A Lenten Journey with Fr. Vazken

LJ2021 - Day 40 - Blessed

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Fri, 26 Mar 2021 10:01:00 -0700

Lenten Journey 2021:
Faith in a Post Pandemic World
by Fr. Vazken Movsesian

Day 40: Blessed
Blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. Truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it. - Jesus (Matthew 13)

At the end of the Lenten Journey we receive a blessing that may be unexpected. We have found something which we never lost. We began this journey 40 days ago with a challenge. Amidst the twists and turns of this 40 day venture, we have walked along side and through the Kingdom, and today we find it within us. The road ahead is brightened with this reality.

Graphic: Fantastic Landscape with a Road publicdomainpictures.net

LJ2021 - Day 39 - Abide

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Thu, 25 Mar 2021 18:38:00 -0700

Lenten Journey 2021:
Faith in a Post Pandemic World
by Fr. Vazken Movsesian

Day 39: Abide
If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you. - Jesus (John 14:15-17

The Father, Son and Holy Spirit are revealed in this statement of Christ. To abide in God means to know God. Knowing does not necessarily mean understanding, but it does mean accepting and acting in accordance with His commandment to love. The Lenten Journey has as its goal abiding in Christ and therefore, to love.

Graphic: Publicdomainpictures.net

LJ2021 - Day 38 - Christ

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Wed, 24 Mar 2021 13:57:00 -0700

Lenten Journey 2021:
Faith in a Post Pandemic World
by Fr. Vazken Movsesian

Day 38: Christ
Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me. - Jesus (Matthew 25:31-46)

The transitive property (of equality) says that if a=b and b=c then a=c. In Christ we find transitive property of life, namely that to serve God means to serve people. To love God means to love people, your brother, sister, and neighbor.

Graphic: Publicdomainpictures.net

LJ2021 - Day 37 - Living

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Tue, 23 Mar 2021 09:00:00 -0700

Lenten Journey 2021:
Faith in a Post Pandemic World
by Fr. Vazken Movsesian

Day 37: Living
God is not the God of the dead, but of the living. - Jesus (Matthew 22:32)

In the final days of this year's Lenten Journey, the lessons come together to set a path for our movement forward. The lessons point to life because Jesus is life. There is no death in the presence of life.

Graphic: Publicdomainpictures.net

LJ2021 - Day 36 - Freedom

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Mon, 22 Mar 2021 14:55:00 -0700

Lenten Journey 2021:
Faith in a Post Pandemic World
by Fr. Vazken Movsesian

Day 36: Freedom
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor;He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.” ... Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing. - Jesus (Luke 4:17-21)

Jesus' message was one of freedom. The release from bondage that comes with and from Christ is complete, and not limited to a spiritual understanding. He frees the poor as well as the brokenhearted, the oppressed as well as the blind. The Lenten Journey is to walk away from all that ties you down and prevents you from experiencing that freedom.

Graphic: Publicdomainpictures.net

LJ2021 - Day 35 - Basics

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Sun, 21 Mar 2021 20:16:00 -0700

Lenten Journey 2021:
Faith in a Post Pandemic World
by Fr. Vazken Movsesian

Day 35: Basics
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. - Jesus (Matthew 22)

We enter the final week of this year's Lenten Journey. A life touched by a pandemic has complicated our lives in many ways. Finding the basics, the simple "bottom line," is part of the Lenten Journey. Jesus cuts through the law and the prophets and profoundly proclaims the message of love - toward God and toward neighbor. See and find the basics of life today, they are not too different from what has been basic to life from the beginning.

Graphic: publicdomainvectors.org

ԼՃ2021 - Day 34 - Alone

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Sat, 20 Mar 2021 12:03:00 -0700

Lenten Journey 2021:
Faith in a Post Pandemic World
by Fr. Vazken Movsesian

Day 34: Alone
Let her alone; why do you trouble her? She has performed a good service for me. - Jesus (Mark 14)

In our lifetime, we take actions that are in line with our principles and our understanding of the world. We refer to the "voice within" as our conscience and we respond in a manner for which we must be responsible. How others perceive our actions don't seem to matter when we are truly committed to our ideals and dreams, causing us to often land in a lonely place. Jesus gives the criterion, "service for me" as a celebration for your loneliness.

Graphic: Publicdomainpictures.net

LJ2021 - Day 33 - Outward Appearance

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Fri, 19 Mar 2021 19:31:00 -0700

Lenten Journey 2021:
Faith in a Post Pandemic World
by Fr. Vazken Movsesian

Day 33: Outward Appearance
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which on the outside look beautiful, but inside they are full of the bones of the dead and of all kinds of filth. So you also on the outside look righteous to others, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness. - Jesus (Matthew 23)

Our outward appearance is important, in deed. It sets the stage for our work, our social activities, our friendships and relationships. Jesus reminds us that equally as important, and perhaps even more, is the appearance of our soul. Imagine how much more intense, genuine and engaging would be our work, social activities, friendships and relationships, if we toned our inner soul.

Graphic: Old Graveyard, publicdomainpictures.net

LJ2021 - Day 32 - Courage

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Thu, 18 Mar 2021 09:00:00 -0700

Lenten Journey 2021:
Faith in a Post Pandemic World
by Fr. Vazken Movsesian

Day 32: Courage
Get up and do not be afraid. - Jesus (Matthew 17:7)

There are two parts of courage, as understood from Jesus' command. Absence of fear is an obvious attribute of courage. Not so obvious is the necessity to act about that loss of fear, that is, to "get up" and live. The Lenten Journey is about finding this courage that leads to a productive life.

Graphic: PublicDomainPictures.net

LJ2021 - Day 31 - God's choice

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Wed, 17 Mar 2021 09:00:00 -0700

Lenten Journey 2021:
Faith in a Post Pandemic World
by Fr. Vazken Movsesian

Day 31: God's choice
I do choose. Be made clean! - Jesus (Mark 1)

A man approaches Jesus and ask for a spiritual healing, with the condition, "If you (Jesus) so choose?" The question is, why wouldn't he choose to do so? Why wouldn't he want you to be walking in the Grace of God? Once you know Jesus is on-board for the salvation of your soul, you merely have to listen for the words that follow, "Be made clean!"

Graphic Lifewire fanjianhua / Getty Images

LJ - Day 30 - Purpose

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Tue, 16 Mar 2021 09:00:00 -0700

Lenten Journey 2021:
Faith in a Post Pandemic World
by Fr. Vazken Movsesian

Day 30: Purpose
Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do. - Jesus (Mark 1)

As we enter into the final 10 days of Lent, our focus begins to turn toward action, which must be guided with purpose. Your purpose in life is defined by your calling. We are each called to do something special in life. The Lenten Journey gives us an opportunity to sift through some of the clouds of confusion and focus on our purpose, as a child, perhaps a parent or spouse, as a worker - employer or employee - .... as a human being, that is, our purpose as a person. And, like Jesus, proclaim it.

Graphic FreeIMG.net

LJ2021 - Day 29 - Tears

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Mon, 15 Mar 2021 09:00:00 -0700

Lenten Journey 2021:
Faith in a Post Pandemic World
by Fr. Vazken Movsesian

Day 29: Tears
Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has bathed my feet with her tears and dried them with her hair. - Jesus (Luke 7)

Tears are the outward expression of our inner emotions. Often, they come forth in times of sadness and therefore, may be unnoticed at times of joy. The intensity of emotions that push forth tears draws attention to the fine line between sadness and joy. The pandemic has put distance and time between loved one, and tears often point to that space, both, with the sadness of the reality and the joy of being near again.

Graphic: PDPics.com Public Domain

LJ2021 - Day 28 - Prayer

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Sun, 14 Mar 2021 12:00:00 -0700

Lenten Journey 2021:
Faith in a Post Pandemic World
by Fr. Vazken Movsesian

Day 28: Prayer
I tell you, he will quickly grant justice to them. - Jesus (Luke 18)

In the parable of the unjust judge (Luke 18) Jesus shares a story that points to the need for prayer in our life and not to lose heart. Following the story, the point and intention of prayer is justice. What are the injustices you've felt in your life? Can you point to the justice that has been achieved, "quickly," following your prayers? With less than two weeks left for the Lenten Journey, has your understanding of justice changed since the first days of this journey?

Graphic: Child's First Prayer, Public Domain

LJ2021 - Day 27 - Children

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Sat, 13 Mar 2021 16:06:00 -0800

Lenten Journey 2021:
Faith in a Post Pandemic World
by Fr. Vazken Movsesian

Day 27: Children
Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs. - Jesus (Matthew 19)

What are the attributes of children that make them the prime candidates for inheritors of the kingdom of heaven? Innocence, simplicity, obedience, acceptance, eagerness to learn, are among some of the attributes of children that we seek during the Lenten Journey. The 40 Martyrs' of Sebaste were regarded as children (manoog).

Graphic: Icon of Forty Martyrs of Sebaste

LJ2021 - Day 26 - Productivity

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Fri, 12 Mar 2021 17:36:00 -0800

Lenten Journey 2021:
Faith in a Post Pandemic World
by Fr. Vazken Movsesian

Day 26: Productivity
A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and found none. So he said to the gardener, ‘See here! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and still I find none. Cut it down! Why should it be wasting the soil?’ He replied, ‘Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig around it and put manure on it. If it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.’ - Jesus (Luke 13)

Life has purpose and meaning. The gifts and talents that are given to us by God are meant to be nurtured, developed and ultimately used. During the Lenten Journey, we discover and connect with those talents only to learn that they are gifts to be used.

LJ2021 - Day 25 - Good News

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Thu, 11 Mar 2021 19:41:00 -0800

Lenten Journey 2021:
Faith in a Post Pandemic World
by Fr. Vazken Movsesian

Day 25: Good News
The law and the prophets were in effect until John came; since then the good news of the kingdom of God is proclaimed, and everyone tries to enter it by force. - Jesus (Luke 16)

Force is power. It is measured by strength. To enter somewhere by force implies that what is inside is of great value. What is new, that is news, is that the law and the profits were in effect until John. The kingdom of God can be entered. And the Good News is that the entrance to the kingdom is accessible by all.

Graphic: Dreamstime.com

LJ2021 - Day 24 - Shrewdness

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Wed, 10 Mar 2021 14:12:00 -0800

Lenten Journey 2021:
Faith in a Post Pandemic World
by Fr. Vazken Movsesian

Day 24: Shrewdness
The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light. I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings. - Jesus (Luke 16)

Shrewdness is viewed as a necessary virtue to engage in the dealings of this world. It is not necessarily thought of as a spiritual virtue. Jesus points to it with not apology. During our Lenten Journey, we discover the that we bring our entire self - worldly and spiritual - to the stewardship of Creation.

Graphic: Dreamstime.com

LJ2021 - Day 23 - World

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Tue, 9 Mar 2021 11:36:00 -0800

Lenten Journey 2021:
Faith in a Post Pandemic World
by Fr. Vazken Movsesian

Day 23: World

For the children of this world are more shrewd in their generation than the children of light. -Jesus (Luke 16)

The positioning of light opposite the world, in this statement, should not go without notice or construed as incidental. It is not darkness that Jesus refers to in contrast to the children of light, rather it is the world - our world - which is real and a reality with which we have to contend. We are called to be stewards, to manage, the resources and the goods of this world. In so doing, we are called to use the language, the skills and the means of this world. During the Lenten Journey, we are called to list our assets and liabilities as they pertain to our talents. Understanding that our talents and resources exist in the spiritual and the physical world is today's step in the journey.

Graphic: Pixabay.com

LJ2021 - Day 22 - Woman

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Mon, 8 Mar 2021 15:24:00 -0800

Lenten Journey 2021:
Faith in a Post Pandemic World
by Fr. Vazken Movsesian

Day 22: Women

The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches. The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into... flour until it worked all through the dough. - Jesus (Matthew 13)

The Kingdom of Heaven grows powerfully from small and humble beginnings. While a tiny mustard seed extends wildly into a bush in nature, flour needs the addition of yeast to rise to dough. Without the measure, timing, organization, coordination and care - reflections of love for the result - it remains but a hardened paste.

Graphic: Needpix.com

LJ2021 - Day 21 - Stewardship

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Sun, 7 Mar 2021 20:10:00 -0800

Lenten Journey 2021:
Faith in a Post Pandemic World
by Fr. Vazken Movsesian

Day 21: Stewardship
Give an account of your management, because you cannot be manager any longer. - Jesus (Luke 16)

It's the question that sooner or later will be asked of all of us, when we can no longer be a manager, of this life. "Give an accounting." What would be our answer?

Graphic: StockFreeImages

LJ2021 - Day 20 - Your Pearl

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Sat, 6 Mar 2021 16:44:00 -0800

Lenten Journey 2021:
Faith in a Post Pandemic World
by Fr. Vazken Movsesian

Day 20: Your Pearl

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it. - Jesus (Matthew 13:45-6)

Mid-Lenten exercise: Have you found a pearl, something so valuable, that you are willing to give up everything to claim it? If not, do you think such a pearl exists? Is it attainable? Is it claimable?

LJ2021 - Day 19 - Serving

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Fri, 5 Mar 2021 17:29:00 -0800

Lenten Journey 2021:
Faith in a Post Pandemic World
by Fr. Vazken Movsesian

Day 19: Serving
No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. - Jesus (Luke 16)

What do we serve? That's a loaded word, for sure. Jesus is presenting an axiom here, without making a judgement. The assumption is that it is better to serve God, rather than money. Jesus merely points out the reality that loyalties to one master will outweigh loyalties to another. The Lenten Journey is a time to ask, who or what we serve?

LJ2021 - Day 18 - Always

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Thu, 4 Mar 2021 10:51:00 -0800

Lenten Journey 2021:
Faith in a Post Pandemic World
by Fr. Vazken Movsesian

Day 18: Always
And he [the father] said to him, 'Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours.' - Jesus (Luke 15:31)

Part of the process of introspection that we preform during the Lent Season is to inventory our assets against our liabilities. Liabilities sometimes overwhelm us to the point that we fail to properly access the assets that we have. Knowing that we are always in God's care and live in God's grace is a discovery we may make, and once made, it must be assigned to the top position on the asset column of our Lenten inventory.

Graphic: "Always on" HBR

LJ2021 - Day 17 - Completeness

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Wed, 3 Mar 2021 11:31:00 -0800

Lenten Journey 2021:
Faith in a Post Pandemic World
by Fr. Vazken Movsesian

Day 17: Completeness
But the father said to his servants, 'Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet.' - Jesus (Luke 15)

Returning back to health - whether following an attack by a virus, or after a broken relationship - is a difficult proposition. Along the way, health - both physical and emotional - could be compromised making full recovery next to impossible. The recovery granted to us by God is complete and full. During the Lenten season, we discover our weaknesses and count our strengths. The delicate balance between the two is defined by our perception, attitude and communication with God.

LJ2021 - Day 16 - Duality

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Tue, 2 Mar 2021 15:42:00 -0800

Lenten Journey 2021:
Faith in a Post Pandemic World
by Fr. Vazken Movsesian

Day 16: Duality
[The younger son said,] I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you...' - Jesus (Luke 15)

Humans: We are body and spirit. Our actions have consequences in the natural world and in the spiritual world. To say we have sinned, means that we have hurt someone, even if that someone is one's self. Therein, we understand the sin against heaven and earth. Likewise, to say we have done good, such as an act of charity, will have consequences in the natural world and in the spiritual world. Those acts of goodness will have weight on Earth as well as in heaven.

LJ2021 - Day 15 - Trigger

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Mon, 1 Mar 2021 20:23:00 -0800

Lenten Journey 2021:
Faith in a Post Pandemic World
by Fr. Vazken Movsesian

Day 15: Trigger
But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.” - Jesus (Luke 15:17-19)

Life may be compared to a roller coaster ride, with ups and downs. Some ups are high enough to bring us down quickly. From the depths of our low spots the climb up might be slow, but steady. On the track there are switches that trigger the coaster car to journey up, or to naturally fall. There are, also, points of no-return, most notably when we first sit in the coaster-car and the attendant releases the break for our journey through the twists and turns. Of course, the purpose of Lent is to regain control over life, so we can be more than a car gliding on a track. What triggers us to say "enough" of the down-spots? What triggers us to turn back to safety? to home? to God?

LJ2021 - Day 14 - Focus Point

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Sun, 28 Feb 2021 21:47:00 -0800

Lenten Journey 2021:
Faith in a Post Pandemic World
by Fr. Vazken Movsesian

Day 14: Focus Point
And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living. -Jesus (Luke 15:13)

It has been said that familiarity breeds contempt. The parable of the two sons, which Jesus recites and is recorded in St. Luke's Gospel, is commonly referred to as the Parable of the Prodigal Son. The point of the story is about returning home, about realizing mistakes and changing course from the prodigal life. The identifier, "Prodigal" might misdirect our attention to the wrong action, that of the sin rather than that of repentance. During Lent, we tune our senses to avoid misdirection and focus on the point of where we are headed.

Image: Wallpaperfare.com

LJ 2021 - Day 13 - Critique

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Sat, 27 Feb 2021 18:47:00 -0800

Lenten Journey 2021:
Faith in a Post Pandemic World
by Fr. Vazken Movsesian

Day 13: Critique

Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you? ... Neither do I condemn you. Go your way, and from now on do not sin again. - Jesus (John 8:10-11)

Criticism can be hurtful to a sensitive soul. Often it is, especially when aimed at the person's character. During Lent we tone down our lives and patterns, increase the time and quality of our prayer life, with self-improvement as a goal. Listen to the voice of criticism. Is it from the outside? Or is it from within? Do the ones from without matter? Is the one from within your harshest critic? Today, listen to the voice of Jesus. Self-confidence is a step toward self-improvement.

Image: Pixabay

LJ2021 - Day 12 - Beauty

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Fri, 26 Feb 2021 22:46:00 -0800

Welcome to the the Lenten Journey 2021:
Faith in a Post Pandemic World
by Fr. Vazken Movsesian

Day 12: Beauty
Do not give what is holy to dogs; and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under foot and turn and maul you. - Jesus (Matthew 7:6)

There is superficial beauty and there is intrinsic beauty. In a life lived in Faith, these two types intersect, and not necessarily at only one point. Outer beauty shines and is pleasant to look at, while inner beauty shines bright through the outer layers, radiating. In this pandemic era, more than ever, we are learning that outer beauty must never be so thick as to not let the inner shine through. During the Lenten season make note of beauty - yours and that of others - and keep it holy.

Photo: Wallpaperflare

LJ2021 - Day 11 - Vaccine

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Thu, 25 Feb 2021 21:17:00 -0800

Welcome to the the Lenten Journey 2021:
Faith in a Post Pandemic World
by Fr. Vazken Movsesian

Day 11: Vaccine
But be alert; I have already told you everything. - Jesus (Mark 13:23)

In our post-pandemic world we have found a new savior, it is the vaccine. Today, we have vaccines that are our collective-hope against the coronavirus, COVID-19. A vaccine is "a product that stimulates a person's immune system to produce immunity to a specific disease, protecting the person from that disease." We are rushing to vaccinate ourselves, as we did in the past against such wicked menaces as polio, smallpox, diphtheria, to name a few of the diseases that no longer pose threats to mass populations. During the Lenten season we hear the warnings given to us by Jesus, "... be aware..." and understand them to produce the necessary immunity against evil and ungodliness. These are the vaccines against spiritual death, and we discover them under the prescription of prayer, fasting and charity.

Photo: Singularity Hub 2021

LJ2021 - Day 10 - Desire

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Wed, 24 Feb 2021 13:40:00 -0800

Welcome to the the Lenten Journey 2021:
Faith in a Post Pandemic World
by Fr. Vazken Movsesian

Day 10: Desire
Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses. - Jesus (Luke 12)

We are driven and motivated to succeed by our wants and desires. In fact, they are strong motivators. The more we want, the more we are driven to secure the objects of our desire. To covet something, sets us multiple traps in front of us because the object of our desire does not belong to us. The greatest of our disappointments in life are when we have expectations that cannot possibly be fulfilled. During the Lenten season we take inventory of the talents and resources that we can claim as our own. What makes me, me? What is outside of us, we must evaluate and be certain that it is not covetousness that is motivating us, but a true desire for self-improvement.

Photo: Desire, Public Domain

LJ2021 - Day 9 - Value

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Tue, 23 Feb 2021 22:22:00 -0800

Welcome to the the Lenten Journey 2021:
Faith in a Post Pandemic World
by Fr. Vazken Movsesian

Day 9: Value

Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. - Jesus (Luke 12)

People ascribe significance and value to things. We may forget something that we have labeled as insignificant or we may throw away something which we deem as having no value. Can you imagine a life where everything has significance and everything has value? The blue skies, the rocky mountains, the baby extending her hand to mommy, and even the ant marching across your front porch, are all creations of God. During Lent, we come to understand that everyone and everything is part of God's creation, and therefore, like us, everything is worthy of care, compassion and love.

