The Life Giving Springs: Recent Episodes
lifegivingspringspodcast
The final class in a series on a Christian “Rule for Life,” and it introduces three closing themes: almsgiving, obedience, and gratitude. Fr. M explains that the class is intentionally pastoral and introductory rather than a full theological treatment, aiming to spark deeper study and connect with future homilies and reflection. In the section on almsgiving, the document draws from the Gospel story of the widow’s offering and teachings from St. John Chrysostom and St. Basil to emphasize that true charity is measured not by amount but by the disposition of the heart. Almsgiving is presented as inseparable from prayer, repentance, and love for Christ, and it includes not only money but also time, labor, service to the parish, visiting the sick, and praying for others. The speaker also stresses that discernment matters in giving and that acts of mercy bear fruit only when offered freely rather than grudgingly. The section on obedience and living in community presents obedience as a foundational Christian virtue for all believers, not only monastics. Rooted in Christ’s obedience to the Father, it includes obedience to God’s commandments, the Gospel, the Church, spiritual elders, family responsibilities, and one another in Christ. The speaker also reflects on the importance of a spiritual father as a guide for confession, prayer, fasting, and a personalized Rule for Life. In the final section on gratitude, thanksgiving is described as central to liturgical and spiritual life, flowing from the recognition that everything is a gift from God. The document encourages practical habits of daily thanksgiving, especially in morning prayer and even in times of suffering, as a way of cultivating endurance, humility, and awareness of grace. Overall, the class closes by presenting almsgiving, obedience, and gratitude as essential habits that shape a faithful and spiritually grounded Christian life.
“Rule for Life – Spiritual Formation,” is building on a previous session about sacramental life. It argues that spiritual formation must be ongoing catechesis, especially for adults, and critiques the common pattern where formal faith education effectively ends after 8th grade. The author stresses that this drop-off is harmful—particularly during the high school and college years—because it leaves young people without guidance when they most need it. Spiritual growth, should never be treated as something “completed,” but as a lifelong process that begins at baptism and is modeled first and foremost by parents, then supported by parish life, teachers, and clergy. Spiritual formation is not meant to be passive learning but a call to self-assessment and gradual life change—small, steady steps toward deeper commitment to Christ. It frames study as discipleship: gathering around a spiritual teacher to learn not for “intellectual enrichment” alone, but for transformation. Fr. M emphasizes that the deeper a person grows in love for God, the more God reveals, and that reading and applying the teachings of the saints (“Holy Fathers”) naturally reshapes one’s life. Formation is presented as multi-faceted: participation in classes and retreats, attentive listening to homilies, and especially developing a daily habit of Scripture reading as a living encounter with Christ. Finally, Fr. M highlights two main pillars of formation: daily Scripture and the writings/lives of the saints. He quotes the Catechism—“Ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ”—and urges consistent daily reading (Gospel and Epistle of the day, psalms, and when possible the Old Testament), arguing that even 20 minutes yields spiritual benefits unmatched by worldly activities. It also strongly promotes reading the saints as a “medicine chest” for the soul, offering guidance for specific struggles (anger, lust, judgment, etc.) and teaching believers how to interpret the Gospel rightly rather than twisting it to personal preference. Practical recommendations include reading the Synaxarion or Prologue, learning from contemporary saints, and building a spiritual library—choosing writings suited to one’s vocation and seeking discernment with a spiritual father to apply teachings wisely. Hand Out - The Vision of Elder Sophronius (a disciple of St Paisius Velichkovsky)https://iconandlight.wordpress.com/2016/11/16/the-benefit-of-reading-spiritual-books-the-vision-of-elder-sophroniusdisciple-of-st-paisius-velichkovsky/ Book Studies: The Field by Fr. Miron Sr.: https://artofspirituallife.podbean.com/category/ignatius-brianchaninov St. Isaac The Syrian by Fr. Charbel: https://philokalia.podbean.com/2016/10/ Evergetinos by Fr. Charbel: https://philokalia.podbean.com/?s=evergetinos
"Rule for Life” series focused on the Church’s sacramental life. It opens with a Paschal greeting and a brief link back to the prior topic of repentance, then frames sacramental participation—especially worship services—as essential to renewing both personal faith and parish life. Drawing on examples from Romanian Orthodox renewal (including Patriarch Daniel), it argues that revival begins with self-examination and daily cultivation of prayer, fasting, and repentance, not as performance to “earn” blessings but as a way to become spiritually fruitful and live in constant union with God. The core of the talk emphasizes the Divine Liturgy and Holy Eucharist as the heart and “heartbeat” of the Church, calling believers to active, prayerful participation rather than passive attendance. It explains the meaning of “liturgy” as the Church’s shared work with Christ as the primary agent, highlights preparation for Communion (reconciliation, confession, prayer, fasting, and abstaining from food), and briefly outlines the main liturgies used throughout the year. It then surveys the other sacraments (Baptism, Chrismation, Confession/Reconciliation, Ordination, Marriage, and Anointing of the Sick), stressing their purpose as Christ’s presence and sanctifying action in believers’ lives—especially correcting misunderstandings that reduce anointing to “last rites.” The latter sections encourage participation through additional church prayers and blessings, faithful observance of feast days and the liturgical calendar, and consistent personal prayer at home as the “water” that keeps the heart receptive so sacramental worship bears lasting fruit.
The last week’s discussion on fasting answers two practical questions: how to fast when caring for someone who cannot, and how to fast before receiving Holy Communion. In both cases, the main guidance is to speak with a spiritual father/confessor, since fasting should be adapted to a person’s responsibilities, work, and health. Fasting is presented not as rigid rule‑keeping but as a tool to simplify life, reduce distractions, strengthen prayer, and fight sinful passions over the long term.It then turns to repentance, described as a “forgotten medicine” essential to a strong spiritual life and closely connected to prayer and fasting. Repentance (metanoia) is defined as a change of mind and an ongoing, lifelong turning toward God—not merely guilt, but active transformation and healing of habitual sins. The text warns that neglecting repentance hardens the heart and harms spiritual life, critiques self‑justification and “once saved always saved” thinking, and stresses frequent examination of conscience and regular confession (to a priest) as key aids, alongside Scripture, the Church Fathers, and wise guidance from a consistent confessor/spiritual father. Podcast: https://lifegivingspringspodcast.podbean.com/category/confession Books mentioned: The Forgotten Medicine by Archimandrite Seraphim Aleksiev: https://www.sainthermanmonastery.com/The-Forgotten-Medicine-p/fm.htm The Life of Repentance and Purity by Pope Shenouda III: https://a.co/d/0bliYhnO The Salvation of Sinners by Monk Agapios: https://a.co/d/0bYxEZIC
“Rule for Life – Fasting” teaches that fasting and prayer are inseparable disciplines in Christian life, rooted in Christ’s teaching that certain spiritual struggles are overcome only through “prayer and fasting,” and it frames fasting not as punishment but as a therapeutic “medicine” for soul and body that exposes our weaknesses, strengthens reason, and heals the passions—especially gluttony, described by the Fathers as a “gateway” that opens the door to other sins. It critiques a minimalist approach to church fasting rules, urging believers to grow gradually out of love for God beyond bare minimums, and explains that fasting includes restraint not only from certain foods but also from excess in drink, entertainment, social media, and speech. Practically, it outlines the four annual fasting seasons (Great Fast, Apostles’ Fast, Dormition Fast, Nativity Fast), several strict fast days, the traditional “ideal” fast, and three progressive levels of practice that add meal restriction, services, prayer, and charity. The conclusion emphasizes that true fasting must be joined to repentance, purity, obedience, and rejection of evil, and it counsels seeking guidance from a spiritual father because “the fast is for the person, not the person for the fast.”
