The needs of the body and the needs of the soul are inter-related. Our body and soul are interdependent entities which connect with and affect each other. No body has life without a soul, for the soul is itself the life-force which animates the body. But because its nature is not only to animate the body, but to direct it and guide it through spiritual principles, when the soul no longer animates the body in death, it loses much of... Read more
The whole of creation is filled with the glory of God. Even though it is usually hidden from us because of our sin, the presence of God is all around us, gently guiding us, so that we can find our way and eventually see and encounter it in its radiant beauty. We should be able to discern the Wisdom of God in all things, to see its influence everywhere. And yet, we do not because we have eyes which cannot... Read more
When the poor are oppressed by those with wealth or power, when their weakness and poverty is used against them to ridicule and insult them by those who have wealth and influence, the poor will cry out, giving their grievances to those who would hear them out. Those in positions of authority are expected listen to them, to discern the unjust burdens being imposed upon them, and to use their power to restore the common good. If they do not,... Read more
Abba Anthony once went to visit Abba Amoun in Mount Nitria and when they met, Abba Amoun said, “By your prayers, the number of the brethren increases, and some of them want to build more cells where they may live in peace. How far away from here do you think we should build the cells?” Abba Anthony said, “Let us eat at the ninth hour and then let us go out for a walk in the desert and explore the... Read more
A Christian Samurai: The Trials of Baba Bunkō by William J. Farge, SJ. (Washington, DC: Catholic University of America Press, 2016), xxv +300 pages. In Tokugawa Japan, Christianity had become outlawed. While it appeared that Christianity had died out, and many historians therefore have ignored its historical presence in Japan during this era, it is now apparent that Christianity went underground. Christians hid themselves from the government, and they might have had access to the best catechetical material so their... Read more
In giving birth thou didst preserve thy virginity; in falling asleep thou didst not forsake the world, O Theotokos. Thou wast translated to life, O Mother of Life, and by your prayers you deliver our souls from death (Troparion of the Dormition). Jesus was born of the virgin Mary. This is how God the Son, the Logos, chose to dwell among us: he truly became man, and this was done in and through Mary. Her body was the source and... Read more
Christians are called to be imitators of Christ, indeed, to be christs in Christ. They are called to be salt of the earth, to purify and protect the good within creation. They are to take the accomplishment of Christ as high priest and take it to the world, so not only do they purify and protect creation, but they work with grace to restore it to its natural integral unity. What sin has caused to be torn asunder, they are... Read more
Soon after soon after being tortured, having his tongue and right hand cut off, and then being sent into exile, the elderly St. Maximos died. Born around 580, he would fall asleep in the Lord on August 13, 662.He was one of the great intellects and spiritual masters of the Christian East, recognized as such during his life, which is why when he took a stand on an important and divisive theological issue, what he said would be noticed by... Read more
“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD“ (Deut. 6:4 RSV). Despite some confusion various Christians and non-Christians have concerning the Trinity, this truth is one of the basic tenets of Christian doctrine: God is one. Indeed, God is the One. Various philosophical and theological discussions can and do ensue from this fact. While the transcendence of God makes even what it means for us to say he is one impossible for us to comprehend, we can nonetheless... Read more
He also said, “Always have the fear of God before your eyes. Remember him who gives death and life. Hate the world and all that is in it. Hate all peace that comes from the flesh. Renounce this life, so that you may be alive to God. Remember what you have promised God, for it will be required of you on the day of judgment. Suffer hunger, thirst, nakedness, be watchful and sorrowful; weep, and groan in your heart; test... Read more
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