1. Out of captivity 1.Superficial relationship with God Pre-Lent Sunday 1729

2. Out of captivity  By the rivers of Babylon, There we sat down, yea, we wept When we remembered Zion. We hung our harps Upon the willows in the midst of it. Ps 137:1,2

3. (St. John Chrysostom)  God calls us, then waits for us to approach Him with all our free will, to grant us every help.

4. 1. Giving ① Rejecting the command or compromising with it. ② Giving and receiving full reward on earth. ③ Giving as all what I can afford for the relationship with God.

5. 2. Prayers ① Whoever prays only at the time of prayers, he never prayed ( St. Macarious the Great) ② Rewardless prayers

6. (St. Mark the Hermit)  The Lord hides in His commandments; Whoever seeks Him in them will find Him.

7. 3. Forgiveness ① It is not an option ② It is not for the worthy ③ It stops me from communion and receiving forgiveness as well

8. (St. Augustine)  Nothing shall let the feet slip, but pride. Love will move the feet to walk, and to ascend; whereas pride would lead them to stumble and fall.

9. 4. Fasting ① When we dishonor it or compromise with it ② When we make it to show off ③ When it becomes rewardless

10. (St. Augustine)  “Turn us again, O Lord God of Hosts, cause your face to shine; and we shall be saved"