No Peripheral Glances - Fr. Gregory - February 05, 2023

Today in the Orthodox Church is the Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee. We are entering into the pre-Lenten period known as the Triodion. Father Gregory shares that this period allows a gradual adjustment into Lent because we struggle to change quickly. Today's message from the Gospel of Luke 15:11-32 is about humility, which is the foundation of all spirituality. The Pharisee's mistake as he prayed was he could not control his peripheral glances and judged others. The publican looked inward as he prayed, relying on God's mercy for his sins. Orthodox Christians should condemn themselves and justify others.