True Faith Makes You Outward Focused
The myth of Narcissus is legendary. Narcissus was a man who was exceptionally handsome and knew it. And his actions reflected his utter disdain for those who loved him. He walked through life proud of his appearance and dismissive of those who admired him. Nemesis watched Narcissus and how...
“How Do You Know Me?”
Our society is experiencing a pandemic of mental and psychological confusion when it comes to our identity. From children being butchered to deal with the confusion of growing up, to whole new "tribes" of people being formed around this or that sexual desire or attraction, to us divining ourselves...
“I Am Crucified With Christ” A Sunday Homily
On the Feastday of St. Paul, the Apostle declares that he is "crucified with Christ" and he reveals three eternal truths that should govern our lives today! A homily given at St. Paul's Greek Orthodox Church in Irvine, CA. https://youtu.be/Uh1GlqDV80Q?si=M1AgxZDnUK6iYsjr
Be Watchful – Be Sober A Weekend at St. Paul’s, Irvine, CA.
Recently, Fr. Barnabas was blessed to be the featured speaker for the Nameday Celebration for St. Paul's Greek Orthodox Church in Irvine, CA. The Theme of the weekend was Be Watchful - Be Sober, the Path to Spiritual Maturity. Fr. Barnabas took some of the writings of St. Paul in...
The Plain Truth of Two Choices
The great Oriental philosopher Confucius declared "Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated." I would add, "It may be simple, but it isn't easy!" So, why do you think we tend to complicate our lives? More and more I'm convinced that those who want things complicated...
You Can’t Get there from Here – Sunday Homily
Our Gospel Lesson is a powerful reminder that Lazarus and the Rich Man were separated by a chasm that made it impossible for Lazarus to go to where the Rich Man was. The revelation of St. Paul telling the Galatians that he is crucified over the world and the...
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem!
It seems there has been conflict, bloody and otherwise, in the Middle East forever. No matter what is going on, the hatred and the destruction seem to be ever-present. And it is such a tragedy perpetuated by politics, revenge, and a hunger for control. The fact is we simply cannot...
Attentiveness – The Key to Spiritual Health
St. John of Damaskos says: "Without attentiveness and watchfulness of the intellect we cannot be saved and rescued from the devil, who walks about ‘like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour’." Sounds pretty serious. And yet, the virtue of attentiveness is so very difficult and elusive. I guess...
The Message Delivered by Angels
For centuries and across all cultures and languages, the idea of "Don't shoot the messenger" prevailed. In the days before our modern communications technology, the rulers would use the "town crier" to make announcements and even convey bad news to the village. It was considered treason to harm the...
The Power of Following An Example
"Early is on time. On-time is late. Late is unacceptable!" These were my words, but they were coming out of my daughter's mouth! She was giving a friend of her's a hard time about being late to dance practice. We don't "do" "Greek time" "Country time" or any other...