Tuesday, February 17, 2015
Peeling the Onion of Lent
Grace and Peace,
Tomorrow many Christians begin their lenten journey by observing "Ash Wednesday." Although this is a Western tradition, the Mar Thoma Orthodox Church has always participated in this deeply transformational practice. I'd like to share a few of our experiences with you, and to invite those who have been travelers with us along the way.
We cannot even begin to discuss Lent in the MTOC without first mentioning our beloved Archbishop, the late Veron Ashe (Mar Enoch). Through his intense charisma and desire to share the ancient faith, Mar Enoch led his flock by both study and experience. He desired that everyone in the church UNDERSTAND what they are doing historically, theologically, and praxis. He had a unique ability to tie it all together as he re-appropriated the powerful traditions many of us grew up without. In addition to Ash Wednesday and fasting, Mar Enoch encouraged everyone to take a spiritual pilgrimage during Lent. For those of us in California, this usually meant a trip to San Francisco where we would walk the labyrinth at Grace Episcopal Cathedral. After this we would visit the Russian Orthodox Cathedral in the Richmond District. I will let others describe the powerful experiences we had there. Those experiences were integrated into our worship back home which reached its climax during Holy Week.
Many of us would never have seen ourselves participating in such things before encountering Mar Enoch and the ancient faith. Isn't this all religious mumbo jumbo? We quickly learned that there were many things to unlearn.
One of the great voices of Christian Orthodoxy is Bishop Kallistos Ware (Timothy Ware). In his book "The Orthodox Way", he describes the encounter of a great traveling monk with an old frail sister who was a recluse.
“One of the best known of the Desert Fathers of fourth-century Egypt, St Sarapion the Sindonite, travelled once on a pilgrimage to Rome. Here he was told of a celebrated recluse, a woman who lived always in one small room, never going out. Skeptical about her way of life – for he was a great wanderer – Sarapion called on her and asked: ‘Why are you sitting here?’ To this she replied: I am not sitting, I am on a journey’.
Consider this story as we approach lent. Perhaps it isn't about all of the external things that we do and observe. Rather, the true meaning behind the entire drama is really played out in the stillness (or lack thereof) within ourselves. We journey through lend AS A COMMUNITY, but this practice also leads to an exploration of our INNER WORLDS.
We encourage you to join with us, and Christians worldwide, in this opportunity for personal and communal transformation. As I write this post, Ash Wednesday is only a few hours away. Consider attending a Catholic, Episcopalian, or any other Church that observes Lent tomorrow morning. It might feel funny if it is your first time wearing ashes on your forehead all day. But, hey, it is also an experience!
For those who are more familiar with Lent, we are going to share some other resources to reinvigorate you on the journey. So welcome to Lent 2015! Let's all meet up back here and share our stories together.
Blessings of light and life,
Archbishop Avi Mar Abraham
Saturday, January 3, 2015
Digital Dusting
It is amazing how much digital footprint we leave behind. I recently rediscovered this blog which has been dormant for several years. It seems that Facebook had replaced blogging for me. As much as I enjoy Facebook, I'm considering returning to the blog for the majority of my personal reflections. It simply feels different, more personal and introspective. This is not to say that I'll refrain from posting on other social media, rather I would simply like to return to this simpler medium.
In fact, I barely started this blog before ditching the effort, as evidenced by the 2 or 3 followers I have!
Blessings of light and life,
+ Avi Mar Abraham
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Advent 3: Abiding in the Inner Kingdom
We ask you to listen to our prayers, O Lord,
and by the grace of your coming, enlighten our darkened minds:
O Key of David, Jesus Christ,
the gates of heaven open at your command,
come and show us the way to salvation.
In this third week of Advent, I have decided to depart from the traditional explanations and anecdotes about the meaning of each candle, etc. There are abundant resources for this on the web, and I am sure that your church will also have plenty to say on the subject as well.
Our last post discussed the topic of ritual vs. revelation. In Orthodoxy, there is no such dichotomy between symbolic action (liturgy) and spiritual awakening. Rather, the celebration of annual feasts summon us to return to our soul's awakening in Christ. This process is initiated by our willingness to open our hearts to the deeper dimensions of our symbols (mysteries). However, we must also realize that our efforts alone cannot accomplish spiritual awakening. We must always keep before us the understanding that it is by grace that we are led to the deeper paths of liberation. The veil of darkness is lifted as Christ reveals the divinity within each of us.