Podcast to Follow
The Life-Giving Springs - https://lifegivingspringspodcast.podbean.com/
The Art of Spiritual Life - https://artofspirituallife.podbean.com/
Philokalia Ministries - https://philokalia.podbean.com/
The New Kollyvades - https://kleined1014.podbean.com/
The Forgotten Way - https://theforgottenway.podbean.com/ by
App to Download
Byzantine Catholic Companion APP – (both Apple and Android) https://apps.apple.com/us/app/byzantine-catholic-companion/id6758625610
Commemoration Book - Living and Departed - https://stpaisiusgiftshop.com/new-products/commemoration-book-living-and-departed/?searchid=56249&search_query=comme
This class presents a practical and theological teaching on establishing a consistent Eastern Christian prayer life through intentional preparation, a daily prayer rule, and especially the use of the Jesus Prayer. It explains prayer as essential spiritual warfare and communion with God, emphasizing morning and evening prayers as the framework that orders the day around God. Central to the teaching is the Jesus Prayer, described as a Gospel‑rooted, adaptable prayer for all believers—not only monastics—that can be integrated into every aspect of daily life, including work, family, illness, exhaustion, and intercession for the living and the departed and praying for our enemies. The class outlines how the Jesus Prayer is cultivated—from spoken words to attentive prayer of the mind and heart—and highlights its role in repentance, purification of thoughts, resistance to sin, and gradual transformation into the likeness of Christ. Mentioned Books: The Fruit of Silence (Second Edition): The Jesus Prayer as a Foundation to the Art of Spiritual Life: https://www.amazon.com/Fruit-Silence-Second-Foundation-Spiritual-ebook/dp/B0FM26816W/ref=sr_1_1?crid=29913JASL5XCD&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.8GpcfGtKQFpFGe6f451DTRXebgyWQR14svtzQUUvcwA.auIVTmAFaQBtEZbRt0iYvKd9ia6GJ_zfgEc6H0fRQNE&dib_tag=se&keywords=fruit+of+silence+edward&qid=1772509980&sprefix=fruit+of+silence+edward%2Caps%2C166&sr=8-1
Eastern Christian Publications - https://ecpubs.com/ecbs-about/
Prayer Book - Let us Pray to the Lord - https://ecpubs.com/product/let-us-pray-to-the-lord-a-daily-prayer-book-volume-i/
How to Live a Holy Life - class insert - Chapters - Intro, Ch 1, and Ch 8.
https://churchsupplies.jordanville.org/products/how-to-live-a-holy-life?_pos=1&_sid=9c82fb14b&_ss=r
Beginning to Pray: https://www.amazon.com/Beginning-Pray-Anthony-Bloom/dp/0809115093/ref=sr_1_1?crid=N9IUBC13MPX&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.9jJrL3id7FJyyIdLu0tLjpMdLyD0tHteHXbJWz-5-Xmi94RsdO_8F-Ug2kAq-4BYrL772h1ncA_wv87imFzjvPqW_nJ3SG99vgYueNEUz1I.j4VMZt7x3be33N59Wsb5I3R7WJeb2TiFYW9jOSqgz0U&dib_tag=se&keywords=beginning+to+pray+bloom&qid=1772510069&sprefix=beginning+to+pray+bloo%2Caps%2C360&sr=8-1
The Way of a Pilgrim and The Pilgrim Continues His Way (Shambhala Classics): https://www.amazon.com/Way-Pilgrim-Continues-Shambhala-Classics/dp/1570628076/ref=sr_1_1?crid=NSJGWPJYMIYK&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.J2GAndWvETEsPEmuzcAdrbhVs9dQZM5aPfBvOssUJIJu8xC2f7ON1D6uhAkt2AKbffV6TfldVo905i8sHfmfzhU15IWqc7QsRlDv3eoW1v1NYcznliK1Kgsq59WqRztmJLEv7xrLYEMPJdoI3QBzueCGw6mZpmMhP_9dxxtikz9CcIp17i7t1JM9h611O66KnZq3U65AhxUPatuc5LHkX0uOf2RG1mWED4H9LrKYakQ.BwfnB1RmvcYkP577BY5HEyppCg7UKau-BCdC6_0H7Ns&dib_tag=se&keywords=way+of+pilgrim&qid=1772510102&sprefix=way+of+pilg%2Caps%2C645&sr=8-1
On the Prayer of Jesus: The Classic Guide to the Practice of Unceasing Prayer Found in The Way of a Pilgrim: https://www.amazon.com/Prayer-Jesus-Classic-Practice-Unceasing-ebook/dp/B00BXJX630/ref=sr_1_1?crid=27UDUZ3UODSSU&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.uQzu7t-nkW9zO1GrhoLQpVQqZSgLAyGCuojb67wqkHh3Bkm8VKwN8fNGJtCJjlp39I1qH7oNhDVYOnaeLcPe-UsN0kYO7AWgLEo_q9Dx_6ACwZJ3klMXv2c7SkdL4pt1tINdycjDZVWe3Znh6oEn79aYwLdGV2Ukd5frn9uCfgkC9M4zpJxr0ejjrsrEMwEzhhZoQw1i3rSZKGt8f0a_ziJmqKoZ4YhB0ctSZSWkWBw.d8FwJ899I9NhV1wptN5Pj2CItFrQUajJI2ko5JhaG_Q&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+jesus+prayer+ignatius&qid=1772510146&sprefix=the+jesus+prayer+ig%2Caps%2C641&sr=8-1
St. John Chrysostom and the Jesus Prayer: https://www.amazon.com/St-John-Chrysostom-Jesus-Prayer/dp/193902885X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=31CDNGOCU6XPR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.FrfNloxcdbDLeqxelicUqwt4iJfindNojLZ1NIV-2a0pUrQPI-aL_sJ87sP_kYhCgCDMxA8ni_wf1k8c61fGDQUk0-z5yuTCv48YOYmadcsL2bMTL1zws2JUEgQ-Sks9gdBqti7hw90cArbnDUmaZ5uLQ3gKxCuN-8hjq1e9NXJCJQ6Ig1zqWjbYw8eumcklGtvhIslzFTvdA8SjSdc7-Emc5TICtUrCp3RZWynYUiw.AI9LppQElnExaZ__RYbctGPN8s_rdmCoBwaUQrsuAyQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+jesus+prayer+chrysostom&qid=1772510176&sprefix=the+jesus+prayer+chrysosotom%2Caps%2C252&sr=8-1
Eastern Christian Publications - https://ecpubs.com/ecbs-about/
Prayer Book - Let us Pray to the Lord - https://ecpubs.com/product/let-us-pray-to-the-lord-a-daily-prayer-book-volume-i/
How to Live a Holy Life - class insert - Chapters - Intro, Ch 1, and Ch 8.
https://churchsupplies.jordanville.org/products/how-to-live-a-holy-life?_pos=1&_sid=9c82fb14b&_ss=r
Eastern Christian Publications - https://ecpubs.com/ecbs-about/
Prayer Book - Let us Pray to the Lord - https://ecpubs.com/product/let-us-pray-to-the-lord-a-daily-prayer-book-volume-i/
Welcome to the two-part series on Why We Do What We Do - The Divine Liturgy.
This part explains Rite of Kairos, Proskomedia and other parts of the Divine Liturgy.
Welcome to the two-part series on Why We Do What We Do - The Divine Liturgy.
This part explains how a Christian should prepare through fasting, examination of conscience, and prayers, before attending the Divine Liturgy.
The Philokalia
Volume 2
St. Theodoros The Great Ascetic
A Century of Spiritual Texts #98
pg. 36
The Philokalia
Volume 2
St. Theodoros The Great Ascetic
A Century of Spiritual Texts #98
pg. 36
The Philokalia
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The Philokalia
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The Philokalia
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The Philokalia
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The Philokalia
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The Philokalia
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A Little Corner of Paradise
by Archimandrite Ioanichie Bălan
https://www.sainthermanmonastery.com/A-Little-Corner-of-Paradise-p/lcp.htm
Elder Paisius (Olaru) of Sihla (1897–1990) was one of the most beloved spiritual fathers of Romania in recent times. In his youth he lived a life of prayer and service, learning from an older generation of spiritual giants. After World War II he moved to Sihăstria Monastery, where his spiritual son, Elder Cleopa, had recently become abbot. It was there that he became renowned for his spiritual wisdom and discernment, confessing the monks and laymen who came to the monastery. Eventually he moved to the nearby Sihla Skete, where he could continue his life of prayer in greater solitude.
Throughout the Communist period, Elder Paisius was a refuge and shelter for those who desired to preserve their faith in those difficult times. Professors and doctors, farmers and factory workers all came to the humble elder to hear words of consolation, encouragement, and direction. A father of love and hope, he focused the gaze of his flock on Christ and His Heavenly Kingdom, expressing the wish that the Lord grant them a “little corner of Paradise.”
Included in the present volume are the life of this remarkable elder, many of his spiritual teachings, recollections of his spiritual children, interviews conducted with him, his letters, and his poetry.
“Prayer is not a theory that one learns in school. The prayer of the heart, that is, prayer made with the awareness of the heart, is a gift of the Holy Spirit…. Whoever loves God with his whole soul, with all his strength and all his heart, will be endowed with the gift of prayer of the heart and the gift of holy tears.” —Elder Paisius
The Philokalia
Volume 2
St. Theodoros The Great Ascetic
A Century of Spiritual Texts #91
pg. 34
Anthony's Book: Paradise the Person
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F1TSV3PZ?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title
Other Books Mentioned:
A Sacred Beginning: Nurturing Your Body, Mind, and Soul during Baby's First Forty Days
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1944967648?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title
The Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0060520620/?coliid=I8GJV3JQOR7U6&colid=1M6BLS5MZ8BRE&psc=1&ref_=list_c_wl_lv_ov_lig_dp_it
Tired of spending too much time on your phone?
