A priest should speak with a full voice. Homilies and reflections
A Priest should speak with a full voiceA Priest should speak with a full voice
- Full Voice (mp3 format)
- Prison Visit Report. Patience. (mp3 format)
- Why are there so many "cheating" songs? There is a good reason, and it is related to the role of sex and union with God. (mp3 format)
- A pastoral answer to the question: "How do you do it all?" I yam what I yam, History, Prayer, Expectations. (HTML format)
- The Coke advertisement "open Happiness" illustrates the approach too many have to life and religion. (mp3 format)
- Everyone should undestand John Chapter 3. Exegesis of John 3:1-21: being born again, baptism, incarnatinon, Ascension,cross and more: it is in there. (mp3 format)
- "Friend, wherefore art thou come?" Have the right reason for everything. (mp3 format)
- The dangerous time after sin; repent, do not just be sorry. (mp3 format)
- "But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth." Pleasure is not the purpose of life! Perfection is the purpose of life! (HTML format)
- Prayer for others is more important than anything else we do. The prayer of a pastor. (mp3 format)
- "Joseph was minded to put her away privily." Never cause a surrogate to do what you will not do. (mp3 format)
- God hates lying. Do not lie because it is against the nature of God. All the comandments must be followed because the reflect the nature of God. (mp3 format)
- "Behold now, what is so good or so joyous as for brethren to dwell together in unity?" Unity, vesting and the Divine Liturgy. (mp3 format)
- "Lord, my heart is not exalted, nor are mine eyes become lofty." A messianic psalm that describes Jesus Christ and instructs us in how to live. (mp3 format)
- "When the Lord turned again the captivity of Sion, we became as men that are comforted" What is this comfort? (mp3 format)
- And other seed fell upon rocky placed and it sprang up because it had no depth of earth. Patience. (mp3 format)
- Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath day? I will have mercy and not sacrifice. (mp3 format)
- "Most Holy Theotokos save us" Why do we say this? Prayer to the Saints. (mp3 format)
- Answer to the claim that Jesus never explicitly condemned homosexuality. What are some of the reasons that people justify homosexual activity? (mp3 format)
- Hieromartyr Zenobius and his sister Zenobia Oct 30 "Life without Christ is not life but death, whereas death for the sake of Christ is not death but life." (mp3 format)
- Jailhouse talk about prayer and remembrance. "These things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them" (John 16:4) "I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now." (John 16:12) (mp3 format)
- "Already ye are clean by reason of the word which i have spoken to you" A sinner who abides in the vine is clean! How do we understand this! John 15:3 (mp3 format)
- Prison visit 2013-11-06. Racism will not survive kindness. How to begin to pray. (Word DOC format)
2014-01-24
SYNOPSIS:"It is a sin to be scandalized by our own sinfulness" is a saying attributed to Thomas Aquinas that is wholly Orthodox, but not well understood. Let us understand this very important aspect of victorious spiritual life. James the Brother of the Lord will help us.
FILES: 2 HTML files, 2 HTML files, 3 Word DOC files, 21 mp3 files
SYNOPSIS:"It is a sin to be scandalized by our own sinfulness" is a saying attributed to Thomas Aquinas that is wholly Orthodox, but not well understood. Let us understand this very important aspect of victorious spiritual life. James the Brother of the Lord will help us.
FILES: 2 HTML files, 2 HTML files, 3 Word DOC files, 21 mp3 files
2014-01-17
SYNOPSIS:I visited one of my prisons today, and as happens more often than not what I planned did not happen. Prison ministry is the answer to the prayer: "Lord, help me to be patient" Some interesting feedback from my guys. I may be traveling more. If you have prison ministry on your heart, we will need significantly more funding.
SYNOPSIS:I visited one of my prisons today, and as happens more often than not what I planned did not happen. Prison ministry is the answer to the prayer: "Lord, help me to be patient" Some interesting feedback from my guys. I may be traveling more. If you have prison ministry on your heart, we will need significantly more funding.
2014-01-14
SYNOPSIS:Why are there so many cheating songs? Why do sexually active people almost always feel getting "cheated" on is a bad thing? This is related to our role as creators, a God-like thing we are entrusted with from our Creator. Only some kinds of sex can help us attain union with God.
SYNOPSIS:Why are there so many cheating songs? Why do sexually active people almost always feel getting "cheated" on is a bad thing? This is related to our role as creators, a God-like thing we are entrusted with from our Creator. Only some kinds of sex can help us attain union with God.
