St. John’s message for November concerns the passage in the Bible: 2 Corinthians 9:6-11. “But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. As it is written: “He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever. Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God.”
The passage refers to giving or sowing. This passage could be entitled “The Cheerful Giving,” but we want you to think about giving in the broadest terms possible, not limited to just money….what are some things we can sow? What about our time and attention? If relationships (with God and our neighbor) give life meaning, then what relationship flourishes without our investment of time and attention? If we are not willing to be present with others and really listen to them, do we really have a relationship with them?
Verse six says that the way you sow, the way you reap. Do you sow your time, attention, and yes, money, sparingly or bountifully? That is, are you miserly or generous with these things when it comes to others. Verse eight says that God will provide you with enough for every good work. He gives us just enough so that we depend on him in faith and avoid becoming overconfident in ourselves.
Lastly, verse eleven says that you will be enriched in every way for your great generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God. It is all God’s anyway, not ours; we are caretakers, not owners, of the life we have and all its resources be they good looks, a strong mind, or a beautiful voice. We are not to hoard our blessings for ourselves or use them only to our advantage, but to offer them up for the blessing of God, neighbor, and indeed all of creation.
I hope and pray that you come to Church every Sunday to give thanks to God for all the blessings that He abundantly bestowes upon you. I encourage you to invite other members of your family, your friends, to come together in worship for each service that we offer. I want you and your families to experience God’s love in our midst. As we all will be observing Thanksgiving Day this month, thank Him for all that you have, and become a participant and an active steward of your Church, of God’s Church.
The above is an excerpt of Father Igor’s message for November 2018.
Not much in this world is more important then our visit to thank God for all His blessings. Keep Sunday for Him. He gives you so much all week.