Jesus Christ the Pantocrator

When the Soul Kneels

Someone said: “When the soul kneels at the Feet of Christ, what does it matter if the body is lying, standing, kneeling or prostrated?” It does not matter at all! When you will stop thinking of your body and of yourself, then you will be truly able to feel in union with the Power of God. ~ St. Gavrilia, from The Ascetic of Love

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 4:4-7

In the Womb of Our Soul

Illuminated behind an olive oil lampada, is detail from the icon of St. John the Baptist and Forerunner, with his hands pointing us in the direction to find Christ, the Light of the World.

Jesus the Christ who was born in the flesh once for all of us, desires to be born again in the spirit in those who desire Him. In each of us, He again becomes a child in the womb of our soul and forms Himself from the virtues. He reveals as much of Himself as He knows each of us can accept. Let us contemplate the mystery of the Incarnation and in simplicity praise Him who became man for us. Faith alone can embrace these mysteries, for it is faith that makes real for us things that are beyond intellect and reason. ~ St. Maximus the Confessor (Philokalia, Vol. 2)

Uncontainable

Jesus Christ the Pantocrator

Icon from St. Sophia Orthodox Church, Canada

Pantocrator from the Greek, means Ruler of the Universe. In this icon, Christ’s right Hand is raised in a blessing gesture and His left Hand holds a Gospel.

Gospel came from the Old English word godspel (long “o” sound) literally meaning good news. The first four books of the New Testament are written by the four evangelists (the bearers of good news) Sts. Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The Gospels narrate our Lord’s teachings, His life, death and Resurrection. They invite us to believe Jesus Christ was born to save the world from sin, and help humanity to truly know God as a Father.

A favourite passage of mine:

And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen. ~ St. John 21:25