2014-01-13
Also in Format: Word DOC
Also in Format: Word DOC
2014-01-10
SYNOPSIS:Coke has a billboard with the "Coke bear" drinking a Coke, with the words "Open happiness" This sums up our culture which also reaches into the the way many people approach religion and God. How do we find happiness?
SYNOPSIS:Coke has a billboard with the "Coke bear" drinking a Coke, with the words "Open happiness" This sums up our culture which also reaches into the the way many people approach religion and God. How do we find happiness?
John 3:1-21
2014-01-04
SYNOPSIS:Exegesis of John 3:1-1-21. Every catechuman should hear this exegesis and understand this Scripture. It covers everything here: being born again, Baptism, the Holy Spirit, the Incarnation, the Ascension, Relationships, the Cross. All of it we must know and understand.
2014-01-04
SYNOPSIS:Exegesis of John 3:1-1-21. Every catechuman should hear this exegesis and understand this Scripture. It covers everything here: being born again, Baptism, the Holy Spirit, the Incarnation, the Ascension, Relationships, the Cross. All of it we must know and understand.
Matthew 26:49-50
2014-01-03
SYNOPSIS:We must answer all questions in the Gospels, such as that of Jesus to Judas when he came to the garden to betray Him: "Friend, wherefore art thou come?" this question must be answered before we do anything. Too much of what we do has hidden agendas that even we are not aware of. The true Christian knows why he does everything. This is a learned skill.
2014-01-03
SYNOPSIS:We must answer all questions in the Gospels, such as that of Jesus to Judas when he came to the garden to betray Him: "Friend, wherefore art thou come?" this question must be answered before we do anything. Too much of what we do has hidden agendas that even we are not aware of. The true Christian knows why he does everything. This is a learned skill.
Matthew 27:3-5
2014-01-01
SYNOPSIS:Judas was sorry that he betrayed Christ (Matthew 27:3-5), but he did not repent. Repentance is more than sorrow. The time after sin is dangerous; we must learn how to turn our sorrow, shame and the bad feelings we have about ourselves into active and healing repentance.
2014-01-01
SYNOPSIS:Judas was sorry that he betrayed Christ (Matthew 27:3-5), but he did not repent. Repentance is more than sorrow. The time after sin is dangerous; we must learn how to turn our sorrow, shame and the bad feelings we have about ourselves into active and healing repentance.
2013-12-22
SYNOPSIS:A pastor gives lots of sermons, teaches, hears many confessions, gives counsel countless times, and many other things. The most important thing a pastor and a Christian must do: prayer. Success should never be measured. We must pray; our prayer will do those we minister to more good than all the other things we do. Also, regarding confidence in our personal prayers and in this context, the intercessory prayer tradition in our parish. If we are not so good at praying, why should we still pray?
SYNOPSIS:A pastor gives lots of sermons, teaches, hears many confessions, gives counsel countless times, and many other things. The most important thing a pastor and a Christian must do: prayer. Success should never be measured. We must pray; our prayer will do those we minister to more good than all the other things we do. Also, regarding confidence in our personal prayers and in this context, the intercessory prayer tradition in our parish. If we are not so good at praying, why should we still pray?
Matthew 1:19
2013-12-21
SYNOPSIS:The Gospel tells us that when Joseph was aware of the pregnancy of Mary and thought she had sinned, he wanted to divorce her secretly. If he had accused he, he would have been required to cast the first stone when she was executed. This magnanimous gesture on the part of the righteous Joseph models for us a very important principle, which, alas, we often ignore: NEVER cause a surrogate to do something you would not do. This will save us from much sin.
2013-12-21
SYNOPSIS:The Gospel tells us that when Joseph was aware of the pregnancy of Mary and thought she had sinned, he wanted to divorce her secretly. If he had accused he, he would have been required to cast the first stone when she was executed. This magnanimous gesture on the part of the righteous Joseph models for us a very important principle, which, alas, we often ignore: NEVER cause a surrogate to do something you would not do. This will save us from much sin.
2013-12-20
SYNOPSIS:A sermon by Fr John Whiteford about lying (the ninth commandment) (http://www.ancientfaith.com/podcasts/amvon/thou_shalt_not_bear_false_witness) inspired these thoughts. God hates lying. To lie is to be unlike God. The reason for every commandment is that not following it means we act in opposition to God's nature. Also where all commandments are derived from. We must internalize the reason to follow the commandments!
