In today's episode, we wrestle with St Paul's description of the Mosaic Law in Romans, which he indicates is both good, yet a cause of us stumbling. We conclude by pointing out how Paul resolves this inherent conflict with the Law.
In John 12, Jesus begins the final week of His earthly ministry, with "Greeks" (Gentiles) coming to hear Him. We discuss what this signifies and how it connects to Jesus statement that when He is lifted up, He will draw all men to Himself. We also discuss the notion of Jesus comparing His death to a grain of wheat.
We discuss the events that led to one of the first deacons, Philip, baptizing many of the Samaritans, and why Peter and John later came to lay hands on them for the reception of the Holy Spirit. We contemplated the devastation and confusion of the disciples following Jesus' crucifixion, and concluded with an explanation of how this distinction between baptism and the laying on of hands applies to the Church today.
We discuss why John the Baptist sent his disciples to Jesus, questioning if Jesus was the Messiah. Through that exchange, we come to realize how John can be called "the greatest born of women," yet least in the kingdom of heaven. We conclude by discussing why Jesus is talking about taking the kingdom by violence.
In today’s episode, we discussed teachings from the Gospel of Luke, focusing on the significance of where one places their treasure and the importance of being prepared for judgment. Fr Aaron shared an example from his personal experience that helped drive home the poignance of Jesus’ teaching: “For where your treasure is, there will be your heart also.”
We discuss Jesus' appearance to Mary Magdalene, in which she recognized Him only when He called her by name. What does that mean and why did she call Him "Rabboni?" Why did Jesus tell her not to hold on to Him?
Today's discussion centered around why Paul made such a big deal about the issue of circumcision among Gentile Christians. Ultimately, Paul's concern was with interpreting Scripture/the Old Testament correctly. We concluded by talking about practical implications from Paul's argument in this day and age.
We discuss the nature of spiritual warfare and Paul's metaphor of putting on the whole armor of God, with an emphasis on how the spiritual warfare is fought not so much between dueling forces of good and evil per se, but against our own innate biological impulses.
To provide context for the famous verse John 3:16, we discussed the complex person of Nicodemus, one who accepted Jesus, yet was still initially ashamed to publicly proclaim Jesus' teaching. We also learn why Nicodemus was ashamed of Jesus' teaching of being born again, and what that teaching means.
In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul focuses on the resurrection of Christ. We discuss why Paul focuses on the resurrection and why it is so important to Paul to recognize Jesus as the "firstfruits" of the resurrection.
For the feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God, the Orthodox Church appoints a reading from Luke that references a different Mary. Why does the Church choose that reading? What does the reading mean? And what is the significance of Mary's witness to Christ?
The parable of the wheat and tares (or as it is translated in our reading, the weeds) is a key parable that corresponds to the parable of the seed. We discuss its importance in today's episode.
We begin today by discussing the half-shekel tax the Pharisees wanted Jesus to pay, and the significance of Jesus interaction with His disciples around this episode. We concluded by discussing the implications of becoming like a child.
Today we examine Matthew 5 and compare it to Matthew 6, discussing the apparent contradiction. Specifically, in Matthew 5, Jesus tells His disciples to let their light shine before men so that they may see their good deeds. Yet, just one chapter later Jesus tells them to pray, fast, and give alms in secret. What are we to make of this? We reconcile these seeming contradictions in today's episode.
In John's Gospel, Jesus talks about Himself as both Shepherd and Door. We discuss what each of these allusions means, while also contrasting Jesus with the false shepherd Pharisees, those who are condemned in Ezekiel.
We discuss how the Bible, generally, and today's passage from Proverbs, specifically, challenges the worldview of its time--seeking "sophia" (wisdom) through philosophical pursuits. Proverbs teaches us that true wisdom is found in following God's commandments. We specifically mention a passage from today's reading that deals with controlling anger.
We discuss the scriptural reason why the cross is our focus on the 3rd Sunday and 4th week of Lent. We conclude by focusing on the true meaning of "taking up your cross," explaining why a common understanding of this principle is not accurate.
We discuss the story of Cain and Abel and how it teaches one of the most important lessons of Lent: becoming antipossesive.
We discuss the first reading of Lent, Genesis 1:1-13, and how this text relates to what we as Orthodox Christians do during Lent, and how it also connects with our celebration of Pascha.
With Lent approaching, we now have readings from the Old Testament appointed. Today, we discuss the book of Joel and how it prepares us for the ultimate purpose of the Lenten season, which is to remind us of the upcoming Judgment.
We began our discussion on Peter's epistles and their unique audience of the Jewish Diaspora, highlighting how Peter shares the same message as Paul, but with slightly varying language due to the different audience. We concluded by focusing on Peter's admonition to husbands and wives, highlighting the historical context.
In discussing James, we are confronted with a teaching that some believe contradicts Paul's teaching on salvation. In highlighting a comprehensive biblical understand of grace and faith, we show how James and Paul's teachings are actually complementary.
We discuss our innate tendency to judge others, but how the Bible, generally, and St James in his epistle, specifically, call us to overcome this sin. We talk about practical ways of changing our thoughts so we are not as inclined to be judgmental.
Fr Aaron provides an overview of the Epistle to the Hebrews, paying special attention to the difficulties faced by early Jewish Christians in maintaining their radical faith as a minority group. We also discussed how we might gain spiritual endurance of the type described in the Epistle.
We discuss the implications of Jesus telling us that he who loves parents or spouses or children more than Him are not worthy of Him. What does that mean and how should it be applied? Are the two often synonymous, meaning loving our family is showing love for God? We conclude with a brief discussion on the meaning of the first will be last and the last will be first.
We discuss why Jesus seemingly pesters Simon Peter about whether he loves Him. We also emphasize the reason Simon is referred to in this passage as the "son of Jonah." Finally, we discuss John's statement that "Jesus did many other things not written in this book."
In discussing 2 Corinthians 8, we referred back to Paul's collection from the Corinthian church for the church in Jerusalem. Fr Aaron highlighted the historical circumstances that led to Paul taking this collection, but also taught us about how this collection was strategic by St Paul to help unite the Jews and the Gentiles.
In highlighting the biblical account of the Transfiguration, Fr Aaron showed how that event relates both in Scripture and in the Orthodox Church tradition to Christ's work on the Cross. Further, we discussed the significance of Transfiguration occurring during the Feast of Booths, or the Feast of Tabernacles. Ultimately, Jesus' Transfiguration during this feast follows the biblical tradition, which gives the Tabernacle the "upper hand" over the Temple.
We discussed the dangers of placing the traditions of men above the Scriptures. Tradition is important, but we must ensure that nothing we do contradicts Scripture, nor serves to make us an exclusive community that prevents sinners from participating. Finally, we discussed how paying only lip service to God is among the chief sins a person can commit.
In discussing the parable of the sower, we recognized it should rather be referred to as the parable of the seed. For the emphasis of the parable is on the seed—spreading spreading the Gospel message in word and in deed. After all, even if there is good soil, it can bear no fruit without the seed. We further discussed how we should not be discouraged when the seed does not grow or take root, for it is God alone who gives the growth. Our job is to plant the seed.
