Redeeming The Time

First an exhortation to read the Gospels, because they reveal to us Jesus Christ. We read this story about the healing of the woman with an issue of blood and the daughter of Jairus in a way I want you to learn to read. You are a "fly on the wall" as I emphasize the things that most touch my heart, those things that are "underlined," and reveal Christ.

Answer ALL questions in Scripture! We answer this important question, never mind that is was the question of demons - it applies to us every single day: "What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most high?" from Luke 8:26-39

A quick exegesis of the Parable of the Rich man and Lazarus, because we should understand what we are reading, then the most important part of scripture reading - application. We talk about what Christian asceticism is and the necessity for it. Luke 16:19-31

The Epistle for St. John of Kronstadt is from the first letter of John (1 John 4:7-11). The Apostle of love teaches us WHY we must love. This is not because of an external law, but is because of Who God is. He made us to be like Him.

"Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God:" ONLY IF you have "an honest and good heart..." In the parable of the Sower, only one kind of ground is saved. We skip to the chase and evaluate how much our Savior's words apply to us: "Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables..." and how to have "an honest and good heart..."

St. Paul tells us: "Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." This is counter-intuitive to our Western sensibilities. We have learned to be actors and deceitful even with ourselves. There is POWER in admitting who we are, because an honest and humble man is freed to seek God and become strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9

"Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give..." True Christian stewardship. A simple homily about Christian Stewardship, based on the words of St. Paul: "Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. ". We talk about a real life example, the "Our Seva" foundation http://www.ourseva.org), which helps poor and indigent folk in the DFW area. This homily challenges us as to how Christian we really are.

Real incidents commonly encountered in regular life show how easy it is to practice the Golden Rule and derive great benefit. First, some theology, then the application of that theology. Two principles of the way of life: You should use yourself as a measurement of how other people should be treated, and you are not to expect something in return. Luke 6:31-36

The two great catches of fish are linked, even though they are separated by over 3 years. Let us look at the first, then connect it to the second, and also weave in the teaching about the parable of the leaven, and understand the significance of the words of Peter: "Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net." We will live to see the second great catch of fish, if we understand and therefore live according to these words. Luke 5:1-11, Matthew 13:33

An important, alternate, and also completely true way to look at the admonition of St Paul: “Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” It is not only a commandment, but also a source or great consolation for sinners, and a promise. Some answers to a question raised - how do we bear one another's burdens. One specific answer involved how to treat with dignity and kindness those in the prison system who demean themselves by being “flaming” homosexual objects. Another led to a story from my youth about the only fight I ever picked – to protect a boy with cerebral palsy. There are opportunities to bear the burdens of others every single day, and the wonder if it is that this will always ease our own burden.

We must live according to these words in order to understand or follow any command that leads to life. Homily on the Galatians 2:16-20, read on the Sunday after the Exaltation of the Cross, particularly: “I am crucified with Christ: neverthless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God.” We will not understand the purpose or meaning of all the commands God gives us, nor be able to follow them if we do not understand and embrace the meaning of being crucified with Christ. This is not merely theological trivia; it is the only way to live that gives life.

A serendipitous combination (not!) of the Epistle for the Sunday before the Exaltation of the Cross, and the Epistle read on the 14th Sunday after Pentecost. We define the "earnest of the Holy Spirit." This experience of God cannot be obtained unless we live according to the words of the apostle: "God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world." Just 6 minutes, but very important. 2 Corinthians 1:22 : Galatians 6:14

Sunday before the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. First a quick summary about the Parable to the Wedding Feast, so that we can discuss the concept of the wedding garment in the context of the pre-festal scripture read: "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature" and "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." This latter scripture, so well known, but not well understood, tells us that salvation is through belief in Christ. If we understand what a "new creature" is, and the implications regarding our wedding garment, we will understand what "belief" in Christ. Our belief is not cheap, or malleable to whatever whim and fashion of the day holds sway, as in our day. It is wholly a product of us becoming new creatures and glorying in the cross. Matthew 22:1-14, Galatians 6:15, John 3:13-17.

The parable of the unmerciful debtor as explained to very active, interactive, and attentive children.

Every question in the scripture is meant to be answered. There are no rhetorical questions in the scripture. Here is a question from the Gospel today which we will answer: We answer this question partly by confessing that few believe wholly in the resurrection, and few are obey the words of the Apostle: "For we are laborers together with God: ye are God's husbandry". We discuss the various kinds of doubt (they are legion) and of labor. Matthew 14:22-34-1 and 1 Corinthians 3:9-17.

The way of the cross, foolishness, the power of God, the secret to happiness, and the connection of the cross to the Dormition Fast. "The preaching of the Cross is to those who perish foolishness; but unto us who are saved, it is the power of God." What is this foolishness, and what is this power? Also a connection between the beginning of the Dormition Fast and the Procession of the Cross. Also a "secret" to obtaining happiness. 1 Corinthians 1:18-24

First a riddle to solve: "What do you ask for and do not obtain, and because you do not obtain, you are given what you ask for?" The Gospel tells us that two blind men *followed* Jesus crying out for mercy. After a long time, they were healed. We blind people also must follow the Lord, and the prayer of Paul become true for us: "Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." We talk about following the Lord, and belief, and patience, and, especially, patience and consolation. What, plainly is consolation, and how do we obtain it? Consolation is one thing only, and there is one way only to obtain it.

And this is Eternal Life... that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent and that they may be one, and they might have (Jesus) joy fulfilled in themselves. Exegesis of the High Priestly prayer, with emphasis on Christology what it means to us - that is - how should we live, what should we value, what are we to become? About being made in the image of God. Differences between man and the angels. About the main theme of the Ecumenical Councils. About how to obtain the knowledge of God. What does it mean when the Lord Jesus Christ says He will not pray for the world? What does Jesus mean when he says "Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are."

Talk with ORPR camp older youth: The priesthood, priesthood ordination service, with extensive discussion of confession, reading the scripture, peace in the heart, and the responsibility of lay people.

A tale of the making of a great Saint, in between two fishing expeditions. A story of the Apostle Peter, a sinner who became a saint. We focus on the period of his formation, between and including the two times the apostles went fishing as ordered by the Lord. His experiences show what is happening with us, if we will believe it, and try. Peter was a sinner who became a saint. He, like us, was a mix of good and bad, and he even denied the Lord three times, but his 3+ years with the Lord changed him, and the Lord forgave Him and he became one of the great Apostles. We read the lives of the Saints for instruction and encouragement. Be encouraged by the life of Peter; God will work with you, and you will get better, if you want to get better. Read the story in this order, and "fill in the blanks" for your life: Luke 5:1-11, Matthew 26:31-35, John 21:1-25.