SYNOPSIS:A sermon by Fr John Whiteford about lying (the ninth commandment) (http://www.ancientfaith.com/podcasts/amvon/thou_shalt_not_bear_false_witness) inspired these thoughts. God hates lying. To lie is to be unlike God. The reason for every commandment is that not following it means we act in opposition to God's nature. Also where all commandments are derived from. We must internalize the reason to follow the commandments!
Psalm 132:1-2
2013-12-19
SYNOPSIS:Psalm 132:2 is use in the vesting prayers of the priest. All would do well to remember the context of this prayer and how Divine Liturgy should be the ultimate expression of unity. Of course, we must understand the Christian meaning of "unity" which differs quite a lot from that of the world.
2013-12-19
SYNOPSIS:Psalm 132:2 is use in the vesting prayers of the priest. All would do well to remember the context of this prayer and how Divine Liturgy should be the ultimate expression of unity. Of course, we must understand the Christian meaning of "unity" which differs quite a lot from that of the world.
Psalm 130
2013-12-18
SYNOPSIS:Most Psalms are Messianic (describe Jesus Christ in some way), and Psalm 130 does this AND instructs us in the all important virtue of humility.
2013-12-18
SYNOPSIS:Most Psalms are Messianic (describe Jesus Christ in some way), and Psalm 130 does this AND instructs us in the all important virtue of humility.
Psalm 125:1-2
2013-12-17
SYNOPSIS:Psalm 125 exclaims "We became as men that are comforted." Everybody needs comfort. What is the comfort the Psalm is referring to?
2013-12-17
SYNOPSIS:Psalm 125 exclaims "We became as men that are comforted." Everybody needs comfort. What is the comfort the Psalm is referring to?
Matthew 13:5
2013-11-27
SYNOPSIS:The second kind of seed mentioned in the parable of the sower has a parenthetical statement that describes it: "and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth" What does this teach us? Patience.
2013-11-27
SYNOPSIS:The second kind of seed mentioned in the parable of the sower has a parenthetical statement that describes it: "and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth" What does this teach us? Patience.
Matthew 12:10, Matthew 12:7
2013-11-26
SYNOPSIS:Another question in Scripture that we must never ask, but know the answer to: "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath day?"
2013-11-26
SYNOPSIS:Another question in Scripture that we must never ask, but know the answer to: "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath day?"
2013-11-23
SYNOPSIS:Something that gets the attention of Western believers and sometimes makes them even think they are witnessing blasphemy is our oft repeated petition to the Mother of God: "Most Holy Theotokos save us!" People often do not like and rarely benefit from something what they do not understand. We explain the very reasonable reasons for this petition and why it is important.
SYNOPSIS:Something that gets the attention of Western believers and sometimes makes them even think they are witnessing blasphemy is our oft repeated petition to the Mother of God: "Most Holy Theotokos save us!" People often do not like and rarely benefit from something what they do not understand. We explain the very reasonable reasons for this petition and why it is important.
2013-11-13
SYNOPSIS:A supposed gotcha that people use to support homosexuality is that Jesus never mentioned it in the Gospels. Therefore, according to their logic, that which was not mentioned was not condemned. The reasons for this scriptural claim are legion, and we look at several of them, the first of which is, of course, scriptural illiteracy.
SYNOPSIS:A supposed gotcha that people use to support homosexuality is that Jesus never mentioned it in the Gospels. Therefore, according to their logic, that which was not mentioned was not condemned. The reasons for this scriptural claim are legion, and we look at several of them, the first of which is, of course, scriptural illiteracy.
2013-11-12
SYNOPSIS:The life of Hieromartyr Zenobius and his sister Zenobia (Oct 30/ Nov 12), zeroing in on the most important part: "Life without Christ is not life but death, whereas death for the sake of Christ is not death but life."
SYNOPSIS:The life of Hieromartyr Zenobius and his sister Zenobia (Oct 30/ Nov 12), zeroing in on the most important part: "Life without Christ is not life but death, whereas death for the sake of Christ is not death but life."