“Brick”
https://getbrick.app/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22539573066&gclid=CjwKCAjw6NrBBhB6EiwAvnT_rjikkNFDypd0LqpJRzh1bcKX426CGAcrmhxT95eXhQbIMMZkGEMF5xoC4coQAvD_BwE
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A Century of Spiritual Texts #90
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The Philokalia
Volume 2
St. Theodoros The Great Ascetic
A Century of Spiritual Texts #89
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The Philokalia
Volume 2
St. Theodoros The Great Ascetic
A Century of Spiritual Texts #88
pg. 33
I apologize for the sound of my microphone; the adjustment was wrong.
Path to Salvation by St. Theophan the Recluse
Chapter 2 - The Chief Activities of the Body, Soul, and Spirit
- Surrounding the Child with Sacred Images
The Philokalia
Volume 2
St. Theodoros The Great Ascetic
A Century of Spiritual Texts #86
pg. 33
Path to Salvation by St. Theophan the Recluse
Chapter 2 - The Chief Activities of the Body, Soul, and Spirit
- Surrounding the Child with Sacred Images
The Philokalia
Volume 2
St. Theodoros The Great Ascetic
A Century of Spiritual Texts #86
pg. 33
The Philokalia
Volume 2
St. Theodoros The Great Ascetic
A Century of Spiritual Texts #85
pg. 33
CHRIST IS RISEN!
Movie - The Priest - https://youtu.be/zghBLMX972U?si=pbce4sMnR4vfvws_&t=3982
The Philokalia
Volume 2
St. Theodoros The Great Ascetic
A Century of Spiritual Texts #83
pg. 33
Sinful Passions and Battling Them - According to Saint John Climacus of the divine Ladder.https://imgur.com/gallery/sinful-passions-battling-them-according-to-saint-john-climacus-of-divine-ladder-x9doulD
The Philokalia
Volume 2
St. Theodoros The Great Ascetic
A Century of Spiritual Texts #83
pg. 33
The Philokalia
Volume 2
St. Theodoros The Great Ascetic
A Century of Spiritual Texts #82
pg. 32
CONFERENCE NO. 4
The Foundation for The Art of Spiritual Life
“My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit; a contrite, humbled heart, O God, you will not scorn.”
(Psalm 51:19)
May the Lord direct our steps according to his holy will.
Presenter: Fr. Deacon Edward Kleinguetl
CONFERENCE NO. 3
Introduction to the Jesus Prayer
“I have neither silver nor gold, but what I do have I give you …”
(Acts 3:6)
“His name is living. It gives new life to those who cry out with it to the source of Life, the Lord Jesus Christ.”[1]
(St. Ignatius Brianchaninov)
“This is a prayer from the depth of the heart, especially when man feels that no other person can help him, but only the Most Merciful God Almighty.” [2]
(Patriarch Daniel of Romania)
Opening Gospel Passage: Dependence on God
Matt. 6:19-34
‘Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and decay destroy, and thieves break in and steal. But store up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.’
‘The lamp of the body is the eye. If your eye is sound, your whole body will be filled with light; but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be in darkness. And if the light in you is darkness, how great will the darkness be.
‘No one can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.’
‘Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat [or drink], or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not more important than they? Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your lifespan? Why are you anxious about clothes? Learn from the way the wildflowers grow. They do not work or spin. But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was clothed like one of them. If God so clothes the grass of the field, which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith?
‘So do not worry and say, ‘What are we to eat?’ or ‘What are we to drink?’ or ‘What are we to wear?’ All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.’
‘But seek first the kingdom [of God] and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides. Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil.’
The Gospel of the Lord.
The Jesus Prayer
The Jesus Prayer is a simple, yet powerful tool for assisting us in achieving interior stillness. It places Jesus at the center of our lives. This is an overview of the most common form of the prayer:
Breathing[1]
Prayer
Observation
Inhale
Lord, Jesus Christ[2]
A profession of faith: Acknowledging Jesus as Lord, the center of our lives and as the Son of God.
Exhale
Son of God
Inhale
Have mercy on me
A desire for repentance and reconciliation: Acknowledging who we are (“a sinner”) and our request of Jesus (“have mercy on me”). In addition, the prayer is grounded in humility, the foundation for attaining all the other virtues. Humility is part of the movement away from self, surrendering self-will to the Divine will.
Exhale
A sinner
[1]Some Spiritual Fathers would advise their disciples that the prayer is said on a single breath: (Inhale) “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God”; (exhale) “have mercy on me, a sinner.” Either is acceptable, as long as the prayer itself becomes as natural as breathing. To some, this two-breath approach more readily adapts to a natural breathing pattern. Ultimately, it is up to the practitioner to decide what is better.
[2]Acts 4:12: “There is no salvation through anyone else, nor is there any other name under heaven given to the human race by which we are to be saved.”
[1]Brianchaninov, The Refuge, 202.
[2]Iftimiu, “30 Quotes.”
Presenter: Fr. Deacon Edward Kleinguetl
CONFERENCE NO. 2
Historical Development of Our Tradition
“I have neither silver nor gold, but what I do have I give you …”
(Acts 3:6)
“His name is living. It gives new life to those who cry out with it to the source of Life, the Lord Jesus Christ.”[1]
(St. Ignatius Brianchaninov)
“This is a prayer from the depth of the heart, especially when man feels that no other person can help him, but only the Most Merciful God Almighty.” [2]
(Patriarch Daniel of Romania)
Opening Gospel Passage: Dependence on God
John 16:23-24
A reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. John.
Amen, amen, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in my name, he will give you. Until now you have not asked anything in my name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.
The Gospel of the Lord.
[1]Brianchaninov, The Refuge, 202.
[2]Aurelian Iftimiu, “30 Quotes from Patriarch Daniel on Prayer,” Basilica News Agency, online edition (January 19, 2022). Quote about the Jesus Prayer.
Presenter: Fr. Deacon Edward Kleinguetl
The Jesus Prayer as a Foundation to
The Art of Spiritual Life
CONFERENCE NO. 1-A
Why Focus on Prayer?
“Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect.”
(Rom. 12:2)
“It is time for us to become a spiritual people again.”
(Matthew Kelly)
Opening Scripture Reading: Appearance on the Road to Emmaus
Luke 24:13-35
A reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke.
Now that very day two of them were going to a village seven miles from Jerusalem called Emmaus, and they were conversing about all the things that had occurred. And it happened that while they were conversing and debating, Jesus himself drew near and walked with them, but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him. He asked them, ‘What are you discussing as you walk along?’ They stopped, looking downcast.
One of them, named Cleopas, said to him in reply, ‘Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know of the things that have taken place there in these days?’
And he replied to them, ‘What sort of things?’
They said to him, ‘The things that happened to Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, how our chief priests and rulers both handed him over to a sentence of death and crucified him. But we were hoping that he would be the one to redeem Israel; and besides all this, it is now the third day since this took place. Some women from our group, however, have astounded us: they were at the tomb early in the morning and did not find his body; they came back and reported that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who announced that he was alive. Then some of those with us went to the tomb and found things just as the women had described, but him they did not see.”
And he said to them, ‘Oh, how foolish you are! How slow of heart to believe all that the prophets spoke! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and enter into his glory?’ Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them what referred to him in all the scriptures.
As they approached the village to which they were going, he gave the impression that he was going on farther. But they urged him, ‘Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.’ So he went in to stay with them. And it happened that, while he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them.
With that their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight. Then they said to each other, ‘Were not our hearts burning [within us] while he spoke to us on the way and opened the scriptures to us?’
So they set out at once and returned to Jerusalem where they found gathered together the eleven and those with them, who were saying, ‘The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!’ Then the two recounted what had taken place on the way and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.
The Gospel of the Lord
Eternity in the Moment
Elder Arsenie Papacioc
https://www.holycross.org/products/eternity-in-the-moment-the-life-and-wisdom-of-elder-arsenie-papacioc?srsltid=AfmBOopdMK7oO-ss86r0g4WsDq86i7HBQ1jcA1HxAP3vgCb1gK5oPPD5
"His teachings were full of examples inspired from his personal life, from his observations of all creation, perceived through spiritual eyes. He turned many events that might seem ordinary into parables, pointing to truths of eternal value. For example, once, while he was visiting some relatives, he witnessed the first steps of his eight-month-old niece. He used this incident to describe the unsteady, yet certain, steps of every Christian on the path to repentance. He would compare a mother's excited, attentive, and joyous gaze with God's care for everyone who follows Him."
