In this episode we turn to the Sermon on the Mount, and begin a discussion of the central characteristics of an authentic Christian life.
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The parable of the Prodigal Son is probably one of the best-known and most-loved of Jesus’ parables. But there’s a detail in the parable that is easy to miss if we don’t read this text in its original language. There’s a word in the ancient Greek text with an important double meaning. ― Become a subscriber for early access, extended episodes, and other special content → https://anchor.fm/frajarmus/subscribe
In this episode, Jesus begins his ministry of proclaiming the Gospel. And he begins with the word that will be the constant refrain throughout his ministry, and the life of all his saints: Repent. But this word doesn’t mean what many people think it means.
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In this episode we are at the threshold of Jesus’ earthly ministry. But before beginning to preach the Good News, Jesus fasts in the wilderness and is tempted by the devil.
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The Beatitudes are a central part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. They are also central to his entire Gospel and, indeed, to the life of every Christian.
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The Lord my God will enlighten my darkness. The Lord lives! Blessed be my Rock! Let the God of my salvation be exalted.
Today’s scripture readings → https://www.oca.org/readings/daily/2023/02/20
“Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12:28-29) The Orthodox Church doesn’t do a lot of fire-preaching. And when we do talk about fire, it is something very different. → https://share.descript.com/view/4D6HGr2lokI
Love in Christ,
+FrAJ
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The parable of the Prodigal Son is the third of three parables in Luke 15, all dealing with the theme of finding that which was lost. My sermon at St Nicholas Cathedral in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on the Sunday of the Prodigal Son, February 12, 2023.
In the Book of Genesis, we read that God planted two trees in the Garden of Eden. One tree promised life, the other tree was much less promising. Here’s a reflection on the Eastern Orthodox Christian understanding of Eden’s forbidden tree.
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In this episode, we look at the baptism of Jesus in the river Jordan, and the great theological truth revealed at that moment.
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The honesty with which the Gospels portray the doubts and struggles of the apostles reminds us that our faith doesn’t need to be perfect, it just needs to be persistent.
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Eastern Orthodoxy 