St. Paisios said, “Sometimes the devil deceives us and makes us unable to be pleased with anything; however, one can celebrate all things in a spiritual manner, with doxology, and secure God’s constant blessing.” The older I get, the more I see the gratitude and the cultivation of gratitude that...
Look at this note we recently received: "Thank you so much, Father Barnabas, for these words which you share every day. Your blog is part of my morning meditation." And another: "Fr. Barnabas your blessing, please! This was so powerful and the words cut me! Thank you so much!!! I need...
What do we mean when we use the word "tradition?" To many, especially the millions of American Christians formed and shaped by popular Christianity, it is usually seen as a negative. You know, the "traditions of men" that Jesus warned us to avoid (see Mark 7:8-9). For others, formed...
Is the choice to live a good life a choice between being strict rule-keepers or libertarian pleasure-seekers? The wisdom God has revealed to His creation uncovers the radical Truth that a happy life is a life of Peace and that Peace isn't the absence of conflict. True Peace, God's...
It seems we humans never tire of talking about Freedom. But what is freedom? During a dark time in human history, slavery of one form or another was the norm in human societies. Our nation, The United States, fought a war with ourselves over this blight on human history. Sadly,...
I remember reading Aesop's Fables and Mother Goose stories to my kids when they were little and actually would sit still while I read to them! These stories contained cultural lessons that have been passed down for generations. Humpty Dumpty, Old Mother Hubbard, The Hare and the Tortoise, The...
It has been said that God at His angriest is kinder to us than men at their kindest. What a lovely thought. Be careful; if you don't think this through, I guarantee the consequences of this great kindness won't be what you expected! So, what are we to do with...
Our modern world seems to run on violence. And it seems that every day the news is of more violence there and more violence here. From college campuses arguing over speech and “safe zones” and “trigger warnings” to the very real violence of terrorism all meant to disrupt and...
Let's face it; we all have to deal with the consequences of adulthood. Growing up means learning necessary life lessons. But avoiding these lessons means a perpetual childishness that ruins relationships! My daughter has now gotten her first job. And just the other day, I was talking to her and...
God loves a cheerful giver. Why? Because someone who gives from a cheerful heart that is an icon of a changed heart. The focus is on a transformed life, not a lack of money in the church. Have a cheerful heart and giving becomes a spark of joy in...
