Sermons

“Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?” (Matthew 8:26). We must learn how to be afraid. Fear plays an important role in life. Fear, in itself, is not a vice. We err when we let fear shake our faith rather than build it. “Behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of littl

“I will, be thou clean.” God overflows with mercy. His mercy fills heaven to the brim. At any minute, it may pour out into our lives, when we are ready to ask. “Behold, there came a leper and worshiped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean” (Matthew 8:1-3). Θέλω καθαρίσθητι. The meaning in Christ’s response is lost in English. Θέλω does not mean ‘I will’ so much as ‘I desire.’ Ou

“I want creation to penetrate you with so much wonder that everywhere, wherever you may be, the least plant may bring to you the clear remembrance of the Creator.” St. Basil the Great wrote these words in his famous homilies on creation. His sermons dig deep into the theology of Genesis — why God created, how God created, for whom God created. There is nothing arbitrary in the universe. Every molecule was designed out of love overflowing from God, creating life with the singl

Where will you find God? You will find Him in the Temple. Elder Roman Braga used to reminisce about growing up in his little Romanian village. A day’s work revolved around chiming bells calling the faithful to prayer. The year revolved around feast days. Men and women sought a priest’s blessing before starting a project. It was a life built on faith. Such recollections seem fanciful and romantic to the 21st century person, but are nothing of the kind. This life is, quite simp

“Opta ardua pennis astra sequi” “Desire to pursue on wings the high stars.” A great Roman poet wrote this line, forever expressing the prick in our conscience. Pursue the stars. Life is summed up by this calling. We will never be content on earth because it burns in our hearts. We were made to pursue the stars. Christmas starts the year with the same message. Let every breathe and action be an attempt to reach up: desire to pursue on wings the high stars. “For the grace of Go