This weeks advent prayer calls Jesus “the key” to the gates of heaven. And what is heaven? It is the abode of peace and our union with the source of all. This is the concept of theosis in the eastern churches. But we must not be fooled into searching for heaven somewhere outside of our selves. Yeshu teaches us that “the kingdom of heaven is within you”, (Luke 17:21).
The Kingdom of Heaven is within you. We may be familiar with this saying, but how often do we truly live out its true meaning? How often do we look outward for validation of our spiritual identity? There are many external distractions that can take our attention away from the inner kingdom.
Some of us look to religious leaders for spiritual validation. As innocent as this might seem, it is a form of external validation and it can actually be dangerous to our souls. Only the eternal Spirit can bear witness with our own concerning our spiritual direction. Although there may be others that may help guide us on the path, we must ultimately be sovereign in the choices we make. This cannot happen if all of our spiritual decisions are determined by our religious leaders.
Christ ordains leaders to guide, not to dictate. In Christian faith there is only one true shepherd: Jesus Christ who declares that his sheep will always know His voice. Jesus, speaking of the true shepherd says, “the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice." Jesus is certainly is reminding us that the voice of truth can only be validated from within. A guide may help point us towards Jesus, but we must be careful not to confuse the voice of the messenger with the voice of the true shepherd.
True spiritual guides provide direction and gracefully move out of the way so that the sheep can follow their true source of salvation. As sheep, our validation comes from within from the voice of our shepherd. As we reflect on Christ during Advent, we can be confident that His voice will always resonate within the shrine of our hearts. Therefore, we can trust His voice always, and live without fear on the journey.
Another way we may look for external validation is in our holiday traditions. These too can be obstacles to the inner kingdom if we are not engaging the symbols with spiritual intent. It is difficult, especially during this time of year, to keep our spiritual focus. While we may laugh at depictions of our frenzied holiday practices in films and television shows, it is known that many people suffer from the holiday blues in spite of the festivities. Instead of comfort and joy, we can become overwhelmed with a variety of maladies. We are supposed to be human “beings”, but during this time of year, we often we become human “doings.”
Despite all of the things that may wear away at us during the holidays, it is the strength of our traditions that can point us back to our true purpose: reconnecting with ourselves as human “beings” once again. With the passing of each year, our traditions can serve as reminders to evaluate our growth and to continue seeking the knowledge of our true selves. Each holiday season is ultimately a time of renewed spiritual focus and reconnection with the source of our inner being.
As we find ourselves connecting with the deeper layers of our spirituality, we are able to piece together the many aspects of ourselves that contribute to the whole person. Although shopping, eating, gathering, giving, receiving and attending holiday services may be a significant part of the joy in celebrating the holidays, there is a much deeper component to the season. The holiday season is an opportunity to develop a deeper awareness of your inner life.
Researchers have found that spiritual well-being and physical well-being are related to physical and emotional health. Maintaining a spiritual focus can not only help to transcend the inevitable stresses of this busy season, but can also be a solid starting point from which to move forward into the new year. Do not forget: The kingdom of heaven is within you. Listen to the voice of Christ, as He will always lead you into a deeper revelation of all things.
Wishing you a more profound experience of the elements of the season: love, compassion, joy, and peace – and this year, try giving yourself the gift of “being”. This is a gift that you can share with everyone you encounter all year long.
and by the grace of your coming, enlighten our darkened minds:
O Key of David, Jesus Christ,
the gates of heaven open at your command,
come and show us the way to salvation.
In this third week of Advent, I have decided to depart from the traditional explanations and anecdotes about the meaning of each candle, etc. There are abundant resources for this on the web, and I am sure that your church will also have plenty to say on the subject as well.
Our last post discussed the topic of ritual vs. revelation. In Orthodoxy, there is no such dichotomy between symbolic action (liturgy) and spiritual awakening. Rather, the celebration of annual feasts summon us to return to our soul's awakening in Christ. This process is initiated by our willingness to open our hearts to the deeper dimensions of our symbols (mysteries). However, we must also realize that our efforts alone cannot accomplish spiritual awakening. We must always keep before us the understanding that it is by grace that we are led to the deeper paths of liberation. The veil of darkness is lifted as Christ reveals the divinity within each of us.
