neuroBIBLISTICS

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit!

Reverend Fathers, dear brothers and sisters, last night we slept one hour shorter because of Daylight saving time. In the spring we move the clocks forward, so we are able to experience more daylight. As we long for more light, the Church gives us the Great Lent, the discipline of owing our time. This discipline will help us receive the Light of Lights, the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Today’s readings speak about Great Lent as means of the transfiguration of time into eternity.

The Epistle to Romans teach us how to transform our time into eternity. “The hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. ¹² The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light” (Romans 13:11-12). These words call us to act out three important actions. Firstly, to wake up, for hour for waking up is here. Secondly, to stop doing the works of darkness. Thirdly, to put the armor of light. Putting the armor of light is putting on the Lord Jesus Christ. Only when we accomplish steps one and two, we can be with Christ and “walk properly as in the daytime” (Romans 13:13).

The Gospel reading according to the Holy Apostle and Evangelist Matthew instructs us that true fasting is concerned with eternity. This concern is seen in the forgiveness, in the secret fasting, and the laying up the treasures in heaven. 

We hear that fasting is all about forgiveness: “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:14-15). In short, this is a humble relationship with others that leads to life everlasting.

Evangelist urges us that fasting is not of public regard but relational regard with God Himself: “when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you” (Matthew 6:17-18).

Also, fasting is about spiritual and not material: “lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:20-21).

St. Sava and St. Mardarije were monks who acted out the truth of today’s readings. Their concern was eternity, the eternal and everlasting relationship with God. They understood fasting as means to be eternal, and not as a matter of diet. St. Sava and St. Mardarije re-assure us that the Gospel is life and that to fast is to forgive each other and by doing so, to lay up the treasures which last forever.

Let us set up our spiritual watches ahead: wake up and walk as in the daytime!

Let us forgive each other, fast, and lay up the treasures in heaven!

Let us flee from the darkness and embrace the eternity which is possible because of Christ’s glorious Resurrection, and give thanks to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!