Die Schreiben von Schreiber

 Death is painful for those who remain after the loss of a loved one. But death is a gift. If we did not die, we would live forever in corruption and brokenness, alienated from God. He used to walk in the garden with Adam and Eve, but after their fall, there was separation. To end that separation and enter upon the way to everlasting live in union with God, we must die, or the separation would be eternal. There is no other school like that of death. Nothing else teaches us, over and over, the importance of love, forgiveness, relationship with each other, and most importantly, with God Himself. Nothing prepares the soil of the heart as when the plow of death carves its furrows. Death says "I will not accept your wealth or your goods. Material is useless." So we must learn that money and property must be put in their proper place, far lower in importance than God and our neighbor. Death says "I can not wait until tomorrow or another day. There is no other time. There is no...

  We've just come through Great and Holy Lent and have celebrated Pascha, the resurrection of our Lord, God, and Savior, Jesus Christ from the dead.  It is common among Orthodox Christians to add to their reading list during the fast as part of the increased spiritual training in which we endeavor to engage and through which we hope to grow in fervent love for God and our Neighbor. It is a good thing. But...(You knew that was coming) Like so many other things, we must use balance and sobriety when we embark on such a task, and we must have our priorities in order. So what should I read? "Spiritual reading" is ok, but what you absolutely cannot do without is the Scriptures and the prayers. So if you're looking for something to read, read the Gospels and the Psalms. Then add Proverbs. Then add the Epistles, then the Prophets. Read the Gospel every day. We pray "Blessed art Thou, O Lord, teach me," "give me understanding," and "enlighten me with ...