For the next three weeks we will be re-posting some prior episodes before returning to new content. Today, we are re-posting Episode 45, in which we discussed the significance of Jesus’ movement in and out of the great city of Jerusalem, and His spending the evenings in Bethany. We also highlighted a parable Jesus spoke while visiting the Temple, calling out the religious people of His time. In stark contrast to how Jesus lived His earthly life—ministering to the poor and the outcast—these “piou...
Aug 17, 2022•16 min•Ep. 126
To highlight the significance of Jesus telling His disciples to become like little children, we discussed the role of children in the Roman Empire of Jesus’ time. Children of that time did not have the same rights and protections we often take for granted in our own societies. We then touched on the significance of Jesus saying the greatest in the Kingdom will be like a child, and Jesus’ harsh words for those who would cause children to stumble.
Aug 10, 2022•12 min•Ep. 125
In discussing Paul's admonition "Let him who thinks he stand take heed lest he fall," Fr Aaron pointed out the subtle, yet important, use of the Greek word "stasis" in the New Testament. We reviewed Paul's use of the word in today's reading, as well as the use of the word in relation to the story of Barabbas and of Christ's resurrection, and how it shows the way we should live our lives. We also discussed how Paul brought the Gentile Corinthian Christians into the biblical/Old Testament narrativ...
Aug 03, 2022•13 min•Ep. 124
Today’s episode began with an explanation of how Paul sets up various metaphors to help make his point by using Jewish biblical teaching and well-known Roman concepts that would have been clearly understood by his readers. One specific example Fr Aaron gave relates to the structure of the Roman household, and how this can help us understand Paul’s teaching of God being the only judge, and why we should refrain from judging others. Fr Aaron emphasized the importance of understanding this metaphor...
Jul 13, 2022•17 min•Ep. 123
For today's episode, we are sharing Fr Aaron's sermon from June 26, 2022, the Sunday following the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Fr Aaron encourages Christians to understand our true goal, which is not changing laws, but changing hearts. Furthermore, he emphasizes how the Church is a spiritual hospital, welcoming all who have fallen short of the Gospel's ideals. Finally, Fr Aaron highlights how Christians should take a comprehensive approach to being "pro-life," including adopting and fostering ch...
Jul 06, 2022•14 min•Ep. 122
We began today by addressing the division among members of the church in Corinth. We then moved to where Paul speaks about spiritual gifts and emphasized that these gifts are from God, to be used for His glory alone. We discussed how all members of the church are needed for the church to function properly and, therefore, all should be respected and appreciated equally. We concluded with chapter 13 and Paul’s well-known verses on love. Fr Aaron highlighted that “agape”—the type of love Paul menti...
Jun 29, 2022•15 min•Ep. 121
Today’s reading led us into a discussion about anxiety in general, as well as anxiety disorders. Fr Aaron shared with us his own story of dealing with an anxiety disorder and what conclusions he has drawn from his own experience. Fr Aaron advocated for viewing anxiety disorders—and mental health issues more broadly—more holistically, recognizing that the body, as well as the soul, must be treated. He provided a poignant analogy to help us better understand that point. We then discussed anxiety i...
Jun 22, 2022•28 min•Ep. 120
Today we discussed some practical implications of Jesus’ teaching to give and lend without expecting anything in return. We began by discussing the meaning of financial stewardship, balancing between ensuring accountability and not trying to control or micromanage in an unhealthy manner. We concluded by contemplating Jesus’ command to love our enemies and how we have the ability to do so because we are made in God’s image. To that end, Jesus taught we should behave as God behaves towards us—prov...
Jun 15, 2022•13 min•Ep. 119
Today we discussed Paul's defense of his faith at the Areopagus. We highlighted the radical nature of Paul's teaching, one that was at first both foreign and "foolish" to his hearers. Specifically, we noted the idea that the divine would suffer as a human, let alone exalt the poor and needy, was something radical to the Greeks, but also unique to the Judeo-Christian Scriptures. We concluded with a reminder that although we often claim to uphold these same values, we must be sure to actually put ...
