Food for the Soul: The Gospel from the Fifth Sunday of Great Lent

Then one of the Pharisees asked Him to eat with him. And He went to the Pharisee's house, and sat down to eat. And behold, a woman in the city who was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at the table in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster flask of fragrant oil, and stood at His feet behind Him weeping; and she began to wash His feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head; and she kissed His feet and anointed them with the fragrant oil. Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he spoke to himself, saying, "This Man, if He were a prophet, would know who and what manner of woman this is who is touching Him, for she is a sinner." And Jesus answered and said to him, "Simon, I have something to say to you." So he said, "Teacher, say it." There was a certain creditor who had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing with which to repay, he freely forgave them both. Tell Me, therefore, which of them will love him more? Simon answered and said, "I suppose the one whom he forgave more." And He said to him, "You have rightly judged." Then He turned to the woman and said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has washed My feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head. You gave Me no kiss, but this woman has not ceased to kiss My feet since the time I came in. You did not anoint My head with oil, but this woman has anointed My feet with fragrant oil. Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little. Then He said to her, "Your sins are forgiven." And those who sat at the table with Him began to say to themselves, "Who is this who even forgives sins?" Then He said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you. Go in peace." (Luke 7:36-50)

Humbling ourselves before God is a task every Christian must strive to do. But in today’s culture, humbling ourselves toward anyone is not looked upon highly or with much regard. It is, in fact, a sign of weakeness. We are encouraged to stand tall, to be proud of who and what we are, to not denigrate ourselves in any way, but to embellish our strong points, and at all times act as if we deserve whatever good may come our way. Christian humility does not fit that model.

Times were not so different during Jesus' time. In St Luke's gospel reading, we hear the words of the Pharisee, perhaps echoing what so many of us would think if we saw such an act of total shamelessness, as to see a woman crying on bended knee, washing and kissing the feet of a man. "Doesn’t he know all that she’s done and how unworthy she is?" In those words exist so much of what we fight against as Christians – our pride, our judgmental nature, our quickness to point out the flaws in others. But it is not the words of the Pharisee that impress Jesus. It is the humble act of the woman who bows before His feet and weeps.

It is exactly this humility which God asks from us. No sin is too great for His forgiveness, and no act of true repentance goes unnoticed. For true repentance to exist in our hearts, we must acknowledge and repent of our sins. In addition, we must do so and abandon all pride or sense or "being right." There is no justification for sin. We must open our hearts in much the same way the woman who knelt before Jesus did, and must love Him in much the same way.

The woman's actions reveal the selflessness that is often present in loving relationships, be it with our family, our boyfriends and girlfriends, our friends, or with God. Our love for God and our faith in His forgiving nature are what spurs us on to humble ourselves before Him. His loving nature is a wonderful example for us.

As we end this Lenten season, let us all pray for His forgiveness and approach our Lord with love and humility, acknowledging that He is the source of all good things.

Kontakion

Having been a sinful woman,

you became through repentance a Bride of Christ.

Having attained angelic life,

you defeated demons with the weapon of the Cross.

Therefore, most glorious Mary, you are a Bride of the Kingdom!

On the Calendar:

• May 27-30, 2005 - 100th Anniversary of Founding of Monastery of St Tikhon of Zadonsk in South Canaan, PA
  

• June 18-24, 2005 - St Vladimir Seminary Youth Institute
  

• August 9, 2005 - 35th Anniversary of the Glorification of St Herman of Alaska
  

• September 1-5, 2005 - FOCA Convention

100th Anniversary of Founding of Monastery of St Tikhon of Zadonsk in South Canaan, PA (May 27-30, 2005)

Established in 1905 by Saint Patriarch Tikhon during his years as archbishop in North America and Archimandrite [later Archbishop] Arseny, the monastery is North America’s oldest,” said the Very Rev. John Matusiak, OCA communications director. “Over the past century, countless pilgrims have passed under the landmark arch at the monastery entrance to find spiritual comfort and strength, to gather with other Orthodox Christians in prayer and fellowship, and to reaffirm their commitment to Christ and His Holy Church. The centennial celebration will mark yet another important milestone in the Church in North America’s spiritual heritage.”

