Concerning Almsgiving, Fasting and Prayer
- Today starts the time of Lent when we in a special way focus on our interior life,
- Our life which is connected to God, and see how we need to order it
- And Give God the First place
- The Gospel reading focuses on Jesus’ instructions on how to connect with God
- He says connecting to God is a private affair
- And we need to chase him with all our Heart, Mind and Soul (Great Shema).
- A Relationship with God means we need to trust him
- In order to be walking with Him
- To this effect, we need to cut the cord of our dependence on money and wealth
- And share it with others
- So that we lean on God to provide not only for us
- But also in and through us, to all who need it, around us
- Fasting means to say
- God Food is not what sustains me
- But you do
- Just as you provide for the Israelites in the Desert
- I know you will provide for me
- And those who are depended on me for their sustenance
- I am going to Chase you with all my heart, will and strength
- You are the First Order of things in my life
- I may falter
- But I will not let go of you
- Till you bless me
- See I refrain from food
- That is how much I desire you in my life
- Because you are more important than even food
- Pray is actually Talking to God
- Talking to him means connecting with Him.
- Developing a relationship with Him.
- Giving him the most intimate part of You
- By sharing with him all your thoughts, ideas, fears, hopes everything
- Making place for him in the most secret and intimate place in you.
- Your heart.
- This is what God desires us to grow into
- His Children
- Start practicing these in a small way
- And let Him reveal to you the Blessings this brings in your life.
