Category: Scripture Commentary

Avoid profane and vain babblings. Life is short. Treat each day as your last, and you will never sin.

Contemporary wisdom tells us that “life is short,” and so we should enjoy ourselves, take up a challenge, or make a difference in the world. We should not waste the little time that we have.

Likewise, the holy fathers tell us that each day could be our last, and that we should therefore “redeem the time, because the days are evil.” Or, as one of the desert fathers said, “Treat each day as your last, and you will never sin.”

Life is short, but what does this mean?

Commentary on 1 Timothy 6:17-20, Nov 27/ Dec 10 27th Thursday after Pentecost

For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together. Two important principles of Scriptural exegesis.

For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together. Two important principles of Scriptural exegesis Commentary on Luke 17:20-25 & Luke 17:26-37 27th Monday after Pentecost, 27th Tuesday after Pentecost   Who said to them: Wheresoever the body shall be, thither will the eagles also be gathered together. (Luke 17:37)   For… Continue reading For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together. Two important principles of Scriptural exegesis.

Parable of the unrighteous steward. Mammon of unrighteousness

Parable of the unrighteous steward Mammon of unrighteousness Commentary on Luke 16:1-9 26th Thursday after Pentecost   Part of the indescribable delicacy of Scriptures is when unrighteous people, actions or things are used to describe righteousness or teach how to become righteous. This always reminds me of man’s complex nature.   The simple meaning of… Continue reading Parable of the unrighteous steward. Mammon of unrighteousness

Children’s liturgy and children’s sermon 1 Thessalonians 5:1-8

Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Children’s liturgy and children’s sermon 1 Thessalonians 5:1-8 Nov 7/ 20 2009 24th Friday after Pentecost[U1]  The sermon in the Children’s liturgy contained something for all children of God – we are children… Continue reading Children’s liturgy and children’s sermon 1 Thessalonians 5:1-8

I count all things but loss. The knowledge of Christ Jesus. That I may win Christ. Philippians 3:8

I count all things but loss The knowledge of Christ Jesus That I may win Christ Philippians 3:8 Biblical Exegesis It is always about You!  Oct 10/23 2009 20th Friday after Pentecost   Today’s reading from Philippians is too good to miss. If one only had this passage and the Gospels it would be enough.… Continue reading I count all things but loss. The knowledge of Christ Jesus. That I may win Christ. Philippians 3:8

3rd Week of Pascha – MONDAY. The Healing of the Nobleman’s Son, JOHN 4:46-54

Hw does one glean deep and subtle meanings from scripture? The superior faith of the Samaritans Signs and Wonders The Nobleman compared to the Centurion   The meaning in Scripture is often very subtle, and not immediately obvious on the surface. Today’s reading is especially subtle in one of its important messages.   Blessed Theophylact… Continue reading 3rd Week of Pascha – MONDAY. The Healing of the Nobleman’s Son, JOHN 4:46-54

Synaxis of the Three Hierarchs: St. Basil the Great, St. Gregory the Theologian, and St. John Chrysostom. Readings at Vespers.

Jan 30/Feb 12 2009 Today’s readings, followed by a few pastoral & personal thoughts.   The “Parables” at Vespers  Sometimes Vespers has readings appointed; they are called “parables”.  The word “parable” literally means “a placing beside or together or a comparison”. Everyone is familiar with the parables of Jesus, in which a fictional story illustrates… Continue reading Synaxis of the Three Hierarchs: St. Basil the Great, St. Gregory the Theologian, and St. John Chrysostom. Readings at Vespers.