Rooms have been reserved for pilgrims at the Comfort Inn, Hamlin, PA, a short drive from the monastery. Special activities are being planned for youth. In view of the unprecedented number of pilgrims expected to participate in the pilgrimage, it is advised that reservations be made early by calling the Comfort Inn at 800-523-4426 or 570-689-4148.

St Vladimir's Seminary Youth Institute (June 18-24)

St Vladimir's Seminary in Crestwood, NY is now accepting applications for the summer 2005 Youth Institute for High School Juniors. Each year, six qualifying high school juniors, three males and three females, are chosen from a pool of applicants and given full scholarships to attend. Except for travel to and from the seminary, all expenses are covered by the scholarship. Held from June 18–24, 2005, the program coincides with the Liturgical Institute of Music and Pastoral Practice for adults. Participants in the youth institute join in some of the facets of the adult institute, but break off into their own discussion groups and take special excursions.

This years' institute will explore the relationship of the Orthodox Church to our surrounding culture. "Teenagers challenge this year's institute theme in a singular way," says Prof. Albert Rossi, who helps lead the youth in this program. "They must live in a world of corporate and political corruption at high levels, violence of every sort, and at the same time try to live a life in Jesus Christ and His Church. My expectations of teens today are higher than ever. The stakes are high and the battles are ferocious. Teens must reach down deeply and choose their battles. I have seen the commitment of some teens to high values and I look forward to their contribution at this year's summer institute."

All high school juniors who are active in their faith and motivated to spend a week of their summer in this fun but challenging program are encouraged to apply. More details are available in the events section of the seminary's website, www.svots.edu, along with a downloadable application form. Inquirers may also e-mail Fr Steven Belonick, the program coordinator, at belonick@svots.edu, or call him at (914) 961-8313, ext. 328.

35th Anniversary of the Glorification of St. Herman of Alaska (August 9, 2005)

As one of the 15 autocephalous Orthodox Churches throughout the world with the responsibility to glorify saints for the veneration of the faithful, the Orthodox Church in America will celebrate the 35th anniversary of North America's first saint, St. Herman of Alaska, on August 9, 2005.

Each year pilgrims from across North American and around the world gather in Kodiak, AK for the four to five day pilgrimage which includes akathists to St. Herman, vigil for the feast, Divine Liturgy, veneration of the relics, and a pilgrimage by boat to Spruce Island where St. Herman resided and fell asleep in the Lord.

More information about the pilgrimage will become available in upcoming months. Be sure to keep checking the OCA website at http://www.oca.org/.

September 1-5, 2005: Save the Date - Inviting all Young Adults to the 2005 FOCA Convention

The Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in America (FOCA) together with the Orthodox Church in America's (OCA) Department of Youth, Young Adults and Campus Ministries invites you, the Young Adults, to the annual FOCA National Convention. This year's convention will be held at the Hilton Mark Center Hotel in Alexandria, VA (right outside Washington DC) during Labor Day weekend, September 1 - 5, 2005. Special hotel rates will be available.

The FOCA is working on many exciting opportunities relating to Young Adults. Activities include a Friday night Welcome Reception, YA Session on Saturday, Volleyball tournament, Banquet and Ball on Sunday.

We encourage you to come and help shape the future of the FOCA. We look forward to seeing you there!

If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Lara Herzak at lherzak@yahoo.com or visit the 2005 FOCA Convention website at http://foca2005.home.comcast.net/ or the FOCA website at http://www.orthodoxfellowship.org

Of Special Mention:14th All-American Council Youth and Young Adult Activities (July 16-22, 2005)

Our Church and the Future: Become What You Are

The 14th All American Council is looking to be another incredible experience. As the Orthodox Church in America perpares to gather in Toronto, ONT, Canada for the 14th All-American Council this July 17-22,, 2005, the OCA Department of Youth, Young Adult, and Campus Ministry is preparing another full slate of exciting activies for youth and young adults.

"Department members are hearing that parishes are planning to send their entire youth groups, with some even planning to rent buses, " said the Rev. Michael Anderson, OCA Youth Director. "Many parishes are hold fundraisers throughout the year to cover expenses."

Activities are being planned in five age groups

• Ages 6 and under (no registration required)
• Ages 7-9
• Ages 10-12
• Teens
• Young Adults (18+)

The schedule will include dynamic educational sessions, trips to several area attractions in Toronto, a youth choir, a service project for young adults attending the Council, and much more.

