“Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption; but he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we do not lose heart. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” (Gal 6:7-10).

“Do not be deceived; God is not mocked,” (Gal. 6:7) St. Paul the Apostle writes this to the few churches he established in the Roman province of Galatia in Asia Minor. If this refers to a specific problem occurring in that area or if he writes this in a more general point of view, the meaning is worthy of thought, even now.

God is everywhere. He is omnipresent. “Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the morning, And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, Even there Your hand shall lead me and Your right hand shall hold me. (Ps. 139:7-10)

There is no place in the world where God is not present. No one can hide from Him anywhere. Man can learn many things, know a great deal, but no man can know everything. Only God alone knows everything, what was, what is, and what will be. He knows each of us, and not only what we do and say, but also what we think and feel and what we want. He is omniscient (knowing all things). It is essential for us to think twice before we disparage our pastor’s messages of religious piety, or to joke about the eventual existence of our soul. None of us will be able to avoid the ultimate situation of our soul.

If we realize that God is everywhere and knows the hearts of all men, we need to think about what St. Paul is referring to and what it may mean in our own existence. He continues and writes further: “for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption; but he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.” If our lives are filled with worldly passions and desires, we sow to our own flesh and we will have nothing more to expect than the reward of that lifetime, that brings ruin and misery at the end of it. But, if we strive to live a life of devotion to God and of service to others, we sow to the Spirit and that the reward of that lifetime will be eternal happiness at the end of it.

St. Paul ends this passage with “ And let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we do not lose heart. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” God is not mocked and those who go and mock God or His Priests, Pastors and worshipers deceive themselves. Paul tells us not to grow weary in sowing good seeds because in “due season” we shall reap what we sow. A dire warning for all of us! God sees and knows who and what we are and He will deal with us according to our practices.

Also, the Church New Year is on September 1. Prayer for the Church New Year: ““We give thanks to You in all circumstances and for all things. Grant that this liturgical year be for all of us a year of grace. Make us worthy with purity of heart always to praise you. Lord, glory to You! "

Happy Birthday to all those celebrating their birthday in September: Betty Czech, September 1; Fr. Maryan Chaykivsky, September 19; Irina Chaykivsky on September 24; Jennifer Bzik, September 28; and Janice Pecoraro and Joanne Bzik, both on September 30.

Remember your donations to our food pantry. All your donations are truly appreciated to all those who need help. May God bless you all for your help.