While some of our youth honestly said the Liturgy was “boring,” we challenged them to really try to understand the parts of the Liturgy, the deeper meaning behind the prayers – so that it would no longer be an obligation – so that it would no longer be “boring.”One of our youth asked a wonderfully thought-provoking question in response. He asked: What if I do all that and it is still boring – what if it just isn’t "my thing?" Can the Liturgy be "our thing" or is it something we were just created for? God created us to be united in relationship with Him.
My younger son often asks me why Jesus couldn’t be more direct with His words: Why did He speak in riddles?”
It is a great question to think about especially this time of year as we re-live Christ’s days on Earth. Why did Jesus teach in Parables? Wouldn’t it have been more effective, more practical, to just give textbook teachings and sermons?
Through the imaginative allegories that came through in His parables, Christ described the indescribable in a way we could understand and in a way we would never forget. There was wisdom and prophecy behind the stories. There was accountability in His words. There was love for humankind resonating in each allegory. This Lent season, I encourage you to embrace the message and beauty found in Christ's Parables.
Purity, Dating, Marriage, and Sex were sometimes addressed when I was a teen growing up, but rarely done well. All too often we avoid these tough topics, which means teens are learning from their default teachers: TV shows, movies, music, social media, the internet, friends in school, and even friends in church. These teachers portray sex and dating in an attractive and enticing way, but a lie nonetheless. It is crucial that we broach this subject and deliver the message properly. That is why I was honored to contribute to the Dating and Purity Curriculum developed by Bridges to Orthodoxy. This is a resource our teens so desperately need, and one I wish I had growing up.
While we are used to putting in the work in the literal building, this year we are called to create Holy Week at home, and be at the foot of Christ without the literal Church building. Our very own contributor, Madona Lawindy, eloquently shares her thoughts on what Holy Week at Home means, meditating on the story of Mary and Martha.
Bridges to Orthodoxy is a direct product of a promise I made to my kids, but also an answering of a call I felt to bridge the gap between our Ancient Faith and our American-born youth. Our kids need us to be there for them beyond writing and re-writing Sunday school curriculum. Leave that to us and, instead, lead by example.
