The Favor of God

The Favor of God

The word “favor” is commonly used in our English language. It could mean that a person bestows a certain degree of kindness on someone. Further, it denotes that a person shows preference, or a level of favoritism toward someone. Favor is commonly used as a noun or verb. For example, as a noun, we say that, “Someone has the favor of God on them.” As a verb, we say that, “Someone is favoring a person over another.” In the Bible the word is normally used as a noun. For instance in the Gospel Reading today we hear about how the Angel Gabriel visited St. Mary to announce to her that she will be with child through the power of the Holy Spirit. During that visitation the Angel said to St. Mary that, “she has found favor with God.” (St. Luke 1:30) Here, the Angel is using the word as a noun. In the Greek the word “charis” is closely connected to favor. It could also mean grace or kindness.

Dealing With Negative Thoughts

Dealing With Negative Thoughts

In the Gospel Reading today, which many of us are familiar with, the Angel Gabriel is charged with announcing the good news to Zachariah, a Priest at the Temple, that his wife, Elizabeth, who has been barren since the time of marriage to her old age, would give birth to a son, who would be called John, the one to prepare the way for Jesus Christ the Messiah.

Sanctification of the Church

Sanctification of the Church

In the Gospel reading today Jesus asks, “Who do men say that I am?” His disciples surrounding him said, “Some say you are Elijah or a prophet.” Jesus then asks, “Who do you say that I am?” The majority of the disciples gave Jesus a blank stare, probably because, honestly speaking, they just didn’t know or they were a bit apprehensive on giving a wrong response. Whatever the case may be, Peter, says, “You are Christ the Son of the living God.” Because of that bold and probably surprising answer, Jesus bestows up Peter the title of rock or in Aramaic, Kepha. Indeed a title of honor. But right after, when Jesus was speaking of his forthcoming death and burial, Peter step up to Jesus and says that he will prevent him from dying. Immediately Jesus says, “Get behind me Satan.” It is interesting how Peter went from Kepha to Satan. Peter here is obviously attempting to convey to Jesus that he will be his protector. He in some way may have wanted to get another title on top of the one he was given. But alas the second title was Satan.

Don’t Use Insults

Don’t Use Insults

We have spoken much in this last year and a half about on how to speak to each other and how to use our words wisely. In the Gospel reading today Christ once again speaks to our consciousness, advising us not to insult our brothers or sisters through the use of our words.

In our day and time, we have a tendency to use words that can be insulting (or could be perceived as an insult). It is our duty as Christians to use our words wisely so that we bring no insult to others. This does not mean that we should not be truthful, or shy away from standing up for what is right. On the contrary, be truthful but stay away from insults. Say what you have to say but say it in a way that does not insult the person’s character or intelligence.