Lifeless things offer no satisfactionThe lifeless things of this world offer no spiritual satisfaction, yet we often sell ourselves off to things or people by giving them power over our hearts. It is easy to feel abandoned or hurt by those to whom we’ve given power. If we need affirmation
Mother of God Today the Living Ladder is Assumed into Heaven How does He, who dwells in the splendor of His glory, descend into the Virgin’s womb without leaving the bosom of the Father? How is He conceived in the flesh, and does He spontaneously suffer, and suffer unto death,
A smile can go a long wayAbout a year ago I was sitting in a Seattle coffee house, laptop open and working on correspondence. Two young college age men were sitting at a table about two feet away. One of them made a rude remark that was obviously meant for
How to create harmony out of chaos The briefness of life has become ever more evident to me since facing my recent health issues. It has not been a fearful experience for I believe with all my heart that God is there, especially when I am suffering through periods of
How to Win the Battle Life is a constant battle with the material world. If you understand the tension that takes place on the spiritual level between that which is transitory and that which is eternal, you are better prepared for this spiritual warfare. Many years ago I had totally
The Monastic Calling Priest Lake in Northern Idaho My paternal grandfather built a lakeside home during his summer vacations and weekends while I was in high school. My brother Dwayne and I spent many summer days camping in tents on that property, a newly opened area previously owned by the
Slow me down, but not yet.A young Saint Augustine is attributed to have prayed that God would slow him down, but not too soon. As many of my friends have observed over the past year, I have been driving myself at high speed. My average night of sleep has been
Putting our Trust in God, Regardless It is often difficult for us to put our total trust in God. We have our own agenda as to what WE think needs to happen and wonder where God is when we don’t get the answer to our prayers the way we think
The Restoration of the True Self The Lord Jesus Christ was humble, meek and good, and with the help of the Lord we too can be humble. Fasting and prayer are the means by which God can change our hearts, but we must approach both with humility and purpose. Saying
The Hermit’s Contribution to Community The personalism of Orthodox asceticism in the life of a hermit is inseparable from the life of the Church. Saint Seraphim of Sarov tells us that if we acquire the Holy Spirit a thousand around us will be saved. Hermits, although distancing themselves from the