What's the connection between functioning as a servant of God and hoping in the inheritance as a son of God?
Fr. Paul Hodge remembers the aphorism of Fr. Thomas Hopko of blessed memory, "Beware of consolation before the crucifixion." Like a child who wants dessert before dinner, we may want all of the glory of God's promises now. Looking to Romans 8, we are reminded of the order and the responsibility to receiving God's gift. Sharing in the inheritance as sons comes after suffering with Christ, and not before. Read the full episode transcript here.
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What do you wish for in this new year? Imagine if your every wish stirred an impulse to serve your neighbor with the very thing you first desire from them?
Fr. Timothy Lowe turns to Matthew 7 which challenges our presumptions and turns the worldly order upside-down. The easy path leads to destruction while the narrow gate leads to life. Those who look like sheep may be ravenous wolves, so you must know them by their fruits. And those who fall prey to false teaching may need to check their very wishes and desires against the fruit of Christ's teaching. Read the full episode transcript here. 
In what ways do we categorize one another and divide "us" from "them?" Who will care about these divisions on the Last Day?
Fr. Timothy Lowe suggests that if we insist on categories and divisions, then we have not been transformed by setting our minds on things above, as the Apostle Paul describes in this letter to the Colossians. Where the Roman Empire divides and conquers, the peace of Christ rules as one united body. If we put off the old and put on the new, then love binds everything together in perfect harmony. Read the full episode transcript here. 
A new year offers a chance to reflect and reset priorities. What kinds of new year resolutions are set by the servants of the Lord?
Fr. Timothy Lowe suggests we resolve to pray, out loud and often, the very words provided by Jesus in Matthew's Gospel. Our daily bread is closely linked to the daily practice of forgiveness, suggesting that as often as we eat, we must seek the Lord's daily bread through His Word and extend His mercy to one another. Noting its priorities, its communal emphasis, and even its own powerful simplicity in what the prayer leaves out, the Lord's Prayer sets the ultimate goal and direction for those who pray, "Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done." Read the full episode transcript here. |
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