Transfiguration is often connected to idea of theosis in Orthodox theology. But it’s a static conception of “theosis": Peter wants to stay on the mountain and be wrapped in the outpouring of divine glory. But Jesus says, no, pack up and let’s go back down where real divine glory is to be found. Abide in …
Be brave; it’s not fake news
"How many of us would rather be outraged than informed?" That is the question that was asked by the NPR announcer.....
Small is Beautiful
“In the beginning you created me from nothing and honoured me with your divine image…” sings one of the hymns in the Memorial Service. So also in Liturgy at the Great Prayer of the Anaphora: “You brought us into being out of nothing…” But the Anaphora of St. Basil has this: “For having made …
Salt and Light
The Lord said to his disciples, "You are the light of the world… began our Gospel reading today. But why not begin one verse earlier and hear the whole passage? “You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltness be restored? It is no longer …
What love enjoys to do
Last Sunday's Epistle reading and today's Epistle reading both speak of gifts and talents that God gives to members of the church.... Last week's Clergy-Laity Conference in Boston brought into focus some of the ways God provides for the church to fulfil its mission..... I'm not including any text today, preferring to allow the audio file …
The bottom line according to Jesus – and Paul
Sisters and brothers, you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, then healers, helpers, administrators, speakers in various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? …
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Was Jesus naive?
A study published this week offers startling facts about the behaviour of 62 mammal species - from opossums to elephants. Because of fear of humans, more and more animals are shifting their activity to nighttime in order to avoid encounters with humans. In parts of Africa, antelopes are more active at night - even …
Permission to “Be”
The first chirps of the waking birds mark the “point vierge” of the dawn under a sky as yet without real light, a moment of awe and inexpressible innocence, when the Father in perfect silence opens their eyes. They speak to Him, not with fluent song, but with an awakening question that is their …
Rediscover the Greatness of Spirit
While waiting for my MRI on Friday, I was reading a book by Rob Riemen, To Fight Against this Age: On Fascism and Humanism. It actually felt good to have a book with me instead of looking at my iPhone while waiting. The pleasure of holding a book is rapidly being lost, and that’s …
A Community of God’s Spirit
Let's start with an interesting contrast of biblical paradigms: Exodus paradigm: Revolution →→ Revelation Pentecost paradigm: Revelation →→ Revolution! The Pentecost paradigm can be illustrated with these two passages from the New Testament. Luke 6:12-19 == Prayer (Solitude) →→ Community →→ Ministry (Mission) Now during those days he went out to the mountain to …
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