Holy Prophet Obadiah (Abdias). the Holy Martyr Barlaam.
Nativity Fast.
1 Timothy 5:11-21. Luke 17:26-37.
Read 1 Timothy 5:11-21
St. Paul’s words to Timothy remind us of the dangers of idleness and frivolity, but they also challenge us to consider how we fill our time. There’s a difference between resting and wasting time. Rest is restorative—it’s found in leisure, hobbies, and activities that nourish our minds, hearts, and souls. Whether it’s reading, gardening, creating art, or spending time with loved ones, true rest brings us closer to God and to one another.
But we must also be honest about how we misuse time. Social media, for instance, has its blessings—it keeps us connected with friends and family, shares inspiring stories, and opens doors to information. Yet it also has a darker side. How often do we find ourselves scrolling endlessly, long past the point of meaningful connection? We feel the pull to refresh, check notifications, or watch just one more video, but what’s left is often not rest but a restless emptiness.
As we journey through the Philip’s Fast, this is an opportunity to reflect on how we use our time and where we seek rest. I’d like to propose a challenge for the remainder of this season: limit your time on social media. Set a specific boundary for yourself—whether it’s only using it for 30 minutes a day, taking Sundays off, or uninstalling apps that pull you into “doom scrolling.” Instead, fill that time with something that restores you. Pick up a book you’ve been meaning to read, take a walk and pray the Jesus Prayer, or spend quality time with your family, truly present to them.
This isn’t about rejecting technology or its benefits but about rediscovering freedom. When we loosen social media’s grip on our lives, we create space to hear God’s voice more clearly. We find room to engage in meaningful leisure—things that inspire us, challenge us, or simply remind us of the beauty of life. And in doing so, we align our time more closely with His purpose for us.
During this Philip’s Fast, let’s take up this challenge with joy, seeking the kind of rest that rejuvenates our spirits and draws us nearer to the One who offers us eternal peace. Instead of scrolling endlessly, let’s turn to Him, and see what He will do with the gift of our time.