“The eyes of all look hopefully to you, and you give them their food at the right time.”
In Psalm 145:14-20, we encounter an immense expression of God’s divine providence and compassion, reflecting the Orthodox understanding of our loving and merciful Creator. The Lord upholds all who fall and raises up those who are bowed down, offering strength and solace to those who turn to Him in humility. His mercy is boundless, extending to all who seek Him with a sincere heart. All creation looks to God in hope, recognising Him as the source of all sustenance, both physical and spiritual. The Orthodox Church teaches that Christ nourishes His people through the Holy Eucharist, the true Body and Blood of our Lord, which grants us the grace to persevere in our journey toward Theosis—union with God. Through this divine gift, we partake in the very life of Christ, being transformed and strengthened in faith.
God’s mercy is made manifest in the Sacrament of Confession, where He, as the Good Shepherd, welcomes the repentant with open arms. The Orthodox tradition emphasises that confession is not merely juridical but medicinal, a healing encounter with Christ through the priest, who stands as a witness to God’s mercy. As St. John Chrysostom teaches, “The Church is a hospital, and not a courtroom.” Through sincere repentance, we receive not only forgiveness but restoration, as God’s mercy cleanses and renews the soul.
“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” (Psalm 145:18) His providence guides those who love Him, fulfilling their deepest needs according to His divine wisdom. In times of trial, we trust in His unfailing care, knowing that He watches over His faithful and grants them His peace. Orthodox Christians live in the assurance that God’s mercy is ever-present, leading us through the sacraments, prayer, and acts of love to a deeper communion with Him.
May we, as faithful followers of Christ, become witnesses of His boundless grace, reflecting His mercy to the world through our lives, our prayers, and our service to others.
May God bless you +
Fr. Charles
13 August 2023
