Holy Nativity, Matins and Liturgy

Fr. Geoff Harvey reflects on the deliberate contrast between this Sunday's Gospel and Epistle: the two demoniacs enslaved by evil, and the fruit of the Spirit that grows in those who follow Christ. Drawing on the sobering example of Judas, he calls us to stay close to Christ, cultivate one fruit of the Spirit, and bear one another's burdens.

Daniel McInnes reflects on the Gospel account of the Roman centurion who comes to Christ on behalf of his suffering servant. He draws out the centurion's remarkable humility, his compassion for one beneath his social standing, and his unwavering faith in Christ's authority to heal. Daniel challenges us to turn that same gaze back on ourselves and to take up the work of repentance and the life of virtue within the Church.