The Philokalia
Volume 2
St. Theodoros The Great Ascetic
A Century of Spiritual Texts #81
pg. 32
From the Book: The Forgotten Medicine by Archimandrite Seraphim Aleksiev
https://www.sainthermanmonastery.com/The-Forgotten-Medicine-p/fm.htm
The distinguished Russian writer of spiritual books, St. Ignatius Brianchaninov, tells of the following event concerning the power and consequences of true Confession:
"In the area of Vologda, Russia, there is a big village Kubenskoe, which has several parishes. One of the parish priests fell ill, and, approaching his end, he saw his bed surrounded by demons who were getting ready to seize his soul and snatch it to hell. Then three angels appeared. One of them stood by the bed and began to argue for his soul with the most repulsive of the demons, who was holding an open book where all the sins of the priest were recorded. In the meantime, the other parish priest came to confess and give Communion to his fellow-priest. The Confession began. The ill man, directing his frightened eyes towards the demons' book, told of his sins with self-denial, as if he were casting them out of himself. And what did he see? He saw clearly that when he told of some sin, this sin disappeared from the book: the writing was erased and only a blank spot was left. In this way, through his Confession, he erased all of his sins from the demons' book and was healed quickly. He spent the rest of his days in deep repentance, and for their edification he told his neighbors about his vision, the proof of which was his miraculous healing.
Source: https://royaldoors.net/examination-of-conscience-for-adults/
By: Fr. Michael Winn
Examination of Conscience for Adults
Begin your examination with the time of your last confession. Try to recall whether you omitted anything from fear of embarrassment that needs to be confessed. With the help or the self-examination provided, call to mind all the sin you have committed since your last confession.
THE TEN COMMANDMENTS
- Putting God First: I am the Lord your God; you shall not have other gods before me.
Has God been the source, center and hope of my life? Have I put myself, anyone or anything before God? Have I given to anyone or anything the love, honor and worship that belongs to God alone? Have I made an idol of any person, idea, occupation or thing? Have I failed to trust in God, His love and mercy? Have I failed to pray to God and to worship Him faithfully? Have I been thankful for God’s blessings? Have I doubted the Christian faith? Have I tried to serve God and keep His Commandments faithfully? Have I murmured or complained against God in adversities?
- Respect for God: You shall not take the Name of the Lord your God in vain.
Do I have a deep and sincere respect for God and His Holy Name? Have I shown disrespect to God, either in word or deed? Have I dishonored God’s Name in any way? Have I sworn a false oath? Have I broken any solemn promise or vow that was done before God? Have I cursed or used foul language?
- Respect for the Lord’s Day: Remember to keep holy the Sabbath day.
Have I worshiped God faithfully on Sundays and major holy days? Have I helped others to do the same, or have I discouraged them? Have I worked or shopped unnecessarily on Sundays or major holy days? Have I caused others to do so? Have I spent the Lord’s Day in wholesome and edifying ways? Have I made time for family and friends?
- Respect for Parents and Authority: Honor your father and mother.
Have I loved and respected my parents as I should? Have I neglected them, or failed to help them? Have l disobeyed them, deceived them or caused them pain by my words and deeds? Have I treated my family members with patience and love? Have I respected my teachers, superiors, employers (those who are in authority) as I should? Have I disobeyed or deceived them by my words or deeds? Have I treated fairly all those who have worked for me?
- Respect for Human Life: You shall not kill.
Have I caused the harm, injury or death of anyone? Have I wished my own or anyone’s harm or death? Have I caused others to sin? Have I abused my health or the health of others by evil and intemperate living (i.e. drugs, alcohol, etc.)? Have l given way to anger or hatred? Have I failed to forgive anyone or harbored evil thoughts against them? Have I been cruel to anyone? Have I encouraged someone in procuring an abortion? Have I had an abortion?
- & 9. Respect for Marriage: You shall not commit adultery. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife.
Have I committed any sin of lust, alone or with others (masturbation, fornication, adultery)? Have I caused others to commit impure acts? Have I sinned by giving way to impure thoughts, words or conversations? Have I read immoral books or magazines, or delighted in obscenity of any kind? Have l associated with bad company or frequented placed of ill-repute? Do I maintain modesty and decency in dress? Have I practiced birth control/contraception?
- & 10. Respect for Private Property: You shall not steal. You shall not covet anything that belongs to your neighbor.
Have l taken or kept anything that was not mine? Have l cheated anyone? Have I caused others to steal or cheat? Have I tried to find the owners of lost things I have found? Have I damaged or destroyed anything that belonged to another? Have I defrauded anyone of their rightful wages? Have I paid my debts? Have I worked honesty and conscientiously for my wages? Did I spend beyond my means? Do I give alms according to my capacity? Have I looked with envy, jealousy or hatred toward the possessions, talents or achievements of others? Have I desired the downfall or loss of others out of evil intent that I might benefit? Have I grieved that God has bestowed greater blessing on others than on me?
- Respect for Truth: You shall not bear false witness.
Have I given false testimony against anyone? Have l spoken evil, told lies, or spread rumors about anyone? Have I unjustly accused someone? Have l disclosed to anyone the sins and faults of another? Have l betrayed the confidence of another? Have I made careless statements or done anything else to harm the good name and reputation of another person? Have I engaged in idle gossip, (discussing that which is doubtful as if it were true), hearsay and backbiting?
THE BEATITUDES
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Have l truly recognized my complete dependence on God? Have I been proud, arrogant and self-righteous? Have I been selfish, greedy, possessive and self-seeking? Have I sought after status, recognition, power, material possessions and wealth?
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Have l endured difficulties and afflictions with faith and patience? Do I have compassion for the poor, the hungry, and addicted; the sick the lonely and the sinful of the world? Have I truly been sorrowful for my sins and faults?
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Am I gentle with others, or am I harsh in my behavior? Do I seek to dominate others at home, school, work, office, church and elsewhere? Have l lost my temper? Have I nursed hatred in my heart or the desire for revenge? Have I been impatient, resentful, bitter, unforgiving or insulting and abusive to others? Have l loved my enemies?
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst forrighteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Do I thirst for holiness? Do I truly yearn for God’s Will to be done, in my life and in all things? Have I tried to cultivate a righteous and holy life through prayer, fasting, almsgiving, worship, the reading of Holy Scripture, frequent Confession and Communion? Have I been lukewarm in my faith? Have I been lazy, negligent or apathetical?
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
Have I been merciful to others? Have l turned away from someone who needed my help? Have I turned my back on someone poor, hungry, rejected, lonely and needy? Have I tried to understand and to forgive others? Have I been indifferent or judgmental?
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Do I love purity and honesty? Have I been dishonest in my speech or actions? Have the motives or intentions of my actions been evil or selfish? Have I given way to lust, impure thoughts, words or deeds? Have I been guilty of prejudice? Have I been hypocritical, pretentious or self-indulgent to sinful passions?
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall he called children of God.
Am I at peace with God? Do I have His peace in my heart? Have l been angry, aggressive or impatient? Do I foster peace at home, work, church and community? Have I been irritable or polemical? Have I caused division and discord? Is my criticism harmful and disruptive, or does it build up others in charity?
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Have I complained when persecuted for God’s sake? Have I prayed for my enemies? Have I failed to defend people who are fight for fear of humiliation or persecution? Have I had the courage to stand up for the truth despite criticism, ridicule or persecution? Am I afraid to witness my faith in Christ Jesus?
Blessed are you when they revile you and persecute you on my account; rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.
Is the joy of Christ in my heart, even in trying moments? Do I give thanks to God in all circumstances, or do I complain often? Have I been pessimistic, negative, despondent or despairing? Have I truly delighted in the promise of God’s treasures in heaven?
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"Holy Scripture bears testimony to this fact, saying, If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
If I confess all my sins, both physical and spiritual, thoroughly and with true repentance before the priest, if he does no more than simply put his hand on my head and says, 'May God forgive you,' then my sins have been lifted from me."
"If, however, I did not approach this sacrament with a spirit of repentance and did not prepare myself properly; if I chose to go to a priest who is somewhat lax in these matters; if I did not confess thor-oughly; if I hid my sins and did not follow the penance I received for them; if I did not later abandon these sins; then even if I were to be absolved a thousand times, the sin would still be in me like poison because I did not approach the sacrament of confession properly prepared."
St. Cleopa of Romania
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Retreat Conference was done by Fr. Deacon Edward Kleinguetl.
