So Jesus said, “Are you also still without understanding? Do you not yet understand that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and is eliminated? But those things which proceed out of the mouth come form the heart, and they defile a man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornication, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. These are the things which defile a man, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile a man.”

The Orthodox Church is now in the period called the Nativity Fast. Some call it Christmas Lent and it is designed as a period of preparation for Christmas. It is not as strict as the Lenten fast period but we are to abstain from meat, fish, and dairy products as well as wine and oil. Fish, wine, and oil can be used on Sunday but the rest of time it is not to be used.

I am willing to say that I get more questions regarding the fast then anything else. People are so hung up on the fact that they can’t eat this and they can’t eat that. People say it is unhealthy to fast and I say that is rubbish. People have been fasting for years and it is rather healthy if it is done correctly. However there is more to it than that.

Let us just look at the above passage of Scripture. It is not what goes in but what comes out. If you strict fast all time but are a rotten person and never have a nice thing to say to anyone then I have to ask why do you fast? What is the reason the Church asks us to do this. It is after all a spiritual discipline that we should follow as best we can. If you cannot strict fast, don’t if you can great! But this time of year should be different then other times of the year.

Maybe skip a meal each day or give some money to the poor or do something for someone. Buy some food for the food pantry or a gift for the Toys for Tots program. Or just be nicer to people. If you are the same rotten person at the end of the fast then you were at the beginning then it did not work.

It’s not what goes in your mouth that is important it is what comes out. Eat meat, and be nice, fast and be nice, the bottom line is Christians show love to one another and to others.

Matthew 5:14-16

You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before all, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

This is part of a much longer passage that Jesus speaks before he send his disciples into the world to minister. This is sort of the locker room speech before the big game. All that is missing is the statement, “now lets win one for the Gipper!”

God is the true and uncreated light. In the Hebrew Scriptures light is symbolic of God, the divine law, and Israel in comparison to others. In the Christian Scriptures, the Son of God is called the light. Light is necessary for clear vision and for life itself. Our faith relies on this divine light and we become the sons of light that shine out in this darkened and perverse world.

I like to think of this passage in relation to the Great Commission to GO into all the world… It is interesting that we as Orthodox say we have found the true faith but sometimes are so bad at telling people about it. We tend to be shy when talking about our faith, our faith is something that is private not to be shared.

Troy Polamalu, who plays football for the Pittsburgh Steelers, is probably the most famous Orthodox sports person in the US. Not only for his trademark long hair, but because he makes the sign of the Cross after every play in the Orthodox manner from right to left and not from let to right. This brought some attention on himself and was asked about it and he told them he is an Orthodox Christian. Troy witnesses to his faith very publicly in this way. He is not keep his light under a basket. But he also walks the walk and talks the talk.

Right or wrong people will judge and entire group of people by the actions of one. If people you know, know you are an Orthodox Christian and you act all stupid and what not, then the rest of us will get branded with that as well. I heard someone say once that if you put the Fish Decal on the back of your car you cannot flip people off as you weave through traffic.

Our job as Christians is to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ. We need to be that light that goes into the dark and perverse world. Don’t hide your light, do what Troy does and let your light shine for all the world to see.