John 16:4 John 16:12
2013-11-09
SYNOPSIS:A jailhouse talk about what hinders prayer and remembrance, and the promise of our Lord that will comfort us. Prison is a lot like the world except more intense more potential for violence, and there are not many breaks. It is always noisy, there is drama all the time. Schedules are crazy and disorienting, and in addition, you have your own thoughts and a lot of time to have them. this is a difficult environment to pray and have remembrance of God. How?! If we do something for the love of God it will never be fruitless. We may not remember, but God always remembers, and will call things to our remembrance as we need them. Our Lord Jesus Christ gives us great consolation in the promise "These things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them" (John 16:4) and "I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now." (John 16:12)
2013-11-09
SYNOPSIS:A jailhouse talk about what hinders prayer and remembrance, and the promise of our Lord that will comfort us. Prison is a lot like the world except more intense more potential for violence, and there are not many breaks. It is always noisy, there is drama all the time. Schedules are crazy and disorienting, and in addition, you have your own thoughts and a lot of time to have them. this is a difficult environment to pray and have remembrance of God. How?! If we do something for the love of God it will never be fruitless. We may not remember, but God always remembers, and will call things to our remembrance as we need them. Our Lord Jesus Christ gives us great consolation in the promise "These things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them" (John 16:4) and "I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now." (John 16:12)
John 15:3
2013-11-08
SYNOPSIS:In His great discourse before His passion, the Lord makes the amazing statement: "Already ye are clean by reason of the word which I have spoken to you". He was saying this to confused men who were soon to flee from Him in fear. How are we to understand His words? This is very important, especially for sinners who feel worthless and dirty because of their sins.
2013-11-08
SYNOPSIS:In His great discourse before His passion, the Lord makes the amazing statement: "Already ye are clean by reason of the word which I have spoken to you". He was saying this to confused men who were soon to flee from Him in fear. How are we to understand His words? This is very important, especially for sinners who feel worthless and dirty because of their sins.
Prison Visit
Racism And Prayer
2013-11-06
Also in Format: mp3
SYNOPSIS:Two edifying stories from a prison visit. We see that racism, so endemic in prison, can be conquered by kindness. Also some wise words of an inmate about how to begin to pray.
Racism And Prayer
2013-11-06
Also in Format: mp3
SYNOPSIS:Two edifying stories from a prison visit. We see that racism, so endemic in prison, can be conquered by kindness. Also some wise words of an inmate about how to begin to pray.
24 entries
A Priest should speak with a full voice
A Priest should speak with a full voice
- Prison visit 2013-11-06. Racism will not survive kindness. How to begin to pray. (Word DOC format)
- "Already ye are clean by reason of the word which i have spoken to you" A sinner who abides in the vine is clean! How do we understand this! John 15:3 (mp3 format)
- Jailhouse talk about prayer and remembrance. "These things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them" (John 16:4) "I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now." (John 16:12) (mp3 format)
- Hieromartyr Zenobius and his sister Zenobia Oct 30 "Life without Christ is not life but death, whereas death for the sake of Christ is not death but life." (mp3 format)
- Answer to the claim that Jesus never explicitly condemned homosexuality. What are some of the reasons that people justify homosexual activity? (mp3 format)
- "Most Holy Theotokos save us" Why do we say this? Prayer to the Saints. (mp3 format)
- Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath day? I will have mercy and not sacrifice. (mp3 format)
- And other seed fell upon rocky placed and it sprang up because it had no depth of earth. Patience. (mp3 format)
- "When the Lord turned again the captivity of Sion, we became as men that are comforted" What is this comfort? (mp3 format)
- "Lord, my heart is not exalted, nor are mine eyes become lofty." A messianic psalm that describes Jesus Christ and instructs us in how to live. (mp3 format)
- "Behold now, what is so good or so joyous as for brethren to dwell together in unity?" Unity, vesting and the Divine Liturgy. (mp3 format)
- God hates lying. Do not lie because it is against the nature of God. All the comandments must be followed because the reflect the nature of God. (mp3 format)
- "Joseph was minded to put her away privily." Never cause a surrogate to do what you will not do. (mp3 format)
- Prayer for others is more important than anything else we do. The prayer of a pastor. (mp3 format)
- "But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth." Pleasure is not the purpose of life! Perfection is the purpose of life! (HTML format)
- The dangerous time after sin; repent, do not just be sorry. (mp3 format)
- "Friend, wherefore art thou come?" Have the right reason for everything. (mp3 format)
- Everyone should undestand John Chapter 3. Exegesis of John 3:1-21: being born again, baptism, incarnatinon, Ascension,cross and more: it is in there. (mp3 format)
- The Coke advertisement "open Happiness" illustrates the approach too many have to life and religion. (mp3 format)
- A pastoral answer to the question: "How do you do it all?" I yam what I yam, History, Prayer, Expectations. (HTML format)
- Why are there so many "cheating" songs? There is a good reason, and it is related to the role of sex and union with God. (mp3 format)
- Prison Visit Report. Patience. (mp3 format)
- Full Voice (mp3 format)
Prison Visit
Racism And Prayer
2013-11-06
Also in Format: mp3
SYNOPSIS:Two edifying stories from a prison visit. We see that racism, so endemic in prison, can be conquered by kindness. Also some wise words of an inmate about how to begin to pray.
