A Nasruddin story A neighbour came to the gate of Mulla Nasreddin's yard. The Mulla went to meet him outside. "Would you mind, Mulla," the neighbour asked, "can you lend me your donkey today? I have some goods to transport to the next town." The Mulla didn't feel inclined to lend out the animal …
Don’t be prodigal in your prayers!
Among the most impressive civilizations in world history were the great Islamic societies of Central Asia, along what were called the Silk Roads. Great architecture and art, literature, technology, scientific and mathematical discoveries were among the trademarks of these societies - in sharp contrast to the common perceptions of Islam that are common in Europe …
How shall we pray?
“Lord, teach us to pray!” the disciples asked of Jesus. Why? They were Jews, they were taught to pray three times a day. Why were they asking? Perhaps because they felt something new was happening. Jesus was not like the Pharisees or the priests. He was teaching a new way, so they wanted to pray …
Boldness in Dialogue
Rachel Carson dedicated her groundbreaking book Silent Spring (published in 1962) this way: To Albert Schweitzer who said “Man has lost the capacity to foresee and to forestall. He will end by destroying the earth.” Human beings have lost the capacity to foresee and to forestall. And this means that we become resigned, fatalistic, accepting the …
The Dialogue of Salvation
The Gospel story of Jesus' encounter with the tax collector Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10) brings us face to face with Jesus' message of inclusion. But it also reminds us how important dialogue was in the ministry of Jesus. Dialogue is everywhere in all four Gospels. Matthew 15:21-28 is my favorite example. It reveals practically everything you need to know about …
When Healing = Salvation
The Gospel pericope of the Cleansing of the Ten Lepers (Luke 17:12-19) usually lends itself to a sermon about thanksgiving. But today I see something different. Notice that only to the Samaritan who returns does Jesus say “your faith has made you well.” What about the other nine? What made them well? What healed them?.....
The Language of Blessing
Water is a prime symbol in all religions. No surprise, since water covers over 70% of the earth’s surface. In Genesis, the earth is all water at the beginning. Then we have the Flood, the crossing of the Red Sea, the Jordan, etc. In the New Testament, water is again prime symbol. John baptizes …
Six Commandments for the Church
Commandments spoken by Jesus that should define what the church should be: A new commandment I give you...that you love one another. Forgive. Go and do likewise - not just Do likewise, but Go and do likewise! Do this in remembrance of me. Do not be afraid. Give to Caesar that which is Caesar’s …
36 Degrees to Armageddon
Frank Schaefer is a noted Orthodox writer, speaker and blogger. He recently received a request from a friend in the Chicago area: “Please let me know if your contacts know of any truly loving Orthodox (Greek, Russian or other) churches or missions in Chicago or within an hour’s drive of Chicago.” Frank wrote on …
Possessions that Possess
I am forced again to talk about context, because the parable we heard today has been deprived of its context. Here is the context, in Luke 12: 13 One of the multitude said to him, “Teacher, bid my brother divide the inheritance with me.” 14 But he said to him, “Man, who made me …
Ancient Answers 