𝕻𝖗𝖎𝖊𝖘𝖙𝖑𝖞 𝕾𝖔𝖈𝖎𝖊𝖙𝖞 𝖔𝖋 𝕸𝖎𝖘𝖘𝖎𝖔𝖓𝖆𝖗𝖎𝖊𝖘 𝕾𝕾𝕸

22/02/2026

22/02/2026

𝕳𝖔𝖒𝖎𝖑𝖞 𝖋𝖔𝖗 𝖙𝖍𝖊 1𝖘𝖙 𝕾𝖚𝖓𝖉𝖆𝖞 𝖎𝖓 𝕷𝖊𝖓𝖙 - 𝕺𝖚𝖗 𝕷𝖔𝖗𝖉'𝖘 𝕿𝖊𝖒𝖕𝖙𝖆𝖙𝖎𝖔𝖓 𝖎𝖓 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝕯𝖊𝖘𝖊𝖗𝖙

Dear brethren

The image i chose to accompany this homily is a rather rare depiction of the Temptation of Our Lord Jesus Christ painted by Jacob Cornelisz van Oostsanen painted between circa 1526 and circa 1528.

The reason why I choose this image is because it is unique and individual. Not popular or highly famous. Very detailed and symbolic which depicts todays Gospel reading for todays Celebration of the Eucharist.

Our Lord Jesus Christ went into the desert for 40 days and 40 nights to pray and fast. He was sent to be tempted by the spirit and faced satan. Satan came with tempting words and actions hoping Jesus Christ would fall. Our Lord was hungry, thirsty and tired after those 40 days and vulnerable. Firstly Satan tempted with the power to change stones into bread. Secondly with confusion against God and thirdly by wordliness and power. Everytime Jesus Christ cast satan away.

This past Wednesday we received our ashes and were reminded that we are mortal and need to deny ourselves.
Like this painting that is unique, individual, symbolic and not well known this is how our lent should be.

Lent is a time of oneness with Our Saviour. Everyone has an individual lenten fast if its religiously, bodily or self growth. We all need to cast temptations out of our lives as we are all sinners and vulnerable. Especially this Lent when we work on ourselves we will always have things that might bring us off track. We might forget a prayer or by accident eat a sweet offered to us or the time will pass so quickly that it's overwhelming.

Don't get discouraged. Anytime you can continue and start praying again. Every week and day you can build up on your fasting and study. Go into ourselves like this unique painting. You are individual and unique and so is your Lent. Do not compare yourself to others or fall into pride Our Lord warns us about that we are holier if we do things more then others. If we abstain from foods and are on our knees constantly with outward signs but don't have Lent in our hearts what worth is it. Sometimes less is more. Be serious and know each new day comes with new chances. Concentrate on your path.

Unite yourself with Our Lord Jesus Christ by committing to this 40 days and 40 nights of Lent reflecting on His life of ministry and preparing for His suffering. We must learn from His suffering to gain hope in His resurrection.

Yours In Christ

Reverend Elena Riz

✠ All Saints Anglican Mission - Priestly Society of Missionaries ✠

22/02/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1AjUHpnRpM/

20/02/2026

https://youtu.be/7qRg_D3_GZY?si=EpIE5WPoMs4J8cO0

Provided to YouTube by NAXOS of AmericaPsalm 32 "Blessed Is He Whose Unrighteousness Is Forgiven" · Salisbury Cathedral Choir · Salisbury Cathedral Choir · D...

18/02/2026

𝕾𝖊𝖗𝖒𝖔𝖓 𝖋𝖔𝖗 𝕬𝖘𝖍 𝖂𝖊𝖉𝖓𝖊𝖘𝖉𝖆𝖞

Dear brethren

Today the solemn season of Lent begins.
In the next 40 days we grow in faith and are tested. We are reminded and guided.

Ashes have been prepared for us and we receive the blessed ashes as a sign that we are not immortal or free from death. We will return to what we are dust to dust earth to earth. No matter who we are we come into the world and go the same. Our time in this life is limited and in Scripture we know that the real sting of death to us is sin. Our Lord Jesus Christ conquered death. We need to be living and renewed in faith.

The Church gives us this time to reflect on our lives and where we need to improve ourselves. We are called to come to confession and receive the support of the Church during this time. For many centuries the season of Lent was spent very rigid where fasting was strict and everyday life activities outside work limited. We need to focus this time firstly on what Lent is preparing us for and that is the understanding of the life of Christ from the beginning of His mission on earth to His suffering on the cross and finally the awaited promise of His resurrection.

