The Second Sunday of Great Lent: St. Gregory Palamas and the Light of Christ
Gerald Largent
The journey of Great Lent is a path of repentance, prayer, and spiritual renewal. Each Sunday of the Fast carries a special significance, guiding us deeper into the life of Christ and His Church. The Second Sunday of Great Lent is dedicated to St. Gregory Palamas, a 14th-century Archbishop of Thessalonica and one of the great defenders of Orthodox spirituality.
Who Was St. Gregory Palamas?
St. Gregory Palamas (1296–1359) was a monk of Mount Athos, a theologian, and later a bishop. He is best known for his defense of hesychasm, a tradition of inner stillness and unceasing prayer that leads to the vision of God’s uncreated light. This light, according to Orthodox teaching, is the same light that shone from Christ at His Transfiguration on Mount Tabor.
During his lifetime, St. Gregory defended the Orthodox understanding of salvation against the teachings of a philosopher named Barlaam of Calabria, who argued that God could only be known through intellectual reasoning. In contrast, St. Gregory taught that true knowledge of God comes through purification of the heart, prayer, and participation in God’s divine energies.
His teachings affirm that through ascetic struggle, repentance, and the grace of the Holy Spirit, we can experience the presence of God—not as an abstract idea, but as a living reality. This theology was confirmed by the Church in the Palamite Councils of the 14th century, and St. Gregory was canonized just a few years after his repose.
The Meaning of This Sunday in Great Lent
The placement of St. Gregory Palamas’ commemoration on the Second Sunday of Great Lent is significant. On the first Sunday, the Sunday of Orthodoxy, we celebrate the victory of truth over heresy, particularly regarding the veneration of icons. The following Sunday, the Church presents us with St. Gregory’s teaching, which confirms that our faith is not only about correct doctrine but also about experiencing God directly through prayer and purification of the heart.
His message reminds us that Lent is not simply about external fasting but about inner transformation. It is a time to seek the light of Christ, turning away from worldly distractions and focusing on prayer, humility, and love.
The Gospel Reading: Christ Heals the Paralytic
On this Sunday, the Church reads from Mark 2:1-12, the story of the healing of the paralytic. In this passage, a group of friends lower a paralyzed man through the roof of a house so that he can be brought to Christ. Seeing their faith, Jesus not only heals the man physically but also forgives his sins.
This reading is deeply connected to the message of St. Gregory Palamas. Just as the paralytic needed both spiritual and physical healing, so too do we need healing of both soul and body. Our Lenten struggle—through fasting, prayer, and repentance—is aimed at bringing us closer to Christ, who alone can heal us completely.
How Can We Apply This to Our Lives?
1. Commit to Deeper Prayer – St. Gregory emphasized the power of inner prayer, particularly the Jesus Prayer: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” During Lent, we can strive to pray more attentively and seek moments of stillness with God.
2. Seek Purification of the Heart – Lent is a time to examine ourselves honestly, confess our sins, and struggle against passions that darken our souls. St. Gregory reminds us that holiness is possible for all who seek it through humility and repentance.
3. Support One Another in Faith – The Gospel reading of the paralytic shows the importance of community in our journey toward Christ. Just as the friends carried the man to Jesus, we are called to lift one another up in prayer, encouragement, and acts of love.
A Reminder of the Goal of Lent
The Second Sunday of Great Lent reminds us that our fasting and efforts are not ends in themselves but are meant to draw us closer to the light of Christ. St. Gregory Palamas teaches us that salvation is not just about knowing about God—it is about truly encountering Him in prayer and being transformed by His grace.
As we continue through Great Lent, may we seek this encounter with Christ, opening our hearts to His mercy and striving to become vessels of His divine light.
“O Light of Orthodoxy, Teacher of the Church, its confirmation, O ideal of monks and invincible champion of theologians, O wonder-working Gregory, glory of Thessalonica and preacher of grace, always intercede before the Lord that our souls may be saved.” (Troparion of St. Gregory Palamas)