And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. Mt. (6:13) Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ in the Lord’s Prayer we read, “and lead us not into temptation” we ask God to protect us against all temptations which come to us from evil persons, from the infirmities of our body and especially from the evil spirit (devil). Our Lord God does not tempt anyone. When God allows temptation-trial to come upon us, then it is to test our Faith and pious living. Therefore, we ask Him to help us overcome the temptation and avoid sin. “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Mt.26.41)

“Some people are more prone to temptation than others, but it is possible for everyone to practice and succeed in using willpower to resist temptations”

Recognize temptation.

Did anyone ever ask you to do something that was wrong? Or did he say that it would be fun and that it would be not really wrong to do it. When someone does this to us, he is trying to temp us. What will you do if you are tempted? Should we give in and do what is wrong?

Be honest. If you’re refusing something or someone that’s tempting you, don’t feel guilty or like you need to lie. Be honest about why you’re refusing something. No matter what others say, we should never do things that God says are wrong. In that way, we will always make God happy, and we will never please the Devil.

Keep away from temptation. Make it easier to deal with temptation by getting away from what tempts you. For instance, if you’re trying to quit smoking, avoid places that you frequently smoked. You may even want to avoid people that you usually smoked with.

More information about how to resist temptation to do wrong can be found at Psalm 1:1, 2; Proverbs 1:10, 11; and Timothy 2:22.

Dear Parishioners and Friends, whether we like it or not (most of us not), a mirror does not lie. It always shows us exactly as we are, flaws and all. A mirror merely reflects our real and true self. The Book of Genesis tell us that we have been made “in the image and likeness of God.” In like manner, those who profess to be Orthodox Christians are said to be “mirror images” of our Lord. In other words, those around us should be able to look at us and see the reflection of Christ. All of our thoughts, words, deeds and feelings should be consistent with His actions. To put it simply, Christ must be constantly visible in us.

It is important to note that this does not happen without effort on our part. To reach the point where we can confidently say that we are “Christ’s reflection “requires a great deal of attention. Only through prayer, fasting, reading the Scriptures and Living the Gospel can this be accomplished, we cannot be Christ -like if He does not dwell in our heart!

We should allow God to mold and shape us into what He wants us to be. We are the masterpiece of His creation – “diamonds in the rough” – waiting to be refined and polished by our Creator.

As the beginning of the new Ecclesiastical Church Year started recently on Tuesday, September 14^th we should all strive to become Orthodox Christians who will truly reflect, with glory, the image of God that lies deep within all of us.

God Bless You All and I hope to

see you in church on Sunday.

Fr. Roman