Jun 01, 2022•13 min•Ep. 118
Today, in discussing the decisions made at the "Council of Jerusalem" in Acts 15, we highlighted the importance of the Old Testament to the early Christian community. We noted that while many Christians tend to minimize the Old Testament, we should learn to understand it and its powerful role in forming many values we hold dear in Western civilization. Finally, we discussed how and why the apostles came to their conclusions in Acts 15 and how that related to Jesus' fulfillment of the Scriptural ...
May 25, 2022•15 min•Ep. 117
Today we discuss Jesus talking about being "the bread of life" and instructing His disciples to "eat [His] flesh." We tried to discern what Jesus means by looking back to the story of Exodus and the manna in the wilderness. In doing so, we understand that the physical food in Scripture is always connected to the spiritual food, i.e. God's teaching. We then discussed the reception of the Eucharist in the Christian community, and how biblical teaching has been and continues to be intimately linked...
May 11, 2022•17 min•Ep. 116
Today’s discussion revolved around the passage from John 5 that is read at every Orthodox Christian funeral service, which distinguishes between those "who have done good" and those "who have done evil," and how the result of the resurrection will be different for each. We began by examining the apparent contradiction between faith and works, and how faith is not just an intellectual concept, but a way of life. We then briefly discussed how salvation is similar to an inheritance: it can never be...
May 04, 2022•14 min•Ep. 115
During Lent we will be re-running some of our most popular episodes. This week is a re-run of Week 53, in which we discussed the context of the Epistles to the Corinthians, noting the community was predominantly Gentile, one made up of Roman converts to the faith. We then discussed the similarities in the Bible of both Jews and Gentiles in that Scripture is critical of both communities. Later in today’s reading, we hear Paul address the Corinthians with a bit of sarcasm, to offer a warning: If w...
Apr 13, 2022•16 min•Ep. 114
During Lent we will be re-running some of our most popular episodes. This week is a re-run of Week 51, in which we discuss what it means to be “justified.” Fr Aaron explained that the Greek word that is often translated as “justified” can also be translated as “declared righteous.” And so, we can understand that to be justified means that we have been declared righteous. With this legal terminology in mind, we then discussed that while part of salvation is legal or juridical, salvation goes beyo...
Mar 30, 2022•15 min•Ep. 113
This week we are sharing Fr Aaron's homily on the current war in Ukraine. Fr Aaron focuses on how we can often overlook or demonize those we see as enemies and invites us all to look inside ourselves to ensure during this Lenten season we seek to expunge all hatred from our own hearts.
Mar 23, 2022•15 min•Ep. 112
During Lent we will be re-running some of our most popular episodes. This week is a re-run of Week 28, in which we discuss why John 1 is read at Pascha rather than an account of the Resurrection. Fr Aaron connected the beginning of this Gospel to the reading from Matthew 28 at the Vesperal Liturgy prior to the Paschal Liturgy that concludes with “Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” At Pascha the following day, we here from John 1, “In the beginning was the Word.” Because the c...
Mar 16, 2022•19 min•Ep. 111
During Lent we will be re-running some of our most popular episodes. This week is a re-run of Week 49, in which we examined the role of parables in Scripture. We began by stressing the importance of viewing the entirety of Scripture as parable, as well as the value of parables as guiding principles in our lives, since we are wired to better understand moral and spiritual lessons when they are told in story form. Christ Himself used parables to penetrate more deeply; to engrain the lesson on our ...
Mar 09, 2022•15 min•Ep. 110
Right before we begin the Lenten fasting season, the Orthodox Church appoints a reading from St Paul that begins: "Brethren, food does not commend us to God." We discuss why this reading is selected at the beginning of the fasting season and discuss the true nature of biblical fasting.
Mar 02, 2022•14 min•Ep. 109
In analyzing the parable of the Prodigal Son, Fr Aaron argues that most of us should identify more with the faithful son. After explaining why this is the case, we discussed the practical implications of why we are still in need of repentance, even if that repentance is for different reasons than the prodigal son.