This weeks advent prayer calls Jesus “the key” to the gates of heaven. And what is heaven? It is the abode of peace and our union with the source of all. This is the concept of theosis in the eastern churches. But we must not be fooled into searching for heaven somewhere outside of our selves. Yeshu teaches us that “the kingdom of heaven is within you”, (Luke 17:21).
The Kingdom of Heaven is within you. We may be familiar with this saying, but how often do we truly live out its true meaning? How often do we look outward for validation of our spiritual identity? There are many external distractions that can take our attention away from the inner kingdom.
Some of us look to religious leaders for spiritual validation. As innocent as this might seem, it is a form of external validation and it can actually be dangerous to our souls. Only the eternal Spirit can bear witness with our own concerning our spiritual direction. Although there may be others that may help guide us on the path, we must ultimately be sovereign in the choices we make. This cannot happen if all of our spiritual decisions are determined by our religious leaders.
Christ ordains leaders to guide, not to dictate. In Christian faith there is only one true shepherd: Jesus Christ who declares that his sheep will always know His voice. Jesus, speaking of the true shepherd says, “the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice." Jesus is certainly is reminding us that the voice of truth can only be validated from within. A guide may help point us towards Jesus, but we must be careful not to confuse the voice of the messenger with the voice of the true shepherd.
True spiritual guides provide direction and gracefully move out of the way so that the sheep can follow their true source of salvation. As sheep, our validation comes from within from the voice of our shepherd. As we reflect on Christ during Advent, we can be confident that His voice will always resonate within the shrine of our hearts. Therefore, we can trust His voice always, and live without fear on the journey.
Another way we may look for external validation is in our holiday traditions. These too can be obstacles to the inner kingdom if we are not engaging the symbols with spiritual intent. It is difficult, especially during this time of year, to keep our spiritual focus. While we may laugh at depictions of our frenzied holiday practices in films and television shows, it is known that many people suffer from the holiday blues in spite of the festivities. Instead of comfort and joy, we can become overwhelmed with a variety of maladies. We are supposed to be human “beings”, but during this time of year, we often we become human “doings.”
Despite all of the things that may wear away at us during the holidays, it is the strength of our traditions that can point us back to our true purpose: reconnecting with ourselves as human “beings” once again. With the passing of each year, our traditions can serve as reminders to evaluate our growth and to continue seeking the knowledge of our true selves. Each holiday season is ultimately a time of renewed spiritual focus and reconnection with the source of our inner being.
As we find ourselves connecting with the deeper layers of our spirituality, we are able to piece together the many aspects of ourselves that contribute to the whole person. Although shopping, eating, gathering, giving, receiving and attending holiday services may be a significant part of the joy in celebrating the holidays, there is a much deeper component to the season. The holiday season is an opportunity to develop a deeper awareness of your inner life.
Researchers have found that spiritual well-being and physical well-being are related to physical and emotional health. Maintaining a spiritual focus can not only help to transcend the inevitable stresses of this busy season, but can also be a solid starting point from which to move forward into the new year. Do not forget: The kingdom of heaven is within you. Listen to the voice of Christ, as He will always lead you into a deeper revelation of all things.
Wishing you a more profound experience of the elements of the season: love, compassion, joy, and peace – and this year, try giving yourself the gift of “being”. This is a gift that you can share with everyone you encounter all year long.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Advent: Ritual or Revelation?
O Emmanuel, Jesus Christ,
desire of every nation,
Savior of all peoples,
come and dwell among us.
Today Western Christianity celebrates the first day of Advent. Like all traditions, it is full of symbols that are pregnant with meaning and contemplative focal points. For many Christians, these symbols are observed passively without meditation. This reminds me of the saying of an old pentecostal minister as he was preparing his congregation for Holy Communion. He said, “This can be a ritual, or it can be a revelation.” Ritual OR revelation. I have to admit that I do not subscribe to such a dichotomy between symbolic action (liturgy) and spiritual awakening. However, my pentecostal friend was pointing out that too often our participation in the symbols of faith is superficial. On this point, I couldn't agree more. It can be a ritual or a revelation.