"Since 1995, participation of youth and young adults at the All-American Council has double at each subsequent Council, reaching a peak of over 400 participants at the 13th All-American Council in Orlando, FL in 2002," Fr Michael added. "From what I am hearing during my travels, the council has become a major gathering event in which youth and their parents look forward to participating - the perfect place for youth to renew their commitment ot Christ and His Church as they build friendships that can span thousands of miles and many years."

YOUTH (7-17) ACTIVITIES

With their registration, Youth Observers will receive:

• participation in and materials for all education and discussion sessions
• transportation and admission to local attractions as indicated in the schedule, such as Paramount Canada's Wonderland, Ontario Place, and Niagara Falls.
• continental breakfast following the Divine Liturgies throughout the week.
• dinner on Tuesday and Thursday evenings
• an AAC t-shirt and dufflebag/backpack
• admittance to the evening fellowship "Crash Room" for teens.

YOUNG ADULT (18+) ACTIVITIES

With their registration, Young Adult Observers will receive:

• a Monday night dinner cruise
• daily young adult workshops and discussions
• participation in a community service project
• an optional Tuesday trip to Paramount Canada's Wonderland.
• relaxed fellowship nightly at the "Meeting Place"
• continental breakfast following the Divine Liturgies during the week
• Grand Banquet: Thursday evening YOUTH (7-17) ACTIVITIES There are a variety of youth activities planned.

Registration Fee: The fee to register as a Youth Observer or Young Adult Observer is $200 (USD).

Hotel: For reservations contact The Sheraton Centre in downtown Toronto.

More information: For a printable flyer of activities and registration forms, please visit the the OCA website at http://www.oca.org/ and click on 14th All-American Council.

We look forward to seeing you in Toronto, Ontario, Canada! Encourage your family and friends to join you.

If you would like to be placed on an e-mail list to receive regular updates please contact the Youth Department at yyacm@oca.org with your name, address, phone number, and e-mail address.

An Orthodox Look: The Apprentice

With the very first season of ABC’s The Apprentice, viewers were hooked. Donald Trump presided over a group of would-be protégés, and as he narrowed the field each week, he made popular the phrase, “you’re fired.” What is it about this show that draws in so many people? Why is the audience so attracted to the hour-long show that ends each week in someone’s disappointment?

Perhaps the show displays a strong work ethic, and we are drawn to watch and learn. Each week, two competing teams try to outdo each other in a task assigned by Trump. While the first season gave them such tasks as “sell lemonade,” the third season has become a parade of corporate giants who not only get free labor from the show’s participants, but also an hour of advertising time on a major network. The team’s participants battle to see who can either make the most money, create the most interesting advertisement, etc.

So, perhaps the hard work and teamwork help draw people to watch the show? Not likely. The show usually shows people bickering, fighting, backstabbing, and whining a great deal. The work is accomplished, and one can presume that a lot of effort does go into the final product, but the show’s producers seem to prefer to show animosity and anger more than they like to show the work itself.

If it is not the work ethic that people are drawn to, maybe they tune in week after week to see what it is like to manage people, and be inspired by that type of job? Again, probably not. If any viewer is considering entering a field where they will be managing people, they will likely be quite scared after watching this show. While it must be kept in mind that the producers likely manipulate what is aired in order to present a side of human behavior that will generate the highest ratings, The Apprentice can easily make people very, very afraid of jobs that would involve managing people.

So, why do we watch? Largely, one would assume, for pure entertainment value. The show will not teach you how to succeed in the work environment. It will not show you the nicer side of people. It’s cutthroat and can be vicious. The ending, and most often talked about, part of each episode, “the boardroom,” is a good example of the show’s brutality. This is the time when the losing team must face Donald Trump and fight for themselves, often cattily and with much venom, demonstrating why they should not, in fact, hear the dread words – “you’re fired.” Why do we watch? Drama.

On the Upside:

• In some cases, people strive to achieve their goals by hard work and creative thinking. The talents of the individuals are used, and the viewing audience is shown what can result from teamwork and perseverance.

On the Downside:

• While the end result may be good, and while it may be implied that a lot of teamwork went into the end result, the show often chooses to show the audience the darker side of group efforts … cattiness, backstabbing, ambition to succeed at all costs, and total self-centeredness.

