The “call to holiness” is a call from God to make His Kingdom real in the here and now. If we listen closely to the Good News that Jesus taught – change your hearts and minds for the Kingdom of … Continue reading
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On this next to last weekend before the beginning of the Great Fast, we hear St. Paul exhort us to not scandalize our fellowmen and Luke share with us a picture of what is called the Last Judgment. I would … Continue reading
PRE-GREAT FAST On this fourth week-end of our preparation for the Great Fast, we hear clearly spelled out what Jesus meant by “love of neighbor.” While cast within the context of the “Last Judgment,” what the Gospel is truly telling … Continue reading
The “call” to holiness is a call from God to pursue an active program of spiritual development. It is the call that Jesus gave us when He said: “You shall be perfect even as your Father in heaven is perfect. … Continue reading
Although the mother of Jesus was seen, within the mystery of human salvation, as the representative of humanity in need of salvation, she was the closest to the Savior and the worthiest receptacle of the new life. In the medieval … Continue reading
After the destruction of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem by the Romans in 70 CE, Judaism itself might have disappeared had it not been for the Pharisees. The Pharisees’ reputation in the New Testament (NT) as rigid legalists is ill-deserved, … Continue reading
In the last issue I began sharing thoughts on the 29th Step on John’s Ladder of spiritual growth. That step is DISPASSION. Dispassion could perhaps be considered synonymous with another important word in Eastern theology and spirituality: deification or Theosis, … Continue reading
In this particular article I have been presenting thoughts of the Greek Fathers of Our Church. I have been trying to highlight the struggle that the Church has had over the centuries to come to a true understanding of Who … Continue reading
What is also important to note about the prayer before Communion is that, if we are truly sincere and pray this prayer with genuine sincerity, our sins are forgiven. We ask God to “make me worthy to receive [Communion] for … Continue reading
The Eastern Church sees man’s task during this earthly existence as one of growing in his relationship and communion with God through his growing and relationship with his fellowmen. As he perfects his ability to unconditionally love and forgive others … Continue reading