Sin is not merely making evil choices, but in fact the result of an inability to make rightful — or righteous — choices. It is the state of captivity to compulsions or passions, where one is quite literally passive and not subjective, controlled and not creative, fallen and not free. It is subservience to the force of hardened habit. In contemporary language, it is called addiction. If I drink or eat whenever I like or whatever I want, I do... Read more

Together with prayer, fasting is a critical form of ascetic discipline in the spiritual life. Physical practices of abstinence assist in breaking forceful habits that accrue within and harden the heart over years and even over generations. However, like the phenomenon of monasticism … the aim of fasting is not to denigrate or destroy the body, which is always respected as “a temple of God” (1 Cor. 3:16). Rather, it is to refine the whole person, to render the faculties... Read more

Just as a reminder [in other words, there’s no need to stone the messenger in the ComBox (hence, the cartoon at left)], here’s “The Rules of Fasting” — beginning with the first day of the Fast, Clean Monday — from The Lenten Triodion, translated by Mother Mary and Bishop Kallistos (Ware).On weekdays (Monday to Friday inclusive) during the seven weeks of Lent, there are restrictions both on the number of meals taken daily and on the types of food permitted;... Read more

Back in high school, my football coach required all the players who were not also on the baseball team to run track in the off season. (Then there was that one year that we had a competing volley ball team, but that was a different time. I won’t tell you what the ol’ coach thought of boys playin’ volley ball.) Of course, his goal was to keep us in good shape. So, spring time was track time. Now, look at... Read more

Mild mannered Mere-Media mogul, Jim Kushiner gushes about the Vatican’s statement on valid baptism …There are plenty of churches we’ve all heard about where [for baptism the words] “cheater, strainer and beamer” are used, or something like that, by clergy-impersonators, or something like that. One of those culprits splashing water would object if he called himself The Reverend Johnson but someone else called him the relevant john. Whatever. Just use a liquid, three times, and three nouns, and it’s close... Read more

If thou dost fast from food, my soul, yet dost not cleanse thyself from passions, thou dost rejoice in vain over thine abstinence. For if thy purpose is not turned towards amendment of life, as a liar thou art hateful in God’s sight, and thou dost resemble the evil demons who never eat at all. Do not by sinning make the fast worthless, but firmly resist all wicked impulses. Picture to thyself that thou art standing beside the crucified Savior... Read more

I’ve moved this back to the top of the page because, now that we’re fasting, it just didn’t seem right to feature Rod Dreher, carnivore, anymore. :)In his new book Defeating Sin Fr Joseph Huneycutt has provided us with a clear and, above all, practical framework for personal spiritual growth. It will undoubtedly become a favorite title for individual Lenten reading, although Church School teachers and youth leaders will also find Defeating Sin to include valuable material that can readily... Read more

This week’s Orthodixie Podcast invited “fasting songs” … The following, sung to the tune of Terry Jacks’ maudlin pop classic “Seasons in the Sun,” is stolen (with gratitude) from Rod Dreher’s blog: Goodbye bacon, my trusted friend/ I’ve loved having you in my kitchen/ Together we’ve drawn out your grease/ To season my black-eyed peas./ You’re so good with eggs and cheese. Goodbye pork ribs, it’s hard to dieTo yourself; I’ll really miss pot pieAnd steaks seared on the grill.Chicken... Read more

By request, here’s some links from past posts to help in stocking up and preparing meals during the Great Fast. You can also enter “Lent” or “fasting” in the upper left corner SEARCH box for other articles, recipes and resources. (Then there’s this.)Lenten Pantry & Breakfasts Lenten Appetizers Lenten Soups Lenten Sandwiches Also by request, the lyrics to the Beverly Hillbillies Fasting Song … Come and listen to a story about a man well fedA poor Convert, joined the church... Read more

Ladies & Gentlemen, prepare yourself, it’s almost that time; time to cue your favorite theme song for the upcoming Lenten Fast! Perhaps the theme song from Star Wars? Or maybe we could sing a fasting song, during this election year, to the tune of “Hail to the Chief?” Then again, there’s always the Beverly Hillbillies …The Orthodixie Podcast on Ancient Faith Radio.Image Source Read more