RETREAT CONFERENCE NO. 4
To Set the Earth on fire
“I have come to set the earth on fire.”
(Luke 12:49)
“We are not to end up as slaves of a de-souled culture.” [1]
(Jacques Maritain)
“I have a single burning desire: to change the world by changing a single person—myself.”
(St. Sophrony Sakharov of Essex)
Reflection
As a final thought on finding the right path, consider the following by Sr. Ruth Burrows:
If we could start from scratch, with no preconceived notions of the route, and if our hearts were firmly fixed on our journey’s end, with Gospel in hand we would have no further need of route marking, no need of signposts. Jesus himself, through his Holy Spirit, would guide our hearts aright. And even now I am convinced that anyone who truly seeks God rather than himself will find him, and this in spite of being directed in wrong paths. The Holy Spirit will lead him, secretly, probably painfully, but most surely.
The trouble is so very few of us really do seek God. We want something for ourselves and this is why we are anxious to be told the way. We want the path marked out for us, securely walled in, with not a chance of going astray. We are so anxious for this that we cannot afford to listen to the Lord guiding us from within. If we did listen then we would realize that we were merely going around in circles within the given confines, and that if we would find God, we must venture out into the trackless, unknown wastes. While we are busy circuiting the well-worn track described for us by others, we cannot conceive what it is like outside, or even that there is one. So, to some extent, signpost must replace signpost. On each signpost one word only will be written, however; the name of Jesus, for he alone is the way; there is no other.[2]
Jesus alone is the way, indeed. There is no other. Without him, we are lost, without a clue of where we are going.[3]
Reflection Questions
Spend time with the following questions:
- Am I living in friendship with Jesus Christ? Is he truly the center of my life or are other things more important?
- As a parish, what should be our mission in 2025, as we commemorate our 100-year anniversary? What is our outreach to a world in need of healing?
- What are the unique gifts that we as Byzantine Catholics can offer the Church and world?
[1]Jacques Maritain, Freedom in the Modern World (New York, NY: Charles Scribner & Sons, 1936), 133.
[2]Sr. Ruth Burrows, OCD, To Believe in Jesus (Mahwah, NJ: Paulist Press, 2010), xii.
[3]See Daniel M. Rogich, The Walking Saint: Patriarch Pavle of Serbia (Canton, OH: Hesychia Press, 2019), 83. “Without Christ, we travelers wander hither and thither, but from where to where? No one has a clue! With him, we travelers journey ‘on the narrow and hard path which leads to life.’” Reference to Matt. 7:14.
Retreat Conference was done by Fr. Deacon Edward Kleinguetl.
RETREAT CONFERENCE NO. 3
The Life
“My words are spirit and life.”
(John 6:63)
“The world within you is what matters. God is so far away, and yet there is nothing closer to man than God.” [1]
(Elder Arsenie Papacioc)
“I have a single burning desire: to change the world by changing a single person—myself.”
(St. Sophrony Sakharov of Essex)
Reflection
St. Mary Magdalene from a Homily by St. Gregory the Great:
When Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and did not find the Lord’s body, she thought it had been taken away and so informed the disciples. After they came and saw the tomb, they too believed what Mary had told them. The text then says: ‘The disciples went back home,’ and it added: ‘but Mary wept and remained standing outside the tomb.’
We should reflect on Mary’s attitude and the great love she had for Christ; for though the disciples had left the tomb, she remained. She was still seeking the one she had not found, and while she sought, she wept; burning with the fire of love, she longed for him whom she thought had been taken away. And so it happened that the woman who stayed behind to seek Christ was the only one to see him. For perseverance is essential to any good deed as the voice of truth tells us: ‘Whoever perseveres to the end will be saved.’
At first, she sought but did not find Jesus, but when she persevered, it happened that she found what she was looking for. When our desires are not satisfied, they grow stronger, and becoming stronger, they take hold of their object. Holy desires likewise grow with anticipation, and if they do not grow, they are not really desires. Anyone who succeeds in gaining the truth has burned with such a love. As David said: ‘My soul has thirsted for the living God.’ And ‘When shall I come and appear before the face of God?’ And so also in the Song of Songs, the Church says, ‘I was wounded by love;’ and again, ‘My soul is melted with love.’
‘Woman, why are you weeping? Whom do you seek?’ She is asked why she is sorrowing so that her desire might be strengthened; for when she mentions whom she is seeking, her love kindled all the more ardently.
Jesus says to her, ‘Mary.’ Jesus is not recognized when he calls her ‘woman,’ so he calls her by name, as though he were saying, ‘Recognize me as I recognize you; for I do not know you as I know the others; I know you as yourself.’ And so Mary, once addressed by name, recognizes who is speaking. She immediately calls him ‘rabboni,’ that is to say, ‘teacher,’ because the one whom she sought outwardly was the one who inwardly taught her to keep on searching.[2]
St. Mary Magdalene provides us with an example of holy desire: a deep-seated longing, a heart enflamed with love for Christ. She had a childlike trust in Jesus, the one he taught her inwardly to seek. She persevered when the others did not, thus becoming the first disciple to see the Risen Jesus and proclaim the Resurrection. This is the spiritual disposition we need to gain the abundant life—consumed with love for Christ and holy desire, a properly ordered desire centered on Christ and the not the world.[3] According to what our Savior sees within us, he will reward us according to our desire and love.[4] As a Passionist nun advised: “Let us hasten to submerge ourselves in this infinite ocean (of God’s love) and not wait for eternity, because we can do it now. Love surrounds us always; it is in us; it is the movement that gives life to our being.”[5]
Reflection Question
Spend time with the following question:
- What do I desire in life and how do I prioritize this? Do I express my desires to Christ?
[1]Alpetri, Eternity in the Moment, 234.
[2]St. Gregory the Great, Homily 25. Taken from The Liturgy of the Hours, vol. 3 (New York, NY: Catholic Book Publishing Corp., 1975), 1543-4.
[3]See Col. 3:1-2. “Seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Think of what is above, not of what is on earth.”
[4]See St. Tikhon of Zadonsk, A Gathering of Spiritual Riches, 347. “The Christian needs to live piously, humbly, lovingly, meekly, and patiently on earth if he wishes to enter the kingdom of heaven. This way is narrow and humble, but safe, and it leads into the kingdom of God.”
[5]Venerable Mary Magdalen of Jesus in the Eucharist, CP, “Apostle to the Apostles, Apostle of Love,” Magnificat 25(5) July (2023), 326-7.
Retreat Conference was done by Fr. Deacon Edward Kleinguetl.
RETREAT CONFERENCE NO. 2
The Way
“If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”
(Luke 9:23)
“One of man’s greatest mistakes is that he runs from the Cross, he flees suffering. The Savior says, ‘Take up your Cross and follow me!’ He does not say, ‘Take up your walking stick!’” [1]
(Elder Arsenie Papacioc)
“The cross is not only the endurance of suffering but also a fight to overcome suffering, wickedness, lack of fulfillment, and infirmity in our life.” [2]
(Patriarch Daniel of Romania)
Reflection
In a letter to her sister, Céline, St. Thérèse of Lisieux captured many of the ideas we discussed in this conference.
Céline! Let us make use of Jesus’s preference, which has taught us so many things in so few years, and let us neglect nothing that can please him. Let us be adorned with the Sun of his love! This sun is burning, let us be consumed by love. St. Francis de Sales says: “When the fire of love is in a heart, all the furniture flies out the windows: Oh, let us allow nothing, nothing in our heart except Jesus.
Let us not believe we can love without suffering, without suffering much. Our nature is our riches, our means of earning our bread. It is so precious that Jesus came on earth purposely to take possession of it. And still we would like to suffer grandly! Céline, what an illusion! We’d never want to fall? What does it matter, my Jesus, if I fall at each moment; I see my weakness through this, and this is a great gain for me. You can see through this what I can do and now you will be more tempted to carry me in your arms. Then I am not going to be disturbed but I shall always stretch out my arms suppliant and filled with love. I cannot believe that you would abandon me.
