Homily - 3rd Sunday of Great Fast - 3/3/13

Continuing a multi-week theme, Fr. Rankin reflected on the Book of Revelations and spoke about the second church mentioned, The Church in Smyrna and the words of Jesus

"To the angel of the church in Smyrna write:  These are the word of him who is the first and the last, who died and came to life again.  I know your afflictions and your poverty- yet you are rich!  I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.  Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer.  I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days.  Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor's crown."  

Fr. Rankin spoke of the church in Smyrna and that it was headed at that time by Polycarp, who studied at the feet of the Holy Apostle John and that Jesus had nothing but positive things to say about that church.  Would that all of our churches be found in the same spiritual condition as the church at Smyrna.

Homily - 3rd Sunday of Great Fast - 3/3/13