At the Doors of Holy Lent

Our Holy Fathers awaited Great Lent with enthusiasm, saying that if we go through this period with fasting and repentance, it is as if we give a tithe for our life. The Israelites of Old dedicated one tenth of their harvest to God. Christians dedicate one tenth of their transitory life to a more intense struggle to draw night to God; and, when this offering is made with humility, the Lord receives it as an acceptable sacrifice. He then blesses not only the remainder of this earthly life, but furthermore, He preserves these days in eternity.

CONTENTS

Introductory note

PREPARING FOR THE TRIODION
‘Behold, O Lord, I come before Thee’

The Sunday of the Ten Lepers
Multiplying the Gifts of God through Thanksgiving

The Sunday of the Blind Man of Jericho
Thirst for the True Light

The Sunday of Zacchaeus
Bearing Shame for Our Sin as Thanksgiving to God

The Sunday of the Talents
Honouring the Gifts of God

The Sunday of the Canaanite Woman
The Merciful Chastening of Christ

THE ANTECHAMBER OF HOLY LENT
Utterly humbled by our spiritual poverty, we come to ourselves in order to ascend to God

The Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee
The Genuine Power and Truth of Humility

The Sunday of the Prodigal Son
The Ineffable Goodness of the Father
Return to the House of the Father
The Theology of the Body

The Sunday of the Last Judgment
The Judgment of Love
The Surprise of Joy and the Dismay of Just Recompense

The Sunday of Forgiveness
The Freedom of Forgiveness
The Enlargement of Forgiveness

CONSTANT PRINCIPLES FOR OUR SPIRITUAL WARFARE
‘Fervent in spirit, serving the Lord, rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing instant in prayer’ (Rom. 12:11-12)

From the Reproachable Passions to the Godly Passion of Divine Love
‘And the Violent Take It by Force’
Knowing Christ and Him Crucified
‘I Was Dead and, Behold, I Am Alive for Evermore’
The Prayer of Saint Ephraim

Biblical Index