It was when the saints were at the feet of our Lord that they encountered their crosses. Sanctity does not consist in saying beautiful things, it does not even consist in thinking them, in feeling them. It consists in suffering and suffering everything. Sanctity! We must conquer it at the point of the sword; we must suffer. A day will come when the shadows will disappear, and there will remain only joy, inebriation. Let us profit from our one moment of suffering. Let us see only each moment. A moment is a treasure. One act of love will make us know Jesus better, it will bring us closer to him during the whole of eternity.[3]
St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus, a Carmelite nun, is known for her little way, doing small things with great love. She is an example of someone who embraced childlike simplicity. In her autobiography, she provided a wonderful explanation of this:
You know, Mother, I have always wanted to be a saint. Alas! I have always noticed when I compare myself to the saints, there is between them and me the difference that exists between a mountain whose summit is lost in the clouds and the obscure grain of sand trampled underfoot by passersby. Instead of becoming discouraged, I said to myself: God cannot inspire unrealizable desires. I can … in spite of my littleness, aspire to holiness. It is impossible for me to grow up, and I must bear with myself, such as I am with all my imperfections. But I wanted to seek out a means of going to heaven by a little way, a way that is very straight, very short, and totally new …. I wanted to find an elevator which would raise me to Jesus, for I am too small to climb the rough stairway of perfection. I searched, then, in the Scriptures for some sign of this elevator, the object of my desires, and I read these words coming from the mouth of Eternal Wisdom: ‘Whoever is a LITTLE ONE, let him come to me’ (Prov. 9:4). And so I succeeded. I felt I had found what I was looking for. But wanting to know, O my God, what you would do to the very little one who answered your call, I continued my search, and this is what I discovered: ‘As one whom a mother caresses, so will I comfort you; you will be carried at the breasts, and upon the knees they shall caress you’ (Is. 66:13,12). Ah! Never did words more tender and melodious come to give joy to my soul. The elevator which must raise me to heaven is your arms, O Jesus! And for this I had not needed to grow up, but rather I had to remain little and become this more and more.[4]
In summary, St. Paisios the Athonite said, “Humility is the single most important virtue; but since this is not easily understood, then I would also add love. Yet, doesn’t one who has humility, also have love?”[5]
Reflection Questions
Spend time with the following question:
- How would I describe my spiritual life? Is it frantic? Do I “do” without much listening to Jesus? How can I slow down? How can I be more open to Jesus, making single, incremental steps with him instead of without?
[1]Sorin Alpetri, Eternity in the Moment: The Life and Wisdom of Elder Arsenie Papacioc, trans. Hieromonk Ieremia Berbec and Simona Irime (Platina, CA: St. Herman of Alaska Brotherhood, 2018), 237.
[2]Patriarch Daniel of Romania, Reflection, Sunday of the Triumph of the Cross, Basilica News Agency (March 19, 2023).
[3]St. Thérèse of Lisieux, “The Sword that Brings Sanctity,” Magnificat 25(5) July (2023), 262-3.
[4]St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Story of a Soul, 3rd ed., trans. John Clarke, OCD (Washington, DC: ICS Publications, 1996), 207-8.
[5]St. Paisios the Athonite, “Passions and Virtues,” Spiritual Counsels, vol. 5, trans. Fr. Peter Chamberas, ed. Anna Famellos and Eleftheria Kaimakliotis (Souroti, Thessaloniki, Greece: Holy Hesychasterion Evangelist John the Theologian, 2016), 169.
Retreat Conference was done by Fr. Deacon Edward Kleinguetl.
RETREAT CONFERENCE NO. 1
The Truth
“Jesus said, ‘No one comes to the Father except through me.’”
(John 14:6)
“Sober up, while there is still time, and look for the heavenly blessings.” [1]
(St. Tikhon of Zadonsk)
“Faith is not a simple statement of words, a simple intellectual conviction. The right faith is a living relationship with the ever-living God.” [2]
(Patriarch Daniel of Romania)
Reflection
From St. John of Kronstadt: Learning to Live Wisely.
The usual methods that people of our time use to drive away their sorrows are parties, cards, dancing, and theaters. But these entertainments only increase the anguish and weariness of their hearts. If they fortuitously turn to God, then the heaviness falls away from their hearts, and only then do they clearly see the heaviest burden that was previously lying on their heart, though they did not feel it. O, how many people have ‘forsaken God, the fountain of living waters, and hewn themselves cisterns—broken cisterns that can hold no living water.’ There are many such broken cisterns—nearly everyone has his own. The broken cisterns are our hearts, our passions.[3]
When the heart is occupied with worldly things, especially superfluous ones, it forsakes the Lord—the Source of life and peace—and is therefore deprived of life and tranquility, of light and strength. But when it repents of its care for vain things and wholly turns from corruptible things to the incorruptible God, then the fountain of living water again begins to flow into it, and peace, consolation, light, strength, and boldness before God and man once more dwell within it. We must live wisely.[4]
Worldly cares obscure the mental horizon of our soul; like fog, they darken the eyes of our heart and bind our soul.[5]
And from St. Paisios the Athonite:
The answer to our anxiety is not drugs, alcohol, tranquilizers, or psychiatric treatment. It will not be cured by yoga or some new age or Eastern meditation practice. The problem is that we have lost God at the center of our lives. Once we make our love of God the primary focus of our life and allow his grace to work through us, then no matter what circumstances we encounter in life, we will be comforted and embraced by his love. All anxiety disappears. This is the aim of the spiritual life—to put God first and seek the Holy Spirit. The anxieties of modern life are only symptoms of our separation from God.[6]
Have we lost God at the center of our lives? Have those around us lost him? Jesus is the answer. The Holy Fathers are clear in their warnings about a life separated from God. We must choose which of the two ways we will follow: the well-traveled, wide road leading to destruction—the choice of self-sufficiency and separation from God, or the narrow road that few will find, leading to eternal life.[7]
Reflection Question
Spend some time with the following question:
- Who am I more afraid of offending: Jesus, who has proven his great love for us through his death and resurrection, or the voices in secular society who advocate political correctness and embrace immoral behavior?
[1]St. Tikhon of Zadonsk, A Gathering of Spiritual Riches, trans. Seraphim F. Englehardt (Jordanville, NY: Holy Trinity Publications, 2023), 69.
[2]Patriarch Daniel (Ciobotea) of Romania, Reflection, Fifth Sunday after Easter, Basilica News Agency (May 28, 2023).
[3]St. John of Kronstadt, My Life in Christ, Part 1, 55-6. Reference to Jer. 2:13.
[4]Ibid., 143.
[5]Ibid., 248.
[6]See St. Paisios the Athonite, “With Pain and Love for Contemporary Man,” Spiritual Counsels, vol. 1, trans. Cornelia A. Tsakiridou and Maria Spanou, ed. Fr. Peter Chamberas and Eleftheria Kaimakliotis (Souroti, Thessaloniki, Greece: Holy Hesychasterion Evangelist John the Theologian, 2019), 174-75.
[7]See Matt. 7:13-14.
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Petition - For our holy father (Name), Pope of Rome, for our most reverend Metropolitan (Name), for our God-loving Bishop (Name), for the venerable presbyterate, the diaconate in Christ, and all the clergy and people, let us pray to the Lord.
Path to Salvation by St. Theophan the Recluse
Chapter 2 - The Chief Activities of the Body, Soul and Spirit
- Surrounding the Child with Sacred Images
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Petition - For peace in the whole world, for the stability of the Holy Churches of God, and for the union of all, Let us pray to the Lord!
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Petition - For peace from on high and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.
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AI-Generated Synopsis
Set against the backdrop of his friend's medical ordeal, a priest explores the parallel between medical diagnoses and spiritual health reviews during the fasting season in this enlightening podcast titled "Fasting Season: A Spiritual Examination and Road to Healing". He discusses the vital importance of recognizing spiritual ailments and submitting to the spiritual healing offered by Jesus Christ.
Just as a medical examination can uncover hidden diseases, the fasting season serves as an opportunity to unearth spiritual diseases. Spiritual paralysis, as drawn from the story of the healing of a paralyzed man in the Bible, is likened to the disconnection from God resulting from sin. This paralysis stagnates Christian life and yields indifference towards spiritually enriching practices such as constant prayer and helping others.
This state of spiritual paralysis breeds troubles and evils in our lives, a revelation drawn from a tragic tale of a 13-year-old boy who, feeling trapped in a dysfunctional family devoid of God's presence, committed a horrendous crime. His story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of maintaining a connection with Christ and living a life consistent with Christian morals.
Despite the devastation sin can cause, the narrator emphasizes that belief in Christ offers healing from spiritual paralysis. Through confession, repentance, and active efforts to identify and eliminate the roots of spiritual ailments, one can experience God's abundant mercy and deliverance from sin. Drawing from the wisdom of St. Isaac the Syrian, this homily encourages listeners to embrace the power of repentance to create a more fruitful Christian life, not just for themselves but also for those around them.
AI-Generated Synopsis
In this enlightening discussion, we delve into the significance of the First Sunday of Great Lent which celebrates the triumph of pure faith over iconoclastic malfeasance in Church history. By living in the modern age, we're free from battling iconoclastic illusions and can instead cherish the presence of icons in our lives.