Racism And Prayer
2013-11-06
Also in Format: mp3
SYNOPSIS:Two edifying stories from a prison visit. We see that racism, so endemic in prison, can be conquered by kindness. Also some wise words of an inmate about how to begin to pray.
John 15:3
2013-11-08
SYNOPSIS:In His great discourse before His passion, the Lord makes the amazing statement: "Already ye are clean by reason of the word which I have spoken to you". He was saying this to confused men who were soon to flee from Him in fear. How are we to understand His words? This is very important, especially for sinners who feel worthless and dirty because of their sins.
2013-11-08
SYNOPSIS:In His great discourse before His passion, the Lord makes the amazing statement: "Already ye are clean by reason of the word which I have spoken to you". He was saying this to confused men who were soon to flee from Him in fear. How are we to understand His words? This is very important, especially for sinners who feel worthless and dirty because of their sins.
John 16:4 John 16:12
2013-11-09
SYNOPSIS:A jailhouse talk about what hinders prayer and remembrance, and the promise of our Lord that will comfort us. Prison is a lot like the world except more intense more potential for violence, and there are not many breaks. It is always noisy, there is drama all the time. Schedules are crazy and disorienting, and in addition, you have your own thoughts and a lot of time to have them. this is a difficult environment to pray and have remembrance of God. How?! If we do something for the love of God it will never be fruitless. We may not remember, but God always remembers, and will call things to our remembrance as we need them. Our Lord Jesus Christ gives us great consolation in the promise "These things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them" (John 16:4) and "I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now." (John 16:12)
2013-11-09
SYNOPSIS:A jailhouse talk about what hinders prayer and remembrance, and the promise of our Lord that will comfort us. Prison is a lot like the world except more intense more potential for violence, and there are not many breaks. It is always noisy, there is drama all the time. Schedules are crazy and disorienting, and in addition, you have your own thoughts and a lot of time to have them. this is a difficult environment to pray and have remembrance of God. How?! If we do something for the love of God it will never be fruitless. We may not remember, but God always remembers, and will call things to our remembrance as we need them. Our Lord Jesus Christ gives us great consolation in the promise "These things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them" (John 16:4) and "I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now." (John 16:12)
2013-11-12
SYNOPSIS:The life of Hieromartyr Zenobius and his sister Zenobia (Oct 30/ Nov 12), zeroing in on the most important part: "Life without Christ is not life but death, whereas death for the sake of Christ is not death but life."
SYNOPSIS:The life of Hieromartyr Zenobius and his sister Zenobia (Oct 30/ Nov 12), zeroing in on the most important part: "Life without Christ is not life but death, whereas death for the sake of Christ is not death but life."
2013-11-13
SYNOPSIS:A supposed gotcha that people use to support homosexuality is that Jesus never mentioned it in the Gospels. Therefore, according to their logic, that which was not mentioned was not condemned. The reasons for this scriptural claim are legion, and we look at several of them, the first of which is, of course, scriptural illiteracy.
SYNOPSIS:A supposed gotcha that people use to support homosexuality is that Jesus never mentioned it in the Gospels. Therefore, according to their logic, that which was not mentioned was not condemned. The reasons for this scriptural claim are legion, and we look at several of them, the first of which is, of course, scriptural illiteracy.
2013-11-23
SYNOPSIS:Something that gets the attention of Western believers and sometimes makes them even think they are witnessing blasphemy is our oft repeated petition to the Mother of God: "Most Holy Theotokos save us!" People often do not like and rarely benefit from something what they do not understand. We explain the very reasonable reasons for this petition and why it is important.
