The Fruit of Repentance

Close-up of ripe and unripe berries on a leafy branch.

The Church is always talking about bearing fruit, so today I thought I would write about the fruit of repentance. Fruit always starts with a seed which is planted, nurtured, and eventually harvested. Where is your seed of repentance? At that time, there were some present who told Jesus of the Galileans whose blood Pilate…

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Loss is Gain

Signs showing "Loss" and "Gain" directions.

It is impossible to read the writings of Saint Paul and not be convicted every time. One benefit of the daily readings of the Church is the daily reminder of how we fall short of God’s glory. Even Saint Paul admits his loss to his spiritual children. His loss is our gain. Brethren, I count…

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Who is Jesus?

Priest giving communion to a young boy.

Imagine walking down the street ‘minding your own business’ and a stranger approaches you. Something has drawn them to you. It may have been how you behaved. It may have been how you spoke. They ask, “Who is Jesus?” Do you know how you would answer? In today’s Gospel lesson we hear the crowd approach…

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The Bible Leads to Communion

Open book with heart-shaped pages.

We are taught by the Church to read the Scriptures daily. The Church has helped us by creating a lectionary of ‘daily readings’ to guide us. This blog is even dedicated to posting as often as we can on the Scriptures. All the reading of the Bible is of no value if we are not…

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Vespers Entrance Prayer

People gathered in ornate church interior.

Vespers is the “Twelfth Hour” and therefore the service that straddles the gap between day and night. Behind us are the hours of the day. Ahead are the watches of the night. Today’s Daily Lenten Journey will feature the prayer during which we ‘enter’ into the night. In the evening, at dawn, and at midday,…

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Thanks for What?

Chalkboard with autumn leaves, "I'm Thankful for...

We are told as Christians to be thankful. Even the act of communing with God is called Divine Thanksgiving, or Holy Eucharist. We know that God has come to save us, but our lives on earth are filled with temptations and struggles. What exactly are we supposed to be thankful for? Brethren, whatever you do,…

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God Knows You

Outstretched hand offering a handshake outdoors.

Three words that can either terrify you or comfort you. When we are told “God knows you” we often turn our minds to guilt and sin. While we may indeed be guilty of sin, there is something much better in these three words. God has known us since creation, and He is waiting for us.…

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We Long for Each Other

Women celebrating, throwing confetti into air.

Throughout human history we have lived in groups and families. This is by design from God. “It is not good that man should be alone.” (Genesis 2.18) God wasn’t talking about super bowl parties. He wants us to help each other find God. We are meant for Communion. Brethren, God is my witness, how I…

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Eternal Union

Close-up of 'eternity' engraved in stone.

It is easy to talk about forgiveness when it doesn’t matter. Too often I hear, “Sure I forgive them. God will take get them. I don’t have to.” I’m sorry to tell you, this is not forgiveness. This is vengeance. The problem isn’t now. The problem comes later when we are eternally together. There are…

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