Pleasing God
“Let every one of us please his neighbor for his good to edification (Rom.15:2). But this path hides a very subtle spiritual temptation. What does “please” mean? Christianity is not slavish conformism. Pleasing is neutral in and of itself—it becomes either an ascent to virtue, or a fall into sin. There is an abyss between metaphysical freedom in Christ and psychological slavery before the opinions of this age. The Apostle strictly warns us: If I yet pleased men, I should not
Hospitality
“Why is hospitality incumbent on every Christian? Hospitality flows to us from our provident Creator, who daily sustains us all. These gifts are to be shared with others, as He so richly shares with us.” (Dynamis 10/16/2020) “Because of his hospitality and piety, Lot was saved from Sodom (Genesis 19) when all the country round was judged with fire and brimstone, when the master made it clear that he does not abandon those who set their hope on him but delivers to punishment a
Christ's Love
“Love flares up from understanding that the Lord doesn’t turn away from the impurity and sinfulness of man, doesn’t withdraw from our guilt, criminality, and ungodliness: He never pushes anyone away, but on the contrary, always allows approach, draws near, listens, even caresses, shows mercy, and finally, forgives everyone!” (St. Seraphim Chichagov) “Love is service. Our Lord Jesus Christ Himself gave us a great example of this when He washed the feet of the Apostles at the M
God's Nature/Our Nature
“It is very interesting that…it is only when God “empties himself” for the life of the world, that He actually takes on being. Before...
Face
“God and man looked at one another when Christ revealed Himself in truth to men…Through Christ we see as in a mirror the spotless and...
Children and Parents
“God is not just Father of the divine Word, but stepfather to all who are baptized. God is not just a friend in Christ, but the...