Photo: Spider on Flower, 2016 Fr. Vazken

LJ2021 - Day 8: Ordinary

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Mon, 22 Feb 2021 23:28:00 -0800

Welcome to the the Lenten Journey 2021:
Faith in a Post Pandemic World
by Fr. Vazken Movsesian

Day 8: Ordinary

“See that you say nothing to anyone; but go your way, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing...” - Jesus (Mark 1)

Extraordinary events will surprise us into expressive responses (sometimes overwhelmingly expressive responses). You cannot help contain your emotions when something unexpected happens - news that you won a prize, learning your child achieved at top levels in school, the announcement that your loved one has overcome a deadly disease. The word 'miracle' is thrown around to describe such events. Jesus makes a point of telling those whom he heals, to not share the news of their recovery. Perhaps what we consider as a miraculous event is merely an ordinary occurrence in a life lived in faith. Lent grants us that opportunity to stay calm in the face of the unexpected, discover the miracles that are all around us, and therefore, celebrate and respond to all of life.

LJ2021 - Day 7 - Kindness

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Sun, 21 Feb 2021 22:05:00 -0800

Welcome to the the Lenten Journey 2021:
Faith in a Post Pandemic World
by Fr. Vazken Movsesian

Day 7 - Kindness

“Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet" - Jesus (Luke 7:44-46)

Kindness is the sharing of blessings. Blessings come from God. As humans we are overwhelmed by God's goodness and graces. It is easy to lose sight of our responsibility to share the blessings we have. Lent is a time to take an inventory of blessings - talent, family, health, work, wealth - and share them, thereby making kindness a responsibility of Christian existence.

Photo: Music vdub, Yerevan 2014

LJ2021 - Day 6 - In Between

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Sat, 20 Feb 2021 21:29:00 -0800

Welcome to the the Lenten Journey 2021:
Faith in a Post Pandemic World
by Fr. Vazken Movsesian

The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” - Jesus (John 3:8)

Day 6: In Between

Not long ago we could see, either with our eyes or with our minds' eye, the connection between two telephones. A chord came out of the telephone we talked into, and a chord went into the telephone of the person to whom we were talking. And even if we didn't understand the technology, we knew that there were solid wires connecting those phones, whether those phones were next door to each other, across town or across the country. Today, we pick up a cell phone and talk to another person somewhere else on this planet. There are no wires in between those two phones. We talk and we hear without knowing what's in between, but we're certain there is something that is carrying those sound waves between those two phones. We talk and we hear God, without seeing what's in between us, but we know there has to be something connecting us. Look for the connections - a good work or deed, a mother's prayer over us, a tear from our eyes signaling our compassion. It is the Spirit at work.

LJ2021 - Day 5 - Silence

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Fri, 19 Feb 2021 22:18:00 -0800

Welcome to the the Lenten Journey 2021: Faith in a Post Pandemic World

Daily meditations during the Lenten Season

by Fr. Vazken Movsesian

Day 5: Silence

This they said, testing Him, that they might have something of which to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger, as though He did not hear. (John 8)

As life unfolds and takes its twists and turns it demands a reaction from us. We often find it necessary to react with words. A clever word here, a meaningful remark there, are quick and easy means by which we share our understanding of a situation. Words convey thoughts. Words articulate ideas. Silence, the underrated reaction to life, is sometimes necessary more than our words, to truly understand what is around us. Silence, quiet utterances of the soul, can lead to peace.

LJ2021 - Day 4 - Perseverance

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Thu, 18 Feb 2021 23:04:00 -0800

Welcome to the the Lenten Journey 2021: Faith in a Post Pandemic World

Daily meditations during the Lenten Season

by Fr. Vazken Movsesian

Day 4: Perseverance

And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? - Jesus (Luke 18)

A foreign object - a rover - landed on Martian soil today. The rover's name is Perseverance. It was sent to Mars last year by NASA and arrived today. They selected its name as "a testament to the spirit that got the mission off the ground and on its way to Mars," says NASA. For millennia, humans have looked up to the heavens and wondered what those bright lights at night meant. During the last couple of millennia, humans have mapped those heavens and only dreamed of what might be up there. It was only during the last century that engines and propulsions made the impossible seem and become possible. Today, we look at all we have in front of us, seemingly impossible missions, such as the softening of the human heart, the loving of neighbors and changing "swords into plowshares." (Isaiah 2:4) Perseverance is the human spirit not giving up on a dream.

Image: NASA - Perseverance rover lands today.

LJ 2021 - Day 3 - Shadows

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Wed, 17 Feb 2021 21:52:00 -0800

Welcome to the the Lenten Journey 2021: Faith in a Post Pandemic World
Daily meditations during the Lenten Season by Fr. Vazken Movsesian

Day 3 - Shadow

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. - James 1:17

One of our Church Fathers remarked that when facing the Sun, we see no shadows. It is only when we turn away from the sun that we notice shadows. The Sun is the source of light and energy for our planet. Even in the shadows there is enough light to energize us and all of life. This is a testament to the power of the Sun. Jesus, the Light of the World, illuminates and we find no shadows nor places to hide when we are turned toward him. And even when we turn and then notice the shadows, He is still energizing us and all of life.

LJ 2021 - Day 2 - Seeds

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Tue, 16 Feb 2021 23:00:00 -0800

Welcome to the the Lenten Journey 2021: Faith in a Post Pandemic World

Daily meditations during the Lenten Season by Fr. Vazken Movsesian

Day 2: Seeds

“...for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. - Jesus, (Matthew 17:20)

How big is a mustard seed? 2 millimeters. Is that all the faith that we need to do seemingly impossible feats? How big is the coronavirus? 70 nanometers (try a million times smaller than a millimeter). The pandemic has jarred us. We have lost the confidence in and the certainty of goodness. What is faith? And how does it fit into our equation of life? It can move mountains, and certainly there are mountains that need to be moved.

Lenten Journey 2021 - Faith in a Post Pandemic World - Day 1

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Mon, 15 Feb 2021 22:16:00 -0800

Welcome to the the Lenten Journey 2021: Faith in a Post Pandemic World

Daily meditations during the Lenten Season by Fr. Vazken Movsesian

Day 1: No Excuses

"Whatever city you enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you. And heal the sick there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ But whatever city you enter, and they do not receive you, go out into its streets and say, ‘The very dust of your city which clings to us we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come near you.’" - Jesus (Luke 10:8-11)

Imagine being on the receiving end of such a statement. Imagine, the Kingdom of God has come near you, so close that you can see, feel, touch, hear, and taste it. The Kingdom - the goodness, the connection with all of eternity and the universe, the promise and the fulfillment of every dream you have ever had - has come near you. You have a chance to receive it. You have a chance to lose it.

Lenten Journey 2020, Day 40 of 40

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Sat, 9 May 2020 15:26:00 -0700

Friday, April 3, Lenten Journey 2020, Day 40 of 40

Every journey begins with a single step but not all end in such a solitary manner. Some journeys are but a few steps inside a longer travel toward a broader destination. So it is with the Lenten Journey: an annual trek which revitalizes and strengthens our resolve to walk the Journey of Life. The 40 days of Lent have come and gone this year, but not without incident. This Journey was marred by a pandemic which brought the world to its knees. We have been humbled by the menace that this virus can bring. With the lessons of this Journey fresh in our minds and in our hearts we understand that coming to our knees before God is not out of fear; rather, we acknowledge the power of good over evil and how we, His Creations, are invited to create and articulate our life – as an individual and collectively for the community. We find the beauty of life the expressions of love and care amidst the horrors. The last stop in the Lenten Journey is to understand that Worship – Sunday-to-Sunday, day-to-day – is our personal commitment to the lessons of these 40 days. Through Jesus Christ, we are reconciled with God and all of Creation. Life is in our hands and God is with us always.

Lenten Journey 2020, Day 39 of 40

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Sat, 9 May 2020 15:25:00 -0700

Thursday, April 2 - Lenten Journey 2020, Day 39 of 40

The Church has given us the Lenten Season. The Church – the Body of Christ – has held our hand through the Lenten Journey and the time is coming for us to let go. Life is ahead, ready for us and we for it. When asked who he considers as his family, Jesus answers, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.” (Luke 8:21) We are called to a life of activity, to not only hear but to do the word of God. Find the ending of the Lenten Journey as it winds its way into your life. Tally the blessings granted to you and find wonder in the miracles that are around you.

Lenten Journey 2020, Day 38 of 40

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Sat, 9 May 2020 15:24:00 -0700

Wednesday, April 1, Lenten Journey 2020, Day 38 of 40

Loving God and loving neighbor means that ego, the self, must be parked conveniently out of the way for us to properly share our love with others. Selflessness and sacrifice are words which describe our condition when selfish motives are removed from our lives to allow for purer love for others. Jesus Christ gives us the ultimate example of selflessness and sacrifice as he accepts the Cross. Our crosses – physical, financial, relationships, spiritual – are heavy but we bear them because we have found a new strength through our prayers, fasting and walking through the Lenten Journey. Our perception has changed and with a new heart we understand and are ready to accept Jesus’ words, “Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honor.” (John 26-27)

Lenten Journey 2020, Day 37 of 40

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Sat, 9 May 2020 15:23:00 -0700

Tuesday, March 31 - Lenten Journey 2020, Day 37 of 40

Loving God and loving neighbor is now a simple test for our actions. In fact, of the hundreds of laws and regulations we read in the Old Testaments, and of the 10 Commandments given in Scripture, loving God and loving neighbor become what is necessary to live according to God’s will. As we draw near to the Lenten Journey, we realize that life is meant to be lived. Dreams are meant to be turned into reality. Happiness and joy are God-inspired and God-given, through the life we breathe, the experiences we share and the joy we live. As the Wise Men traveling toward Bethlehem, “When they saw that the star had stopped they were overwhelmed with joy” (Matthew 2:10) our joy begins for our Journey is ending but we have discovered Life.

Lenten Journey 2020, Day 36 of 40

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Sat, 9 May 2020 15:23:00 -0700

Monday, March 30 - Lenten Journey 2020, Day 36 of 40

The Sunday of Advent brought with it a message of eternity grounded in the here and now. In the Bible reading of the day Jesus proclaims the greatest commandment, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and the first commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Matthew 22:37-39) We are in the last week of the Lenten Journey and this most fundamental message is proclaimed as a prize for our fasting and prayers. It is the basis for all we do in life and is the key that unlocks the doors to success and happiness. Love God and your neighbor.

Lenten Journey 2020, Day 35 of 40

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Sat, 9 May 2020 15:22:00 -0700

Sunday, March 29 - Lenten Journey 2020, Day 35 of 40

The last Sunday of the Lenten Season is designated as “Advent” Sunday, where the Second Coming of Jesus is the theme. From Apostolic times, the Second Coming has been anticipated by the Church. In the Nicene Creed, each Sunday we remember that Jesus is “to come … to judge the living and the dead.” However, Jesus himself cautions us to not be consumed with dates and signs. “But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” (Mark 13:32) The day is filled with its own challenges and looking to future events only distracts from our duties today. The Lenten Journey is accomplished by steps taken in the moment.

Lenten Journey 2020 Day 34 of 40

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Sat, 9 May 2020 15:21:00 -0700

Saturday, March 28 – Lenten Journey 2020 Day 34 of 40

Amidst the Lenten Journey are occasions to reflect on those who have traveled before us. Today the Armenian Church commemorates St. Gregory the Illuminator’s imprisonment (289-301 AD) in a place we now refer to as “Khorvirab.” Stories such as this are wrapped in their historical parameters. Their value is that they talk to us – to each generation in its own times. Today as a world, we are imprisoned by the effects of a pandemic which takes us into a pit of despair, hopelessness and even death. The story of St. Gregory the Illuminator’s 13 year imprisonment teaches the value of discipline, prayer and hope in the Lord – the same ingredients to overcome our own and collective prisons. Jesus instructs that certain evils can “Only be overcome by prayer and fasting.” (Mark 9:29)

Lenten Journey 2020 Day 33 of 40

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Sat, 9 May 2020 15:20:00 -0700

Friday, March 27 – Lenten Journey 2020 Day 33 of 40

Day 33 of the Journey signals a change in perception. We come to realize that change has come from within – it is called “transformation.” In this process the goal remains unaltered, but we have changed. Peace and harmony with our sisters, brothers, wives, husbands, children, parents, neighbors and yes, with the world are in our spiritual cross-hairs and we know that we are now the instruments by which change comes. This has been a process – a journey – and while we’re nearing the end of it, we realize that we are outfitting ourselves with the tools for life. “To all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.” (John 1:12-13)

Lenten Journey 2020 Day 32 of 40

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Sat, 9 May 2020 15:19:00 -0700

Thursday, March 26 – Lenten Journey 2020 Day 32 of 40

In the quiet solitude of our prayer space we listen for God to speak to us. Do not be afraid to open all of your senses to God. As the Lenten Journey moves forward we build on the lessons of the days passed. The laughter of a young child, the delicate pedals of a flower shining against the sun, the midst of the ocean wave spraying our skin, or the sight of stars spread over the sky are all signs from God. As scripture reminds us that “Though we speak much we cannot reach the end, and the sum of our words is ‘He is the all.’” (Sirach 43:27) Look, feels, smell, taste and hear God around you.

Lenten Journey 2020 Day 31 of 40

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Sat, 9 May 2020 15:19:00 -0700

Wednesday, March 25 –

Prayer is a conversation with God. There are different ways of conversing. For instance, a discourse is a one-way conversation intended to deliver information. A diatribe is the same but delivered with emotion. Debate is a two-way conversation with a goal of winning an argument or convincing another on your position. But a dialogue is a two-way conversation which builds a relationship because the parties are listening as much as speaking. What type of conversation are you having with God? Are you building a relationship with Him? To do so, talk and listen.

Lenten Journey 2020 Day 30 of 40

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Sat, 9 May 2020 15:18:00 -0700

Tuesday, March 24 – Lenten Journey 2020 Day 30 of 40

Praying should come as natural as does a conversation with a parent, a loved one or a friend. Be open and sincere. In the solitude of your prayer space, worries can be dropped and the warmth and comfort of love can be absorbed. The Apostle writes, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4:6-7)

Lenten Journey 2020 Day 29 of 40

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Sat, 9 May 2020 15:17:00 -0700

Monday, March 23 – Lenten Journey 2020 Day 29 of 40

On this week guided by the parable of the Unjust Judge (Luke 18:1-8) we are invited to pray without discouragement. Prayer is a personal activity. It requires quiet time and space. Jesus instructs us, “…Whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret…” (Matthew 6:6) In that solitude open yourself to God’s blessings. There is nothing to hide in this space. A conversation with God implies speaking, sharing and listening.

Lenten Journey 2020 Day 28 of 40

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Sat, 9 May 2020 15:16:00 -0700

Sunday, March 22 – Lenten Journey 2020 Day 28 of 40

On the importance of prayer in life, Jesus offers the parable of the Unjust Judge (Luke 18:1-8), a story for which this Sunday of Lent is named. Here is a man who doesn’t fear God nor respect people, is “worn down” by a poor widow seeking justice and persistently calling on him. St. Luke prefaces this story by saying that Jesus spoke this parable to show that we “must always pray and not be discouraged.” (vs. 1) Prayer is our conversation with God, which at times may seem like a monologue on our part. Instead let us appeal to the simple words that are the starting point of our daily prayer. They are words prescribed by our Lord, “Thy will be done.” (Matthew 6:10)

Lenten Journey 2020 Day 27 of 40

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Sat, 9 May 2020 15:14:00 -0700

Saturday, March 21 – Lenten Journey 2020 Day 27 of 40

For the duration of its earthly existence the soul of a person inhabits a form called the body. While the Lenten Journey grooms the spirit and the soul, it sometimes takes a physical threat for us to realize the unique relationship between body, mind and soul. Today as a world we are focused on a pandemic virus that threatens the body, the receptacle of the soul. The Apostle St. Paul writes, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?” (ICor 6:19) Today, in the midst of global awakening to viral dangers, we are given a golden reminder to groom the spirit and keep the body strong for the work ahead.

Lenten Journey 2020 Day 26 of 40

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Sat, 9 May 2020 15:14:00 -0700

Friday, March 20 – Lenten Journey 2020 Day 26 of 40

Checking for false pride is necessary because it is so easy to acquire. Especially when engaged in Lenten practices, it is very easy to confidently boast, “Look at me, I am doing something that others can’t do.” Check to make sure the means are not more important than the goal of our efforts. Lent is about self-improvement, to better our relationships and thereby improve our world. Dietary restrictions, heightened prayer life and sacrificing ourselves and our talents are means by which we understand the essence of life and what is essential for living in harmony with God and our surroundings. Our Lord cautions us, “When you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret.” (Matthew 6:3)

Lenten Journey 2020 Day 25 of 40

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Sat, 9 May 2020 15:12:00 -0700

Thursday, March 19 – Lenten Journey 2020 Day 25 of 40

Giving freely of yourself requires sacrifice. To raise children, to support a husband or a wife, to deal with aging parents, to offer love and affection to people in need, requires selfless sacrifice. It is the selflessness that defines sacrifice as something valuable. Churches run on the power of volunteers. They get things done because in the volunteer is a spirit of sacrifice, and the ego must be lost. The Lenten Journey is about suppressing the ego and losing the self. Jesus instructs, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)

Lenten Journey 2020 Day 24 of 40

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Sat, 9 May 2020 15:11:00 -0700

Wednesday, March 18 – Lenten Journey 2020 Day 24 of 40

People who have impacted society and life and are recorded in history in a very positive manner. You will find something very similar among them and in their biographies. They have been willing to sacrifice themselves and their talent. They have used their talents freely without restriction. Now, do not mistake this for low self-esteem or low self-worth. Sacrifice comes from a positive self-image. God has endowed you freely with your unique talent, and during this week of the Steward (Luke 16:1-13) find opportunities to use it freely. “Freely you have received,” says Jesus, “Freely give.” (Matthew 10:8)

Lenten Journey 2020 Day 23 of 40

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Sat, 9 May 2020 15:10:00 -0700

Tuesday, March 17 – Lenten Journey 2020 Day 23 of 40

During the week of the Steward (Luke 16:1-13) we inventory our talents to understand how we can better manage our lives. As a creation of God, we are unique – each of us – and therefore we are not equal. That’s the definition of being unique. The Apostle Paul reminds us, “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” (I Cor 12:7) Celebrating your uniqueness does not allow for jealousy for in fact there is no competition, rather we are all children of God using the special talent that defines us for the common good. Jealousy is to be rid from our system, for in fact, our uniqueness and the sharing of our talent makes us like no other before God.

Lenten Journey 2020 Day 22 of 40

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Sat, 9 May 2020 15:09:00 -0700

Monday, March 16 – Lenten Journey 2020 Day 22 of 40

God gives us the tools to handle the complexities of life and to make life’s journey a manageable one. The Parable of the Dishonest Steward (Luke 16:1-13) is given to us by our Lord Jesus. A dishonest steward, that is, a corrupt manager, is commended for his shrewdness. By being wise and calculating he met his worldly goals. Here Jesus tells us that the challenges of life are real. They are to be met and overcome by using the resource available to us. During the Lenten Journey we inventory those resources – those tools – that help us overcome life’s obstacles. Look no further than the talents that are unique to you and your ability to use them in this world.

Lenten Journey 2020 Day 21 of 40

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Sat, 9 May 2020 15:09:00 -0700

Sunday, March 15 – Lenten Journey 2020 Day 21 of 40

Halfway through the Lenten Journey we have climbed up the hill and from the summit we look to see two paths, one behind us and even more importantly, the path in front of us. It is this path that connects to a larger road which is the journey of life. It takes place in a world filled with difficulties and challenges, with disease, hatred, bigotry and war. At the same time each of these manifestations of evil give us an opportunity to overcome and celebrate victories in this same world. How appropriate that today the Armenian Church prescribes the Parable of the Steward (Luke 16:1-13) as its Lenten lesson. With a simple command: “Give me an accounting of your stewardship” (vs. 2) we understand that ours is to manage the life God has given us. It is a life that takes place in the here and now, in a world with good and bad in it. The meditation for this day is to contemplate the words of Christ himself: “For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light.” (vs. 8)

Lenten Journey 2020 Day 20 of 40

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Sat, 9 May 2020 15:07:00 -0700

Saturday, March 14 – Lenten Journey 2020 Day 20 of 40

Day 20 marks a half-way point. It is important in any journey to review the steps that have brought us thus far and chart out the steps that lead forward. At the Last Supper, Jesus reflects on his ministry and the unique relationship between the disciples and himself: He as the “True Vine,” his Father the vinedresser and the disciples are the branches (John 15). In confidence, he moves forward to his Passion, “Rise, let us go” he instructs his disciples. Today is a day of reflection. Our bodies are becoming familiar with the dietary regimen, we have increased our prayer life and acts of charity. Our meditations and contemplations give us satisfaction. Reflect on those things you have discovered since Lent began and then Rise! Let us go forward. The second half of the Lenten Journey is moments away.