The sermon posits us, the faithful, as living icons radiating the presence of God and spreading His divine message. It suggests that the Church sees us embodying these divine icons, speaking to the world about the grace of God. Yet, human imperfections often overshadow the inherent beauty and purity that God hopes for us to convey. The unfortunate reality is that many have lost sight of their divine essence, covering it with the mundanities and distractions of worldly life.
This narrative takes an inspiring turn within the story of a pilgrim who visited the monastery established by St. Seraphim of Sarov. The tale of an old, dirt-covered icon restoring its glorious brilliance merely through prayer serves as a metaphor powerful enough to impact the lives of many. It emphasizes the futility of employing force or arguments in transforming lives, reminding us about the transformative power of God's grace.
One priest's narration about small miracles unfolding in his parish introduces a profound teaching. Even when people fail to discern the fruits of their ascetic struggle, healing is happening. Relationships are mending, work life is achieving harmony, and peace is being restored. This corroborates that our earnest prayers and spiritual practices are at work, even if we fail to see the visible improvement.
Restoring the purity of our inner icon is an ongoing process, extending till our last breath on earth. It may require patience, determination and a quiet acceptance that outcomes may not always be instantly visible. The process of spiritual cleansing influences not only us but also positively impacts our surroundings and loved ones.
This journey of spiritual illumination urges us, especially during the period of Great Lent, to submit ourselves to the Lord and enter the realm of deep, sincere prayer. It professes that consistent spiritual practices help cleanse the damaged icon within us, making us the embodiment of God's omnipresence and graced presence on earth. Such is the power and glory of Jesus Christ!
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Recognizing and grappling with human passions from a spiritual standpoint is often misunderstood and underestimated. In this enlightening sermon, you will revisit the concept of ‘passions’. From a societal vantage point, passions suggest an intense desire or enthusiasm, feelings that fuel many of our worldly pursuits. However, the real work begins when we shift from worldly passions to the Church’s interpretation of passions: powerful impulses and appetites dominating the soul.
Within the spiritual realm, some passions are widely referred to as the 'Seven Deadly Passions': pride, greed, lust, anger, gluttony, envy, and sloth. But how do these passions manifest and lead us to sin? We learn about the process of sin development, with anger used as an example. This exploration is followed by the concept of overcoming passions, focusing particularly on transforming anger into meekness – the path to salvation.
A deeper understanding of the virtue of meekness in line with Christ's teachings forms a crucial part of the homily. According to Christ, 'blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.' The homily delves into the transforming power of meekness, its value in your spiritual life, and its potential to completely uplift your life choices.
The sermon also emphasizes the importance of confession, self-reflection, and persistence in the fight against passions. The sermon ends with a call to perseverance, encouraging you not to back down in the face of defeat. Remember, the pursuit of passionlessness is not just about winning but continuing the fight for spiritual liberation.
Welcome to our discussion of today's gospel, the tale of the Prodigal Son, a tale that resonates deeply with our own lives as we prepare for Great Lent. Each one of us can identify with the actions of the prodigal son, who strayed from his Heavenly Father and wasted the riches given to him. It's crucial to study this parable throughout our lives as it demonstrates the path to the Father who is always ready to forgive.
In the parable, the prodigal son experienced unhappiness and misery when he left his father for a life of sinful indulgence. However, the turning point occurred when he humbled himself—accepting that he was lower than his father's servants—and returned to confess his sins.
The characters in this parable represent different aspects of humanity: the loving God represented by the father, and the sons representing the righteous and the sinners found on earth. The parable serves as a reality check of our actions and beliefs, urging us to internalize its teachings and apply them in our lives.
Humans are blessed with free will but often misuse it, just like the prodigal son who squandered his inheritance indulging in worldly pleasures and ultimately landed in misery. However, the journey back to the father's arms, punctuated by self-realization, remorse and repentance, reveals God's infinite mercy and love. The prodigal son was not only forgiven but was restored to his former glory, underscoring the power of true repentance.
As an analogy, this parable urges us to reflect on our lives and assess where we stand. If we refuse to admit our sins and curb our rebellious ways, we risk distancing ourselves from God. But, celebrating the divine gifts in our lives and returning to God’s path after losing our way mirrors the journey of the prodigal son and his eventual redemption.
So, let us courageously acknowledge our mistakes and take steps towards repentance. Remember, no sin is too grave to be forgiven. The tale of the prodigal son serves as a reminder that sincere repentance leads to God's mercy and returns us to our God-given dignity that we may have lost through sin. Glory to Jesus Christ.
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Twenty-Seventh Sunday After Pentecost at St. John Chrysostom 2023
The Homily was given by Fr. Miron Jr
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Path to Salvation by St. Theophan the Recluse
Chapter 2 - The Chief Activities of the Body, Soul and Spirit
- Directing the Developing Powers of the Soul and Body
pg. 47-48
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Path to Salvation by St. Theophan the Recluse
Chapter 2 - The Chief Activities of the Body, Soul and Spirit
- Directing the Developing Powers of the Soul and Body
Pg 44-45.
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Path to Salvation by St. Theophan the Recluse
Chapter 2 - The Chief Activities of the Body, Soul and Spirit
- Directing the Developing Powers of the Soul and Body
-In relation to movement-
Pg 43-44.
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The Homily was given by Fr. Miron Jr. at St. Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church, Barberton, Ohio.
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Path to Salvation by St. Theophan the Recluse
Chapter 2 - The Chief Activities of the Body, Soul and Spirit
- Directing the Developing Powers of the Soul and Body
-In Relation to Food-
Pg 43.
An introduction to a short reflections on "A Century of Spiritual Texts"
These reflections will be posted every Monday.
St. Theodoros pray for us!
Reflections from the book Path to Salvation by St. Theophan the Recluse.
We have finished chapter one!
Book: The Path to Salvation by St. Theophan the Recluse
Publisher: St. Paisius Monastery
After a long break, we are back!
Book: The Path to Salvation by St. Theophan the Recluse
Publisher: St. Paisius Monastery
Book recommendations:
https://www.amazon.com/Edward-Kleinguetl/e/B07GBGL998?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1661441643&sr=8-1
Spiritual Counsels of Elder Paisios (Softcover) - Five Volume Set - https://www.holycross.org/products/spiritual-counsels-of-elder-paisios-softcover-five-volume-set - https://www.amazon.com/Elder-Paisios-of-Mount-Athos/e/B00J4Z33PG?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2&qid=1661441789&sr=1-2-catcorr
Beatitudes Homilies by St John of Kronstadt - https://www.bostonmonks.com/product_info.php/products_id/917
Sunday of St Mary of Egypt at St. John Chrysostom 2022
St. John the Chrysostom Byzantine Catholic Church
https://www.facebook.com/StJohnsInTheRun
Homily - Penitential Vespers
Homilist - Fr. Vasyl Polyak
St. John the Chrysostom Byzantine Catholic Church
https://www.facebook.com/StJohnsInTheRun
Sunday of St. John Climacus at St John Chrysostom 2022
Homilists - Fr. David Abernethy
Philokalia Ministries - https://philokalia.podbean.com/
St. John the Chrysostom Byzantine Catholic Church
https://www.facebook.com/StJohnsInTheRun
Homily - Liturgy of Presanctified Gifts - Friday - Wk 5
