We were expelled of old, O Lord, from the Garden of Eden, for wrongly eating from the tree. But, O my God and Savior, you once again have restored us through Your Cross and Your Passion. Thereby, 0Master, fortify and enable us purely to finish Lent and to worship Your holy resurrection, Pascha our saving Passover, by the prayers of Your Mother. — Exapostelarion of the Feast of Palm Sunday
Today is Palm Sunday. As this Holy Week unfolds, I shall be reflecting on the Lenten Season, not only for this year, but for the past 82 years that have gone before me. Why has the Lord granted me so many years? Are there some things I still must do? While I await answers, I would like to share with you my hopes for the future of our world:
I have great HOPE in the Resurrection and the promise of life eternal!
I have great HOPE that many marvelous and positive events will yet take place in the world to benefit all ofmankind.
I have great HOPE that we fortunate individuals, who have enough food on our tables every day, will make every effort in our own communities to see that no child or elderly ever go to bed hungry.
I have great HOPE that precious safe drinking water is made available to all people in our Third World countries.
I have great HOPE that all of us will clean out our closets of clothing that is not being used and bring it to one of the missions or shelters in our communities to clothe the poor.
I have great HOPE that in cities and towns people will help develop and establish, with other community leaders, affordable housing for the poor and homeless.
I have great HOPE that not one person who is sick will be denied medical care, and that the ill are always comfortedfrom visits by family or members of their community.
I have great HOPE that research scientists will find answers to the mysteries of cancer cells, AIDS, diabetes, and all other life-threatening diseases.
I have great HOPE that discrimination, bigotry, and intolerance will be replaced with respect, patience andunderstanding.
I have great HOPE that our Orthodox Christian Church will reach back into its vast history and bring forward to ourpresent day and age the ministry of PHILANTHROPIA.
I have great HOPE for peace and goodwill throughout the world among all people.
I have great HOPE that we can learn to forgive and love one another as God first loved us.
I have great HOPE that all of us will find it in our hearts the desire to implement just one of the above!