Lenten Journey 2020 Day 19 of 40

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Sat, 9 May 2020 15:07:00 -0700

Friday, March 13 – Lenten Journey 2020 Day 19 of 40

The week of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) comes to an end with a focus on the father who endures great pain at knowing his son is lost, but also knows that his son – like each of us – must create our own destiny. Jesus uses this parable to illustrate the tremendous and unconditional love of our heavenly Father which must serve as an example for our love toward one another. God leaves the door open for us to return to Him. He does not reprimand, nor does He remind us of past offenses. Instead, he is welcoming. Can we do the same with those who have hurt us? The Lenten Journey is about asking “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who have trespassed against us.”

Lenten Journey 2020 Day 18 of 40

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Sat, 9 May 2020 15:03:00 -0700

Thursday, March 12 – Lenten Journey 2020 Day 18 of 40

In the background of the Prodigal Son story (Luke 15:11-32) is another son – an older brother – who has done all that has been asked of him. He has played by the rules but has not been rewarded for his good behavior and therefore finds the situation unfair – perhaps even unjust. The older brother expresses the sentiments of so many: Why do good things happen to bad people? The Lenten Journey is about asking the questions and listening for the answers. The response of the father, “My son was dead and now is alive!” is one given from the vantage point of parenthood. The father changed the older brother’s perspective. Look at life and your questions from a fresh new vantage point – one which celebrates life – is at the heart of today’s Lenten meditation.

Lenten Journey 2020 Day 17 of 40

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Sat, 9 May 2020 15:03:00 -0700

Wednesday, March 11 – Lenten Journey 2020 Day 17 of 40

The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) had lost his friends and his hunger caused him to fantasize about eating the hog’s slop. It was at that most hurtful and most vulnerable moment that he “came to his senses.” We might say that he reached his “enough moment.” Each of us encounters difficulties that accent the sharp contrasts in our lives. Part of the Lenten Journey is to find the “enough moment” in our lives when we realize that life does not have to follow a particular direction and we are ready to return back home.

Lenten Journey 2020 Day 16 of 40

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Sat, 9 May 2020 15:02:00 -0700

Tuesday, March 10 – Lenten Journey 2020 Day 16 of 40

The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) had lost direction. Getting lost is not intentional. No one begins a journey with the hope of getting lost. In the journey of life we come across many difficulties, many obstacles, that prevent us from reaching the fullness that we want out of life. Those obstacles stand in front of us like roadblocks as we travel toward our dreams. When the road is blocked, we immediately look for ways to circumvent, to go around the obstacles and in so doing, we swerve off course. We are lost. Finding where we turned or swerved is part of the Lenten Journey back home.

Lenten Journey 2020 Day 15 of 40

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Sat, 9 May 2020 15:02:00 -0700

Monday, March 9 – Lenten Journey 2020 Day 15 of 40

The third week of Lent begins with echoes of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32). What was his sin? Can we tally up the offenses and stay away from such evil? Jesus gives the answer in the story, explaining that the son squandered all that he had (vs. 13). We each come into this world inheriting unique and precious talents. All that we enjoy is given to us as a gift from God. During the Lenten Journey, ours is to find the talents and gifts given to us by God and use them. When we lose track of the gift of life, we mindlessly squander the greatest gift that God has bestowed upon us.

Lenten Journey 2020 Day 14 of 40

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Sat, 9 May 2020 15:01:00 -0700

Sunday, March 8 – Lenten Journey 2020 Day 14 of 40

Reconciliation happens when love is present and love is made possible by forgiveness. There is no greater illustration of the power of love through forgiveness than in the story of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32). “My son was dead and now he is alive. My son was lost and now he is found,” proclaims this father who rejoices that his son has come back home. His is the voice of heaven for any one of us who puts away the foolishness of sin and returns back to God. Lost and finding our way back to God is the only way to move from death to life.

Lenten Journey 2020 Day 13 of 40

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Sat, 9 May 2020 15:00:00 -0700

Saturday, March 7 – Lenten Journey 2020 Day 13 of 40

Without love, what meaning or what purpose can our existence have? Love is the necessary component of life. It exists in us all and during this Lenten period we have a golden opportunity to nurture and cultivate the feelings of love thereby building the necessary habits to overcome difficulties even after the period of Lent. While abstinence and restrictions are one part of the Lenten journey, the greater task for the believer is to exercise love and to be in harmony with family, friends, the world around us, nature, and ultimately with all, namely with God. “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” (I John 4:8)

Lenten Journey 2020 Day 12 of 40

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Sat, 9 May 2020 15:00:00 -0700

Friday, March 6 – Lenten Journey 2020 Day 12 of 40

The Lenten Journey is about reconciling with one another so that we can be reconciled with God. Ridding our mind of divisive and evil thoughts is the natural first step in preventing the actions that follow and destroy our relationships. Once rid from our system we must replace them with the only thought powerful enough to keep those thoughts away. That power comes from love. Love is the one ingredient of life that can overcome those thoughts and words that divide and devastate us. As the Apostle writes, “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.” (Romans 12:9)

Lenten Journey 2020 Day 11 of 40

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Sat, 9 May 2020 14:58:00 -0700

Thursday, March 5 – Lenten Journey 2020 Day 11 of 40

An old Armenian expression says that wounds created by a sword will heal, but wounds caused by the tongue never heal. Think about the words that we have used in haste, perhaps in anger. Think about those expressions that have separated us from friends, or perhaps from family. Some words have even destroyed others, willingly or unwillingly. Unfortunately, more often than not, we end up hurting the ones we love the most. Perhaps it is because we think that those who love us will tolerate us. Says St. James, “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness.” (3:9)

Lenten Journey 2020 Day 10 of 40

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Sat, 9 May 2020 14:57:00 -0700

Wednesday, March 4 – Lenten Journey 2020 Day 10 of 40

Jesus challenges us to see defilement as not necessarily coming from the outside-in but from the inside-out (Matthew 15:11). What are those things that come out of our system that disrupt a life lived in harmony with others? Are there words, are there emotions, perhaps expressions of anger and hatred, that are destroying us? … that are discouraging others or even in ourselves? These expressions can rip apart relationships and kill the people closest to us. Jesus says, “You have heard that it was said …, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment. But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire.” (Matthew 5:21-2) Words are the articulation of our emotions.

Lenten Journey 2020 Day 7 of 40

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Sat, 9 May 2020 14:56:00 -0700

Sunday, March 1 – Lent 2020 Day 7 of 40

Each Sunday of Lent has its unique and special name. The first of these is called “Expulsion Sunday” reminding us of the disharmony between humanity and God. We are given paradise to enjoy along with the gift of freedom to choose good or bad. We are given the beauty of nature and in return we pollute our environment, we choose our addictions and we opt for war over peace. We enter church and quickly notice the Lenten environment with a pulled curtain across the altar, reminding us that our sin – as the curtain symbolizes – prevents us from seeing the fullness of God. Sin comes about when we decide our will is greater than God’s. Expelled from paradise we live with hope for we know that there is a redeemer who says, "Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.” (Matthew 9:13)

Lenten Journey 2020 Day 9 of 40

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Sat, 9 May 2020 14:56:00 -0700

Tuesday, March 3 – Lenten Journey 2020 Day 9 of 40

As the second week of Lent is unfolding we will intensify our Lenten Journey with the words of our Lord, “Listen and understand it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person but it is what comes out of the mouth that defiles.” (Matthew 15:11). The message here is a strong one. In Christian living, and especially during the Lenten period, we can be consumed with laws and regulations – the dos and don’ts – of life. We ask the wrong questions: Do we abstain from this type of meat? Or that type of food? Today we step-it-up by meditating on the reasons for those rules. What is it about a simplified life, of increased prayer and abstinence from food, that will yield a better person? Introspection begins with the right questions.

Lenten Journey 2020 - Day 8 of 40

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Sat, 9 May 2020 14:54:00 -0700

Monday, March 2 – Lent 2020, Day 8 of 40

What is essential for life? As our second week of the Lenten Journey begins we seek simplicity in all that we do. The abundance of material wealth brings with it trappings that keep us confined to unexpected servitude. With acquisition of more and more things and with the accumulation of stuff there comes worry, stress and anxiety. Fear follows when we think of life without – or even worse, with the loss of – these material trappings. Seeking simplicity in our life clears away the misdirected energy we have exerted toward the accumulation of stuff. Two of Jesus’ friends, Mary and Martha, approached him with sincere devotion and love, yet he singled out the devotion of one, “Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10) This day, find the simplicity in Mary’s choice.

Lenten Journey 2020 Day 6 of 40

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Sat, 9 May 2020 14:51:00 -0700

Saturday, February 29 – Lent 2020 Day 6 of 40

Bringing order out of chaos explains the beginning of the Universe as God’s Spirit moved through it. True beauty is a reflection of that order. Once every four years a day is added to our calendar to sync the movements of our life with the order of the universe. Walking in harmony with God and our fellow creatures is our goal. When Jesus came to this world, the proclamation of the angels explained this harmony precisely, “Peace on Earth, good will among all.” (Luke 2) Peace and goodness with one another is in our hands. Adjustments are regularly necessary to put us in sync with the beauty of God’s love.

Lenten Journey 2020 Day 5 of 40

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Sat, 9 May 2020 14:50:00 -0700

Friday, February 28 – Lent 2020, Day 5 of 40

Jesus tells us that “Your heavenly Father knows what you need before you ask him,” which then begs the question, why pray? As much as prayer is a conversation with God, it is a equally a conversation with the self. It may sound strange that the self would not know its own needs, but too often we lose focus in life and fail to understand that many of our needs are within our grasp. The prayer to God awakens and strengthens our own resolve to actualize our dreams. “Pray then like this,” says Christ, “Our Father who is in heaven, may Your Name be holy, may Your Kingdom come, may Your Will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not to the test, but deliver us from evil…. (Matthew 6) Pray so that each word and each phrase connects you to God and His Kingdom.

Lenten Journey 2020 Day 2 of 40

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Sat, 9 May 2020 14:49:00 -0700

Tuesday, February 25 – Lent 2020, Day 2 of 40

Fasting is a physical condition which reminds us of our spiritual growth. By fasting we abstain from foods and pleasures and thereby find what is truly necessary to survive, to live and ultimately to walk in peace and harmony with our family, with our friends and our neighbors. When hungry, Jesus was tempted to change the stones to bread. “Man does not live by bread alone,” says our Lord, “But by every word that comes from the mouth of the God.” (Matthew 4:4) Take an inventory of your life and find what is essential and what clutter can be tossed.

Lenten Journey 2020 Day 3 of 40

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Sat, 9 May 2020 14:47:00 -0700

Wednesday, February 26 – Lent 2020, Day 3 of 40

Time is marked by the second-hand ticking on the surface of a clock. It is also marked with the change of scenery as winter melts into spring. All around us life changes and with it, so do we. Do not fight the change but find yourselves journeying through Lent observing the small and subtle ticks and changes taking place in your life. Jesus reminds us, “The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” (John 3:8) The Spirit is guiding you.

Lenten Journey 2020 Day 4 of 40

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Sat, 9 May 2020 14:47:00 -0700

Thursday, February 27 – Lent 2020, Day 4 of 40

Lent comes with meaning and purpose. Far from a 40 day exercise in dieting, the Lenten Journey is a time to discipline ourselves with more concerted prayers and opportunities to exercise our giving to others. (Matthew 6) The Lenten Journey lasts 40 days but its effects are felt for the 325 days that follow. From the most athletic basketball player, to the most spiritual priest, from the most articulate poet to the most skilled surgeon, everyone who excels in their field does so through a consistent diet of discipline and focus. “I came that [you] may have life,” says our Lord Jesus, “And that you may have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10) Meaning, purpose, focus, and discipline are the foundations of this Journey.

Lenten Journey 2020 - Introduction (Poon Paregentan)

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Sat, 9 May 2020 14:28:00 -0700

Lenten Journey – 2020
Sunday, February 23 – Poon Paregentan – Day of Good Living

Welcome to the Lenten Journey. Lent is a period of time set aside by the Church for personal introspection and spiritual growth. During this 40 day period you’re invited to use the tools of Fasting and Prayer coupled with expressions of Love (see Matthew 6) to make overcome the challenges of life. Beginning today we will provide daily messages to help and encourage you through this Lenten Season. Today is a day of “Good Living” in contrast to the toned-down lifestyle we begin tomorrow. Enjoy the day and be ready to take the Lenten Journey.

Lenten Journey 2020 - Day 1 of 40

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Sat, 9 May 2020 14:28:00 -0700

Monday, February 24 – Lent 2020, Day 1 of 40

Every journey begins with a first step. You have heard that there are great rewards at the end of the Lenten Journey, but 40 day of abstaining from certain foods and increased prayer-life seem overwhelming at times. Jesus promises, “God cloths the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you? … Do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ … your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:31-33) Today, you take the first step.

Lenten Journey - Heartbeat

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Fri, 27 Mar 2015 18:07:00 -0700

Day #40 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian.

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Music: Lifebeats by Jethro Tull
Lenten Recipe 40: Jicama Salad

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Lenten Journey - Outreach

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 17:47:00 -0700

Day #39 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian.

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Outreach
Lenten Recipe 39: Tropical Sweet Potatoes

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Lenten Journey - The RSVP

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Wed, 25 Mar 2015 14:25:00 -0700

Day #38 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian.

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The RSVP
Lenten Recipe 38: Peach Salsa

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Lenten Journey - Emmaus

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Tue, 24 Mar 2015 17:11:00 -0700

Day #37 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian.

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Emmaus
Lenten Recipe 37: Artichoke Risotto

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Lenten Journey - Bidding of Luck

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 15:57:00 -0700

Day #36 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian.

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Bidding of Luck
Lenten Recipe 36: Mutabbel

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Lenten Journey - Ending with the Beginning

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Sun, 22 Mar 2015 08:00:00 -0700

Day #35 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian.

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Ending with the Beginning.
Lenten Recipe 35: Roasted Eggplant with Cashews

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Lenten Journey - Completion "LP"

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Sat, 21 Mar 2015 15:28:00 -0700

Day #34 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian.

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Completion "LP"
Lenten Recipe 34: Red Bean Appetizer

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Lenten Journey - Thanksgiving

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 15:45:00 -0700

Day #33 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian.

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Thanksgiving.
Lenten Recipe 33: Grilled Red Pepper and Eggplant Sandwiches

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Lenten Journey - Set Free

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 12:23:00 -0700

Day #32 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian.

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Set Free.
Lenten Recipe 32: Olivada

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Lenten Journey - Confession

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 10:00:00 -0700

Day #31 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian.

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Confession
Lenten Recipe 31: Tomato and Bread Soup

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Lenten Journey - Prayer of St. John Chysostom

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Tue, 17 Mar 2015 10:00:00 -0700

Day #30 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian.

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Prayer of St. John Chysostom.
Lenten Recipe 30: Rice Desert with Cherries

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Lenten Journey - In Tears

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 17:06:00 -0700

Day #29 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian.

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Song: Orhnyal eh Asdvadz by Seminarians at Vazkenian Seminary
Lenten Recipe 29: Mediterranean Bean Salad

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Lenten Journey - Der Voghormya - Lord Have Mercy

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Sun, 15 Mar 2015 16:07:00 -0700

Day #28 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian.

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Der Voghormya - Lord Have Mercy.
Lenten Recipe 28: Broiled Lemon-garlic Mushrooms

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Lenten Journey - Inclination, Elevation, Presentation

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Sat, 14 Mar 2015 18:49:00 -0700

Day #27 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian.

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Inclination, Elevation, Presentation.
Lenten Recipe 27: Cold Linguine with Red Pepper, Artichoke and Sun Dried Tomato Sauce

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Lenten Journey - "Our Father"

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Fri, 13 Mar 2015 16:04:00 -0700

Day #26 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian.

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The "Our Father"
Lenten Recipe 26: Cold Noodles in Spicy Sesame Sauce

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Lenten Journey - Form & Function - Amen

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 20:56:00 -0700

Day #25 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian.

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Form & Function - Amen. Yev unt hokvoit koom.
Lenten Recipe 25: Curry Butternut Squash

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Lenten Journey - Living in Christ

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 15:03:00 -0700

Day #24 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian.

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Living in Christ.
Lenten Recipe 24: "Berry Good Chili"

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Lenten Journey - Asleep in Christ

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 16:28:00 -0700

Day #23 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian.

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Asleep in Christ.
Lenten Recipe 23: Roasted Red Pepper and Fresh Chickpea Pasta

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Lenten Journey - The Epiclesis

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Mon, 9 Mar 2015 17:11:00 -0700

Day #22 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian.

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The Epiclesis - The Body & Blood of Christ.
Lenten Recipe 22: Susty's Super Tofu Salad

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Lenten Journey - The Grace of God

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Sun, 8 Mar 2015 08:00:00 -0700

Day #21 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian.

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The Grace of God
Lenten Recipe 21: Lenten Cookies

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Lenten Journey - Words of Institution

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Sat, 7 Mar 2015 13:19:00 -0800

Day #20 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian.

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Words of Institution.
Lenten Recipe 20: Hot and Sour Soup

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Lenten Journey - Holy, Holy, Holy

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Fri, 6 Mar 2015 11:49:00 -0800

Day #19 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian.

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Holy, Holy, Holy.
Lenten Recipe 19: Baked Sweet Potato Wedges

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Lenten Journey - Mercy

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Thu, 5 Mar 2015 15:42:00 -0800

Day #18 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian.

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Mercy
Lenten Recipe 18: Peach Cobbler

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Lenten Journey - The Holy Kiss

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Wed, 4 Mar 2015 17:09:00 -0800

Day #17 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian.

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Other music
Focused Vision
Vazkenian Seminarians, Lake Sevan
Lenten Recipe 17: Asian Noodles with Edamame

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Lenten Journey - The Gifts Arrive

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Tue, 3 Mar 2015 15:44:00 -0800

Day #16 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian.

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The gifts arrive.
Lenten Recipe 16: Cherry Walnut Chews

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Lenten Journey - Worthiness to Minister

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Mon, 2 Mar 2015 17:26:00 -0800

Day #15 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian.

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Worthiness to minister.
Lenten Recipe 15: Suonomo (Cucumber Salad)

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Lenten Journey - Entering the Eucharist

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Sun, 1 Mar 2015 12:00:00 -0800

Day #14 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian.

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Entering the Eucharist.
Lenten Recipe 14: Hot and Sour Cabbage

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Lenten Journey - The Anathema

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Sat, 28 Feb 2015 17:22:00 -0800

Day #13 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian.

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"As for us" - The anathema.
Lenten Recipe 13: Stir - Fried Asparagus

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Lenten Journey - The Creed

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Fri, 27 Feb 2015 23:07:00 -0800

Day #12 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian.

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The Creed. This is what we believe.
Lenten Recipe 12: Portobello-Seitan Hash

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Lenten Journey - Scriptures as Bread

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Thu, 26 Feb 2015 15:51:00 -0800

Day #11 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian.

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On the Scriptural readings and hearings.
Lenten Recipe 11: Roasted Potato Fans!

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Lenten Journey - The Jashoo Portion to Sourp Asdvadz

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Wed, 25 Feb 2015 17:08:00 -0800

Day #10 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian.

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The Jashoo Portion to Sourp Asdvadz.
Lenten Recipe 10: Red Cabbage Slaw

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Lenten Journey - Descent Into Our World

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 17:42:00 -0800

Day #9 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian.

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Descent into our world.
Lenten Recipe 9: Stuffed Eggplants

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Lenten Journey - Behind the Curtain

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Mon, 23 Feb 2015 18:19:00 -0800

Day #8 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian.

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Behind the curtain.
Lenten Recipe 8: Almond French Toast

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Lenten Journey - Mystery

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Sun, 22 Feb 2015 20:11:00 -0800

Day #7 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian.

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Mystery: Entering the Church.
Lenten Recipe 7: Mushroom Ragu

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Lenten Journey - Fasting

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Sat, 21 Feb 2015 20:48:00 -0800

Day #6 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian.

The priest is fully vested, and here we remember one more means of physical preparation via fasting. We agreed earlier to look at the physical preparations first, before the spiritual and emotional preparations, for in fact the physical dimensions of anything are always easier to comprehend. We learned about each of the articles of the vestments which transforms the priest for the celebration of celebrations. Fasting is the bridge between the physical and emotional. While the abstinence from food is the outward expression of fasting, the appeal to discipline and strength of will are matters of the spirit and soul.

In our Lord’s life, there is a story where a young man is brought to Jesus to have a foul spirit exorcised from him. The boy’s father had appealed to the disciples who, though commissioned to be able to heal, were unable to do so. When Jesus removes the unclean spirit from the boy, the disciples ask him, “Why were we unable to cast out the demon? To which Jesus responds, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer and fasting.” (Mark 9)

Prayer and fasting go hand and hand. Jesus says, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” A pure heart is accented with the pure body, for in fact, the purpose of the Divine Liturgy is to come into the presence of God – to commune with God, to see God. Fasting is the key to that physical purity – to cleanse and purge the system from all impurity so that the Holy Sacrament is accepted in cleanliness.

