Being a public High School teacher in California, I find that very little to nothing inspires our young people. They are completely enamored with their mind numbing, soul destroying, additive electronic devices, AKA – the cell phone. Because of these devices our young people have severe damage to the prefrontal cortex in their brains which reduces self-control and decision making abilities. We also have a few generations now, that withdrawal from peers and society as a whole. They are more and more irritable, restless, experience mood swings, experience strong cravings and difficulty feeling pleasure from normal life.

However, all is not lost if we want to become enamored with Christ and His Holy Church. Here we can experience healing for our minds and souls. Here there is much to be inspired about. Presently I am reading The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri (1265-1321). He started the poem in 1308 and completed it shortly before his death in 1321. One of the greatest works in Western literature. My students could not tell you the most popular cell phone game that everyone had to have just four months ago. So, I teach my students Chess, which is far more complex than any modern electronic game and its 1600 years old, still the most popular game in the world!

I mention these types of things because I feel inspired by such great works of literature and science. The beauty and complexity of the game of Chess. Our Church has timeless and beautiful stories and lessons such as these to teach us – to inspire us to become better followers of Christ, to be healed and restored, and thus complete human beings!

As we progress through the Sundays of Pascha we hear of Thomas upon receiving the proof that he needed proclaim “My Lord and my God.” The Holy Myrrhbearing women who took every risk in identify themselves with Christ, out of love gave Him a proper burial. The Paralytic who perhaps was used to his “normal” found healing and restoration by Christ. The Samaritan women who lived her life in fornication was transformed into a bold preacher of the Gospel that eventually cost her, her life and received the crown of martyrdom. And today, the blind man shows us that God can heal even the most helpless among us – a man blind from birth who is eager to participate in his own healing. These are stories that should inspire us! Healing, restoration, and transformation are the true desires of human beings. Christianity inspired my friend Dante, who makes me a participant in his grand poem over 600 years after he wrote it. Christianity, that built the grand Western world – that is now in a managed and rapid decline , still offers much to all of us and has power to reverse all of the negative and ill effects experience by our young people. Here the older people need to be the future, to show and model for our children what inspiration looks and feel like. It’s a grand spark that never dies!

Please feel free to contact Fr. Lawrence for questions or to visit.

719-347-1211
Rector@StMaryMagdalenechurch.org

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