Fr. Gregory begins today’s sermon by relaying a message told to him by Elder Gabriel when he was visiting Mount Athos last week. He said, “Why do we exist here on earth? It is to give glory to God and to give joy to others.”
In today’s Epistle reading, St. Paul gives a similar message to the Ephesians. He tells them that God has given each of them gifts to use for the building up of the church. Fr. Gregory encourages us to use our gifts for the building up of the church as well, taking opportunities large and small to transcend ourselves in service of others. In this, we can find true joy, as well as give joy to others.