Fasting also heightens our understanding of necessity. When we fast, in our hunger, we naturally think of our next meal – we look forward to satisfying our hunger. It is during these moments that we must ask ourselves what is truly essential for life. How important are those meals? We come to view in a different manner Christ’s words, that bread alone is not essential for life, but life finds meaning and fulfillment by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. (Matthew 4)

Physical preparedness gives us a foundation on which our spiritual side, our soul must be ready for this Sacrament.

In the Sermon on the Mount, our Lord directs us to the spiritual preparedness for the Holy Eucharist. He says, “If you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.”

This is the highest form of preparedness for the Divine Liturgy – to be at peace with our fellow human being. Yes, the vestments and fasting are essential, but our Lord sets apart this rule for the altar table as a necessity.

Earlier when I mentioned that emotional and spiritual preparedness were much more difficult to understand than the physical side of preparedness, I was alluding to this commandment. Wearing robes and even abstaining from food is not as difficult as this most important rule of preparation. Note that our Lord put the harmony between us humans as a higher priority than God! Again, he says, leave your gift at the altar – more important than God – go and reconcile with your brother or sister.

This first week of the Lenten Journey we walked the course of preparedness. While each article of the vestment set gave us a chance to reflect on various aspects of readiness, the most important lesson of all these days is the need to prepare the soul for the Holy Divine Liturgy. It is the reconciliation between us that is at the heart of the Liturgy. It is what St. John the Evangelist speaks of when he says, “For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.” It’s that simple and yet that difficult.

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Fasting in preparation.
Lenten Recipe 6: Roasted Veggies

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Lenten Journey - Preparation of the Priest

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Fri, 20 Feb 2015 17:17:00 -0800

Day #5 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian.

On this fifth day of this Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy, we end the sessions on physical preparation by understanding the role of the robe, or shourjar. Thus far we have observed the transformation of the priest in the vestry of the church. He has donned new clothes, the very special vestments that are designated for the celebration of the Divine Liturgy.

As the name shourjar implies, is placed around the entire – shourj - body of priest. Here, he prays, “In your mercy, O Lord, clothe me with a radiant garment and fortify me against the influences of the evil one, that I may be worthy to glorify your glorious name.” As this final piece of the vestment set is worn by the priest the intention of the Liturgy is presented. Although the robe is ornamental, bright and colorful, the priest is reminded that it is not for his own glory that this sacrament is being celebrated but for the glory of God.

As a huge shield, the shourjar surrounds the priest with a special energy. This energy is beauty and strength combined. Often these two words are not used together in describing something. In fact we separate them as diametrically opposed to one another. Braun and beauty we say. Or even cruelly, we say beauty and the beast. Here, the shourjar shows us that there is beauty in strength and strength in beauty. Not only is one not exclusive of the other, but in fact a necessary component of one another. The shourjar is radiating as the top garment of the vestment set, and it radiates power over the forces of evil. There is nothing greater nor more powerful than complete beauty, which is an expression of goodness and love. Jesus was the Love and Goodness incarnate, and a testament to strength and power which changed the very foundation of our world – for in fact, the manifestation of that power and strength is in the goodness done through works.

The lesson for today is that although the priest is standing with beautiful vestments, as a new man, before the altar and congregation, he is there as a servant, to serve something greater than himself. He has removed the old garments and donned a new set of vestments that set him apart from the world as a reminder that the journey is one that transcends the daily rituals of life. Ego has been placed in check. It is not about him, but about the one who is the author of him.

As we prepare ourselves for the journey that is still before us, let us contemplate own newness as we walk. Every article of clothing has a purpose and a mission. So too in our lives, every heartbeat, every eye blink, every muscle and organ of our body has a function and purpose that must be in sync with our feelings, thoughts and soul. We are called to meditate on our uniqueness, our beauty, our sense of wonder… each of us set apart from the other uniquely, only to come back together for the purpose to love one another.

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Preparation of the priest, the shoujar, beauty and strength.
Lenten Recipe 5: Glazed Sweet Potatoes with Cranberries and Pecans!

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Lenten Journey - Continuing on Physical Preparations and the Vestments

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Thu, 19 Feb 2015 14:28:00 -0800

Day #4 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian.

In physically preparing for the Divine Liturgy the priest dons a set of vestments, specifically designated for the celebration of the Divine Liturgy. Yesterday we were introduced to the tak crown, the white shabik shirt, and oorar or the stole. Today we will continue with the vesting process by understanding the role of the belt, the vagas, and the cuffs.

The belt, or godi, is placed around the shirt and the stole which is hanging from the priest’s neck. The priest recites, “May the girdle of faith encircle me round about my heart and my mind and quench vile thoughts out of them and may the power of Your grace abide in them at all time, by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.” As the belt circles his body, we are to understand the totality of commitment to the sacred celebration. Note that the physical attributes of the belt point to the spiritual union of heart and mind in the celebration. Our bodies are the vessels inside which the mind and soul of our being resides. To engage in the Divine we must be present with all of our faculties. The five physical sense of taste, smell, sight, sound and touch are highlighted with the experiences we feel through our heart and engage with our mind. The priest is completely committed at this point, and beckons that we give all of our selves to the celebration.

Next the priest places his hands through the bazbans, or cuffs, so that they cover his arms. He prays, “Give strength, O Lord, to my right and left hands and wash all my filthiness that I may be able to serve you in health of soul and body.” The arms and hands are the means by which the physical work of the church is accomplished. Here, the request for strength should be not be underplayed. Strength is endurance. Strength is patience. Strength is muscle. The Celebration of the Divine Liturgy is an action that has implications and consequences in the real world. Much like the gladiators of old, who would place cuffs on their forearms for protection and as a symbol of strength, the priest is reminded of the necessity to work for the victory, that is, success, of this Mystery known as the Divine Liturgy.

Now the priest well ready to celebrate, and so the next vestment is one which calls for focus. The vagas is placed around the back of the neck of the priest. It stands high and surrounds the back of his head. As the oorar reminded the priest of the yoke, or the burden placed around his neck, the vagas is a reminder of what are sometimes called “blinders” that we see around the eyes of the beasts of burden. While temptation is from all around, the vagas forces the priest’s attention to the celebration of the Liturgy, and the common cup at the center of the Holy Eucharist. In a moment of temptation if the priest’s attention is steered to the right or left, the blinders prevent him from looking further and readjust his attention to the work before him. This is a very special vestment that directs the senses to the essentials of the Liturgy and therefore the essentials of life.

The final article of the vestment set is the robe or shourjar, which we will learn about tomorrow. For today let us focus on the belt, the cuffs and the vagas, as three reminders of commitment. Our devotion must be circular, like the belt, with no signs of beginning or end, encircling our entire being through body, soul and mind. Our faith must be fortified by strength, as the cuffs provide, so that we understand that the purpose of our faith is to do - to share, love and work for the betterment of life. Our life must be focused, as the vagas directs us, to concentrate on the matters at hand. And if, by the temptation of the moment we should wonder, may we be reminded of the awesome beauty of the life that is in front of us.

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Continuing on physical preparations and the vestments - the belt, the cuffs and the vagas, calling for commitment, strength and focus.
Lenten Recipe 4: Spinach Salad with Passionfruit Dressing and Maple-Glazed Almonds

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Lenten Journey - Physical Preparations and the Vestments

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 16:28:00 -0800

Day #3 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian.

On this 3^rd Day of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy we continue on the theme of preparation, by examining the vestments and vesting process of the priest. The priest as well as each participant of the Divine Liturgy must prepare her or himself spiritually, emotionally and physically, for such an awesome experience as the one expressed in the Divine Liturgy. Physical preparation is the easiest to comprehend.

In the vestry of the church, the priest takes offers a prayer request as he dons each piece of his vestment. He begins from the top, by placing the crown on his head and praying, “Put, O Lord, upon my head the helmet of salvation to fight against the powers of the enemy, by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Often, the crown is considered a sign of royalty, in this case, the prayer likens it to a helmet in preparation against the forces of evil. The challenges in life are remembered, that life is one defined by responsibilities to love and proclaim the light of Christ. The obstacles to do so are many. The helmet is a reminder of that struggle to love, even when the obstacles persist and even when his love is misunderstood or even rejected.

Next the priest wears the white robe by praying, “Clothe me, O Lord, with the garment of salvation and with a robe of gladness, and gird me with the vestment of salvation.” Note here, that the physical robe is not merely defined by its color of purity, but by a condition of gladness. The joy of salvation transcends time, not to be understood only in terms of a time to come, but as a living expression within the heart of the priest.

The stole is next placed over the neck of the priest as he prays, “Clothe my neck, O Lord, with righteousness and cleanse my heart from all filthiness of sin.” Here we remember Christ’s words, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and you shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. “In fact, the High Priest himself, Christ, demands that we take the yoke, symbolic of the burdens attached to life, with the gentle reminder that in meekness and in purity of heart, we are able to endure and overcome our difficulties and challenges.

The deacon, wears a similar stole, but only partially on his or her shoulder. It refers to the same yoke of Christ.

It is here that we break for this 3^rd day of the Lenten Journey, with a mediation on that yoke. From the vestments we have discussed thus far, we understand that the spiritual warfare of the Christian is a challenge to love. Often, we merely think of the Christian experience and struggle as a challenge to abstain from certain types of behavior. In fact, the Christian understanding of struggle is quite the opposite – it is one of engaging in the good, by loving, sharing of the self through humility and meekness. The Christian is called to do, not to abstain, that is, to take on the yoke, the burden offered by Christ, to love unceasingly, even against the odds and obstacles. It is the higher challenge that defines us in our faith and certainly in our life. Today we mediate on the transformation process thus far expressed by the crown, the robe and the stole – the fight to love, to do so with joy and to understand the awesome responsibility that comes with it. Tomorrow we continue on this spiritual journey and continue examining the other vestments.

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Physical Preparations and the vestments - the crown, the robe, the stole and the demand to love.
Lenten Recipe 3: Spicy Peanut Noodles

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Lenten Journey - Preparations

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 18:46:00 -0800

Day #2 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian.

It has been said that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Perhaps a more proper translation of this thought offered by Lao Tzu is that The journey of a thousand miles begins beneath one's feet. No matter how we say it, the journey into the Divine Liturgy, and therefore into the Divine, begins with a step of the foot, but that foot must be ready – socks and shoes, muscles and even callouses, to travel the road ahead.

Preparation for the Divine Liturgy is essential. A soul who is present and ready for this Divine Mystery must prepare itself, as must the minister who will be celebrate the Liturgy. Both the priest and the participant enter to the sanctuary putting off their worldly garments and understand that there is a sacredness to the space they enter. The physical structure of the church is most often the place where this sacrament is celebrated. It has been consecrated, that is, it has been set aside for the purpose of this sacred work, just as the priest, the minister of the sacrament, is consecrated and ordained for this celebration. He is man, not God. He stands humbly before the presence of God. As you can imagine, there can be no ego present at this moment, and so begins the stripping of the trappings of the world.

Because the Divine Liturgy is such an awesome and sacred ceremony, the participant goes through a series of physical, spiritual and emotional preparatory activities. Let us begin with the physical preparation, because by far, it is the easiest to comprehend.

In the vestry of the church the priest engages in a transformative process. The Divine Liturgy begins with the reciting of Psalm 132, “Let your priests be clothed with righteousness; and let your saints shout for joy.” As we hear, the first utterances are in the spirit of a festival – shouting for joy! In fact, the Divine Liturgy is a celebration. In that spirit, the Priest offers his first prayer of the day before transforming himself with the physical robes and vestments of the day. As we listen to it, place yourself in that spirit of joy and understanding. It is the First Step of our journey:

O Jesus Christ our Lord who are clothed with light as with a garment, you did appear upon earth in unspeakable humility and walked with men and women.

[As you grant me permission to be vested for this service] make me, your unprofitable servant, also worthy at this hour to approach the spiritual service of your glory, so that I may divest myself of all ungodliness which is a garment of defilement, and that I may be adorned with your light. Cast away my wickedness from me and shake me out of my transgressions that I may be made worthy of the light prepared by you in the world to come.

Grant me to enter with priestly glory upon the ministry of your holy things. Christ, you did bear the sins of all, for you are the holiness of our souls and upon you, befits glory, dominion and honor.

In saying this prayer, we take the first step of preparation. We will continue tomorrow by introducing the vestments that prepare us physically to celebrate with joy, the Divine Liturgy.

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Today: Preparations - taking the first step before vesting.
Lenten Recipe 2: Mushroom Fried Rice

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Lenten Journey - Into the Divine Liturgy

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Mon, 16 Feb 2015 20:27:00 -0800

Day #1 of a 40 day series of broadcasts by Fr. Vazken Movsesian

Jesus is the name of Love, says St. Nersess Shnorhali, and it is from this proclamation that we begin our Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy. Love is the one thing in life that crosses over ethnic, gender, socio-economic, geographic, and other differences that divide the world and humanity. It is the most powerful and yet most delicate energy known to humankind. It is said that it can move mountains, yet untamed it can destroy the strongest heart.

We often speak of the mystical and spiritual dimensions of life, understanding that there is more to life than the temporal trappings – that which we sense, whether through feelings, taste, smell, vocal and audible utterings. This dimension of life, that which is beyond our physical understanding, we assign to God, to Energy, to the Universe or in one word, the Divine. However or in what manner we try to describe it, we come to a point where our limited faculties are unable to comprehend the vastness of the Divine.

Within Orthodoxy we appeal to sacraments, that is, the outward and comprehendible means by which the incomprehensible is delivered to us. Of the 7 known Sacraments, the Holy Eucharist, the Divine Liturgy, is the one which is most accessible to us all. Our first day of this Journey begins with an acceptance that the Divine Realm is accessible to us, that the Divine Liturgy has a design and purpose to bring us closer to the Energy which surrounds us and at the same time is within us.

Take some time on this first of 40 days, to accept the fullness and depth of the Divine. Accept that this journey is not one that is marked by steps, but one which is made up of connections, between your physical being and the spirit and emotions that define life. Put preconceptions to one side and open yourself to the wonder that is, the Divine Liturgy.

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Part of the expanding vision of the In His Shoes Mission. Visit our website for more information. www.InHisShoes.org
Music by Torkom Saraydarian "A Touch of Heart"
Lenten Recipe 1: "Cream" of Asparagus Soup

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Ascension: Full Authority and No Wounds

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Thu, 29 May 2014 00:13:00 -0700

Road to Healing: Day #Easter +40

Today is the day of Ascension. It’s the celebration of healing. I never understood it the way I do today.

The celebration of Ascension is 40 days after Easter. Whereas Easter celebrates victory, this feast celebrates the upward movement and healing momentum after the resurrection.

It’s interesting that the Christian story does not end with Resurrection.

The Crucifixion is the ultimate story of betrayal, hurt, pain, suffering and loss. Following the Crucifixion, we find ourselves at the Empty Tomb – a place from which we can look at the Cross and call that day, “Good” Friday. In the context of Resurrection the Crucifixion is done. It’s over. The pain and suffering are finished, conquered and defeated. But the wounds are still there. And that’s why the Christian story does not end with Resurrection.

A week or two following the Resurrection, one of the Disciples of Christ, Thomas, asks to feel the wounds of Christ. The holes in his hands where the nails were driven in were still open, as was the gouge in his side. Resurrection was a victory over death, but the wounds were still open and had not healed.

At the Ascension, Jesus proclaims “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” He ascends to Heaven in full authority. It is to the state of perfection that he ascends. The wounds have been healed!

This is the feast of Ascension – the celebration of healing. It is the celebration of leaving the wounds behind and finding the completeness of life.

Destination

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Thu, 10 Apr 2014 10:30:00 -0700

Road to Healing – Lenten Journey 2014
Day 40:
Play Now:

They woke me up to take my vitals. I had been through the routine for the last couple of days, but today

it was different. First the polite bow by the nurse, “How are you feeling, sir? Any pain?” Then they fumble around the IV tubes, cuff your arm. As your blood pressure is being taken, the nurse puts the plastic tip of the thermometer in your ear and one by one the readings are recorded. Temperature. Blood Pressure. Pulse. All systems are fine.

“I have some pain.”

“Just press the button, sir.”

You press the button and slowly you enter into a comfort zone. But today I was okay without the mix of narcotics into my drip. Even more, I knew that as some point I needed to wean myself off of the drugs. Let no one be fooled it’s tempting because it’s quick and effective. But today it’s over. I’m not pressing that button. I’m out of here.

I hear a voice, “Do you want to be healed?”

Yes! I do. No one else can make that decision but me. I want to be complete. I want to be whole.

Yes! I do... I am.

It was forty days ago that we took our first steps on this journey together, on the Road to Healing. We’ve encountered ideas, thoughts, faith, strength and courage along the way. We’ve explored love, God, strength from within and without as antidotes to our disease and despair. And while every journey traveled on the plane of this Earth has a beginning and an end, we understand that our journey has been one of ascent. We are traveling upward, with no boundaries to the heights we can achieve.

In the Gospel of John we read the story of Mary and Martha and their brother Lazarus. They were close friends of Jesus who lived in the town of Bethany. The scripture says that Jesus loved them dearly. The young man Lazarus fell ill and died.

Jesus rounded up the disciples and began the trip to Bethany. While still on the road to Bethany, Martha ran out to greet him. She has complete faith in the power of Christ. “Lord,” she says, “If you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him.”

Jesus assures her, “Your brother will rise again.”

Martha knows that for sure. She says, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.”

Jesus replies, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.”

At this point, Jesus asks for a confirmation to his words, “Do you believe this?”

Martha replies, “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Son of God, the one coming into the world.”

A few moments later, near the tomb, Jesus has the same conversation with Lazarus’ other sister Mary. And she confirms her faith as well.

The miracle takes place. After four days in the tomb, Jesus pulls Lazarus out to full life and full recovery! Needless to say, the people are astonished and the details of this story are distributed throughout the land.

This story is often called the Resurrection of Lazarus. What I propose to you that this is more about Martha and Mary than about Lazarus. True, their brother received the miracle of life, but both Martha and Mary were transformed at that moment of healing. They confessed a faith in a future event, “… he will rise on the last day.” Jesus, with his presence and his words, transformed time itself. No longer is resurrection a thing of the past, but in the immediate present, the here and now, the eternal “I AM” the Resurrection and the Life!

On this 40th Day on the Road to Healing I offer the primer. It is the code which opens the rest of the treasures of faith in all of Armodoxy. It is found in the 29th verse of a hymn written by St. Nersess Shnorhali. He writes, “The Name of Love is Jesus.” Herein lies the truth we have been searching – Love is the resurrection and the life! Believe in Love and you conquer illness, disease, despair, heartbreak and even death. It is transforming and liberating. It is offered to you, not as a final destination on this Road to Healing, but on your path towards ascent to the heavenly dimensions of Faith, Hope and Love.

Hi this is Fr. Vazken. I trust and hope that this Lenten Season was a spiritually uplifting one for you on the Road to Healing. I invite you to get involved in further explorations of faith as we explore Christ and the Blessings in our Life. Join us on Epostle.net, the voice of Armodoxy where you’ll find a special series for the Holy Week in front of us. Also, I’ll be sharing some post-surgery insight with you. Stay tune.

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Photo: Armenian Monastery by Christaphor Movsesian (2013)
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Trust

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Wed, 9 Apr 2014 23:44:00 -0700

Road to Healing – Lenten Journey 2014
Day 39:
Play Now:

No doubt many of you have passed by an art gallery with a quick glance in and then continued to walk.

Art either talks to you or it doesn’t. When I walk past a gallery, curiosity is the first lure that gets me to glance at the work in the window. And then, there’s a quick assessment. Do I like what I see or not? I’m a sucker for the surrealists, so even a small Salvador Dali in the corner will get me to walk through the door. But once I’m in I’m pretty quick on deciding whether I’m going to spend some time looking at the pieces or not. My attention span is pretty short in general and even shorter when I don’t get the artwork. I know this is an age issue. When you’re younger you can find more time to look, evaluate and even pretend you understand some of the stuff. But at this point in my life, I know what I like and if I don’t, I don’t mean any disrespect but I just walk away. I’m usually not critical of the artwork, realizing that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but on a few occasions I have mumbled under my breath a question or two about the validity of the work as “art.”

There is one gallery, though, that I have never been able to pass without stopping by for a look. I’d venture to say that many of you share my same experience. It happens every time I look out that large window that extends to the edge of my peripheral vision and captures the sunset. And though I’ve seen hundreds, perhaps thousands of sunsets, I never tire of casting a look and letting my imagination be pulled down the horizon as it marks the end of the day.

Sometimes I’m lucky, especially at the beach. Clouds will cover parts of the Sun, making for streamers that rise to the heavens. Other times it combines with the atmosphere to produce colors so unique and subtly different from the standard chart of colors. Have you ever noticed, you can never capture a sunset exactly on film or on canvas? You can come close to mimicking the colors, but never an exact copy. Each sunset is a beautiful combination of fire, clouds, atmosphere and the hand of God. Different shapes and diffusions decorate this artwork from the master of all eternity.

