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.

28th Tuesday readings/commentary. All scripture… should be read!

2 Timothy 3:16-4:4 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. 1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge… Continue reading 28th Tuesday readings/commentary. All scripture… should be read!

23rd Week After Pentecost – TUESDAY. The “longer” version of the “Our Father”

Today’s readings, followed by a few pastoral & personal thoughts.   1 Thessalonians 1:6-10 And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost. 7 So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. 8 For from you… Continue reading 23rd Week After Pentecost – TUESDAY. The “longer” version of the “Our Father”

23rd Week After Pentecost – MONDAY. “…and he to whom the Son will reveal him”

23rd  Week After Pentecost – MONDAY Today’s readings, followed by a few pastoral & personal thoughts.   1 Thessalonians 1:1-5 Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the… Continue reading 23rd Week After Pentecost – MONDAY. “…and he to whom the Son will reveal him”

The Lord alone shall be exalted in that day

This week’s readings from the first two chapters of the book of Isaiah marvelously describe both the realities of our fallen condition and God’s mercies. The prophet seems to alternate between speaking of Israel’s (and our) unfaithfulness to God, and God’s promise of salvation. This verse, “the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day,”… Continue reading The Lord alone shall be exalted in that day

Sunday of Zacchaeus – Luke 19:1-10 – Encouragement

LISTEN NOW If the “LISTEN NOW” link does not work, copy this URL into your browser:http://www.orthodox.net/sermons/great-lent-sunday-before-great-lent-01_2008-02-10+sunday-of-zaccheaus+encouragement.m3u If this file does not work for you, try the direct link to the actual mp3 file:http://www.orthodox.net/sermons/great-lent-sunday-before-great-lent-01_2008-02-10+sunday-of-zaccheaus+encouragement.mp3 LISTEN NOW to homily on Zacchaeus from 2007 If the “LISTEN NOW” link does not work, copy this URL into your browser:http://www.orthodox.net/sermons/great-lent-sunday-before-great-lent-01_2007-01-21+sunday-of-zaccheaus.m3u… Continue reading Sunday of Zacchaeus – Luke 19:1-10 – Encouragement

36th Sunday after Pentecost – Matthew 15:21-28 – The Canaanite Woman: A Perfect Example Of How To Pray

LISTEN NOW Matthew 15:21-28: Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon. And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. But he answered… Continue reading 36th Sunday after Pentecost – Matthew 15:21-28 – The Canaanite Woman: A Perfect Example Of How To Pray

36th Sunday after Pentecost – Matthew 15:21-28 – The woman of Canaan

LISTEN NOW There is an occasional buzzing sound on the recording, but the homily may be heard easily. SCRIPTURE:Matthew 15:21-28 Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon. And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O… Continue reading 36th Sunday after Pentecost – Matthew 15:21-28 – The woman of Canaan

36th Friday after Pentecost – James 2:1-13 – The Royal Law

Christianity is perfection by degrees. It does not abolish the law – it fulfills it. I have spoken many times about the cognitive dissonance produced in our soul by observing the lamentable reality of our lives – our weaknesses, bad habits, tendency to fall into sin again and again – vs. the promise and requirement… Continue reading 36th Friday after Pentecost – James 2:1-13 – The Royal Law