Posts Tagged ‘Sacraments’
Have I Changed Yet?
Today is the Leave-taking of Pascha, the last day of the Feast. It is the final day we greet each other and sing Christ is Risen, until next year. Last year in my blog “Christ is Always Risen” I wrote about reviving the fervor of Pascha. Today, I still wonder about my fervor. Every year…
Read MoreThe Power of Compassion
Jesus said, “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13.35) He also said, “Love your enemies.” (Matthew 5.43) Did you ever wonder what happens when we love one another and love our enemies? Even non-Christian historical texts verify that ancient Christians were compassionate to…
Read MoreYou Can’t Buy God
It is a sickness of our wealthy society. We believe that all we need is to have money, and then offer to give it, that we will get what we want when we want it. When we don’t, we keep our money and complain we were treated poorly. Money can’t buy God. This was the…
Read MoreDo What He Tells You
Every Orthodox Christian is taught that obedience is a blessing. We are taught to be obedient first to God, then to the Church through our spiritual father. There are many stories of blessings that come from obedience, not the last of which is eternal life. In today’s readings I was reminded of obedience. Take a…
Read More2026 Daily Lenten Journey Day 18 – Always a Way Back
Our Daily Lenten Journey this year has been about changing our hearts and returning to God. It has been about remembering that God is still trying to save us. Today I just want to remind you, no matter how lost you may feel, there is always a way back to God. After the Flood Noah…
Read More2026 Daily Lenten Journey Day 15 – A Tent of Protection
When I was a much younger man I used to enjoy the outdoors. I grew up participating in the Boy Scout program and eventually as an adult leader supervised many camping trips. One thing that was always comforting to have was a good tent. When I read today’s readings I was reminded of my youth,…
Read MoreHolding Jesus
I love blessing babies. Holding their tiny bodies as they often stare into the dome of the Church during the blessing brings great joy. It seems we all ‘get into the game’ when a baby is around. We all want to hold the baby. Babies remind us of God’s love and promise. Today is the…
Read MoreA Different Kingdom
Many non-believers accuse the Church of wanting to control our lives. They believe our ‘rules and traditions’ are designed to keep us down in the world. It would be much easier if we just gave in to the world and ‘blended in’ more to those around us. Then we would succeed. This logic is lacking…
Read MoreRepent and Believe
The message from God is as clear as the fresh water in the Holy Water Font used this week for Theophany. When Our Lord began His ministry, He called everyone to repentance and belief. The message was clear then, and it is clear now. We must change the way we think about God. In those…
Read MoreEpisode 464 – The Bittersweet Pill of the Gospel
When we enter the doctor’s office, sometimes we need to be willing to swallow a bit of bitter medicine, but the pill will heal us when we swallow it. The same is true about the Gospel. When we hear the Gospel, we hear our own mistakes and our own sinfulness. The only way the Gospel…
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