It has been said that true veneration is the stepping stone to true adoration. Let's unpack this insight. The wisdom of the faith calls us to learn how to truly and fully adore God. It is why I, personally, never use the word "adore" for anything but the Holy Trinity....
From our reading today from the book of Genesis: "So Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife, and the two of them went together. But Isaac spoke to Abraham his...
The forgetting of wrongs is a sign of true repentance. But he who dwells on them and thinks that he is repenting is like a man who thinks he is running while he is really asleep. St John, "The Ladder of Divine Ascent" My grandmother use to say "I'll forgive but...
Listen to St. Mark, the Ascetic: "If you wish to remember God unceasingly, do not reject as undeserved what happens to you, but patiently accept it as your due. For patient acceptance of whatever happens kindles the remembrance of God, whereas refusal to accept weakens the spiritual purpose of...
Tomorrow we remember St. John of the Ladder. You've all seen the icon of ASt. John's vision. The faithful are climbing to Christ, while the angels are assisting their climb, the demons are trying to pull the faithful from the ladder. It is no mistake that the Church calls us...
Wisdom is a hard won virtue. But the valuable lessons earned are absolutely filled with life and peace! Notice a section of our readings from Proverbs this morning: "The simple believes everything, but the prudent looks where he is going. A wise man is cautious and turns away from...
Listen to today's reading from the Prophet Isaiah: "Therefore thus says the Lord God: 'Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, A tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; Whoever believes will not act hastily. Also I will make justice the measuring line, And righteousness...
During Great Lent, the Church calls us to celebrate the Liturgy of the Pre-sanctified Gifts on Wednesdays and Fridays. So, today we are preparing our hearts to receive the Pre-sanctified Gifts this evening. Besides being a spiritual "boost" for us during the rigorous spiritual labors of Great Lent, the...
