Today’s readings, followed by a few pastoral & personal thoughts. Today’s reading from St James is one of my favorites. It is also one of the least understood parts of the NT, because of a misunderstanding about what “justification” is. Some Orthodox Christians may not see what the “big deal” is here, but this is… Continue reading Justification, faith and works. 33rd Mon after Pentecost.
Author: seraphimholland
Sunday after Theophany 2009: Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
LISTEN NOW Matthew 4:12-17 Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee; 13 And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim: 14 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet,… Continue reading Sunday after Theophany 2009: Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Forgiveness and faith
Todays’ reading is about faith and forgiveness. The two are connected in a marvelous, and unexpected way by our Lord. He was answering the apostles, who were marvelling that a fig tree He had cursed had withered away. As is always the case, His answer was deeper than the question. He first adresses… Continue reading Forgiveness and faith
“… and injustice hath lied to itself.”
Deliver me not over unto the souls of them that afflict me, for unjust witnesses are risen up against me, and injustice hath lied to itself.(Psalm 26, Sept) We read this Psalm during the Royal Hours for Theophany, which I just finished. In this Psalm, David is crying out for help for deliverance from… Continue reading “… and injustice hath lied to itself.”
The Best Namesday I have ever had.
Today is the remembrabce of St Seraphim of Sarov, my patron, and more important to me (and I think he would agree), the first “Children’s liturgy” of our parish. We are undergoing many positive changes in our parish life, which should be no less than living the life in Christ. Since I have… Continue reading The Best Namesday I have ever had.
Jan 1/14 Circumcision of Christ. Commentary on OT readings.
The Readings for the Circumcision and St Basil include 3 OT readings in Vespers, a Matins Gospel and the usual Epistle and Gospel in liturgy. The readings follow the commentart, because they are so long. The Vespers readings cover three different subjects, and taken in total, describe a substantial part of the moral content… Continue reading Jan 1/14 Circumcision of Christ. Commentary on OT readings.
Moments of clarity.
The mindless man and the witless shall perish together, and they shall leave their riches to others. And their graves shall be their houses unto eternity, their dwelling places unto generation and generation, thought they have called their lands after their own names. (Psalm48:10-11 Boston) It is wonderful to read the Psalter daily. Just… Continue reading Moments of clarity.
Children’s liturgies
I normally do not post something that is "parish specific" on this blog because I want it to be a resource for everyone. The following is slightly modified from a post to our parish mailing list (anyone can join). I thought I would post in the hope of getting constructive comments, help and resources. … Continue reading Children’s liturgies
Sunday after Nativity 2009. Things are not as they seem!
LISTEN NOW Matthew 2:13-23 13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.… Continue reading Sunday after Nativity 2009. Things are not as they seem!
Let us then make our soul a Heaven
Let us then make our soul a Heaven. The heaven is naturally bright; for not even in a storm does it become black, for it does not itself change its appearance, but the clouds run together and cover it. Heaven has the Sun; we also have the Sun of Righteousness. I said it is possible… Continue reading Let us then make our soul a Heaven