"I've been thinking a lot about this: the Orthodox proclamation of the Gospel is extremely sympathetic to people in their sins and passions. What that proclamation challenges is our justification of those sins and passions. So long as we are looking to Christ to heal us and guide us in the path of repentance, there is abundant mercy and endless grace. But the moment I say, 'this passion or sin is good,' [or excusable] we part ways with many modern versions of the Gospel. I'm convinced that over half of our journey is to say, 'Lord, have mercy.' There is no self-righteousness, no sense that I 'deserve' anything. Just a plaintive cry for grace and gradual transformation--and a knowledge that I must grow into that change eternally." (Fr. George Parsenios)
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