I know many of you thought drinking coffee is harmful to your health and many of you switched to tea. But now, you all can relax since the latest research highlighted the benefit of drinking coffee, even claiming to reduce the risk of death.

 

I don’t know about you but it seems like every other year we are told the secrets to a longer life, what to eat or not to eat, prevention of illness and death. In years past, a medical journal claimed that drinking a glass of wine is unhealthy, but now there is evidence that suggests drinking a glass of wine can help your heart.

 

One study concludes we should eat carbs another states we should limit our carbohydrates. Butter was out, now it is in. Eggs had the fear factor of skyrocketing your cholesterol but now eggs are important to your diet. Chocolate was poison to the body but now dark chocolate is an efficient antioxidant!

 

We are constantly bombarded with ever changing information of research with an array of recommendations on how to live longer, look sexier, lose weight, remedies to help depression and anxiety.

 

Thankfully, for over two thousand years, our Church has been giving us a steady message of what is good for our heart and what is essential for living a healthy life. The Orthodox Christian Church has been proclaiming the good news of salvation in Christ Jesus as handed down by the apostles over the centuries. There is no wavering, there is no back talking, redefinition, or recalls. The Church is a bright, consistent light shining as the “salt of the earth” and like a “light on a hill.”

 

We are reminded that Jesus’ words are eternal, the apostles message is consistent and her expression of faith over time has been tested and essential. How we understand

 the red ink of Christ’s words in the Bible, will not change or waver over time. God’s promises are real. So when Jesus says, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in.” He means it! He wants to come in and dwell ‘in’ you!

 

As Christ entered into the hearts of the Apostles they heard and responded to the same powerful message we hear today – lessons of humility, prayer, commitment and love.   Jesus said, “Follow Me”, and His disciples followed Him in obedience. As a result, the apostles were transformed by the Holy Spirit and our Church was established.

 

Our Church maintains the centrality of the Eucharist. Jesus said, “I am the bread of life, He who eats and drinks of my body and blood ‘will’ have eternal life.” (John 6:51)   Over the centuries, receiving Christ, partaking of the Eucharist is not an option. It is essential for the well being of your heart and necessary for eternal life!

 

John 17:3 states, “Now this is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” Indeed, eternal life is knowing our Father in Heaven. The Church is constantly reminding us to pray and fast to prepare our body to become the sacred temple of the Holy Spirit. We are challenged to live a life ‘in’ Christ becoming partakers of divine nature. St. Athanasios says, what God is by nature we can become by Grace.

 

The church maintains that ‘we are family’ and a family should honor all of her members not just those of this generation but from the beginning of time. That is why we have icons. We have icons because we love God’s family and we remember those Christians over the centuries who became Christ-like, who became God’s mouthpiece on earth.

 

We love, honor and remember the Theotokos thanking her for accepting Jesus and for becoming instrumental in our salvation. Our church has faithfully honored her as it says in the bible, “Every generation will call you blessed. “

 

Indeed, it is a blessing to belong to a church which has not changed in her essence over time. Every day we are invited to faithfully commit ourselves to following Christ’s footsteps. Everyday we are encouraged to respond in love, seeking His kingdom. Everyday we are asked to make time for prayer and to worship God in His Holy Church. St. Herman of Alaska said “From this day, from this hour, from this minute, let us love God above all and strive to fulfill His Holy will.”

 

So, when you hear another report similar to the one suggesting how coffee helps your health and reduce your death risk, turn your heart, mind, and soul to the ultimate power and truth. Turn your life to the ultimate hospital who is Christ. Receive the healing medicine who is Christ.   And seek the advice of the ultimate doctor who is Christ! May we continue to grow in Christ at Holy Apostles desiring to love, serve, and follow Him with all our heart.