In this Sunday’s sermon, Fr. Gregory presents the question, “Is nothing sacred?” Beneath that, he says, lies another question: “Do we have eyes to see what is holy?”

To answer these questions, Fr. Gregory focuses on the topics of reverence and the fear of God. Reverence, he explains, is approaching and handling holy things in a holy way. The fear of God is avoiding evil out of love for God and the dread of grieving him. Fr. Gregory points out our prayers for reverence and the fear of God in every Divine Liturgy.

In our utilitarian culture, Fr. Gregory explains, most things are seen for how they can serve us. Everything is an object for our use. However, this desanctified view of reality blinds us to seeing what is holy and acting with reverence.

Fr. Gregory encourages us to ask for the gift of seeing what is holy and sacred, to approach the holy things with reverence, preparation, repentance, the fear of God, faith, and love.