Frog in Boiling Water

A frog leaping out of the lake

As I was reviewing today’s scripture readings, I realized that Christians ‘back then’ were much more bold in their faith than we are today. Every day we read accounts of martyrs for Christ, the vast majority of them martyred in the first three centuries of the Church. It isn’t that they didn’t sin. They did…

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Trailers and Previews

We have grown accustomed to getting a sneak peak into the future every time we go the movies. Trailers have been a standard in the movie industry since the beginning. Trailers and previews are nice because we know what to expect when we get to the movie. The same is true in our spiritual life.…

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Love Like God Loves

Today is Valentine’s Day. It is a day traditionally set aside for us to share our love for each other. Husbands and wives, engaged couples, dating couples, even little children, share notes and gifts to express love with each other. Love is in the air today, but true love is much more than candy and…

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Come Know Christ

Yesterday the Church reminded us of the importance and grace of repentance. Once the prodigal son chose to return to his Father, he was met by his Father with great love. The prodigal son was restored. This is an inspiring story about repentance, but knowing Christ is more than just a story. The other day…

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Episode 386 – The Pain of Change

Rev. Fr. Athanasios Haros

In the Gospel of the Prodigal Son, we learn about the pain of change. Until it hurts more to remain where we are, we won’t change. Once change hurts less than remaining the same, we won’t return home. The good news is once we turn to return to the Father, He finishes the journey for…

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The Pain of Coming to Your Senses

In the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15.11-32), Jesus tells us of the journey of the youngest son of a father, who wants to go out on his own. He demands to collect his inheritance early and strikes out on his own. His father, loving and supportive, allows his son to leave the safety…

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True Forgiveness Begins with Coexistence

Forgiveness engraved on wet sand

As you can imagine I meet many who struggle in the art of forgiveness. Many say they can’t seem to forgive no matter how much they try. We’ve been wronged! We can’t get over what they did to us. I’m still angry. I know I should forgive them, but I just can’t. These are all…

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Minimizing Sin

It can ‘be cute’ when a little child looks straight at his mother who is holding a broken lamp, “Nope! It wasn’t me.” Forgetting there is nobody else in the house, and that his mother watched the whole episode on the baby-cam, the little child insists he did nothing wrong. It may be cute to…

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Time to Build Schools

In the ancient Church, it was common for the Church to enter a city, the people would convert to Christ, and the old temple would be dedicated to the service of Christ. Sometimes the old pagan temples would be totally destroyed. Other times, only the pagan elements would be removed and replaced with Christ. One…

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Sheep or Goat?

Being free has its difficulties. As free human beings, regardless of various laws and social mores, we are free to live as we wish. Sure, there might be consequences if our behavior does not fall in line with sanctioned choices. Sure, we might become outcasts if we choose a life those around us do not…

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