Dear all.
Gospel reading
- Yesterday’s gospel reading of the Gadarene demoniac (Luke 8:26 – 39) brings to the fore, once again, the ever present danger of each and every one of us of falling victim to the wiles of the devil and his ministering angels of evil. No one is immune. Even Christ was tempted. Even when defeated, it is said in the gospel of Luke: “and when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time.” (4:13)
- if the devil bided his time to do evil to Christ, whom he knew he could not defeat, then how much more will he ensnare us through our passions? We are no match for the temptations that beset us where ever we may be or whatever we may be doing. If we were to honestly examine our thoughts that tumble through our mind constantly we would see just what prisoners we are of the devil.
- So, how did the devil do evil to Christ? Why, he used a man, Judas Iscariot. We are told in the gospel of John that Jesus gave to Judas a dipped morsel as an identifier of evil. “Then after the morsel, Satan entered into him. [Judas]” (13:27). Thus we come to the crux of the matter. The devil, as a created being, has no hope of confronting the Creator, our Lord. However, the devil as ruler of this world uses man to do evil wherever and to whomever he can.
- You see, God made man in his image and likeness. He made man: “a little less than God and crowning him with glory and honour.” (Psalm 8:5). In order to honour man, humankind was given free will. Free will is our greatest gift and biggest bane. It allows us to cleave to God and reject the devil or to embrace the devil and deny God. True, the devil uses every trick in the book but ultimately it is us: you and me – that makes their choice as to whom to follow.
Around our church
- The program for this week is as follows: Tuesday 6:45 PM adult Bible study continues (chapter 2 of Luke); Wednesday morning divine liturgy of the apostle James from 7:30 AM; Saturday the feast day of St Demetrius from 7:30 AM. We will be having Father Themi with us to co-liturgise. He will also speak to us after liturgy.
- We have a partnership with Illawarra primary School who operates a breakfast club each Thursday for the school children. We need some volunteers to assist each Thursday with the breakfast club. We have also had a special request to assist with the provision of Milo and strawberry jam for the children’s breakfast. Please bring your donation to the church.
- We have are looking for people to take responsibility for our flower roster. Please put your name on the roster at the candle stand (pangari)
- We are approaching the feast day of our church. Will be having a cake stall on 9 November (Saturday). The church of St Nektarios will be most grateful if you would be able to make something savoury/sweet for this cake stall. All contributions greatly appreciated and valued.
- On Sunday, 11 November we are having our luncheon for St Nektarios. Now that we will be building our hall we need all the financial assistance and support that we can get. So, please come along
- Last Saturday, we held our busy bee. Many, many thanks to the volunteers that assisted.
Thought of the week
The devil does not seek to take over your possessions. He seeks to take possession of you. Once he ensnares you then all you have is his to will you to do as he bids you. So, as the great Paul says: “put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we are not contending against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against a spiritual host of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:11 – 12)
Till next time.
In Christ.
Father John Athanasiou 0411 061 554
