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A Little Bit of Men's Business

We all, no doubt, like to receive some good news. I received two pieces of good news in the space of a few days - both concerned marriage.

A couple contacted me by phone and post reminding me that it will soon be 25 years since I had the joy of celebrating their marriage and asking me to join them on their anniversary celebration.

Following this, a couple, by chance, saw me in the main street of Southport, coming that day to the Gold Coast from the country. Thirty-two years ago to the day, I was the priest at their marriage. It was not hard to discern that their love for one another had certainly not diminished.

The story of these two couples certainly gave me cause for much thanksgiving.

The Orthodox Church, on the Sunday after the Nativity of Christ, has us commemorating St Joseph the Betrothed. It is important that we don't minimise the role of St Joseph in the life of our Lord. I believe it is helpful, especially for men, to stand before the icon of St Joseph to pray that the prayers of the Betrothed will assist in their becoming better husbands and fathers.

When we ponder the astonishing responses and amazing decisinos St Joseph made, it is important that we try to remove from our minds the benefit of hindsight.

It might be worthwhile for husbands and fathers to ask ourselves the following:

What would have been my response if my wife had become pregnant before marriage (Luke 1:28-35) and I didn't know how (Mat 1:19)? Would my heart be broken as St Joseph's surely was? Am I a man of prayer and so respond in love, humility and holiness to the one who was to become my wife (Mat 1:24)? Would I have found the wisdom, strength and courage to follow God's will?

Would I, like St Joseph, really rescue my wife and child (or children) from the danger of death (Mat 2:13)?

What would our response be if our child left home for three days and we did not know where he or she was (Luke 2:43-48)?

Do we respond with faith and trust to all the problems we are called to face in life?

May we listen to Christ's word and place our hope in Him.

May you find the following helpful:

"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loves the Church and gave Himself for it." (Ephesians 5:25)

"...though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing." (1 Corinthians 13:2)

"And he [the prodigal son] arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him." (Luke 15:20)

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart." (Proverbs 3:5)

And as we commend our families and ourselves into God's care, let us remember the words of Psalm 91:11 - "He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways."

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Southport   4215
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Divine Liturgy
Sunday 8am
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18 Tonga Pl, Parkwood

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