Sunday, July 8, 2007 in Teachings And Jesus, seeing their faith, said to the paralytic, Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you. (Matthew 9:2).
Why does Jesus not first heal the man? Why forgive him his sins first?
Healing him of his paralysis will help him in this world for a short time, but healing his soul will profit man for eternal life.
Homily, Plebe Summer Sunday, July 8, 2007 in Teachings “’For the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness unto him’ (I Corinthians 2:14). So then there is need of spiritual ‘wisdom,’ so we may perceive things spiritual, so we may see things hidden. That Spirit ‘reveals’ all things… But what is clear? That through His power we have believed that He has raised Christ.”
Plebe Summer Sunday, July 1, 2007 in Teachings Saints Cosmas and Damian, whose memory we keep this day, were fully devoted to Christ. As a result of their piety, God granted them the gift of healing others and of bringing many people to the knowledge and love of Christ.
There are many such examples in the lives of the Saints of God working miraculously through these holy men and women for the salvation of others.
Homily, Plebe Summer Sunday, July 1, 2007 in Teachings St. Paul is writing to all the faithful in Christ Jesus while in prison in Rome. Despite his many sufferings for the Gospel, he exhibits joy, peace, and unflinching purpose. This is courage personified.
Plebe Summer Sunday, July 2, 2006 in Teachings No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.
(Matt. 6:24).
Christ God must be the focus of our lives. It is only in putting Him and His Church first, that all the other important aspects of our lives come together and fit into their proper place, glorifying God. Salvation for Christians—for Orthodox—has always meant our continued growth and participation in the life of the Holy Trinity.
Homily, Plebe Summer