#orthopost

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FORGED IN FIRE: A Day in the Life of a Seminarian

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“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:8

God want us to dwell on things that are lovely and life-giving. He wants us to dwell on the things of His kingdom. I chose this picture, because to me there are very few things lovelier than holy week, especially when you get to spend it with your family. And, the vigil on Friday night is a time when we dedicate hours to dwelling on the loveliness and goodness that is the psalms. 

[hannahscherer-blog1]

Day 11: Yes

I think we are called to say yes, to say yes to life, to say yes to God and His will, at all times, in all seasons of life, in our actions and words, with joy, peace, simplicity, and love.

(The picture is of a sunset outside of St. Innocent Orphanage in Rosarito, Mexico)

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Day 5: Work

The Liturgy is the work of the people, a labor of love. 

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Day 4: Cluster

I love this painting because it is so full. The church is filled with people who are huddled close to one another, clustering around the candles and the iconostasis. There is reverence in the way they stand. There are expressions of eagerness and peace among their faces. There is a strong sense of community and reverence for this holy place. 

Let us cluster in our love for God and neighbor in and outside of the church.  

[hannahscherer-blog1]

Day 3: Lost

This is one of my absolute favorite icons, and I think is quite fitting for today’s theme. It is Christ as the good shepherd. 

“What man of you, having a hundred sheep if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? And, when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And, when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, “Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.” Luke 15:4-7

Christ will never forsake us. He will never stop pursuing us; He will never stop knocking at the door of our hearts. He will always be our good shepherd, guiding us and saving us from evil. We need only open the door when he knocks. We need only turn away from our old ways and face and accept the salvation and love of our good shepherd. 

When we say yes to God, He greets us with open arms like the father of the prodigal son. Because, like the prodigal son we were dead and in Christ are now alive, we were lost but in Christ are found. 

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 18:28

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Day 2: Clean

“Create a clean heart in me, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”

Through God’s forgiveness, our hearts are made clean. Our souls are purified and the little buds on our formerly dead branches blossom so beautiful birds can perch on our limbs and sing their sweet songs of thanksgiving. 

[hannahscherer-blog1]

Day 1: Forgiven

We are like trees entering the first few days of spring. We are a part of a broken world. We go through seasons of great struggle, temptation, and doubt that leaves our branches barren and dead. But, through repentance, through God's incredible mercy, through the cross, we are forgiven and our dead branches grow little buds again. Forgiveness tramples sin. The resurrection, like spring, brings new life.