Each sunset points to the inevitable truth of our life, namely that time moves forward and we are called to value each moment in that movement. As the sun moves on its path below the horizon, we realize that the moment and the day will never come back. Enjoy the moment for what it is. And as your mind goes for the ride below the horizon your imagination is called upon to dream of tomorrow.

From the sunset we understand that the past is completely guaranteed. No question about it: it happened. The present is happening; you are given a chance to enjoy as brief as it may be. And the future? It’s completely and totally unknown. You can plan, work, sweat, toil and struggle for a bright future, but at some point you have to take it on faith that tomorrow will arrive and trust that you will be a part of it.

A healthy lifestyle has this basic trust component built into it. Without this trust, there is no life.

There is no guarantee that the Sun will rise tomorrow morning, but if each night you went to bed with the fear that it would not, you’d cease to function. Your time and energy would be consumed with unnecessary worry. Because the Sun has a strong track record, that is, every day of your life it has risen, and you have on good authority that it has done so for last several million years; you therefore assign a high level of trust to it. Not so with your illness though. Health – physical, emotional, mental – has let you down, so you’ve assigned a lower level of trustworthiness to it.

Today is the day to move trust in your health up a few notches. We trust that there will be new sunrise tomorrow morning and with that we put our head on the pillow. What does it take to believe the same about life? Part of the healing process is to believe and trust in yourself and the life that has been created around you. All around you is the fingerprint – the artwork – of God. Your only response to it is to trust that your life is adorned and decorated by God.

These past few weeks we have been on the Road to Healing and have tossed around many ideas. The lessons of each day are all predicated on trust. Just as a new sunrise tomorrow morning is unquestionable, so too the healthiness of your life must be trusted.

Here is a prayer of healing from the Armenian Church,
Lord our God, take away the pain and heal the sickness of your people. Grant them all complete health by the sign of your all-triumphant cross, by which you took away the frailty of the human race and condemned the adversary of our life and salvation. You are our life and salvation, O Merciful God. You alone are able to forgive sins and to drive pain and sickness out of us. And you know how to cure our afflictions. O Giver of good gifts, give your creatures the gift of your abundant mercy, each according to their needs. Let us always glorify and praise the all holy Trinity, Father, Son & Holy Spirit.

I look forward to meeting with you tomorrow as we continue on the Road to Healing.

Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
Photo: Sunset over San Francisco (c)2005 Fr. Vazken Movsesian
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Power

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Tue, 8 Apr 2014 22:16:00 -0700

Road to Healing – Lenten Journey 2014
Day 38:
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Our first parish was in a town called Cupertino about 50 miles south of San Francisco, an area that was developing its identity as Silicon Valley as we were developing our identity as a family. All of our children were born here.

A pastor’s family is always blessed with having so many aunts and uncles. The kind people of the parish and our family engaged in what I call reciprocal-adoption. It was a special time in our life, and very rich with “family” especially considering that both my and my wife’s parents, brothers, sisters and their children all live well over 400 miles away in Southern California.

My brother found every opportunity he could to come and visit with us and his nephews. He’d take the 1 hour airplane trip up the coast and we’d be on the receiving end to pick him up at San Jose Airport. Many times we’d get there a bit early and park our car at the end of the runway and watch the planes take off and land. We’d do it for the boys but I think it was obvious who got the most excitement out of these excursions. And then, when that big Southwest airplane rumbled the air above us and landed down aways, I’d point to it and tell the kids, “There’s Uncle Haig! Let’s go pick him up.” We’d drive over to the terminal in time to watch him come off the plane.

After the weekend – or sometimes we’d be lucky and get him a bit longer – we’d take Uncle Haig to the airport. This time we’d walk him all the way to the gate (yes, this is a bit of pre-9/11 history), say our good-byes and watch the plane back out. San Jose Airport was perfect for plane watching. We’d get in the car and go to the end of the runway. As the plane took off from the tarmac to the sky we’d wave, “Bye Uncle Haig!”

Now when the kids were very small, when we’d get home they’d be playing in the yard and their sharp senses would spot a plane high up in the sky. They would get so happy and excited as they pointed to the small object in the sky, “Look dad. Look mom. There’s Uncle Haig.”

In response to their cuteness, we’d play along with an assuring, “There he goes… wave to him…”

At various times – perhaps days or even weeks later – between visits, our kids would spot a plane say with the same enthusiasm as moments after the flight took off, “There’s Uncle Haig.” And with their little hands they’d wave to the plane high up in the sky.

It was on one of his visits that my brother figured out that our children thought that he was in a perpetual state of flight! They would say goodbye to their uncle at the airport… He’d get on the plane… then the next time they’d see him he’d be coming off the plane. For all they knew, he was always in flight until the next time they’d see him, once again coming off the plane. Think of it in terms of a 3 or 4 year old. Without the knowledge that planes land elsewhere to deliver and pick up passengers, you would assume the flight has a circular route, beginning and ending with you. Why would you think otherwise? As we mature, our world view changes and our understanding of the world develops as we connect the dots between events, places, people and feelings. And soon we, as did my kids, have a new understanding. Uncle Haig got on a plane to come to see us… he lives somewhere else… he needs to return to that somewhere else… and we look forward to his next visit.*

As much as you don’t want your children to grow up with a skewed perception of reality, there is something to be said about the naiveté and innocence of their primal understandings of life.

Francis Bacon has said, “Knowledge is power.” Now it remains for us to understand what that power is. As we are moving forward on this Road to Healing, we have matured in many ways. Through our meditations and prayers, we have connected dots between our illnesses, their causes and our control (or lack of control) over the variety of factors in the healing process. But understanding doesn’t necessarily mean control over events. Rather, it means reconciliation and control over our self.

Understanding that the plane doesn’t stay up in the sky forever, doesn’t mean we control the flight nor do we have the power to alter its properties. The power is in our ability to reconcile and take control of our self.

Here is a prayer for this day of our journey. It is an ancient Armenian blessing, appealing to the Holy Cross along with a simple meditation: The Cross of Christ can be understood or misunderstood. Its understanding does not change reality, but brings reconciliation and control over our lives.

Keep us in peace, O Christ our God, under the protection of your holy and precious cross; save us from our enemies, visible and invisible, and count us worthy to glorify you with thanksgiving, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.

I look forward to meeting with you again tomorrow on the Road to Healing.

*Disclaimer: Space and time were not altered, skewed or changed as a result this blog.

Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
Photo: Plane Cloud by Sona Smith (2014)
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Hosanna

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Mon, 7 Apr 2014 22:48:00 -0700

Road to Healing – Lenten Journey 2014
Day 37:
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Hosanna is an exclamation of praise. It’s used in the Bible to express adoration, praise and joy. It is also used as a name in the Armenian culture. I’ve met many Hosanna’s through the years. Some have abbreviated their name and go by Osan or even Hosi! (I always like that derivative of the name – it just sounds fun, doesn’t it? Hosi!)

But the lady who sits in the 3rd pew of our church goes by the full name, Hosanna. She attends church religiously - as if there’s any other way to attend! For her there isn’t. She comes every Sunday with her husband of 60 years. Last year when they celebrated their 60th Anniversary, I made a point of congratulating them in church just before the sermon. As I announced this milestone to the congregation, this cute couple got up and took a modest bow and she shared a blessing with everyone – wishing that others could enjoy this many years. And then she shared her formula for success, “60 years and never a crossed look or an argument between us!”

Yeah, I know, Dr. Phil and the lot will probably suggest some repressed or suppressed emotions. Actually, I have my own theories about how this marriage has lasted, but hey, at this point does it matter? Let’s just say, thank God that they want to share the wealth with their blessing.

Last Sunday Hosanna was missing from church. I have to confess that I didn’t notice until after services when her children approached me and told me that she had gone to the hospital and wanted to receive Holy Communion. I didn’t ask too many questions, but promised I’d visit that day.

I took a portion of the reserved Sacrament and headed out. As life would have it I didn’t make it to the hospital until late that evening. There was about a half-an-hour left before visiting hours were over.

When Hosanna saw me, her beautiful and wrinkly face stretched out a large smile and a thousand notes of appreciation. Her joy was of the variety that I imagined Ed McMahon would see when he dropped off the Publisher’s Clearing House check, back in the day. People just don’t get this happy to see me, but Hosanna was letting everyone know – not only the lady in the bed next to her, but those in the beds in the rooms adjacent and across the hall from her. For a few moments I thought the nurses might come by to see what was going.

To this lady who was born in Syria, moved to Beirut, raised children, fled wars in the Middle East, survived various difficulties and arrived to a safe haven in America, getting some nerves, bones and muscles repaired was nothing to complain about. Her priest had come to visit her and was delivering the Blessed Sacrament – an opportunity to communicate on an intimate level with her Lord and God.

We talked the good part of the half hour I was with her. She was incredibly worried that I wasn’t comfortable, asking the nurse several times to adjust the pillows on my chair.

After I read the prayer of confession and offered her the Holy Communion she was relieved. She knew better days were ahead of her.

I could end this story by saying that she received a blessing, but that’s far from where this story ends. Sunday was a long day, filled with many challenges, but as I left the hospital room I realized I was touched and healed that night.

In life we are searching for meaning and purpose. As a priest, dealing with intangible realities such as faith, hope and love, you sometimes (more often than not for me) question the value of your work and ministry. Unlike other work, the ministry doesn’t provide immediate results – whether it’s praying for a sick person, someone in rehab, a divorced couple or working for justice in war-torn lands, on the streets of Los Angeles or in the Church itself. There are many times of doubt. Hosanna gave me a blessing. She filled my life with purpose and a renewed spirit.

If you look at your life, you will find that what you do and what you live are filled with blessings. Remember faith, hope and love may not provide immediate results, but that doesn’t discount their power. You just need to do what you do and leave the rest to God.

As I left her side I knew she was healed. There was no doubt in my mind, because I know there was no doubt in her mind. I was healed. There was no doubt in my mind and most probably she never imagined that her priest was hurting that night. That’s the power of a blessing and love. At the door way, I looked back and said, “I’ll see you Sunday in Church.”

She responded, “Of course, it’s my name day!”

This Sunday is Palm Sunday. Our Lenten Journey will be coming to an end. Hosanna. It’s the day Christ came into Jerusalem. It’s the day Christ comes into the Holiest Centers of our Lives and we say Hosanna. A message of praise, adoration and joy.

This is Fr. Vazken, looking forward to walking on the Road to Healing again with you tomorrow.

Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
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Recurring Disease (Lessons from Rwanda)

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Sun, 6 Apr 2014 22:28:00 -0700

Road to Healing – Lenten Journey 2014
Day 36:
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Twenty years ago today the Rwandan people woke up to the reality of Genocide. It lasted for 100 days

and claimed a million lives.

A few years back I had an opportunity to visit Rwanda. For me it was a chance to see what I had heard about only through stories. While I didn’t know much about Rwanda, I had grown up with stories of the Armenian Genocide. My grandparents were survivors. My parents were first generation survivors and well, in many ways I am a survivor, having to reconcile with the reality that such a heinous crime could have occurred.

Illness and disease reoccur. Sometimes they are passed along in genes. Sometimes they are passed along as viral infections – they are mimicked and copied from one person to the next. Illness needs to be addressed. Disease cannot be ignored.

Suicide is killing the self. Homicide is killing another person. Genocide, as the name suggests, is killing off the entire gene-pool. Killing is killing, but how can we comprehend killing at this magnitude and in such proportions?

During my stay in Rwanda I met with many survivors who shared their stories. It was surprisingly similar to the stories I had heard from my grandparents: Round-ups in the night, the men taken away, the women raped, the children left to die. In fact at one point the stories were too similar for comfort. One day we were driving on a bridge over the Nile River. Our guide pointed out that at one point during the course of the Genocide, there were so many dead bodies and blood flowing through the river that it was known as the “Red Nile.” Of course, I had heard the same stories, only in Armenia it was the “Red Euphrates” that they referenced.

One of the most disturbing moments during my trip came at the Genocide Museum in Kigali. I was following the exhibits and stories of the Genocide that were mounted on the walls and in cases. In that museum I was immediately made color blind, because the only difference between the children and people in the photos and my own ancestry was the color of our skin. But it was unnoticeable. I was looking back in time at the events of the Armenian Genocide of 1915 here in the museum which documented the Genocide of 1994.

I was moved to tears from these eye-witness accounts. I must have been a terrible mess because the sight of me crying brought one of the museum staff to my aid. She introduced herself to me. “Is everything OK? May I be of assistance?”

I introduced myself and apologized for my outburst. I explained that the stories of the survivors, the children and the widows were stories that I had heard growing up. I explained to her that my grandparents were survivors of genocide. And then it happened. She asked me a question which has haunted me ever since that day. She asked, “Which Genocide?”

Can you imagine? This is the 21st Century and we’re still asking “Which Genocide?” You would think that a civilization that can explore space and develop vaccines for polio and smallpox, could certainly find a way of resolving conflicts without wars, let alone genocide. But here we were, in a museum, attesting to the fact that we are unable to cure the most dreaded of all diseases: hatred.

Illness and disease reoccur. Sometimes they are passed along in genes. Sometimes they are passed along as viral infections – they are mimicked and copied from one person to the next. Illness needs to be addressed. Disease cannot be ignored. Today you are on the Road to Healing because you have identified the disease; you are traveling because you are not ignoring it. Once out of your system, you cannot allow it to come back to take over again. Today, you know that there is no other answer but to eradicate the illness forever.

When we appeal to love as the answer, we have to understand that it is the ultimate weapon against our troubles, whether on a global level or on a personal level. You see, hatred breeds hatred. The ill cells in your body breed more cancers. Personalities and patterns of living infect others through our interactions and ultimately continue to live and wreak havoc another day. We are looking for a healing and understand that it must be complete.

Let us pray, the prayer of Healing,
Healer of infirmity, Physician of the physicians, Light and Love of the world, dispel the pain and heal the sickness of your people by beginning with me. Give me the strength to stand today noting my illness and receiving a complete healing. Fill me with your love and allow me to spread that love through my life and my deeds so that this disease will never go beyond me. It has been defeated. With true faith in the miracle, let it be! Amen.

This is Fr. Vazken, looking forward to continue on the Road to Healing with you again tomorrow.

Photo: "Meeting Grandma" 2006
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for http://epostle.net
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Future Consciousness

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Sat, 5 Apr 2014 22:33:00 -0700

Road to Healing – Lenten Journey 2014
Day 35:
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There’s a palm reader down the street from us. She does a brisk business. People come by to get a peek

at the future. Growing up around Armenian coffee (yes, that’s the PC way to say it around here) made me aware of the practice of reading the grinds for a glimpse into life yet unlived. The unknown is intriguing and very profitable. Astrology is a multi-billion dollar industry.

A few days ago we looked at anxiety in our life and followed it up with lessons on risking. If anything this would seem like a formula for aggravated worry and a walk backward on the Road to Healing. But today, let us understand risking as a part of accelerated living. As such, risking is not about adding anxiety to life, rather it is an answer to anxiety. It sounds strange but I ask you to think about it for a moment. By living, you actually answer anxiety and fear head-on. You are now taking control of your own life. What happens in your life is not dependent on outside forces.

One of the appealing features of future-forecasting is that it reduces responsibility. If your destiny is already written out for you, you don’t have to take responsibility for your life. “The stars were aligned,” “It was in my palm,” “The cards came out like that,” are all convenient excuses, just like, “The devil made me do it.”

The reason we are seeking healing for our illness and problems, is because disease has taken away our responsibility for life. It may not be about cards, palms or stars, but it’s about the cancer, the addiction, the temper, the anger and the genes. It’s a way of tossing the blame elsewhere. I’m not to blame for my illness… my anger, my genes, my hormones, my personality is skewed and I am not responsible. But we are here for a healing, therefore we want to take responsibility for our life and it begins by taking responsibility for our place in life today.

Religion is one of the number one killers of responsibility. Unfortunately, religion – especially the Western varieties – has an element of future-forecasting built into it and followers of the religion forfeit their right to live tomorrow by grabbing a chunk of pre-destiny and concerning themselves with end-times.

For instance, in Christianity, there is the concept of a final judgment, linked to the “Second Coming” of Christ. There are those who calculate, speculate and wait in anticipation of this day, much like those who wait for someone else to take care of their ills and problems. All the while, life passes by.

I have been intrigued by the Armenian Orthodox understanding of the Second Coming because the emphasis is not on tomorrow but on today. It is found in the lectionary reading on the day of Advent. Jesus is put to a test to reveal the greatest commandment. His response is, “Love the Lord God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no greater commandment than these.”

Imagine that! We just heard it from Christ! The commandment is for today. Tomorrow has enough worries for itself, focus on today. The best way to be prepared for the Second Coming is to live the message of the First Coming. That is: Love!

When you love you take control of your life. You regain responsibility. Life is meant to be lived and filled with love.

Today we take control of our life by taking responsibility for our disease by understanding that something very simple is demanded of us. Tomorrow and the future, may or may not be there, but today is real. The only requirement necessary to live the day is to love and to love without restrictions.

Let us pray the 13th hour prayer of St. Nersess

Heavenly King, grant me Your kingdom, which You have promised to Your beloved; strengthen my heart to hate sin, and to love You alone, and to do Your will. Have mercy upon Your Creatures and upon me, a great sinner.

This is Fr. Vazken inviting you to join me again tomorrow as we continue on the Road to Healing.

Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for http://epostle.net
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Time-Dash

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Fri, 4 Apr 2014 22:05:00 -0700

Road to Healing – Lenten Journey 2014
Day 34:
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Walk through a cemetery and you’re sure to see a variety of headstones.

Different epitaphs describe the departed individual and/or a philosophy of life. On most headstones you’ll find the name of the deceased person followed by two dates – the year of birth and the year of death. Between the two dates is what I call the “time dash.” This is a small line that denotes the time between birth and death. The dash is usually the same size, whether it points to a life measured by months or one measured by decades.

Illness and disease remind us of our mortality, that is they remind us that the dash has to have some meaning. Conversely, when the dash is meaningful, illness and disease do not seem to matter.

Academy Award winner Sidney Poitier opens his spiritual autobiography with a scene that is all too

familiar. He writes:

It’s late at night as I lie in bed in the blue glow of the television set. I have the clicker in my hand, the remote control, and I go from 1 to 97, scrolling through the channels. I find nothing that warrants my attention, nothing that amuses me, so I scroll up again, channel by channel, from bottom to top. But already I’ve given it the honor of going from 1 to 97, and already I’ve found nothing. The vast, sophisticated technology and … nothing. It’s given me not one smidgeon of pleasure. It’s informed me of nothing beyond my own ignorance and my own frailties.

But then I have the audacity to go up again! And what do I find? Nothing, of course. So at last, filled with loathing and self-disgust, I punch the damn TV off and throw the clicker across the room, muttering to myself, “What am I doing with my time?”*

This is the question that becomes more pronounced when illness and disease hit us. Surely, the scenario in which Poitier finds himself is another type of disease.

When things are going well, we forgot that our time on this planet and in this life is limited. Time is the most precious of all commodities. We know this. We say it enough, with witty words like, “Life is too short…” But when it comes down to it, we take our time for granted.

As we move on our own spiritual journey and on the Road to healing, the question “What am I doing with my time?” is central to our wellbeing. There are many ways to answer this question. It could be descriptive of time-spent, such as, “I am scanning through 97 channels,” or it can be as profoundly simple as “I am living.”

Interestingly enough, you don’t have to give an accounting of this question to anyone but yourself. To who else does it matter? You know if you’re wasting, squandering, exploiting, enjoying or living the life you have. And no one else can place a value or make a judgment call on your use of time. Ultimately, you are responsible for the minutes, hours, days, weeks, months and years of your life. They will make up the content of the time-dash one day.

You are on the Road to Healing. You, if anyone, know the value of time. Part of the 40-day Lenten Journey is to find the strength and courage to implement the discoveries you’ve made during this time, throughout the rest of the year. That is, the 40 days of Lent are to strengthen the 325 other days in the year, and ultimately to make the life changes you need to be and live the healthy life you were intended to live.

Today’s prayer is an adaption that I have made to St. Nersess Shnorhali’s prayer of the 9th hour. It’s about being. Let us pray,
Lord, bless me with the holiness to open my eyes to the beauty in the world, my ears to hear the songs in the air, my mouth so that I may speak out for righteousness, my heart so that it may think of peace, my hands so that I may work for justice, my feet so that I may walk in the paths of healing, and direct me in your commandments. Have mercy on all your creation. Amen.

This is Fr. Vazken, looking forward to continuing the Road to Healing with you tomorrow.

* From “The Meaure of a Man: A spiritual autobiography” by Sidney Poitier, 2000, Harper San Francisco

Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for http://epostle.net
Photo – Guitar Magic (c) 2002 Fr. Vazken Movsesian
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Risk Management

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Thu, 3 Apr 2014 22:39:00 -0700

Road to Healing – Lenten Journey 2014
Day 33:
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Dan Kujurian liked flashy cars and I liked looking out for his cars. Now that I think of it, it was the flash that I liked. I was a kid; flash and glitter were exciting. Come to think of it, I only knew he had cool cars, but never saw him drive any of them. Dan was neither glittery nor exciting. He was actually a very dull guy, but he loved his cars… I guess.

