Saturday, Friday 22nd is the First Saturday of the Souls. On the day before the Sunday of the Last Judgment, and in close connection with the theme of his Sunday, there is a Universal Commemoration of the dead 'from all the ages.' (There are further commemorations of the dead on the second, third, and forth Saturdays in Holy Lent.) Before we call to mind the Second Coming of Christ in the services on Sunday, we command to God all those departed before us, who are now awaiting the Last Judgment. In the texts for this Saturday there is a strong sense of the continuing bond of mutual love that links together all the members of the Church, whether alive or dead. For those who believe in the Risen Christ, death does not constitute an impassable barrier, since all are alive in Him; the departed are still our brethren, members of the same family with us, and so we are conscious of the need to pray insistently on their behalf. (Lenten Triodion)

The teaching or Apostolic Tradition was transmitted from the Holy Apostles themselves to their successors, the bishops and the presbyters, Saint Clement, Bishop of Rome (2nd century A.D.), and probably a Disciple of the Holy Apostles himself, described this historical truth:

The term "tradition" comes from the Latin traditio, but the Greek term is parasosis and the verb is paradido. It means giving, offering, delivering, performing charity. In theological terms, it means any teaching or practice which has been transmitted from generation to generation throughout the life of the Church. More exactly, paradosis is the very life of the Holy Trinity as it has been revealed by Christ Himself and testified by the Holy Spirit.

Unfortunately, when most of us hear or read the word "Stewardship," we instinctively think of it spelled as "$tewardship," a code word for giving money to the church. It may be politely asked for. It may be clothed in pious language. It may be linked to giving of time and talents. But, in the end, stewardship still means, for most of us: "I must give some of my money so that we can operate the church."

Our Lord Jesus Christ has given us a spiritual law: "If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses" (St. Matthew 6:14-15).

Now we've looked at the sickness--anger and resentment--and we've looked at the cure: forgiveness and the cutting off of angry thoughts by means of watchfulness and prayer. But what if anger and resentment have already poisoned our relationship with someone else? What then are we to do? Both the Gospels and the Holy Fathers of the Church tell us that we are to humble ourselves and seek reconciliation. Christ says: "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder,' and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment. But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother will be in danger of the judgment…Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First, be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift" (St. Matthew 5:21-24).