"He must increase, but I must decrease" John 3:30

It is necessary for Christ to grow in you, for you to progress in your knowledge and love of him: for, the more you know him and love him, the more he grows in you. [...] Therefore, people who advance in this way need to have less self-esteem, because the more a person discovers God's greatness the less importance he gives to his own human condition" (St Thomas Aquinas, "Commentary on St John, in loc.")

"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it" John 1:5

But, it may be, the dull hearts of some cannot yet receive this light. Their sins weigh them down, and they cannot discern it. Let them not think, however, that, because they cannot discern it, therefore it is not present with them. For they themselves, because of their sins, are darkness. Just as if you place a blind person in the sunshine, although the sun is present to him, yet he is absent from the sun; in the same way, every foolish man, every unrighteous man, every ungodly man, is blind in heart. [...] What course then ought such a one to take? Let him cleanse the eyes of his heart, that he may be able to see God. He will see Wisdom, for God is Wisdom itself, and it is written: 'Blessed are the clean of heart, for they shall see God (St. Augustine In Ioann. Evang., 1, 19)

It's been a long time since my last post; life with a new child can be quite busy as I am quickly learning. This week, however, has been extra special - first it was Natasha's first month birthday. Then, just a few days later on Saturday, Natasha for the first time in her short life has been to church. I must say that judging from her first visit she is destined to be a saint! She slept like an angel (most likely contemplating the Word of God). Also this weekend we visited the deacon of our parish to discuss the dates for Natasha's Baptism. Now it is official: Natasha is to be baptized on December 10th. I can hardly wait!