Dan had a brand new Chevy Corvette Sting Ray. The year was 1963 and this car was flash, glitter and excitement. You looked at it and you knew it moved. I remember the first time I saw this car it looked like the car was cutting through space with its sharp front end. The lights would pop up from the hood, and as a 7 year old kid with a wonder for how things worked, my imponderable was whether the lights went off when they were folded under. (Yes, just another version of the refrigerator light imponderable.)

Dan had some business to discuss with my dad one day and came over our house. When the time came for him to leave, I got excited to go out to get a look – and maybe a drive – in his car. My dad and I walked him out the house. Where was his car? Not on our block.

He walked down the street and then turned the corner. My dad said good-bye to him there. I felt short-changed. “Aren’t we going to walk to his car with him? You know he has a Sting Ray!”

“He parked over in the LACC parking lot,” said my dad. He knew something that I was going to find out that night.

The LACC parking lot was three blocks away. It was night and the parking lot was sparsely populated with cars. As he walked away from us my dad told me the Dan Kujurian secret for keeping his car clean, pristine and unscratched: He parks far away and in remote areas.

That’s it. This little secret kept his car looking like new. Everywhere he would go, he’d park far and away, sometimes walking up to a mile to avoid having anyone get close to his vehicle. Now my dad had an aversion to gossip, but that day he told me that Dan had recently made his date walk and walk to the church social one night because he didn’t want to park the car close to others cars in the church parking lot.

I always remember the night that I discovered the Dan Kujurian secret. Whenever I’ve been scared to risk, I’ve thought about that beautiful Sting Ray. It was clean and without blemish, but it was never driven and never served its purpose. It never exploited its full potential. And Dan? Well, he walked everywhere? I don’t think he really enjoyed that car.

Life has purpose and meaning. Healing means we are re-aligned with the purpose and meaning of life. Living life means you have to engage in it at an intimate level. You can’t park far way. Yes, there is a risk that you’ll get scratched and hit, you may get hurt, but think of this: you’ll be sitting in the driver’s seat and the ride will be a fun one.

Tennyson’s words, “Tis better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all,” are the words of our meditation today. As you roll through this junction on the Road to Healing, think of opportunities that you’ve missed because you have been scared to risk the hurt. Think of the enjoyment you’ve passed up because you’ve parked too far away from life. And now think of the new opportunities in front of you – to heal, to be well, to understand, to stand, to play, to laugh. Courage is required to park close to the action, and with a bit of faith, the drive is fun, fulfilling and filled with joy.

Let’s park close by and tomorrow we can continue on the Road to Healing.

Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
Photo – 1963 Corvette http://gmauthority.com
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Risking Anxiety

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Wed, 2 Apr 2014 19:54:00 -0700

Road to Healing – Lenten Journey 2014
Day 32:
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In the healing process, anxiety complicates matter. Usually anxiety is looked upon as the by-product of our illness, that is, because of our illness or strained relationships, we are stressed and worried about the problem and ultimately the solution. Will I get better? Can we find reconciliation? Am I done with my habits or will they return? Will the disease return? Will it kill me?

Anxiety is quantifiable, that is, it can be measured. Arguably, certain levels of anxiety can even be beneficial for our own safety. For instance, walking through on the street at night, with heart-beat racing, our senses are alerted to dangers and we can exercise extra caution. Or, when we hear of someone else’s diagnosis we might project that same illness on ourselves. The anxiety is not healthy in a large dose, but in a small dose it might make us aware of our frailties causing us to change our habits, diets or lifestyle. Many diets and smoking cessation programs have been started because of the illness of a friend or loved one.

Anxiety in large levels is dangerous and here’s why: It prevents us from taking risks! What? Isn’t that a good thing? Why should we want to take risks in the first place?

As you stand on the edge of the building, on the sill, to see if jumping off will hurt or not, anxiety and stress kick in preventing you from risking your life. Getting on a plane to attend a business seminar or visit your Aunty Margaret is also risky, but it’s calculated in favor of reaching your destination without harm. So, while you may get anxiety-induced sweaty palms or jitters during the takeoff, you take the trip nonetheless. But if the anxiety level was so great that you walked away, or off the plane, that would be harmful to your general welfare.

Life is a calculated risk. Too many times I have witnessed people who are so scared of risking that they do not move forward. That fear – being scared – is a negative anxiety. I’m not discounting the power of anxiety; rather I’m challenging its influence in your life.

Life, by definition, is about living. Living means moving forward. When you move forward with your life you’re taking some calculated risks. You may fall down. You may trip. And, yes, you may actually make it to your destination!

Some of the greatest tragedies that I’ve seen in my life have involved people who are so scared that they refuse to take a risk for fear of failure. Yes, there is failure and there is success. They are two sides of the same coin. In the coin-toss of life, there is a chance that the coin will come up Failure, but think of this: Failure is much heavier than Success. Therefore, there’s a better chance that it will land DOWN on Failure and UP on Success!

There are medications that control anxiety, but we are already deep on the Road to Healing. We’ve been through some training over the course of the last few weeks and we’re ready to try out some of our learned experiences against anxiety. Prayer and meditation are important. Stay focused.

Let us meditate on Christ’s words, “Do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Let the day’s own trouble be sufficient for the day.”

What are the things you are most anxious about? Illness? Troubles? Relationships? Addictions? All of these? None of these? What can you do by worrying about them? Does your worrying prevent you from moving forward with your life?

Now ponder the worst-case scenario… What will happen if I take a step forward? What is the worst case scenario? Can I survive it?

You’ve survived thus far. Life has ups and downs and some of the downs are painful, but the ups are tremendously pleasant. Look forward and be prepared to continue on this journey tomorrow.

This is Fr. Vazken inviting you to join me tomorrow on the Road to Healing.

Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
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Touching

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Tue, 1 Apr 2014 22:42:00 -0700

Road to Healing – Lenten Journey 2014
Day 31:
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Dr. K is a physician and an artist, that is, he approaches his medical practice as an art. He explained this distinction to a group of high school students he was mentoring.

When I first opened the Youth Ministries Center in Glendale, Dr. K approached me with an offer: If I brought him students, he would mentor them, help them as they selected their career paths as well as assist them if they applied to med school. I went with the first group of kids and listened in as Dr. K’s passion for medicine and healing was transferred to this group of student. He spoke as an artist practicing the medical arts, treating and caring for the entire body as well as the human condition.

My relationship with Dr. K continued for several years. I was intrigued by his approach to the healing arts. One day he invited me to join him on the rounds at a Free Clinic he had set up in Ventura County. Many migrant farm workers are attracted to California’s Central Coast. Dr. K attracted a few health care professionals and volunteers to tend to the needs of the needy at a make-shift clinic operating out of the social hall at a local church in Thousand Oaks, California. We drove there together giving me a chance to hear his understanding of the human condition, caring, compassion and healing. It is one thing to hear and another to experience. So that night he allowed me to tail him, as he went from patient to patient, checking blood pressure, temperature and doing what he does best: listening, caring and offering a path to healing.

From the unique vantage point I was offered, I witness an artist in action. But in particular I remember vividly this artist’s brush strokes – as he painted a picture of warmth and design in the life of Mrs. Martinez, the next patient we would visit. Mrs. Martinez was waiting for Dr. K and when we walked in you could tell she was relieved. Dr. K addressed her by name and in her gesture I could tell he was a familiar face to her. Dr. K asked her how she was doing and began rubbing her back as she responded. She spoke and told her story. He rubbed her back and put her at ease. It was a gentle rub, in a circular motion, offered as a therapeutic massage without the deep kneading action. She spoke and spoke. He rubbed and rubbed. The “exam” lasted 20 minutes. At the end, she thanked the doctor. He told her that everything would be fine.

As we left the room, it occurred to me that there was no specific medical trauma that was diagnosed and no medical service – pills, shots, therapy – that took place or offered. At least to this untrained eye, I couldn’t diagnosis the diagnosis. I asked Dr. K, “What was that all about? What was she in for?”

“She’s lonely. Her life is absent of touch.” He said this in a most gentle voice. “She comes in once a month. She talks. This 20 minutes is her human contact, the touch and the feel that she needs to feel good.”

We talked and shared even more that night about Mrs. Martinez as well as some of the other patients I observed. But the image of a lonely woman, warming up and coming to life because of a simple touch has never faded from my memory. Touching and feeling is essential and necessary to human life. We say, life is to be celebrated! How can we celebrate alone? Are we not called to interact, engage and touch one another – spiritually, emotionally and physically?

Today’s mediation is a simple one of reaching out and touching. Take an extra moment to feel the touches in your day today – the handshakes, the embraces, the kisses, as well as the emotional and spiritual touches. When a poem or prayer moves you to tears or goose bumps, what are those physical manifestation of our inner soul all about? How are they connected and how can they touch us to find complete healing?

I look forward to continuing on this journey with you again tomorrow.

(Note: From that original group of students I took to meet Dr. K, the first student graduated med school last year. She promises to be another artist of the healing arts.)

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Humor

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 23:02:00 -0700

Road to Healing – Lenten Journey 2014
Day 30:
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“Fire! The house across the street is on fire! Quick come and look out the window.” Young Anna ran from her bedroom to the front room of the house and stared out into the street. No smoke, no flames. And then, in a devilish manner her father proclaimed, “April Fools!”

It was a dirty trick to play on a young kid, especially my mother. But all is fair in love, in war and on April Fools’ Day. My mother remembers that prank to this day. And though she might have missed a heart beat on that day, now, 70 years later, she tells the story of the prank with a big smile on her face. In fact, it’s now become part of the family folklore to play the “Grandpa April Fools’ Prank” on the First.

April Fools is a lighthearted “feast.” Obviously, there’s no holiday or national mandate to celebrate it, but in many cultures people stop to have a mischievous go at fooling people. In fact, companies even get into the spirit with pranks that are sometimes so believable they attract a following. For instance, in 1998 Burger King published a full page ad in USA Today announcing a new item on their menu: The Left-Handed Whopper. They claimed it was designed for the 32 million left-handed Americans. The twist? The burger included all the same ingredients as the original Whopper but the condiments were rotated 180 degrees! Thousands of customers went into restaurants to request the new sandwich, while many others requested the “right handed” version!

As a kid, when I thought of my grandfather playing the fire-trick on my mom as well as his entire family, I never really understood how could a grown man do this? After all, this was grandpa and pranks are for kids. But as I grew older, I was more intrigued that he engaged in this type of humor considering he was a genocide survivor. Only 20 years earlier, he had seen the devastation of his country, family and home. He built a new life on the ashes of devastation, hardship and despair. And yet… when it came time to play, he could play with the best. He smiled and laughed. As a kid, I remember his contagious laugh as I sat in his lap and watched the 3 Stooges on TV.

Humor is so important to a healthy lifestyle and a necessary ingredient to healing. Sometimes our hardships are so great that we think we may never laugh or smile again. I think of the generations which witnessed the most absurd and heinous of all crimes, genocide, and yet they are able to rebound with a smile and a laugh. In that humor they found a new beginning – the possibility to hope and dream again.

Children come into this world believing and hoping. It is for this reason they smile and laugh. Today is the day to connect to that primal hope and faith. Don’t look too far, it’s inside of you. No matter how bad things get, find some time to smile and laugh. And if you can, laugh out loud!

Today’s mediation is on humor. Think of anything that makes you smile or makes you laugh. If it’s difficult, close your eyes and revert to a good time in your life. Perhaps you can remember the first time you met your child and tears came down your face because of joy! Think of a play or a movie, let it be primitively absurd, slapstick, or sophisticatedly jocular, witty. Let it induce a smile on your face. Now hold it right there. Hold the thought and your smile. Did you feel that? For that moment, as brief as it was, nothing else really mattered. Now understand that the change was your doing. You decided and you brought about an end to your pain and a joy to your heart.

This is Fr. Vazken, assuring you that today’s message was not an April Fools’ joke, and to be certain, join me again tomorrow as we continue on the Road to Healing.

Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
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Wave Frequency

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Sun, 30 Mar 2014 23:30:00 -0700

Road to Healing – Lenten Journey 2014
Day 29:
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It was only a few weeks ago that we began our Lenten Journey. We began in a hospital room, listening to the news describe a faith-healer who had lost his life to a poisonous snake. It wasn’t supposed to happen like that. His prayers were for a healing and yet he died.

Does God hear our prayers? It is a common question. What prompts us to ask this question is that our wishes – our requests – have not been answered to our liking. That is, we pray to God with certain expectations and when we don’t receive the answer we were hoping for, we believe that our prayers are not being heard.

In the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) Jesus speaks about prayer in this manner, “When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases … for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”

If this is the case, then there is something wrong in our definition of a prayer. Traditionally we’ve been told that prayer is a conversation with God. Conversation implies speaking and listening. There is no such thing as a one-way conversation. You give and receive. But Jesus says that our Father knows what our wants are before we ask! Therefore, there is another function to prayer and that is that it is also a prayer with the self! God knows our wants and our needs, but many times we do not know them! As strange as that sounds, it’s true. Prayer means speaking and listening and in listening the inner self is awakened to its needs.

During this Road to Healing, we’ve been engaged in prayer and meditation. The reason for this practice is so that our inner self is tuned into its needs and its growth. Think of the hundreds and thousands of radio signals that are travelling through the airwaves right now – some are captured by your radio and played through speakers, others are captured by your phone, your neighbor’s phone, your friend’s phone and heard in the earpiece. Other signals are heard on the police band or on airplane frequency. So when you tune-in a radio to a certain frequency, what you’re really doing is tuning-out all the other frequencies. Imagine what a mess it would be if a radio didn’t have a dial and picked up every radio wave that was traveling through the air! It would be chaotic! In the same manner, when we tune-in to our needs and our desires, we’re really filtering-out all the things that are not our concern, that are not pertinent to our own situation.

To use our healing metaphor, if you go into a hospital to have your right leg operated on, you certainly don’t expect the surgeon to cut up your left leg! If you have a tummy-ache, you don’t need to look at remedies for itchy-scalp. When your marriage is on the rocks, X-raying your teeth is unnecessary. In other words, our prayer life is not about telling God what our needs are – but telling our self that our remedy is on a frequency that we need to tune-in to and hear.

The healing that we are looking for is from within and without. This week we begin a new cycle on this Road. Be prepared.

Let us pray,
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done,on earth as it is in heaven.Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not bring us to the time of trial, but rescue us from the evil one. Amen.

This is Fr. Vazken inviting you to join me again tomorrow as we continue on the Road to Healing.

Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
Photo: Sequoia Flower (c)2002 Fr. Vazken Movsesian
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Prayer & Fasting

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Sat, 29 Mar 2014 22:49:00 -0700

Road to Healing – Lenten Journey 2014
Day 27:
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They thought they could do it. They were charged by Jesus to heal the sick, so when a man

brought his son to the Disciples for a healing it was just a matter of following procedures. But this time, something was off. They were unable to heal the boy.

The story is picked up in the Gospel of Matthew (in chapter 17). The man brought his son to Jesus for a healing complaining that the Disciples were unable to remove the evil from his son. Jesus heals the boy by extracting the disease and illness from his body. The Disciples had tried but failed. They wanted to know why they were unable to expel the disease from the boy?

Jesus explains, “Because of the littleness of your faith; for truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you. But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”

It is to the two conditions of faith – the catalysts of the faith in action, so to speak – prayer and fasting on which we focus today.

We have the power within us to bring about the changes necessary to move mountains, that is, to make the seemingly impossible truly possible. Healing disease and illness, amending our lifestyle, altering our course and direction, mending the holes in our relationships and living in harmony are all attainable. The mustard seed is of such small size and proportion. When faith is there, it’s there. The quality control on faith, so to speak, is governed by prayer and fasting.

The parable of the “Unrighteous Judge” in the Gospel of Luke (chapter 18) is a rather bizarre story of a powerless woman who brings down the politically potent and ruthless magistrate by being persistent. The story is so off that it warrants a note of intention by the author so that there’s no misunderstanding by the reader: “And Jesus spoke this parable about their need to always pray and not to lose heart.”

Faith is yours. You have it. You’re on this journey, aren’t you? The need for prayer and fasting are matters of discipline. They are the necessary tools by which faith stays alive, that is, faith does not stay dormant and useless, but alive and active. It might be easy to think of it in scientific terms of potential and kinetic energy. Our faith is stored (potential), waiting to move the mountains in our life. When we pray and fast, the energy is pushed into motion, so that it manifests in the actions of our life.

Prayer is the conversation you have with God and yourself. Fasting is the cleansing and the discipline of body so that mind and soul find a place within the whole. The seemingly impossible is made possible because faith is now activated in your life.

We pray today,
Lord, open my heart to your love. Open my mind to your wisdom. Open my body to your healing. I acknowledge the faith that is planted in my spirit. Push it to the brink of my soul so that it moves into every part of my body to become the action of my life, to bring about complete recovery of my ills, peace and harmony to my spirit and the world. Amen.

This is Fr. Vazken inviting you to join me again tomorrow as we continue on the Road to Healing.

Photo: Soul (c) 2011 Fr. Vazken Movsesian
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for http://epostle.net

Torkom

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Fri, 28 Mar 2014 23:59:00 -0700

Road to Healing – Lenten Journey 2014
Day 27:
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Like every other 13 year old, I was bored during religion class. We were forced to endure a one-

hour lesson once-a-week inside the church sanctuary, where the priest would talk above our head about things that didn’t matter. Until one day, a very special priest invited us to fast. That’s right – to eat nothing. I don’t know what it was, but that one lesson caught my attention and turned me on to a practice that I would carry with me throughout my life.

It was the late 1960’s. The President had been shot a few years earlier. In one year both Civil Rights leader Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. and then the President’s brother, Robert Kennedy were both shot dead. There was a war in Viet Nam and back in America there was distrust for the government. Shut-ins, walk-outs and sit-ins were the way people expressed their disappointment with the establishment, while drugs of the psychedelic variety were another type of experiment against the system. The Beatles had returned from India with Transcendental Meditation and groups like The Cream were defining the improvisational Rock & Roll. So to sit through a was religion class listening to stories about dead people was an opportunity to either snooze or goof-off with friends. But when this priest spoke, I was listening.

His name was Torkom Saraydarian. I was a student at the Holy Martyrs Ferrahian Armenian Day School in Encino California, where he was the priest. I found his lessons fascinating because he was inviting. He engaged us – at least me – in a practical manner, in my faith. Of all the lessons, the one I remember specifically was the one on fasting. He stood before the altar and explained the joys of fasting – the experience of cleaning the body and the soul through this practice. He spoke of healing and at that young age I was actually understanding that body, soul and mind needed to function in harmony for a healthy life.

Many years later, after I was ordained a priest, I set out looking to find Torkom. He was teaching in Sadona, Arizona. I packed up our young family and we head out to the desert, only to be disappointed to learn the Teacher had passed away only a few months before we arrived. I was truly looking forward to meeting with him. I had followed only peripherally his teachings but knew that we were kindred spirits. A few years after our trip to Sedona I connected with his daughter Gita who was keeping Torkom’s legacy alive through the publication of his books and lessons in Ageless Wisdom.*

In his lifetime, Torkom had authored many books and touched many lives with his wisdom and teaching. One of his many volumes is titled “Healing.” I wish to share with you a few excerpts from the first chapter of the book, called “Striving Toward Perfection.”

The Ageless Wisdom teaches us that the major foundation of health is striving toward perfection… There are three stages of perfection. The first is called Transfiguration. The second is called Mastery. The third one is called Resurrection.

All branches of the Ageless Wisdom – religions, traditions, legends, myths, etc. – have one major goal: to bring to the people of the world all the laws, rules, principles, ideas and the teachings which will make them healthy physically, emotionally, and mentally.

Of course health, in turn, brings happiness, prosperity and success.

To be healthy means to be healthy in all your personality vehicles – the physical, emotional, and mental bodies. Unless these bodies are healthy, you cannot be considered a healthy person. And these three bodies must unfold and develop simultaneously until they reach a high degree of integration in which they cooperate with maximum efficiency and without hindering each other’s growth.

I wish to leave you to contemplate these thoughts from Torkom Saraydarian on this 27th Day on the Road to Healing. Keep in mind that we stepped foot on this road only twenty seven days ago, but the true journey – the one filled with inquiries, answers, growth and completeness, is one we have been on all our life. I look forward to continuing with you tomorrow.

* For more on Ageless Wisdom and Torkom Saraydarian: http://www.tsgfoundation.org/
Photo: At Saraydarian Center, Arizona with In His Shoes Group 2003
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for http://epostle.net

Chains

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Thu, 27 Mar 2014 22:09:00 -0700

Road to Healing – Lenten Journey 2014
Day 26:
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Ever since he was a kid he loved the sea. Garry grew up in a small town over the hill from the ocean. The fog would roll in on the summer mornings, stirring his imagination to some of the most picturesque shores in the South Sea. His family was of modest means; they lived well, but little left to indulge in some of the luxuries of life. He never verbalized it, but everyone knew, Garry wanted to be on a boat. Not a small boat, but something that he could take out and ride to the places he dreamed about.