On Confession pt. 7
St. John Chrysostom
Homily - Liturgy of Presanctified Gifts - Wednesday - Wk 5
On Confession pt. 6
St. John the Baptist Byzantine Catholic Church
Annunciation of the Theotokos 2022 St John Chrysostom 2022
St. John the Chrysostom Byzantine Catholic Church
https://www.facebook.com/StJohnsInTheRun
Homily - Liturgy of Presanctified Gifts - Wednesday - Wk 4
On Confession pt. 5
St. John Chrysostom Byzantine Catholic Church
Sunday of Veneration of the Cross at St John Chrysostom 2022
St. John the Chrysostom Byzantine Catholic Church
https://www.facebook.com/StJohnsInTheRun
Sunday of the Paralytic at St John Chrysostom 2022
St. John the Chrysostom Byzantine Catholic Church
https://www.facebook.com/StJohnsInTheRun
On Confession pt. 4
Homily - Liturgy of Presanctified Gifts - Wednesday - Wk 3
St. John the Baptist Byzantine Catholic Church
On Confession pt. 3
Homily - Liturgy of Presanctified Gifts - Friday - Wk 1
St. John the Baptist Byzantine Catholic Church
Sunday of Orthodoxy at St John Chrysostom 2022
St. John the Chrysostom Byzantine Catholic Church
https://www.facebook.com/StJohnsInTheRun
On Confession pt. 2
Homily - Liturgy of Presanctified Gifts - Friday - Wk 1
St. John Chrysostom Byzantine Catholic Church
On Confession pt. 1
Homily - Liturgy of Presanctified Gifts - Wednesday - Wk 1
St. John the Baptist Byzantine Catholic Church
Sunday of Cheesefare at St John Chrysostom 2022
St. John the Chrysostom Byzantine Catholic Church
https://www.facebook.com/StJohnsInTheRun
Meatfare Sunday at St John Chrysostom 2022 St. John the Chrysostom Byzantine Catholic Church
https://www.facebook.com/StJohnsInTheRun
Song: In the midst of desert beauty - Среде пустинската убост https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VHrTLXMFKk
Sunday of the Prodigal Son at St John Chrysostom 2022
St. John the Chrysostom Byzantine Catholic Church
https://www.facebook.com/StJohnsInTheRun
Meeting of Our Lord with Simeon and Anna at St John Chrysostom 2022
St. John the Chrysostom Byzantine Catholic Church
https://www.facebook.com/StJohnsInTheRun
Sunday of Zaccheus 2022
St. John the Chrysostom Byzantine Catholic Church
https://www.facebook.com/StJohnsInTheRun
35th Sunday After Pentecost at St John Chrysostom 2022
St. John the Chrysostom Byzantine Catholic Church
https://www.facebook.com/StJohnsInTheRun
34th Sunday After Pentecost at St John Chrysostom 2022
St. John the Chrysostom Byzantine Catholic Church
https://www.facebook.com/StJohnsInTheRun
Sunday After Theophany at St John Chrysostom
St. John the Chrysostom Byzantine Catholic Church
https://www.facebook.com/StJohnsInTheRun
Theophany of Our Lord at St. John Chrysostom
St. John the Chrysostom Byzantine Catholic Church
https://www.facebook.com/StJohnsInTheRun
Homily - Sunday Before Theophany 2022
St. John the Chrysostom Byzantine Catholic Church
https://www.facebook.com/StJohnsInTheRun
Homily - Circumcision of the Lord 2022
St. John the Chrysostom Byzantine Catholic Church
https://www.facebook.com/StJohnsInTheRun
Homily - Synaxis of the Theotokos 2021
St. John the Chrysostom Byzantine Catholic Church
https://www.facebook.com/StJohnsInTheRun
Homily - Sunday of the Holy Fathers 2021
St. John the Chrysostom Byzantine Catholic Church
https://www.facebook.com/StJohnsInTheRun
Homily - Sunday of the Forefathers 2021
St. John the Chrysostom Byzantine Catholic Church
https://www.facebook.com/StJohnsInTheRun
Homily - Homily - Feast of the Maternity of Anna 2021
St. John the Chrysostom Byzantine Catholic Church
https://www.facebook.com/StJohnsInTheRun
Homily - Homily - 28th Sunday After Pentecost 2021
St. John the Chrysostom Byzantine Catholic Church
https://www.facebook.com/StJohnsInTheRun
Homily - 27th Sunday After Pentecost 2021
St. John the Chrysostom Byzantine Catholic Church
https://www.facebook.com/StJohnsInTheRun
Homily - Entrance of the Theotokos 2021
St. John the Chrysostom Byzantine Catholic Church
https://www.facebook.com/StJohnsInTheRun
Homily - 25th Sunday After Pentecost 2021
St. John the Chrysostom Byzantine Catholic Church
https://www.facebook.com/StJohnsInTheRun
Homily - St Michael and All Angels 2021
St. John the Chrysostom Byzantine Catholic Church
https://www.facebook.com/StJohnsInTheRun
Homily - 24th Sunday After Pentecost 2021
St. John the Chrysostom Byzantine Catholic Church
https://www.facebook.com/StJohnsInTheRun
Homily - 22nd Sunday After Pentecost 2021
St. John the Chrysostom Byzantine Catholic Church
https://www.facebook.com/StJohnsInTheRun
Homily - Sunday of the Fathers of the 7th Ecumenical Council 2021
St. John the Chrysostom Byzantine Catholic Church
https://www.facebook.com/StJohnsInTheRun
Homily - 20th Sunday After Pentecost 2021
St. John the Chrysostom Byzantine Catholic Church
https://www.facebook.com/StJohnsInTheRun
Homily - 19th Sunday After Pentecost 2021
St. John the Chrysostom Byzantine Catholic Church
https://www.facebook.com/StJohnsInTheRun
Homily - Feast of the Protection of the Theotokos (Pokrov) 2021
St. John the Chrysostom Byzantine Catholic Church
https://www.facebook.com/StJohnsInTheRun
Homily - 18th Sunday after Pentecost 2021
St. John the Chrysostom Byzantine Catholic Church
https://www.facebook.com/StJohnsInTheRun
Homily - Sunday after the Exaltation of the Holy Cross 2021
St. John the Chrysostom Byzantine Catholic Church
https://www.facebook.com/StJohnsInTheRun
Homily - Exaltation of the Holy Cross 2021
St. John the Chrysostom Byzantine Catholic Church
https://www.facebook.com/StJohnsInTheRun
Homily - Sunday before Exaltation of the Cross 2021
St. John the Chrysostom Byzantine Catholic Church
Reflection on the Mini-Retreat with College Students (Franciscan University of Steubenville)
After a long break, we are back!
This recording was recorded last week when Miron Theophan just turned 4 months old!
This podcast is more of a summary of those 4 months where we did not publish anything. We pray that from now on, we will have a regular schedule.
Book: The Path to Salvation by St. Theophan the Recluse
Publisher: St. Paisius Monastery
Homily 15th Sunday after Pentecost and Beheading of St. John the Baptist
St. John the Chrysostom Byzantine Catholic Church
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRavXY4gi2nW-oCv4dez2Xw
Homily 14th Sunday after Pentecost and Beheading of St John the Baptist
St. John the Chrysostom Byzantine Catholic Church
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRavXY4gi2nW-oCv4dez2Xw
Book: The Path to Salvation by St. Theophan the Recluse
Publisher: St. Paisius Monastery
Page: 34 - 36
Book: The Path to Salvation by St. Theophan the Recluse
Publisher: St. Paisius Monastery
Page: 32 - 34
Book: The Path to Salvation by St. Theophan the Recluse
Publisher: St. Paisius Monastery
Page: 31 - 32
Patristic Nectar Pub.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fm2a2WeIdI
Book: The Path to Salvation by St. Theophan the Recluse
Publisher: St. Paisius Monastery
Page: 31
Patristic Nectar Pub.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fm2a2WeIdI
Theosis: Fulfilling Our Destiny
Pt. 1: https://youtu.be/SleCM20EQDk
Pt. 3: https://youtu.be/8rStMGlD3lk
Pt. 4: https://youtu.be/FyHfoOq_1X4
Pt. 5:
Fr. Deacon Ed's Homily February 28th 2021: https://youtu.be/wW-ebQJ5SWk
Theosis: Fulfilling Our Destiny Pt. 1: https://youtu.be/SleCM20EQDk Pt. 3: https://youtu.be/8rStMGlD3lk Pt. 4: https://youtu.be/FyHfoOq_1X4 Pt. 5: Fr. Deacon Ed's Homily February 28th 2021: https://youtu.be/wW-ebQJ5SWk
Book: The Path to Salvation by St. Theophan the Recluse
Publisher: St. Paisius Monastery
Page: 29 - 30
Book: The Path to Salvation by St. Theophan the Recluse
Publisher: St. Paisius Monastery
Page: 29 - 30
Book: The Path to Salvation by St. Theophan the Recluse
Publisher: St. Paisius Monastery
Page: 25
Image taken from the book "The Path to Salvation" published by St. Paisius Monastery
https://stpaisiusgiftshop.com/books/st-paisius-monastery-publications/spiritual-writings/the-path-to-salvation-new-edition/
Book: The Path to Salvation by St. Theophan the Recluse
Publisher: St. Paisius Monastery
Page: 25
Book: The Path to Salvation by St. Theophan the Recluse
Publisher: St. Paisius Monastery
Page: 25
Book: The Path to Salvation by St. Theophan the Recluse
Publisher: St. Paisius Monastery
Page: 25
Book: The Path to Salvation by St. Theophan the Recluse
Publisher: St. Paisius Monastery
Page: 25
Book: The Path To Salvation by St. Theophan the Recluse
Publisher: St. Paisus Monastery
Page #23 - 24
Book: The Path To Salvation by St. Theophan the Recluse
Publisher: St. Paisus Monastery
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Book: The Path To Salvation by St. Theophan the Recluse
Publisher: St. Paisus Monastery
Page #23