthodoxeastleigh.uk