What motivates our questions? Do we seek security, favor, and position when we ask that which we already know? Or do we seek clarity and common reference in the Scripture so that we can get on with the business of doing?  

The story of the Good Samaritan and the inverted question Jesus asks, "Who was neighbor to that man?" clarifies the question asked by the lawyer to tempt Jesus. The one who showed mercy clarified the work for the innkeeper to further extend mercy, and mercy abounds! "Do this and you will live," is the clear answer.

Any questions?  

Read the full episode transcript here. ​

In what ways do our presumptions and expectations cloud our vision? 

Fr. Seraphim Solof opens Luke 24 for the story of Jesus who appears to his disciples on the road to Emmaus. The disciples had just witnessed the crucifixion of Jesus; the very one they had expected to redeem Israel is now presumed dead. Unable at first to recognize the risen Jesus, their eyes were opened when the Scriptures were opened to them, culminating in the blessing and the breaking of bread. 

Fr. Seraphim describes, "The problem is, the God and the Jesus who we create and animate to do our bidding, whether that means instantly giving us everything we ask for in prayer, or perhaps smiting the people who don't see things the way we do, they are invariably a false god and a false messiah. They're idols of our own making, they're really just reflections of ourselves." Like the disciples, our only hope in recognizing the Lord is to open our eyes through the opening of Scripture which extends the invitation to table fellowship.   

Read the full episode transcript here.​

Simon Peter, in obedience to the Master's instruction, cast his net into the deep. One might think he'd won the lottery with so much fish that it broke the fishermen's nets and began to sink their boats! Instead, Simon Peter acknowledges his own sinfulness and falls at the knees of Jesus.
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​Fr. Timothy Lowe reminds us that only the mercy of the Lord, in light of our own sinfulness, lays the foundation for a good beginning. Whatever education and expertise we think we bring to our life's calling, we are challenged by Simon Peter who was willing to leave everything - his boat, nets, and fish - to follow his Lord. But it's only a beginning. And a good beginning doesn't make a hero. After baptism, there's more to the story.
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Read the full episode transcript here.

With plenty of grain in the barn or money in the bank, we may be tempted to relax, eat, drink and be merry. But like the rich fool, when we stand before the judgment seat, what will we have to show in being "rich toward God?" 

Dr. Andy Geleris, author of Money and Salvation: An Invitation to the Good Way, reflects on the parable of the rich fool from Luke's Gospel and the importance of being rich toward God. We must live as though we believe we will die and stand before God's judgment. Dr. Geleris also suggests that the Church has severely neglected the topic of money and the salvific practice of almsgiving as mercy-giving. He urges tithing as a great first step in almsgiving and reminds us that the Lord's blessing is abundant through anonymous giving.

Read the full episode transcript here.

Who doesn't love a good deal? Imagine the relief of debt forgiveness!

Fr. Aaron Warwick, co-host of Teach Me Thy Statutes, exegetes the parable commonly referred to as The Unjust Steward in the Gospel of Luke and demonstrates the wisdom of the steward through a more careful translation of the Greek which renders The Steward of the Unjust. The Master praises his steward for doing what the Master intends: distributing mercy just as the Apostle Paul mercifully distributes the Gospel to the Gentiles.  The parable serves as a reminder that we will all be called to account on the Last Day for the abundant mercy the Lord provides and expects to be shared with our neighbors.

​Read the full episode transcript here.

As the world begins to reopen, we have choices to make about engaging the world around us. Fr. Timothy Lowe shares two strange and contrasting stories - one where fear and suspicion leads to rejection and another where trust and a posture of hospitality leads to a joyous feast with a stranger. He likens these stories to the shushing crowds who refuse to engage the blind beggar in Luke's gospel; unlike Jesus who attends to his faithful cry.

These stories help servant leaders within the Lord's household to reconsider our "target audiences," those "customer profiles" we find worthy to engage our services, products, and events.

Read the full episode transcript here.

Blessed Feast of the Nativity and of the Circumcision of Our Lord Jesus Christ on this new year's day, 2022!

This holiday season we remember those who have led by example. The best leaders on the path of righteousness lead not by their own examples, relying on their own strength and resources. Instead they point to the Lord's instruction and examples of obedience, like the Theotokos who responded, "I am the Lord's servant. Be it unto me according to thy word!" (Luke 1:38)

May the prayer of 2022 be for all who serve in the Lord's household, "Not my will, but Thine be done!"

​Read the full episode transcript here.

Who among us doesn't like a bit of recognition, a pat on the back for effort and a job well done? Fr. Timothy Lowe emphasizes the relational aspects of trust and mercy as he unfolds the ego-busting lesson in Luke's gospel. "So you also, when you have done all that is commanded you, say, 'We are unworthy servants; we've only done what was our duty.'" (Luke 17:10) Ultimately, it's not just about doing the basics, but about going the extra mile.

Read the full episode transcript here.

​Do we professing Christians today face the same discomfort and conviction experienced by the Rich Young Ruler who is told to sell all that he has and give to the poor and follow Jesus? Like the rich ruler, do we lack trust in the commandments we profess to keep?

The story of the Rich Young Ruler immediately follows the scene of Jesus calling the little children to him. He takes the moment to teach, "Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” (Luke 18:17) Dependent children cannot but trust and receive from the one who provides for them. Fr. Dustin Lyon, host of The Way, contrasts the trusting children with the Rich Young Ruler, reminding us of the call to seek the treasures of heaven found in obedience to the instruction we receive.

​Read the full episode transcript here.