SYNOPSIS:Something that gets the attention of Western believers and sometimes makes them even think they are witnessing blasphemy is our oft repeated petition to the Mother of God: "Most Holy Theotokos save us!" People often do not like and rarely benefit from something what they do not understand. We explain the very reasonable reasons for this petition and why it is important.
Matthew 12:10, Matthew 12:7
2013-11-26
SYNOPSIS:Another question in Scripture that we must never ask, but know the answer to: "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath day?"
2013-11-26
SYNOPSIS:Another question in Scripture that we must never ask, but know the answer to: "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath day?"
Matthew 13:5
2013-11-27
SYNOPSIS:The second kind of seed mentioned in the parable of the sower has a parenthetical statement that describes it: "and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth" What does this teach us? Patience.
2013-11-27
SYNOPSIS:The second kind of seed mentioned in the parable of the sower has a parenthetical statement that describes it: "and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth" What does this teach us? Patience.
Psalm 125:1-2
2013-12-17
SYNOPSIS:Psalm 125 exclaims "We became as men that are comforted." Everybody needs comfort. What is the comfort the Psalm is referring to?
2013-12-17
SYNOPSIS:Psalm 125 exclaims "We became as men that are comforted." Everybody needs comfort. What is the comfort the Psalm is referring to?
Psalm 130
2013-12-18
SYNOPSIS:Most Psalms are Messianic (describe Jesus Christ in some way), and Psalm 130 does this AND instructs us in the all important virtue of humility.
2013-12-18
SYNOPSIS:Most Psalms are Messianic (describe Jesus Christ in some way), and Psalm 130 does this AND instructs us in the all important virtue of humility.
Psalm 132:1-2
2013-12-19
SYNOPSIS:Psalm 132:2 is use in the vesting prayers of the priest. All would do well to remember the context of this prayer and how Divine Liturgy should be the ultimate expression of unity. Of course, we must understand the Christian meaning of "unity" which differs quite a lot from that of the world.
2013-12-19
SYNOPSIS:Psalm 132:2 is use in the vesting prayers of the priest. All would do well to remember the context of this prayer and how Divine Liturgy should be the ultimate expression of unity. Of course, we must understand the Christian meaning of "unity" which differs quite a lot from that of the world.
2013-12-20
SYNOPSIS:A sermon by Fr John Whiteford about lying (the ninth commandment) (http://www.ancientfaith.com/podcasts/amvon/thou_shalt_not_bear_false_witness) inspired these thoughts. God hates lying. To lie is to be unlike God. The reason for every commandment is that not following it means we act in opposition to God's nature. Also where all commandments are derived from. We must internalize the reason to follow the commandments!
SYNOPSIS:A sermon by Fr John Whiteford about lying (the ninth commandment) (http://www.ancientfaith.com/podcasts/amvon/thou_shalt_not_bear_false_witness) inspired these thoughts. God hates lying. To lie is to be unlike God. The reason for every commandment is that not following it means we act in opposition to God's nature. Also where all commandments are derived from. We must internalize the reason to follow the commandments!
Matthew 1:19
2013-12-21
SYNOPSIS:The Gospel tells us that when Joseph was aware of the pregnancy of Mary and thought she had sinned, he wanted to divorce her secretly. If he had accused he, he would have been required to cast the first stone when she was executed. This magnanimous gesture on the part of the righteous Joseph models for us a very important principle, which, alas, we often ignore: NEVER cause a surrogate to do something you would not do. This will save us from much sin.
2013-12-21
SYNOPSIS:The Gospel tells us that when Joseph was aware of the pregnancy of Mary and thought she had sinned, he wanted to divorce her secretly. If he had accused he, he would have been required to cast the first stone when she was executed. This magnanimous gesture on the part of the righteous Joseph models for us a very important principle, which, alas, we often ignore: NEVER cause a surrogate to do something you would not do. This will save us from much sin.
2013-12-22
SYNOPSIS:A pastor gives lots of sermons, teaches, hears many confessions, gives counsel countless times, and many other things. The most important thing a pastor and a Christian must do: prayer. Success should never be measured. We must pray; our prayer will do those we minister to more good than all the other things we do. Also, regarding confidence in our personal prayers and in this context, the intercessory prayer tradition in our parish. If we are not so good at praying, why should we still pray?