As we enter into the Advent (Christmas) season, let us consider this thought with deep reflection. We often hear the phrase “Jesus is the reason for the season.” This too is a reminder for us to fully engage in the meaning of Christ and his participation in our humanity. I grew up as a Protestant Christian and later became an eastern orthodox catholic. This transition caused me to encounter the symbols of Christianity in a much different way than I had experienced in my childhood. Yet, the revelations I received were not completely foreign. In fact, the deepest sentiments I can remember from my childhood come forth each time I participate in the deeper contemplation of Advent, the Eucharist, Great Lent, etc.
I firmly believe that the true spirit of the Incarnation of Christ is present in all Christian traditions (and even in other religious traditions!). At the same time, I certainly think that the eastern Christian traditions contain the most profound understanding of the meaning of Advent. It is these mysteries of the east that I am so eager to share with my western brothers and sisters. In the coming weeks, I hope to share with you these mystical and contemplative aspects of Advent and the incarnation of Jesus Christ. The first theme of Advent is anticipation.
All spiritual quests begin with a deep desire of the soul for an encounter with the divine ultimate reality. The soul seeking enlightenment or liberation must first be open to encounter the mystery of being. The opening of the soul is accompanied by an anticipation of fulfillment. The reward of this openness is the flow of unseen but substantial evidence that God IS. It would be beneficial for many of us to return to this point. By this I mean, those of us who simply reside in the belief in God, but do not deeply return to this beginning point in our soul's journey. On this first day of Advent, let us return to the source of our soul's awakening. Let the anticipation of a deeper encounter ignite our spirits to throw open the gates of our hearts, which is the shrine of God's presence. In this way, we invite Christ to be born in us anew.
+ Blessings to all who embark on this journey. I pray for each of us, that the light of God descend upon our hearts and minds throughout this season of rediscovering Christ IN you, the hope of glory.
+ Bishop Avi Mar Abraham
desire of every nation,
Savior of all peoples,
come and dwell among us.
Today Western Christianity celebrates the first day of Advent. Like all traditions, it is full of symbols that are pregnant with meaning and contemplative focal points. For many Christians, these symbols are observed passively without meditation. This reminds me of the saying of an old pentecostal minister as he was preparing his congregation for Holy Communion. He said, “This can be a ritual, or it can be a revelation.” Ritual OR revelation. I have to admit that I do not subscribe to such a dichotomy between symbolic action (liturgy) and spiritual awakening. However, my pentecostal friend was pointing out that too often our participation in the symbols of faith is superficial. On this point, I couldn't agree more. It can be a ritual or a revelation.
As we enter into the Advent (Christmas) season, let us consider this thought with deep reflection. We often hear the phrase “Jesus is the reason for the season.” This too is a reminder for us to fully engage in the meaning of Christ and his participation in our humanity. I grew up as a Protestant Christian and later became an eastern orthodox catholic. This transition caused me to encounter the symbols of Christianity in a much different way than I had experienced in my childhood. Yet, the revelations I received were not completely foreign. In fact, the deepest sentiments I can remember from my childhood come forth each time I participate in the deeper contemplation of Advent, the Eucharist, Great Lent, etc.
I firmly believe that the true spirit of the Incarnation of Christ is present in all Christian traditions (and even in other religious traditions!). At the same time, I certainly think that the eastern Christian traditions contain the most profound understanding of the meaning of Advent. It is these mysteries of the east that I am so eager to share with my western brothers and sisters. In the coming weeks, I hope to share with you these mystical and contemplative aspects of Advent and the incarnation of Jesus Christ. The first theme of Advent is anticipation.
All spiritual quests begin with a deep desire of the soul for an encounter with the divine ultimate reality. The soul seeking enlightenment or liberation must first be open to encounter the mystery of being. The opening of the soul is accompanied by an anticipation of fulfillment. The reward of this openness is the flow of unseen but substantial evidence that God IS. It would be beneficial for many of us to return to this point. By this I mean, those of us who simply reside in the belief in God, but do not deeply return to this beginning point in our soul's journey. On this first day of Advent, let us return to the source of our soul's awakening. Let the anticipation of a deeper encounter ignite our spirits to throw open the gates of our hearts, which is the shrine of God's presence. In this way, we invite Christ to be born in us anew.
+ Blessings to all who embark on this journey. I pray for each of us, that the light of God descend upon our hearts and minds throughout this season of rediscovering Christ IN you, the hope of glory.
+ Bishop Avi Mar Abraham
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
The real you...
For those who struggle to find the meaning behind it all...and for those who celebrate the unknowing...WELCOME. We are not sitting...we are on a journey.
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