Homilies and Commentary on the Christian Life Today
Author: Fr. Philip LeMasters
Pastor of St. Luke Orthodox Church in Abilene, Texas, Fr. Philip is also Professor of Religion at McMurry University and a member of the Board of Trustees of St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary in New York, where he holds an appointment as Professor of Christian Ethics. His most recent book is The Forgotten Faith: Ancient Insights for Contemporary Believers from Eastern Christianity (Cascade Books, 2013).
St. Luke 18: 18-27 Epistle to the Galatians 3:23-4:5 In order for me to remember to do much of anything, I usually have to write it down on a list. If it’s not on the list, it usually doesn’t get done, and some tasks remain on the list for a very long time before I finally get around to them. Maybe some of you are like that also. The…
Luke 12: 16-21 Ephesians 2:14-22 If we look around the world today, we see so much violence, hatred, and suffering. Nations and peoples insist on their own way and often refuse to forgive past wrongs or to work together toward a peaceful future. And the same is all too true of us in how we look at our own society, as well as our families, friendships, and other daily interactions with people.…
Gospel According to Luke 10: 25-37 I have a warning for you: Christmas is now only forty-four days away. And for most of us that means shopping, planning, travel, decorating, parties, and the busiest and most stressful time of the year. Unfortunately, most of our activities over the next six weeks will have little to do with the true meaning of Christmas: …
St. Luke 16: 19-31 I bet that every one of us can name some famous people who seem to be famous mostly because they are famous. Some people make the news simply by being who they are for reasons that are beyond us. For whatever reason, the names of celebrities are always well known. But it’s not the same for the humble and…
Luke 8:41-56 Sometimes we think that everyone has to approach God in exactly the same way. After all, we are Orthodox Christians. The Divine Liturgy and other services are set; they don’t change and are celebrated in by the Orthodox around the world. Our beliefs were defined through ancient councils. Our spiritual practices have been passed down over the centuries by countless…