SYNOPSIS:A pastor gives lots of sermons, teaches, hears many confessions, gives counsel countless times, and many other things. The most important thing a pastor and a Christian must do: prayer. Success should never be measured. We must pray; our prayer will do those we minister to more good than all the other things we do. Also, regarding confidence in our personal prayers and in this context, the intercessory prayer tradition in our parish. If we are not so good at praying, why should we still pray?
Matthew 27:3-5
2014-01-01
SYNOPSIS:Judas was sorry that he betrayed Christ (Matthew 27:3-5), but he did not repent. Repentance is more than sorrow. The time after sin is dangerous; we must learn how to turn our sorrow, shame and the bad feelings we have about ourselves into active and healing repentance.
2014-01-01
SYNOPSIS:Judas was sorry that he betrayed Christ (Matthew 27:3-5), but he did not repent. Repentance is more than sorrow. The time after sin is dangerous; we must learn how to turn our sorrow, shame and the bad feelings we have about ourselves into active and healing repentance.
Matthew 26:49-50
2014-01-03
SYNOPSIS:We must answer all questions in the Gospels, such as that of Jesus to Judas when he came to the garden to betray Him: "Friend, wherefore art thou come?" this question must be answered before we do anything. Too much of what we do has hidden agendas that even we are not aware of. The true Christian knows why he does everything. This is a learned skill.
2014-01-03
SYNOPSIS:We must answer all questions in the Gospels, such as that of Jesus to Judas when he came to the garden to betray Him: "Friend, wherefore art thou come?" this question must be answered before we do anything. Too much of what we do has hidden agendas that even we are not aware of. The true Christian knows why he does everything. This is a learned skill.
John 3:1-21
2014-01-04
SYNOPSIS:Exegesis of John 3:1-1-21. Every catechuman should hear this exegesis and understand this Scripture. It covers everything here: being born again, Baptism, the Holy Spirit, the Incarnation, the Ascension, Relationships, the Cross. All of it we must know and understand.
2014-01-04
SYNOPSIS:Exegesis of John 3:1-1-21. Every catechuman should hear this exegesis and understand this Scripture. It covers everything here: being born again, Baptism, the Holy Spirit, the Incarnation, the Ascension, Relationships, the Cross. All of it we must know and understand.
2014-01-10
SYNOPSIS:Coke has a billboard with the "Coke bear" drinking a Coke, with the words "Open happiness" This sums up our culture which also reaches into the the way many people approach religion and God. How do we find happiness?
SYNOPSIS:Coke has a billboard with the "Coke bear" drinking a Coke, with the words "Open happiness" This sums up our culture which also reaches into the the way many people approach religion and God. How do we find happiness?
2014-01-13
Also in Format: Word DOC
Also in Format: Word DOC
2014-01-14
SYNOPSIS:Why are there so many cheating songs? Why do sexually active people almost always feel getting "cheated" on is a bad thing? This is related to our role as creators, a God-like thing we are entrusted with from our Creator. Only some kinds of sex can help us attain union with God.
SYNOPSIS:Why are there so many cheating songs? Why do sexually active people almost always feel getting "cheated" on is a bad thing? This is related to our role as creators, a God-like thing we are entrusted with from our Creator. Only some kinds of sex can help us attain union with God.
2014-01-17
SYNOPSIS:I visited one of my prisons today, and as happens more often than not what I planned did not happen. Prison ministry is the answer to the prayer: "Lord, help me to be patient" Some interesting feedback from my guys. I may be traveling more. If you have prison ministry on your heart, we will need significantly more funding.
SYNOPSIS:I visited one of my prisons today, and as happens more often than not what I planned did not happen. Prison ministry is the answer to the prayer: "Lord, help me to be patient" Some interesting feedback from my guys. I may be traveling more. If you have prison ministry on your heart, we will need significantly more funding.
2014-01-24
SYNOPSIS:"It is a sin to be scandalized by our own sinfulness" is a saying attributed to Thomas Aquinas that is wholly Orthodox, but not well understood. Let us understand this very important aspect of victorious spiritual life. James the Brother of the Lord will help us.
FILES: 2 HTML files, 2 HTML files, 3 Word DOC files, 21 mp3 files
SYNOPSIS:"It is a sin to be scandalized by our own sinfulness" is a saying attributed to Thomas Aquinas that is wholly Orthodox, but not well understood. Let us understand this very important aspect of victorious spiritual life. James the Brother of the Lord will help us.
FILES: 2 HTML files, 2 HTML files, 3 Word DOC files, 21 mp3 files
24 entries
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