Real Questions/Real Answers: Yoga and Orthodox Christianity

Question:

I was wondering if yoga (the whole "ohm", and crossing the legs, and putting your body in awkward positions) is against our Orthodox religion and why? I am asking this because earlier today in my gym class at school we were to take part in this program (yoga), but 8 other girls, plus myself, refused to participate because we felt that it was against our religion. I am a Greek Orthodox, my friend is also Orthodox, and the rest of the girls are Christians as well. The teacher told us that we now have to write an essay on why we did not take part in the class, and saying our refusal to participate because it is against my religion is not a good enough explanation for her. Please help me if you can. I would really appreciate it.

Answer:

Yoga is a part of the Hindu religion.

The word Yoga comes from the root "Yuj," which means, "to join." Yoga is restraint of the activities of the mind, and is the union of the individual soul with the Supreme Soul.

Hiranyagarbha is the founder of the Yoga system. Another form of Yoga was founded by Patanjali Maharshi. It has great appeal to individuals of looking for a mystical, a contemplative experience, and it directly acknowledges the existence of a Supreme Being (Isvara).

Herein lies one of the problems with Yoga and Christianity -- the recognition of a Supreme Being that is not the God of Christians -- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

The god of Sri Patanjali Maharshi, the exponent of the Raja Yoga system of philosophy who systematized the Yoga school -- is not the Christian God. Rather, it is a particular soul unaffected by afflictions, works, fruition and vehicles. In this, god is the highest limit of the seed of omniscience. He, being unconditioned by time, is the Teacher of even the ancients. He is ever free.

The sacred syllable "Om" is the symbol of God. Repetition of "Om" and meditation on "Om," removes all obstacles and leads to the attainment of "God-realization."

The problem with all of this is that, if you are in a public school which is not supposed to favor any established religion, the practice of Yoga is associated with a particular religion - Hinduism - and as such, it stands in conflict with Christianity, as well as the right of a Christian to opt out of such things on religious grounds. Orthodox Christianity has a number of forms of meditation, all of which have a very different focus and goal than the focus and goal of Yoga. I have no doubt that, if you asked your teacher if he or she would teach about Christian meditation, he or she would refuse, on the grounds that it would favor Christianity. Yet teaching Yoga, especially with the repetition of the mantra "Om," is a religious, and not purely physical, activity. While in public schools it is often said that Yoga is taught simply as a means of relaxing or relieving stress, it is nevertheless a religious practice that stands in conflict with Christian teaching and practice. As such, if you as an Orthodox Christian do not feel that you can participate in it due to your religious beliefs, then the school cannot force you to do so, and cannot discriminate against you for not participating -- even if they claim that it is purely a physical exercise.

Answer courtesy of Fr. John Matusiak - this and other insightful Q&A's can be found on the OCA website.

Have a question about the Orthodox Christian Church?

Send it to yomail@oca.org and we will post the answer in an upcoming issue.

Word Find:

Circle 16 books of the Bible as they appear in the paragraph below. Watch out - this could be tricky!

I once made a remark about the hidden books of the Bible. It was a lulu: kept people looking so hard for facts and for others it was a revelation. Some were in a jam, especially since the names of the books were not capitalized. But the truth finally struck home to numbers of readers. To others, it was a real job. We want it to be a most fascinating few moments for you. Yes, there will be some really easy ones to spot. Others will require judges to help them. I will quickly admit it usually takes a minister to find one of them, and there are loud lamentations when it is found. A little lady says she brews a cup of tea, so she can concentrate better. See how well you can compete. Relax now, for there really are sixteen names of the books of the Bible in the story.

Look for the results in May's issue of YO-Mail!

Readers Write:

Here is your chance! We know you have great stories to tell, and honest opinions to share. We know amazing things have happened to you and you were just wondering, "Now, HOW can I share this with others?" Well, the section IS entitled "Readers Write," so what better venue than right here?

You're a reader, so…. You know the next step. Send us something you've written and would like to see in a future issue of YO-Mail. Commentary on YO-Mail is welcome, as is anything that is pertinent to our lives as Christians. Send it in to yomail@oca.org and we will put it here.

Did You Know? The shortest verse in the Bible is John 11:35: "Jesus wept."