PALM SUNDAY OMSK
Palm Sunday today! Yesterday, when I was walking through the fields to Baurcenter to browse paint supplies, I noticed that the pussy willows were out in bloom. These are used on Palm Sunday, as palm trees, of course, do not grow this far north, and this is the only blooming thing at this time of year.The next morning, I took an early bus downtown, and since trolleybus 16 happened to come along, I went to St. Nicholas Church, as an early service starts at 7am. As I was leaving, I noticed some writing by St. John Krondstadt on the wall.Putting candles in front of icons is good. But it is better if you sacrifice to God the fire of love for Him and for your neighbor. It is good if both things happen together. But if you light candles and do not have love for God and your neighbor in your heart—you are stingy, you do not live in peace—then your sacrifice to God is also in vain. - St. John KrondstadtHow true! Outward marks of piety are useless unless combined with reality! I have been to St. Petersburg many times, and I always try to stop in at the monastery holding St. John's relics. His advice is relevant today, of course.
Palm Sunday today! Yesterday, when I was walking through the fields to Baurcenter to browse paint supplies, I noticed that the pussy willows were out in bloom. These are used on Palm Sunday, as palm trees, of course, do not grow this far north, and this is the only blooming thing at this time of year.The next morning, I took an early bus downtown, and since trolleybus 16 happened to come along, I went to St. Nicholas Church, as an early service starts at 7am. As I was leaving, I noticed some writing by St. John Krondstadt on the wall.Putting candles in front of icons is good. But it is better if you sacrifice to God the fire of love for Him and for your neighbor. It is good if both things happen together. But if you light candles and do not have love for God and your neighbor in your heart—you are stingy, you do not live in peace—then your sacrifice to God is also in vain. - St. John KrondstadtHow true! Outward marks of piety are useless unless combined with reality! I have been to St. Petersburg many times, and I always try to stop in at the monastery holding St. John's relics. His advice is relevant today, of course.