Feb 23, 2022•13 min•Ep. 108
The parable of the Publican & Pharisee is appointed at a pivotal time in the Orthodox Church. By discussing the historical reputation of each of these characters and the parable itself, we highlight how Jesus' teaching prepares us for Great Lent. Furthermore, the parable teaches us about what God most desires, which is not that we are "moral" people, but that we are first and foremost humble, compassionate, and forgiving.
Feb 16, 2022•13 min•Ep. 107
The Orthodox Church today celebrates the great feast of The Meeting of the Lord in the Temple. The feast, on the 40th day of Christmas, commemorates Christ being presented on the 40th day at the Temple, according to the Mosaic Law. We discuss the significance of this and the words of both Simeon and Anna based on Luke's Gospel.
Feb 02, 2022•12 min•Ep. 106
We discuss St Paul's reference to himself as "chief among sinners," and how we each confess ourselves to be not only sinners, but the "chief" among them. How can this be? Why is it necessary? By understanding a couple of fundamental biblical propositions, we learn how viewing ourselves as chief among sinners is healthy and freeing, leading us to multiply our Lord's mercy.
Jan 26, 2022•13 min•Ep. 105
In discussing Hebrews 13:7-16, we noted the importance of Jesus' teaching being of eternal value. We further highlighted how the traditions and practices under the Old Covenant parallel what happened in Jesus' life, with an emphasis on its implications for how we should live our own lives. Finally, we discussed the meaning of the term "sacrifice of praise" used in this passage and in the Divine Liturgy.
Jan 19, 2022•11 min•Ep. 104
In discussing our reading from John 20, we highlighted the importance of understanding Scripture as literature, and clarified this does not imply that Scripture is not divinely-inspired. We then discussed why we should want to relate to "the beloved disciple," John, and his reaction at the empty tomb. We concluded by highlighting the implication of Jesus' "napkin" at the tomb being "rolled up."
Jan 12, 2022•12 min•Ep. 103
Based on our reading from 1 Timothy 3:1-13, we discussed the qualifications of the clergy, and how their primarily role is as "overseers," who themselves have no authority unless they maintain fidelity to the Gospel teaching. Accordingly, the clergy should function as St Paul did, as the "economos," the chief slave. While functioning as an overseer or economos, the clergy should remember they must give account to the one Master, the God and Father of us all.
Dec 15, 2021•14 min•Ep. 102
Jesus said: "By your endurance you will gain your lives." We discussed the importance and value of endurance in the Christian spiritual life. We also highlighted what Jesus meant when He told His disciples they would "bear testimony" to Him, and that at that time He would "give [them] a mouth to speak."
Dec 08, 2021•12 min•Ep. 101
With most Americans celebrating Thanksgiving tomorrow, we discussed the central theme of thanksgiving as part of the Divine Liturgy. We then discussed the need for Christians to avoid self-righteousness through our good deeds by acknowledging that those good deeds are done in response to God’s goodness and mercy towards us. In this way we can show our thankfulness for God and spread that same grace, love and mercy that He first gave us.
Nov 24, 2021•12 min•Ep. 100
Today we discuss three different men who wish to follow Jesus and Jesus' comments to them. We note the similarities to the Parable of the Great Supper, and how the excuses these men had were actually, under almost all circumstances, reasonable excuses. However, in the case of following Him, Jesus is stressing that nothing--no excuse--should come between us and our decision to follow in His path.
Nov 17, 2021•12 min•Ep. 99
“Everyone to whom much is given, of him will much be required.” We discussed this passage from two angles. First, those who have been given much in this life have a great responsibility to serve and uplift others. But if we frame this idea in the context of mercy, we can see that if we have been given great mercy, we must extend this to others as well. We concluded by discussing Jesus noting He came to "bring division to the earth," and His admonition to "settle accounts" before going to court.
Nov 10, 2021•15 min•Ep. 98
We discuss the implications of what it means to "have been granted for the sake of Christ to suffer." In short, if we never suffer, then we do not have the opportunity to examine ourselves to see if we are truly following Christ. Suffering presents an opportunity for us to learn about ourselves, to see in what areas we need to improve and to correct ourselves before the final judgement.
Oct 28, 2021•12 min•Ep. 97
