Philosophy fascinates me! I don't get most of it, but it makes me feel smarter just reading about it! One particular fascination is the classic argument between Plato and Aristotle. These Greek philosophers differed in their formulation of their philosophies of being. And Raphael captured their disagreement perfectly in his masterpiece called Plato's Academy.
So,…
Fr. Barnabas Powell
She was always cheery. It seemed no matter what, she had a smile on her face. I could count on some inspirational quote or some uplifting phrase every morning as we worked together. And then, the bottom fell out of her life. I watched as her smile began to fade and her words of encouragement…
"Excellence" is a term we hear a lot in sports and in business. And that ties the word to an idea of achievement or progress.
But there is also an application of "excellence" when it comes to your relationship with God, and that has little to do with achievement or progress and everything to do with…
"It's like trying to take an aspirin for cancer!" OK, that got my attention! The speaker was talking about the dangers of watering down the clear message needed for our group so that it wasn't so discomforting. But his illustration really drove the point home that some problems need the fully potent dose of truth…
I remember as a boy dreading recess at school. You see, I was a bit of a bookworm and not very athletic, and so when it came to be picked for teams, I was usually the kid who got picked last. Ugh! I hated that. It was embarrassing and it made me feel like a…
I admit it, I can be a workaholic. One of my greatest, personal, fears is being "ineffective" so I work really hard to "produce;" to "get results;" to achieve. Now, that isn't necessarily bad as long as our definitions are correct!
Ah, and there's the rub! What do I mean when I say "effective" or…
The whole notion of a high priest is so foreign to we egalitarian Americans and moderns. We are centuries removed from a time when hierarchy and royalty were the norm. But it's helpful to remember that, for the vast majority of Christians who have ever lived, the notion of a hierarchy and even monarchy was…
"Missed it by THAT much." OK, I know I'm dating myself and all my consultants and advisors always warn me when I do this I'm not communicating well to the younger generation. But, seriously, shouldn't everyone know Maxwell Smart?
Well, perhaps not. But I do know that all of us know the feeling of being so…
St. Paisios said "Sometimes the devil deceives us and makes us unable to be pleased with anything; however, one can celebrate all things in a spiritual manner, with doxology, and secure God’s constant blessing." The older I get, the more I see gratitude and the cultivation of gratitude that is the key to spiritual peace.…
"I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain."…