419: Christ’s directions for Living: Matthew chapter 5 – “If a man looks at a woman with lust” and more

    People used to “Ask Abby” for advice. Today – I just looked up a list – it’s “Ask Carolyn” or “Ask Miss Manners” or “Ask Sahaj” (I just discovered him), “Ask a Queer Chick” (! not advised) and many more. I wonder how many people “Ask Jesus”? Note, however: He doesn’t advise; He […]

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417. What’s missing in the Creed: Part One – Matthew chapter 5

Now that I’ve got your attention (and may the Holy Fathers of the First and Second Ecumenical Councils forgive me) I’m not suggesting for a moment that the Creed be altered.  However, I do I wish the it contained some reference to: The Teachings of Jesus  By which I mean His directions for living, His […]

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23. The Story of the Holy Prophet Elijah – Part Two

So, now began the great confrontation between Elijah and the prophets of Baal, between truth and falsehood, between God and paganism. Elijah said, Take two bulls, one for the prophets of Baal and one for me, cut them in pieces and lay them on wood. Put no fire under them. You call on the name […]

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22. The Story of the Holy Prophet Elijah – Part One

July 20 is the feast of the Prophet Elijah. This is a wonderful story – of how God’s faithful prophet stood up alone to paganism and to power, and paid the price and triumphed. In order to tell the story and comment about it in this short space, I’ve had to leave out a great […]

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14. The Story of the Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council: Part 1

Why have I titled this post “The Fathers” of the First Ecumenical Council? Because the Orthodox Church, in her personal approach to everything, titles her commemorations not after events but after the people in them. I like that. The Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council dealt with many matters: the date of Pascha (why does this […]

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