So it wasn’t a surprise to anyone when on his 26th birthday he withdrew his entire savings and a small loan to purchase a 2008 Carver Voyager with twin Volvo D9 diesel engines. His dream had come true. He had worked hard for this yacht and he knew he would enjoy all 52 feet of this vessel. He was going to explore, play, see, find and experience his love of the sea from the deck of his own ship. This was his. He had worked hard since graduating high school, sometimes working double shifts to get the money to buy this yacht. He knew all the businesses in the marina and was on a first-name basis with all the owners. The boat owners were all sincerely happy to hear Garry was making this dream come true. He had tried once before to purchase a boat, but it was small and he knew it was for the best that the financing didn’t work on that deal. This was the ship he would now enjoy. And who knows where it would lead him? A young man, with the sea in his hair, he might even find the love of his life to cruise the seas together.

He found a space in the harbor over the hill where he would park his yacht while in town. He had two large chains that he had actually acquired years before the boat. The chains kept his ambition before his mind. He’d look at the chains whenever he’d get discouraged and remember that he was working for a reason – to have this boat. Each chain was made of the highest test materials. They were definitely overkill; they could have held the Queen Mary at bay. But for Garry’s purposes, strong they were, but they weren’t long enough to tie the ship to the dock. He took the chains over to his friend Mike who welded them together, making a large chain to be used to tie the boat to the dock and to go down with the anchor while parked at sea.

Garry was ready to set sail in a week. Once his affairs were in order the open horizon was where he was headed. But his dream would soon be shattered when on the first night he had parked his boat, the chain broke causing this massive yacht to float toward the breakwater, and somehow make it to the edge of the harbor and be kicked out to sea. It was at the dawn of the next day that they discovered the wreckage of the boat, out on the rocks of a nearby island. Back in the harbor the chain was fastened to the dock, but broken at the point of the weld. It was a faulty job.

There is a saying that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. Dreams, with all good intentions, can be quickly shattered and lost when that weakest link is broken. Much like Garry’s story, our lives are filled with details, some very minute and precise, but each of those details depends on the health and strength of the other details. We look for healing of the body or the soul, but equally important are our “chains” – those support and structures in our lives that keep us at bay. Those could be things, they could be people, they could be relationships, they are definitely our wellbeing. We are only as strong as our weakest link. It’s necessary to not let ambition rule our actions, where we miss the minute details and allow the chain to break.

Let us pay attention to the details of the minute matters, those links that hold us in place and hold us together. Ask yourself, in my life where are my strong links and where is the weakest link? People? Places? Things? What would I lose if that weak link should snap? When we first started this journey, we might have answered this question by pointing to our illness or disease as the weakest link in our system. I believe today we may find other places to look.

We pray the prayer of St. Nersess Shnorhali,

O Christ, the guardian of all, let Your Right Hand guard and shelter me by day and by night, while at home and while away, while sleeping and while awake, that I may never fall. Have mercy upon Your Creatures and upon me, a great sinner. Amen.

This is Fr. Vazken looking forward to continuing the Road to Healing with you tomorrow.

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Forgotten Ego

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Wed, 26 Mar 2014 23:15:00 -0700

Road to Healing – Lenten Journey 2014
Day 25:
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Yesterday we had a preliminary dose of one of St. Gregory of Narek’s prayer. It might have gone misunderstood had we not been on the journey for over three weeks when we encountered it. The meditation was intended to bring us to a new platform today, where the ego is slighted as a prerequisite to healing.

The struggle we have with our ego is a difficult one. On the first hand, we are here, on this journey, precisely because of the ego. That is, we hurt. We have had several life experiences that have contributed to our pain and suffering. As we inspect and examine ourselves and the underlying reasons for our illness, addictions, broken relationships or disease, we find our ego is tightly and intricately intertwined with our ails.

Who knows you better than anyone else on this planet? Better than your mother, better than your father? Better than your spouse, sister or brother? Better than your lover or your best friend? Who knows you better than anyone else? You do. Sure, you have close friends, maybe even a soul-mate, but only you know all of your ambitions, your desires, your inner struggles and feelings. Therefore, responsibility for your welfare ultimately resides with you. Pure and simple.

But in this thought process, it’s very easy to convince yourself that that is all that matters. When we read a prayer or mediation such as the works of Narekatsi, we immediately understand that there is something greater than the self in the life process. That is, the ego is diminished in size and capacity when we acknowledge something greater than the self. There are many ways of understanding that greater-than-self entity. It can be called the Truth, the Universe, the All, the Force or Power, Father, Mother, God or very simply Love. In all cases, in acknowledging the greater-than-self we understand that our healing, and ultimately our health, is a combination of body and soul, heaven and earth, self and God.

Praising and praying are one way of acknowledging the greater presence and letting the ego have a break.

Let us pray a prayer of St. Nersess Shnorhali,

Searcher of secrets, I have sinned against You willingly and unwillingly, knowingly and unknowingly, grant me —a great sinner— forgiveness, for since I was born of the holy font until this day I have sinned before You, by my senses, and by all the members of my body. Have mercy upon Your Creatures and upon me, a great sinner. Amen.

Think of this prayer, meditate on the words and the thought of asking someone for something as eloquent, as beautiful, as simple and as great as forgiveness. Where does your ego stand in this relationship?

This is Fr. Vazken inviting you to join us tomorrow as we continue on the Road to Healing.

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Narek

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Tue, 25 Mar 2014 22:37:00 -0700

Road to Healing – Lenten Journey 2014
Day 24:
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Yesterday I left you with verses from a prayer by St. Gregory of Narek. Narekatsi, as he is called, was monk of the Church at the turn of the first millennium. The monastery of Narek was near Lake Van, in one of the most scenic and serene areas surrounding the holy Mt. Ararat. He was a mystic, a monk, a priest, a poet and a man. He wrote prayers and lead mediations, focusing on the plight of humanity as understood through his suffering, and found a healing joy by humbling himself in the awesome presence of God.

Narekatsi’s prayers are known to have healing powers. Next to the Gospels, Narekatsi’s writings are the most revered by the Armenian people and have been translated into several languages.

I wish to continue today on our Road to Healing with another excerpt from the saint’s sacred poetry. The prayer is recited within the Church with an introductory statement, “From the depth of my heart, a conversation with God.” As I read these lines today meditate not only on the words, but on a possible conversation you would have with the Creator, with Infinite Love. What might that conversation contain? Would it be a shopping list of spiritual ointments and sanctified medicines? Or something else? If your conversation with God begins from your heart, there is only one way it can travel. Give yourself a chance to listen, absorb and then engage in that conversation yourself.

From St. Gregory of Narek,

Lord, my Lord, grantor of gifts, root of goodness,
ruler of all equally, creator of all from nothing,
glorified, awesome, awe inspiring,
beyond understanding,
dreadful, mighty, stern,
unbearable, unapproachable, incomprehensible,
inconceivable,
ineffable, invisible, unexaminable,
untouchable, unsearchable,
without beginning, outside of time,
unclouded knowledge, bold vision,
true being, exalted and humble,
blessed existence, shadowless dawn,
ray shining upon all, light professing to all,
unwavering assurance, undisturbable calm,
indelible seal, infinite image, witnessed name,
taste of sweetness, cup of bliss,
soul-nourishing bread, love in dark exile,
unambiguous promise,
covering most desirable, garment most protective,
cloak most worthy, ornament most glorious,
great help, trustworthy refuge,
undiminishing grace, inexhaustible treasure,
pure rain, glittering dew,
universal cure, free healing,
health restored, sublime spur,
undeceiving call, good news for all,
king who lifts up the slave,
defender who loves the poor,
giver of endless wealth,
safe harbor, unyielding command,
hope without bounds,
long in vision, unsparing in generosity,
just right hand that dispenses to all,
impartial eye, voice of comfort, consoling tidings,
harbinger of bliss,
living name, finger of foresight,
unstumbling start, sincere course,
life-giving will, candid advice, unenvying honor,
broad possibility, narrow restriction,
track without trace, path without markers,
image indescribable, quantity immeasurable,
model inimitable,
unparalleled compassion, inexhaustible mercy,
humility celebrated, kiss of salvation.

And more than these worthy epithets,
dedicated to your Godliness,
you who are blessed, praised, lauded,
preached, evangelized,
proclaimed, exalted, recounted, sought with
unflagging desire,
whatever your streams of sweetness bring us,
shall be illustrated in these image-filled psalms,
showing you joyful in my salvation, blessed Lord,
as if a ravenous hunger had been relieved by a
sumptuous feast,
for you are glorified not because of some
vain song of mine,
but because you may accept these modest prayers
as justification for granting your great salvation.

This is Fr. Vazken, inviting you to join us tomorrow as we continue on the Road to Healing.

Narekatsi translation by Thomas J. Samuelian
Visit http://www.stgregoryofnarek.am/ to learn more.

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Chinese Trees & Forests

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Mon, 24 Mar 2014 22:00:00 -0700

Road to Healing – Lenten Journey 2014
Day 23:
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A large envelope arrived in the mail yesterday. It was marked with the writing of a child. It was addressed to “Hopar,” an endearing term for uncle, from my six-year-old nephew Vartan. He was excited to share his lesson about Martin Luther King, Jr. with me. On a large card made out of construction paper, was his rendition of the Civil Rights Leader along with his narrative, written with thick marker pens.

At the bottom of the note, he had two marking. They had nothing to do with the story of King, but everything to do with our journey. They were combination of lines – a vertical and horizontal line drawn perpendicular to one another, and two lines shooting out of the cross-point at 45 degree angles on each side. Underneath the symbol was written, “Wood symbol in Chinese.” Next to this figure was two of the same figure with the inscription, “Forest in Chinese.”

The Chinese logograms appeared as a bonus message on my nephew’s letter, but their arrival on this day of our Journey – the day after we took our eyes off of the horizon – was more than a fluke. It is the caveat to yesterday’s message and the theme for today: Can’t see the forest for the trees.

Yesterday we moved our attention from the abstract and unseen reality beyond the horizon to the road below our feet, to the immediate functions of life. In so doing it might be easy to concentrate so much on the little things that we fail to notice, and subsequently we fail to understand, the intertwining of all of life’s realities. We can’t see the forest for the trees.

When we are too close to a situation we need to step back and get a better perspective. It is easy to be over obsessed and consumed with our life-situations, especially if they are troubling and causing us hardship. Illness and disease are overwhelming, as are love-lost and hurtful-pasts. It is even comforting to bask in misery because it’s close by and familiar. Meanwhile, the possibility of the unknown – the healing – and the risk involved to get there can be frightening. It means risking and opening ourselves to vulnerability. With this narrow outlook, we miss opportunities to connect with other life experiences and people to build the bigger reality of life.

The happy medium is between our steps below our feet and the horizon in the distance. It’s there that healing becomes possible as we move from self-absorption to self-respect. We understand the possibilities within our reach.

If you follow the road signs on the highway you’re pretty much assured to get in close proximity of your destination, give or take a few addresses, blocks or miles. On this journey we’ve been twisting and turning in a rather adventurous spirit. So I doubt that the direction we received today, from the “hands of babes” was purely chance. When you find synchronicity with the signs, roads and compass directions as we have today, it becomes more of a confirmation of being on the right path and for us, a confirmation that healing is in front of us.

We reach to St. Gregory of Narek (Narekatsi) for today’s prayer and meditation. This is merely an excerpt from a longer proclamation for healing. Narekatsi’s words are overwhelming as a forest, yet each word expresses the beauty and wonder of the simple tree. Meditate on the words, mediate on the whole:

Lord, my Lord, grantor of gifts, root of goodness,
ruler of all equally, creator of all from nothing,
glorified, awesome, awe inspiring,
beyond understanding…
blessed existence, shadowless dawn,
ray shining upon all, light professing to all,
unwavering assurance, undisturbable calm,
taste of sweetness, cup of bliss,
love in dark exile,
great help, trustworthy refuge,
undiminishing grace, inexhaustible treasure
, pure rain, glittering dew,
universal cure, free healing,
health restored, sublime spur,
defender who loves the poor,
unparalleled compassion, inexhaustible mer
cy, humility celebrated, kiss of salvation.

We will continue on this road tomorrow, until then this is Fr. Vazken inviting you to join us then, on this Lenten Journey.

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Horizon

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Sun, 23 Mar 2014 22:41:00 -0700

Road to Healing – Lenten Journey 2014
Day 22:
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March 24 – “On a clear day you can see forever” is the title of a book and a song. This is a conditional statement, that is, the depth of vision is dependent on the clarity of the day.

As we travel on this 22nd day of our journey we can look out fairly far in the distance, in fact we see the horizon and our imagination can take us beyond it. How necessary is to know what lies beyond the horizon? How necessary is the concept of forever? Far more important is the concept of clarity, the condition which makes forever possible. What exists at the horizon or beyond it is of no use for us today. We are traveling forward and therefore the placement of the horizon changes every day.

A journey is a celebration of newness. It’s tempting to stretch our glance out to the horizon, but when we do that we miss the beauty of the flowers in the foreground. Every day we have opportunities to find new adventure. If we take those opportunities, then the horizon is expanded. If we stay still, the horizon remains the same.

On a clear day you can see forever, and it is tempting to look out far, especially if clarity is there. But illness itself (remember we’re talking about physical and emotional) means that there is little or no clarity. The clouds are near and low. The atmosphere is foggy and perhaps smoggy as well. Today, the horizon isn’t visible, but even with our vision impaired we’re finding ways to enjoy the opportunities that are presented. We have the ability to look close by and become more concerned with issues that are today.

Reaching for distant horizons or long-term goals can have side effects that are not conducive to the process of healing. Doing so prevents us from observing the issues that are under our immediate control and detour us from new avenues with new potentials. Living for the day curbs ambition and allows for healthier recovery, because we see the obstacles directly in front of us.

Channel the imagination to the point you’re at now, and see how the position of the horizon changes. Overcome the challenges of the day and jump the hurdles before you and you will rise above the clouds so that you can see forever. It’s not the forever you thought it was.

Here is today’s meditation and prayer by theologian Reinhold Niebuhr. It challenges us to take control of the immediate and trust for things in the future.

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.
Amen.

This is Fr. Vazken, inviting you to join us again tomorrow as we continue on the Road to Healing.

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Between East & West

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Sat, 22 Mar 2014 22:06:00 -0700

Road to Healing – Lenten Journey 2014
Day 21:
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Since returning home after surgery, I have been using our living room space as the headquarters for my program of recovery. It is there that I meet with friends and family and practice the daily rituals of prayer and meditation. Thoughts are introduced and processed here, some forever lost, while others hit me so profoundly, that they become prescriptions scribbled on pads of electrons.

I am surrounded by two icons. On the Northern wall is an icon of the Resurrection of Christ and on the Southern side, against the window is a depiction of the Medicine Buddha. My dear friend Gregory Beylerian is the artist who created these images. By sitting between them, I am literally between North and South and spiritually between East & West. (I use these terms in the broad sense; for me, it’s a question of being between East and further East.)

Positioning myself here is part of my personal journey of healing. The Medicine Buddha, sometimes referred to as the Healing Buddha, is the granter of perfect health, and in that perfect health we understand body and soul, for the Medicine Buddha light is one that leads to enlightenment. The image is painted in a dark deep blue. The indigo color is associated with the brow chakra (this is one of the centers of spiritual power in the body) – where we find discernment, clarity, vision and seeing beyond illusion.

So where are we today? Are we at the midpoint of our journey where East meets West? I sit between North and South, I find a fusion of East and West. You’ll find that our Road to Healing has been one of discernment, to find clarity, vision and focus beyond the illusion. Because beyond our ills, problems, addictions, incompatibilities, misunderstandings and failures, there is the pure self that has the potential of complete healing.

Yesterday we met the Medicine Buddha when we heard the question, “Which is easier to say, your sins are forgiven? Or to say rise and walk?” Is this not the hand off between the physical and the spiritual? Jesus, in the Parable of the Dishonest Steward, reminds us that the children of this existence are, in this generation, wiser than the children of light. Today is not only a meeting of East and West, it’s the meeting of Heaven and Earth. Today we find that we are beings of physical and spiritual certainty and the completeness of our life is enjoyed only in the harmony between the two. Heaven and Earth meet as a prototype of our body and soul meeting, leading us to complete renewal and peace.

I am surrounded by two icons. On one side of me the Medicine Buddha, extends his arm and hand toward the holy Earth while on my other side the Christ extends his hand up to heaven, I realize my place between them is unique. I have an opportunity as no other in time, to open myself to the healing that envelopes me, coming from all sides, from above and below, from within and without.

We pray a simple prayer of St. Nersess Shnorhali:

I plead to you, loving Lord, heal me.
Be life in my death.
Be light in my darkness
Take away my pain. Amen.

This is Fr. Vazken looking forward to meeting with you again tomorrow as we continue on this Road to Healing.

Images: Medicine Buddha & Rise! by Gregory Beylerian
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The Right Fit - The Right Healing

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Fri, 21 Mar 2014 22:42:00 -0700

Road to Healing – Lenten Journey 2014
Day 20: Fit
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She was very sincere in her asking. She didn’t want to argue with him, but she knew she was in the

right. After all, she was well learned, knowledgeable of the latest trends, well-read and connected to daily news. So she was rather taken aback when her doctor adamantly refused her request. After all she had heard that a glass of red wine and dark chocolate were good for the heart. She just wanted to hear it come from his mouth, if it did it would then qualify as a prescription for her. But her request was met with an emphatic “No!” by the one she called physician.

“But I heard it’s supposed to be good for the heart.”

“Maybe so,” replied the doctor, “But it’s not good for your heart.”

She wasn’t going to give up without a battle. “How about just a little; I heard it Dr. Oz talk about it on his show.” She was pulling out all the guns – shooting heavy now.

“There are a lot of things that can be good in different ways, but considering your history with heart disease and your physical condition now, you cannot eat chocolate and you cannot drink wine.”

Given our options and choices today and the volume and speed at which information flows, we all have a little knowledge about a large variety of subjects. The old saying, “Jack of all trades, master of none,” can be revised today, “Informed about all, expert of none.” Obviously, it’s not a bad place to be in life – to know a bit about everything. But, if we mistake information for knowledge, we increase our vulnerability and can end up believing in things that are insignificant, or even harmful to our general well-being.

Today we are at the mid-point of our journey. On this 20th day, we learn that one-size does not fit all. We are all alike in that we on a journey toward healing; we are all different by virtue of our uniqueness and individuality. In our individuality we come to realize that yes, we can be an expert in one area for sure – our self. There is no one who knows your self the way you do!

Today on this hump day, with half of the journey behind us and a half in front of us, let us understand our uniqueness and celebrate our individuality. The lessons thus far have been to limber us up so that we can be open and raw, so that we can be masters of our own lives. Our healing is dependent on many factors. Healing will be complete for each of us according to a prescription written uniquely to our weight, height, psychological and physical condition, emotional and spiritual state, unique to the color of our eyes, the swirls of our fingerprints, the pace of our walk. In other words, be thankful that one size does not fit all.

I look forward to continuing the second half of the journey with you tomorrow, on this Road to Healing.

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Forgiveness 3

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Thu, 20 Mar 2014 23:17:00 -0700

Road to Healing – Lenten Journey 2014
Day 19:
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Did you ever get something you didn’t bargain for? This could be negative or positive. You’ve probably experienced the “Express Lube” centers where we go in for an oil-change only to be offered upgrades and extra services that do little except to drain your wallet. Or what I call the “and up” print. This is that small print usually underneath the price of an item that let’s you know you may get the item for $29.95, but it is more likely that you will find something of decent quality in the “and up” price range.

There are of course, positive extras which are real bargains. You sit at a restaurant and order a meal. When the bill comes it’s less than you thought it would be; your order was on the luncheon specials menu. You go for a medical exam because your blood pressure has been up. You find out your new diet has reduced your blood pressure and on top of it, you’ve dropped an extra 10 pounds. These are the extras that we all like and wish there was more of.

There was a man who was paralyzed and lived his life on a stretcher. His family had heard that Jesus was performing miracles, healing the lame and the ill. They took this man on the stretcher so that he might be healed and walk again.

When they came close to the house where Jesus was staying they saw that it was impossible to get in or even near Jesus. The house was full, the windows and doors were blocked by people trying to get in and even the front and back yards were jammed with those who hoped only for a glance or a whisper from Jesus.

They took the paralytic on his stretcher up to the roof of the house. They were so determined for him to be healed that they broke a hole in the roof and lowered the paralyzed man through the attic to a spot immediately in front of Jesus.

Seeing the faith of these people and moved by their determination to get in, Jesus turned to the man and said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.”

Wait a minute! Sins? Who’s talking about sins? They went to all that trouble, carrying him up to the roof, tore the tiles and lowered the paralytic into the house for the forgiveness of sins? Was he serious? Couldn’t he see that this man wanted to be healed? This man wanted to walk. Why was Jesus forgiving sins? And on top of it, who was Jesus that might presume that he could forgive this man’s sins?

