On this Holy Tuesday:
Let us pray to the Lord.
O you who observe all things with your eye that never sleeps, who afford us such saving lessons in your desire to grant mercy to all who seek it: We give thanks to you for raising us from bed and sleep to enjoy the light of another…
On this Holy Monday:
Let us pray to the Lord,
O you who observe all things with your eye that never sleeps, who afford us such saving lessons in your desire to grant mercy to all who seek it: We give you thanks for this evening that brings us before you once more. Now that we have…
St. Paul called the Word of God a "two-edged" sword. In other words, the Word of God cuts both ways. It gives life and it strikes down darkness. Just as the surgeon's knife wounds AND heals, so the wisdom of God wounds me and heals me all at the same time.
But too many people…
You've met people like this before. You know the ones that I mean. They are the folks who seem to always have a comeback for anything you say. "It's a cloudy day today." "Yes, but the sun will be shining soon." They are so positive it makes you sick to be around them. Why diabetics…
There's always a struggle inside of us over what we know we should do and be and what we actually do and how we actually are. It's called cognitive dissonance. That's when what we think and what we do are in such conflict that it creates discomfort for us. Yeah, I know that feeling all…
At every Vespers service I am blessed to say the prayer of St. Simeon: "Lord, now let your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for the glory of your people Israel."…
I comforted myself that it wasn't really a lie. It was a slight exaggeration! That's all, and my intentions were good after all. It was all to make a point and to ultimately do good! Of course, all that justification came tumbling down when I was confronted with my "exaggeration." By the way, have I…
It was just asking too much! As I sat there, trying to decide if I should fulfill this request or not, I had to weigh so many other things. This choice was going to change my life forever. But it wasn't going to just change my life. No, this choice was going to change the…
"So, now we're negotiating." It was a great moment. We had been going back and forth for a while and finally had agreed on a course of action and all that was left to do was determine the details. You see, it had become clear to me that we were not really on the same…
"There's a new name written down in glory, and it's mine. Oh yes, it's mine. And the white robed angels sing the story: A sinner has come home!" Now that old hymn brings back memories!
But names getting changed isn't anything new. In fact, it tends to be the norm in the Holy Scriptures. Abram's name…