76th Visit~ Fr. Gary gives Kudos where Kudos are due!

The Church of Grace and Peace where many gathered to help!

Hurricane Sandy has disrupted a lot of people's lives Mine, however, I can say, thankfully wasn't really disrupted at all. We just lost electricity at our house for five hours.But, others have lost their homes and all their possessions. But people want to help, including the people of this parish.

On my 76th time in an Orthodox Church, Fr Gary used the time of his homily to talk about just how the people of our parish did help the victims of Hurricane Sandy.  Saturday morning, people gathered at a large Protestant Church called the Church of Grace and Peace which has become a central place for people to gather to help those in need.  I had wanted to gather to help, too, but a friend of mine needed help loading a truck since they were moving.  But there will be other opportunities for me to help, because there is still a lot that needs to be done. Fr. Gary remarked how great it was that people just wanted to help.

Also, in Fr Gary's homily, he reflected on the name of the protestant church where everyone was meeting to help.  Grace and Peace are two things we need to remember. It is true, he said, that you won't find an Orthodox Church named after that since we either name our Churches after a Saint or a Feast of the Church but, never the less, it is good to remember that Grace is the Energies of God and, really, His Presence to us. And Peace was something that Christ gives His people.

Not surprisingly what Fr Gary said was really something I needed to hear. Although I have not really been impacted by Hurricane Sandy, there are other things going on in my life right now that are a bit unsettling.  The major unsettling thing is not knowing if the bankrupt company I work for, is going to survive. So I have been a little anxious lately.  But even before Fr Gary gave his homily, I was experiencing the Peace of Christ as we all worshiped together. I guess one of the best things about Liturgy is that it takes the focus off of yourself and on to Christ and when you are focused on Him, things seem to be in the proper perspective.

I am grateful for the Presence of Christ in my life. As I turn to Him, may I become more like Him and may, He, in His Mercy, continue to lead.