First Sunday of Luke In today’s Gospel lesson, we see the “three pillars” (Simon, James, and John) in an unflattering light. Even though they hadn’t caught anything, Jesus finds them cleaning their nets. They should have been hard at work
Read more
From Fisherman to Fisher of Men
Mary, the Ever-Virgin?
Recently, a friend e-mailed me and asked if Orthodox Christians believe that Mary was “perpetually a virgin.” The short answer is, yes! The long answer is a bit more complex. I’ve pasted my response below, which I hope you can
Read moreEmbracing the Shameful Cross
Sunday after the Exaltation of the Cross In today’s Gospel lesson, Jesus says that if someone wants to follow him, that person must forget themselves, take up their cross, and follow him. The cross, at the time of Jesus, was
Read moreGazing Upon the Snake
Sunday Before the Feast of the Holy Cross In today’s gospel reading, Jesus references an event that occurred after the Exodus (Numbers 21:5-8). The Hebrews, having been freed from Egypt, now wander in the desert on their way to the
Read moreWhose Side Is God On?
Beginning of the Ecclesiastical New Year Today is the beginning of the Church New Year and so we are reminded of the “Year of the Lord’s favor,” which is to bring good news to the poor, proclaim the release of
Read more