In the Anglican tradition every Sunday, Wednesday and Friday after the morning prayer the Litany is prayed and in addition on Ash Wednesday the Penitential Office also known as the Commination is also prayed. Sadly modern prayer books have removed this office. These offices are very important as a reminder for our Christian life and churchmanship.

When it comes to what we have promised to do this Lent if its fasting by prayer, activities or fasting with food remember to be true to Christ and yourself. Less is more and do not concentrate on what others do or compete. In todays Gospel Our Lord Jesus Christ teaches us about fasting. We should not boast or neglect what truly is important. Be clean in our ways not hypocrites or seek a reward.

Here are some examples to do during Lent. You can always build up by inspiration:

- Daily prayers (morning and evening).
- Pray the Litany (Sun,Wed,Fri)
- Angelus and Compline
- Stations of the Cross on Friday
- Mass attendance
- Go to confession

- Read more books especially about Jesus Christ, or Christian subjects.

- Work on your habits like language, behaviour.
- Donate to your local charities
- Fast on topics like negative subjects such as politics and limit your social media activity.
- Eat meatless on Wednesday and Friday
- Abstain from sweets, sugary drinks, alcohol, smoking and s*x.
- Reflect on what is truly important in life and what is excess. Change!

There are many more.

I wish you a very blessed start in Lent and may this time bring you a direction in peace and regeneration in faith.

Yours In Christ

Reverend Elena Riz

✠ All Saints Anglican Mission - Priestly Society of Missionaries ✠

18/02/2026

https://youtu.be/SxFDjVKoJ8c?si=0ANa-w7w7p69KxgX

Anglican Hymns and Chants for Lent | Penitential Psalms and Lenten HymnsAs we are now in the season of Lent I have compiled some Lenten hymns with the seven ...

17/02/2026

𝕮𝖔𝖑𝖑𝖊𝖈𝖙 𝖋𝖔𝖗 𝕾𝖍𝖗𝖔𝖛𝖊 𝕿𝖚𝖊𝖘𝖉𝖆𝖞

Almighty Father, whose Son was revealed in majesty before he suffered death upon the cross: give us grace to perceive his glory, that we may be strengthened to suffer with him and be changed into his likeness, from glory to glory; who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

Amen.

Enjoy your pancakes 😊 🥞

Yours In Christ

Reverend Elena Riz

✠ All Saints Anglican Mission - Priestly Society of Missionaries ✠

15/02/2026

𝕾𝖊𝖗𝖒𝖔𝖓 𝖋𝖔𝖗 𝕼𝖚𝖎𝖓𝖖𝖚𝖆𝖌𝖊𝖘𝖎𝖒𝖆 𝕾𝖚𝖓𝖉𝖆𝖞

Dear brethren

The ancient gospel (Luke 18:31) for the Sunday before Lent (Quinquagesima) - the healing of the blind beggar - teaches that Lent is a journey made in faith hope and charity from blindness to vision, completed in the death and resurrection of the Son of Man.

When the blind man is brought to Our Lord Jesus Christ this us what He asks.

What wilt thou that I do to thee? The blind man replies: Lord, that I may see. And Jesus said to him: Receive thy sight, thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he saw and followed him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.

What can we learn from this gospel. Everyone of us can live in darkness. Some people are physically blind due to illness, accident or since birth. I worked in a school for the blind for a short work experience. Although not as a teacher but I did notice how these children learned how to live by feeling, touch and other senses and have developed a great way of seeing life but still without sight. What Jesus did was heal a man without sight who came to him with great faith which made him see.

But we can also reflect on a different blindness. In other words we are tought that the blind can not lead the blind meaning people who are blinded by wordliness, pleasure, sinfulness and having no faith will not lead others to righteousness and are blinded by own choice or influence from others. This is the greatest blindness.

Faith will make us see again and Our Lord always fulfills His promises when we ask with true faith. He will make us see again and by trusting Him completely we will have our lives change.

This Lent pray, study and reflect on what things keep you distant from Our Lord and make a leap of faith even if it feels uncomfortable. Lent is a time of reconciliation with God but also ourselves. Do we want to become leaders in faith or remain in darkness. Pray for people who are without faith and need Our Lord Jesus Christ and become good examples.

Yours In Christ

Reverend Elena Riz

✠ All Saints Anglican Mission - Priestly Society of Missionaries ✠

13/02/2026

Just leaving this here.