Pastoral Message from the January Beacon
01/01/2020
Dear Parishioners of our Beloved Assumption,
When we approach a new year, it is in our nature to evaluate and reminisce about the year that has passed. We look at our finances—401k’s, bank accounts, earnings and debts; we evaluate our health—weight, clothing size and blood pressure; we look at the great experiences and hope that the next year will be similar and/or our hardships and hope that the new year will be “better.” We plan to earn more, save more and spend less. We try and lose weight and exercise more. But, do we look at our spiritual growth or decline and plan for the upcoming year?
Did we look at our fasting to see if we progressed—are we planning for the upcoming Lent? Do we examine our philanthropy and grow in our offerings to the needy? Are we praying as much as we should? Do we know more about our faith than we did at the beginning of the year, and if we do, is it through our own efforts? For most, the answer is no. It just isn’t something that comes to mind naturally for most.
As your spiritual father, I urge you to ask yourselves these questions. Honestly evaluate where you are and if you’ve grown. Take your answers and plan for this upcoming year. Plan your Great Lent fast; plan your time to learn about the faith through Bible Study and regular on-time Church attendance; plan to come to the services of Great Lent and the 15 Days of August; plan to become closer to God thus growing your spiritual assets and lessening your spiritual debt. Become leaner and more healthy in your spiritual life.
One thing that is virtually always true is that whatever we prioritize, plan for, and put effort into will happen. Let us make our relationship with the Lord the most important priority in our lives!
I remain in His Service,
Rev. Father Jon Boukis
Proistamenos
“Attract, Serve, Illuminate”