Jesus looked at the people and asked them straight out, “Why are you troubled by this? Why are you questioning this in your heart? Which is easier? To tell this man ‘Your sins are forgiven?’ Or to tell him, ‘Rise, Take up your stretcher and walk.’ But so that you man know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins,” he said to the paralytic, “Get up! Rise! Pick up your stretcher, walk and go home.” The story, which is recorded in three of the Gospels says that the man rose “Immediately” picking up his stretcher and walked home.

The man came looking for a low-level miracle. He wanted to get up and walk. The extra bonus, which was the real miracle, was that he was forgiven. He was let go of his past. Jesus referring to himself as the “Son of Man” in this context is the expression and ability that he is one of us. That is, this power to forgive is given to all of us. Even more, his question, “Which is easier to forgive sins or to say ‘Rise and Walk!’” informs us that the path to health, to rising and walking, to healing, to recovery, to reconciliation is with the basic step of forgiving.

Today’s meditation comes to us from this story. It’s a challenging contemplation. We are all like the paralytic in the story, that is, we are bound up by our illness and disease. He was unable to move because of the loss of motor skills. You may be stuck because of your lack of self-esteem, or stifled because of a love lost or struggling because of an addiction. What is it that you really want? Do you want to walk? Or do you want to be relieved of the illness and the struggles that prevent you from walking?

We shake off some of the difficulties with this mediation today and return tomorrow to move forward on the Road to Healing.

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Forgiveness 2 - Raul

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Wed, 19 Mar 2014 23:04:00 -0700

Road to Healing – Lenten Journey 2014
Day 18:
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There would soon be nothing to celebrate on Cinco de Mayo. It was in the year 2000 on May 5 that a young man named Raul Aguirre died outside his High School. In an effort to break-up a gang-related scuffle, Raul got caught in the mix and a knife meant for another boy killed him instead. Raul was not a gang member. He was a student. He was only 17 years old.

All this took place directly across the street from the church where I serve as Pastor in Glendale, California. Our church had not yet opened in 2000 and so, I came to know Raul from the stories I heard, but more so from a demonstration of compassion, love and forgiveness offered by his mother, Leticia Aguirre.

On that day, Raul was late coming home from school. The phone rang and she received the first news that her son had been hurt in a fight. Only three hours later, Raul died on an operating table.

Mrs. Aguirre recounted, “That moment was the most horrible in my life…. I felt that I would die, but the worst is that I didn’t die…”

When we opened our Armenian Church and youth ministry center in 2003, the community was very much talking about this murder. The trial was underway. The minor tensions that existed between the Armenian and Latino communities were even more pronounced by some of the students at the school. The boys who killed Raul were Armenian.

Day after grueling day of testimony Mrs. Aguirre attended the trial of her boy’s killers. And then the unexpected happened, at least it was unexpected for me. In fact, so much so, that I invited her to come and speak at our church – to explain this unexpected event – to a sanctuary filled with Armenian women, men, mothers, fathers and children. She spoke in Spanish, we translated in English and Armenian, and everyone – yes, everyone – heard the story in a language called Love.

“I wanted justice to be done,” said Mrs. Aguirre. “In court I saw the mothers of the gang members kissing crosses and praying to God to forgive their sons and I thought how difficult this must be for God.”

But when Rafael Gevorgyan, one of three gang members being tried begged for Mrs. Aguirre’s forgiveness on the final day of his trial, she gave it to him.

“I saw a boy, almost a child, in a situation so grave asking for forgiveness,” she said. “I felt huge compassion and huge tenderness.”

As we move toward healing, we assume that the wounds of life will be closed and repaired. Some of our hurt and pain is so intense that they may never go away, but healing is not about forgetting. Healing is about completing. It’s about finding the supernatural miracle, that is, rising above the expected and achieving the spectacular. Forgiveness is supernatural. Forgiveness is going beyond the expected and therefore the result is spectacular. It’s healing and completing. Mrs. Aguirre’s actions were supernatural, that is, they rose above the expected argument of hatred and acknowledged the power of love. There’s not much higher healing than this.

On our Road to Healing we stop to reflect today on yet another lesson in the art of healing through forgiveness. Our illness, our disease and misunderstandings come in many forms and shapes. To be healed we need to rise above the expected to achieve the spectacular. You’re looking for a healing. You’ve asked for a healing. Now ask yourself, how can I make this happen by rising above the expected? By being greater than the natural, that is, by being supernatural? Is there room for love and forgiveness in my life and if I opt for them, is there healing?

I look forward to meeting with you again tomorrow as we continue on the Road to Healing.

Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
More about Raul Aguirre at http://7x77.org
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Forgiveness 1

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 23:06:00 -0700

Road to Healing – Lenten Journey 2014 Day 17

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Nobel Peace Prize winner Archbishop Desmond Tutu, says that there is no future without forgiveness. You merely have to think about the phrase briefly to understand how profoundly true it is. Forgiveness is about the past and unless the past is resolved, that is, unless it is at peace, there can be no harmony and healing in the future.

Back in 2006, I was walking down a street in the city of Kigali, the capital of Rwanda when I had a very special awakening and revelation. The streets were full of people. A little over a decade earlier, the streets and beautiful countryside were lined with corpses, the remains of the victims of genocide. I come from a background of genocide. My grandparents escaped the Genocide nearly a hundred years ago. Unlike my grandparents and hundreds of thousands of other Armenians who escaped their homeland to seek safe haven, the survivors of the Rwandan Genocide had to live in the same neighborhoods and in close proximity to perpetrators the mass killing. In other words they have found a means of healing even after such a barbaric and unimaginable crime as genocide.* The power of forgiveness in the case of Rwanda is huge and undeniable when witnessed directly amidst the people. And I witnessed the power of that healing on that street.

I speak on the large scale but the same truth and power of forgiveness is applicable to us on an individual scale as well. If we’re looking for healing – physical, emotional, psychological – there is a vital step in the process that means reconciling with our condition. This does not mean we give in, give up or accept any of the language of victimization. Quite the opposite, it means finding the courage to rise and forgive. “There is no future without forgiveness.”

Last Sunday our Journey took us past a father and son who offered us a lesson in forgiveness. In fact, the lesson was so intense that I called for a day of rest and a day of preparation for the road ahead. Forgiveness is not for the weak and faint at heart. Forgiveness, we find, is another building block on which our healing is dependent upon.

Forgiveness is an action that you need to give and receive. We all need to be forgiven and at the same time we need to forgive. In both instances we have issues because of our egos. We need to be forgiven but we’re cautious and ask who gave that person the right to forgive me? We want to forgive, but we remember the pain and get stuck in the past. Who’s past? Well, it’s a past that only we have control over.

To make the process understandable Archbishop Tutu suggests** that there are four important steps toward healing, namely, admitting to the wrong, articulating it, asking and granting forgiveness and finally renewing the relationship. We received a practical example of Tutu’s four steps in the parable of the “Prodigal Son.” If you remember (from Last Sunday) for the young man to be healed, that is, reconciled with his father, and healed, first he admitted to the wrong. He came to the point of awakening and realized his situation. Next he articulated it by setting out his plan for return. Third, he made the journey home, asking and granting forgiveness, and finally, the relationship was renewed as he entered into his father’s home.

Forgiveness may seem difficult to give and/or to receive, but just as we are doing on the Road to Healing, we’re not going to tackle this topic overnight. We’re taking our time. This is why we have spread out the Journey over 40 days. Forgiveness can be managed by breaking it up into parts and components. Forgiveness is essential to our overall health. Forgiveness is about us and others, others and us. Tomorrow we delve further into forgiveness.

The topic for today’s meditation a simple one: What future do you have without forgiveness? Contemplate this question today and I look forward to seeing you tomorrow when we continue on the Road to Healing.

* Victims and perpetrators of the Rwandan Genocide living together is akin to the small but significant community of Armenians who live in Istanbul today. The similarity between the Armenian and Rwandan Genocides are striking. The difference between the two is a simple one – in the case of the Rwandans, the perpetrators have accepted their crime, in the case of the Armenians the Turkish government has not. My reflections on Rwanda, as an Armenian Priest can be found at http://dervaz.blogspot.com/

** Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s newest book, The Book of Forgiving is “both a touchstone and a tool, offering Tutu's wise advice and showing the way to experience forgiveness. Ultimately, forgiving is the only means we have to heal ourselves and our aching world.” – Amazon.com

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Photo: New Life ©2006 Fr. Vazken Movsesian
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The Foot-Mouth Dilemma

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Mon, 17 Mar 2014 22:52:00 -0700

Road to Healing – Lenten Journey 2014
Day 16:
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“Hey, congratulations,” said Ed to Liddy. They hadn’t seen each other since they broke up during their senior year in college. They had dated for several years and even contemplated marriage. Things happened and they both went their separate ways.

No matter how much time goes by there is that initial nervousness that can leads to awkwardness when you first connect with someone so special from the past. It certainly was there at this chance meeting at the Starbucks in Lompoc, near the Air Force Base. After college Liddy had moved out of state, married, and built a lucrative career as an engineer, acquiring many government contracts. Her latest success involved a major deal with the Mars-Taurus project at Vandenberg.

After the initial surprise of seeing one another, the exchange of a hug and a soft kiss on the cheek, Ed started the conversation, “It’s great to see you here.”

“It’s great to be back here on the California coast. I missed the breeze and that gentle mist. I often wondered if you were still in the area.”

Ed smiled and after a brief pause, he offered his congratulations.

“Thanks. I’ve been waiting a long time for this.” It didn’t surprise her that he knew about her landing this sweet deal. She had been interviewed by the local newspaper and a radio station just about a month ago.

“How soon is it going to be?”

“Oh, everything is set for next week. And we’re set to move in then.”

“What’s it going to be?”

“What do you mean?”

“Boy or girl?”

There was an awkward pause along with her confused look. “Umm…” That’s when they both realized something was off. “Boy or girl? In my new job? I’m not sure what you mean.”

Ed looked down at her belly and asked, “What’s it going to be? Didn’t you find out already?”

Liddy put her hand on her tummy and in an uncomfortable manner replied, “Oh that. I guess that’s what happens after years of a desk job, not enough exercise and eating junk food.”

Now the awkwardness-ball was in Ed’s court. He had his foot in his mouth and needed to get it out quickly. He spotted her key chain; it had a small dog medallion on it. Pointing to it, he said, “Oh, I saw the charm on your ring. Is your dog a he or a she?”

Now this had to have been the most lame and stupidest come-back, but he was going for it. Liddy came back on her own, “It’s OK, I know I’ve gained quite a bit of weight since we last saw each other. Trust me; you’re not the first one to notice.”

“What are you talking about? You look as good as you did back then. A pound here, a few pounds there, with all the sugar and carbs people are taking in, you’ve rounded out well.” At this point, even he realized this wasn’t getting better.

“You’re being kind, Ed.” She was truly embarrassed and now the conversation was too personal for comfort. “It was nice seeing you today. Maybe we’ll run into each other soon.” She had had enough and needed get away.

He was embarrassed and in a last ditch effort to rectify the conversation, “If you really want to get out from behind the desk, there’s a great gym just up the street.” He was done. He wanted to kick himself in the mouth. Maybe that’s where the expression “putting your foot in your mouth” comes from.

Have you ever put your foot in your mouth? I know we’ve all said something that we’ve later regretted. I’m sure you’ll agree that the bigger regret is when we don’t acknowledge our mistake in the first place and make it worse by shoving our foot farther and farther in. Ed mistook Liddy’s weight gain for a pregnancy. Mistakes happened. Yes, he would have had a moment’s embarrassments, but friendships can survive embarrassments. They can’t survive insincerity. His cover up was the painful part. It was what pushed Liddy away and closed the conversation and closed the future for the two.

On our Road to Healing we are at a new plateau. Yesterday I asked you to take some time to reflect on all that we have learned thus far. We’re going to accelerate the trip and journey into some uncomfortable areas. We can either admit to our flaws and suffer a moment or two of embarrassment (but what is embarrassment among friends?) or we can fake it, twist and turn until we force that foot in our mouth. Let’s opt for the first way and keep an open mind and reflect openly – without fear of embarrassment.

Our prayer this day is to keep our soul and heart open. To find the courage to be upright and sincere, admitting our faults and refuse the stigma of embarrassment. We have no reason to reject this sincerity; we are with God and with our self.

This is Fr. Vazken inviting you to join me again tomorrow as we continue on the Road to Healing.

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Last Cigarette

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Sun, 16 Mar 2014 22:15:00 -0700

Road to Healing – Lenten Journey 2014
Day 15:
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The popular TV game show, “Family Feud” was started back in the mid 1970’s with a host named Richard Dawson. I remember the show quite well, perhaps because I had an opportunity a contestant on the series – an episode I’d be happy to forget, which says something about how we did… The show began with an introduction of the two families and then the announcer would say, to the sound of a cheering crowd, “…And here is the host of Family Feud, Richard Dawson.”

I remember in particular one episode Dawson came out to his name’s announcement and the applause of the crowd, puffing on a cigarette. He took to center stage with the crowd cheering, holding the cigarette between his thumb and index finger. He took a long drag and then threw it on the floor, stamped it out under his shoe.

He announced to the crowd, “That was my last cigarette!” The audience cheered even louder. And then, without missing a beat, he add, “… for the rest of the show.”

I don’t know why I remembered that particular scene because it wasn’t until many years later, when dealing with different addictive behaviors I’d come across with people throughout my ministry, I remembered that nicotine was so powerful that he couldn’t commit to stopping for more than a half an hour.

But it’s not about nicotine or because of addictions that I bring up this story. Instead it’s about sincerity and taking small steps on the Road to Healing.

It may be tempting to look for answers for the long term, but keep in mind, anything good and of value is not easy to acquire. If we are looking to treat the symptoms of our illness, there are many medications and gauze that we can take or place on the wound to ease the pain or fix the hurt. But healing is a process. We’ve already come to some basic understanding of that process.

We will use today as a day of rest. It’s been an interesting journey thus far and especially considering the latest revelation we had in our encounter with the father and son yesterday. There needs to be some time to digest all that we have learned. Today is the day where we throw out the “cigarette” (our problem) that is hurting us, and realize that it may be forever, it may be for a week, it may be for half an hour. Don’t be anxious. The road is ahead of us and it’s not going anywhere. Only we are. Let’s look forward to the new awakenings every day.

Take some time to absorb, breathe and relax. This is Fr. Vazken, I look forward to taking the next step in our journey with you tomorrow as we continue on the Road to Healing.

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Photo: Waiting: Calm before the storm (c) 2004 Fr. Vazken Movsesian
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Prodigal

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Sat, 15 Mar 2014 22:15:00 -0700

Road to Healing – Lenten Journey 2014
Day 14:
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“Smile and the world smiles with you, cry and you cry alone.” (Stanley Gordon West).

Isn’t that true? A young man found out this truth the hard way. He convinced his father to give him a cut of his inheritance – quite a sizable amount – and he went out spending it. He was in fat-city. Night life, clubs, parties, fun, games, excitement! And on top of it, friends! Well of course, he was buying. He had friends right, left and center.

And then it happened. The economy turned. Things were rough and the young man’s money ran out. No money, no parties, no fun and games. No fun and games, no friends. They all abandoned him and he was left alone looking at his situation. It was a loneliness like none other. It was hard because he once lived so well and now everything was gone.

He became desperate. He was hungry and cold. In fact, one day he passed by some animals feeding in a yard. When he looked over and saw the slop that the pigs were eating and it looked good, he had a wake up moment! He was completely disgusted with himself and where he was in life. He couldn’t even fathom the idea that the disgusting and filthy hog-food was looking good to him.

It was in his wake up moment that he realized his father’s employees lived better than he did. So he came up with a simple plan. I’ll go back to my father, he thought to himself, and I’ll ask him for a job as an employee. Forget about asking him to take me back into the house, I’ll just ask to be tried out as a hired-hand. So with this scheme he heads home.

While on the road, the father seems him. He runs out and embraces his lost son with both arms and squeezes him emotionally and full of love. The son started to say, “Dad, I’m sorry. I messed up. Would you hire me as …” Before he could finish, the father called his workers. He ordered one to take the son and have him fitted for the finest clothes they could find. He ordered another worker to organize a huge celebration party, inviting friends and family. Then he ordered his family ring, to be placed on the son’s finger. His son was not going to be accepted as a servant, employee or worker. Absolutely nothing less than the blood relative – the son – he was.

“Today we celebrate,” said the father in emotions that could not be contained, “for my son was lost and he is found. He was dead and now he is alive.”

For the last several days of the Lenten Journey, we’ve been exploring the concept of God, that is, the Ultimate Perfection, the Total and Complete that touches our life, and is a factor in the formula for healing. Today, we receive the most special and true expression of God and it comes to us via a parable, a story, offered to us by Christ. “No one knows the Father except he that is come from the Father.” It is the story of the “Prodigal Son.” This story, as I have shared it with you, is the story of a wayward son, but even more it’s the story of a compassionate and loving Father. It’s the only understanding that is necessary on the Road to Recovery, because this understanding includes every other understanding and definition.

Is there anything more powerful than Love? Is there anything greater than Compassion? Is there anything more healing, comforting and completing than the Love that comes from outside and transforms us, to become the terminals and transmitters of love our self?

The story is so simple and yet so weighted with truths of human nature. But the example of the father shines. He is one who does not wait for the child to come home; in fact, he goes out to meet the son. He does not harbor anger nor does he seek vengeance. He’s not interested in the past, only in the here and now. He cherishes life.

When we look for God’s blessings in our life – a healing – realize you’ve already received the blessing and therefore the healing. Remember, when we first started this Journey two weeks ago, we heard the voice, “Do you want to be healed?” If we do, like the son, we to turn back, accept our circumstances and humble ourselves. Then, the healing begins. The love comes pouring out.

We have much to absorb. I look forward to continuing this journey with you tomorrow as we walk on the Road to Healing.

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Reflections in Nature

vazken@inhisshoes.org (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Sat, 15 Mar 2014 00:45:00 -0700

Road to Healing – Lenten Journey 2014
Day 13:
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For the last few days we’ve been looking to God as a necessary part of this journey we are on. We have resolved that healing is from within and without. We look within and without to find the all the attributes of God, the completeness, the beauty and the perfection. In that perfection, illness and disease cannot exist, only good health and harmony prevail.

Today we take a look at a reflection written by Sirach which calls our attention to the God within nature and the seen universe. Listen in and do not get ahead of the path. Tomorrow, we will unfold one more secret that will give us the fullest understanding of God. This writing from Sirach comes to us from around 200 years before Christ. Here we see the beauty of nature and see the perfection of God.

I will now call to mind the works of the Lord, and will declare what I have seen. The sun looks down on everything with its light, and the work of the Lord is full of his glory. He searches out the abyss and the human heart; he understands their innermost secrets. How desirable are all his works, and how sparkling they are to see! Who could ever tire of seeing his glory?

The pride of the higher realms is the clear vault of the sky, as glorious to behold as the sight of the heavens. The sun, when it appears, proclaims as it rises what a marvelous instrument it is, the work of the Most High.

At noon it parches the land, and who can withstand its burning heat? A man tending a furnace works in burning heat, but three times as hot is the sun scorching the mountains; it breathes out fiery vapors, and its bright rays blind the eyes.

It is the moon that marks the changing seasons, governing the times, their everlasting sign. From the moon comes the sign for festal days, a light that wanes when it completes its course. The new moon, as its name suggests, renews itself; how marvelous it is in this change, a beacon to the hosts on high, shining in the vault of the heavens!

The glory of the stars is the beauty of heaven, a glittering array in the heights of the Lord. On the orders of the Holy One they stand in their appointed places; they never relax in their watches. Look at the rainbow, and praise him who made it; it is exceedingly beautiful in its brightness. It encircles the sky with its glorious arc; the hands of the Most High have stretched it out.

By his command he sends the driving snow and speeds the lightnings of his judgment. Therefore the storehouses are opened, and the clouds fly out like birds. In his majesty he gives the clouds their strength, and the hailstones are broken in pieces.

The voice of his thunder rebukes the earth; when he appears, the mountains shake. At his will the south wind blows; so do the storm from the north and the whirlwind.

He scatters the snow like birds flying down, and its descent is like locusts alighting. The eye is dazzled by the beauty of its whiteness, and the mind is amazed as it falls. He pours frost over the earth like salt, and icicles form like pointed thorns.

The cold north wind blows, and ice freezes on the water; it settles on every pool of water, and the water puts it on like a breastplate. He consumes the mountains and burns up the wilderness, and withers the tender grass like fire.

A mist quickly heals all things; the falling dew gives refreshment from the heat. By his plan he stilled the deep and planted islands in it. Those who sail the sea tell of its dangers, and we marvel at what we hear.

We could say more but could never say enough; let the final word be: “He is the all.” Where can we find the strength to praise him? For he is greater than all his works. (Sirac 42)

I leave you with this passage for you to contemplate on this 13th day of the Lenten Journey. Tomorrow, when we return, we will be instructed in the most profound expression and understanding of God. I look forward to greeting you then, and together, continuing on the Road to Healing.

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