The Lord's cleansing of the Temple at Jerusalem is such an important event that it is described in all four gospels and was one of the events that led to his death. What was so significant about the Temple that the Jewish leaders resolved to have him killed?
Palm Sunday is a day of celebration in the Church, which seems odd considering that Christ entered Jerusalem knowing he was headed for the cross. Why is it joyful, what do the titles mean, and why doesn't Christ tell them not to call him the Messiah as he had in the past?
The blind men cry out to the Lord for healing as he passes by on the road, and they are rewarded. This simple story contains important lessons for us about faith, persistence in prayer and our response to the Lord when he approaches us and after we encounter him.
The request of James and John to sit at the right and left of Jesus in his kingdom prompts the Lord to explain Christian leadership to the Twelve. How does Christian leadership differ from what we typically think of leadership in the secular world?
As the Lord approaches Jerusalem, he attempts to prepare his disciples for the awful events to come, but they don't understand. James and John anticipate a worldly kingdom. Their mother attempts to help them secure a position. The Fathers have interesting comments on this!
Is it ever too late to change your ways? Christ tells a parable, explaining that it never too late and the rewards for accepting him even at the very end are exactly the same as given to those who never hesitated. But isn't that unfair of God? The Fathers explain and answer!
The rich young man was unwilling to part with his wealth to follow Jesus, but the disciples left everything for Christ. After Peter's statement, the Lord discusses the rewards that the disciples can expect. The Holy Fathers elaborate not only about those disciples but us as well.
The Lord said this about attachment to wealth: "It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven." This strange comparison has been discussed endlessly for centuries. Why did Christ say it and what does it mean?
Why is this the response when a rich young man asked Christ about inheriting eternal life? Are all of us expected to give up all our possessions? What prompted this advice and to whom does it apply?
After Christ explained that marriage is God-given and then placed limits on divorce, the astonished disciples wondered whether it is better not to marry at all. We will discuss the Lord's response along with Orthodox teaching on divorce.
The Pharisees challenged Jesus on the issue of divorce, asking him, "When is it allowed?" Christ's response is surprising and reveals his care and concern for women, especially compared to the prevailing laws and attitudes toward women in first-century Judaism.
Dr. Jeannie continues Christ's teachings on forgiveness in response to a strong objection that some things are simply unforgivable and that Christ's teachings are not "black and white." Dr. Jeannie shares some remarkable stories of the transformative power of forgiveness.
Continuing our study of the parable of the Unforgiving Debtor and the Lord's command that we forgive everyone who has harmed us, some ask how that is possible when we are still suffering from the harm done to us.
This powerful parable may be the most important in the Bible for our salvation. Why do we hold on to grudges and are unwilling to forgive? Christ graphically describes what will happen to anyone who refuses to forgive another person "from his heart." Take heed!
The Lord promised his presence even if only two or three are gathered in his name. This famous verse had practical purpose but was also misused to support divisions. St. Paisios explains the power of community prayer and also gave wonderful advice about effectual prayer.
As we continue Matthew 18, the Lord highlights the importance of every person with the Parable of the Lost Sheep. He also addresses the inevitable disputes that arise in every community. How should conflicts be handled? Christ speaks, and the Fathers explain! *audio quality/production elements may not be consistent.
The Lord said "It is necessary that scandals come, but woe to the one who causes them." Does "necessary" mean scandals are predestined? Why does God allow them? What are the consequences to the Church and to people whose actions scandalize the faithful?
Matthew 18 begins with this question. Although it seems proud, Chrysostom explains that there is something commendable about the argument. Chapter 18 is noteworthy because it contains the teachings of the Lord regarding relationships and conflicts within the Church.
A distraught father brought his sick boy to Jesus' disciples while Jesus was on Mount Tabor. But they were unable to cure the boy. Two reasons given are lack of faith and the need for prayer and fasting. Envy also makes our gifts and talents ineffective, says St. Paisios.
Have you ever wondered about this strange statement spoken by a desperate father to the Lord? How can we believe and yet still not believe? What does the Lord say to his disciples, and what lessons does this gospel passage hold about faith?
The Transfiguration of the Lord is a very significant event, not only for Him but also for us.The light that enveloped Christ was nothing like ordinary light. According to the Fathers, that light teaches us about our salvation and the possibility of theosis in the future.
The Transfiguration of the Lord is one of the Church's most important feast days but is surprisingly ignored in the West. Through St. Matthew's account, we will discover what the Fathers can teach us about its deep theological importance and significance.
What should we be willing to do for Christ? Is a Christian really required to die to the world to have eternal life, and what does that even mean? How do we die for Christ in our modern society? The Fathers speak!
What does it mean to pick up your cross? Most people assume that Christ is teaching us how to handle the difficulties of life. But the Fathers would not agree with that! Join Dr. Jeannie to learn the truth about this famous verse.
In one of the most dramatic reversals of the New Testament, the Lord, who previously praised Peter and gave him the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven, now associates Peter's words with the Devil. What were Christ's words and Peter's response that led to the sudden change?
As we approach Holy Week and will be contemplating the Passion of the Lord, Fr. Nick and Dr. Roxanne Louh are Dr. Jeannie's special guests this week to discuss the seven last statements of the Lord, the lessons we can learn from what He said and how we can apply that to our lives.
Did the early Church understand the words of Christ to Peter as giving unique powers or special privileges to Peter? How, when and why did the Roman Church develop its theology of papal supremacy? What did the early Fathers say about the keys to the kingdom of heaven?
Our examination of Peter's confession and Christ's blessing continues. Was Peter ever the bishop of Rome? Did the Lord's words give Peter and all bishops of Rome universal jurisdiction over the entire Church? What did the holy Fathers say about Christ's words?
Peter's acknowledgment of the true identity of Jesus, led to him receiving a new name and a blessing. The Catholic Church has used this verse to support its papal supremacy doctrine. Is Peter the Rock on which the Church is built, or is it something or someone else?
When the Pharisees asked Jesus for a sign from heaven, why did he reject their request? Is it unacceptable to ask God for a sign? Is a sign the same as a miracle? What role should miracles play in supporting our faith?
