Killing the Fear of Death: Homily for the Third Sunday of Lent (Adoration of the Cross) in the Orthodox Church

· Fr. Philip LeMasters 2 Leave a Comment on %s

Hebrews 4:14-5:6; Mark 8:34-9:1            Today we do something that goes against the strongest inclinations of fallen humanity:  We adore and celebrate the Cross.  Absolutely no one rejoiced about crosses in the first century, for crucifixion was the most horrible form of execution the Romans could devise.  When the Lord told Peter plainly that He would be killed, the head disciple was horrified and tried to correct Him. …

Overcoming Paralysis Through Humility: Homily for the Second Sunday of Lent in the Orthodox Church

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Mark 2:1-12 If we were not aware already that we have much in common with the paralyzed man in today’s gospel reading, the first two weeks of Lent have surely opened our eyes a bit to that truth.  The struggle to embrace spiritual disciplines quickly shows us that we typically do not control ourselves very well at all.  We find it so hard to turn away from our usual self-centered habits when…

Restoration, Not Escape: Homily for the First Sunday of Lent in the Orthodox Church

· Fr. Philip LeMasters

Hebrews 11:24-26, 32-40; John 1:43-51           We are all tempted at times to think how nice it would be to run away from all our problems. We would like to leave behind our jobs, annoying people, or difficult circumstances of whatever kind. We would like to escape all that weighs us down in order to find peace and happiness. In one way or another, we have all fantasized…

Putting on the Armor of Light for Lent: Homily for Forgiveness Sunday in the Orthodox Church

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Romans 13:11-14:4; Matthew 6:14-21 There are some lines of work in which people who are on duty have to dress in distinctive ways.  The uniforms of police officers, firemen, and members of the military, for example, reflect their unique vocations, responsibilities, and authority.   Athletes, employees in many businesses, and some students must wear clothes that identify them in terms of the larger organization of which they are a part.  Whether we like…

Needy Neighbors and Strangers as Icons of Christ: Homily for the Sunday of the Last Judgment in the Orthodox Church

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Matthew 25:31-46           It is easy to think that we have been successful in any endeavor before we are tested.  Students in college classes, for example, often think that they are doing just fine until they take the first examination.  Athletes may think that their team is the best until they lose the first game.  Cooks do not know how good a recipe is until someone actually eats…