Hearts and Minds

In an age of ever increasing anxiety and uncertainty, we can look to the lives of Sts. Peter and Paul as examples of how we can deepen our relationship with Christ--even in the most dire historical moments.

Father John gives us the history and meaning of the most read Psalm in the Orthodox liturgical cycle of prayer.

Do you suffer from heightened emotion, limited reason, hidden fears, and a general distortion of facts? You might have Dark Basement Syndrome. In this episode, Fr. John walks us through how our subconscious minds can have a dark influence on our thoughts and actions, and ultimately how the light of Christ illumines all--even the darkest recesses of our minds.

Father John discusses the "both/and" and "either/or" decisions that we often encounter in the spiritual life.

Father John shares a colorful thought experiment that illustrates the meaning of Pentecost and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

What do a facial scanning website and the Gospel of John have in common? Both claim to have knowledge the nature of beauty, but only one is the product of an encounter with the living incarnation of beauty.

Father John explores the unique psychology of wealthy individuals throughout the ages, and the purpose that lies beyond material abundance.

Father John discusses ways in which we can practice discernment in our inner life, prayerfully separating the thoughts inspired by God from those planted by the demons.

What does it really mean to say “Jesus saves”? In this episode, Fr. John reflects on the first four Ecumenical Councils and the controversy surrounding Nestorius, exploring the mystery of how Christ’s divine and human natures are united in one Person and what that means for receiving Communion, praying the Jesus Prayer, and understanding salvation.

Fr. John explores the differences between the Christian and secular outlooks on relationships.

Fr. John ponders the question, "What do The Ten Lepers, The Poseidon Adventure, and one minute of our life have in common?"

Fr. John reflects on losing faith, the Gospel of John, the presence of Christ, and perhaps finding faith once again through hope rather than intellect, reason and arguments.

Fr. John weaves together the punishment of an entire basketball team for one member's failed prank and the camel hide belts worn by the prophets to teach us about the consequences of the fall and the Incarnation for all of humanity.

Fr. John reflects on Theophany, how God regards humanity, and how His perspective differs from the gods of paganism. He shares a story from the life of St. Porphyrios as an example of how one can put God's perspective on humanity into practice in our daily interactions.

Fr. John reflects on a disastrous diplomatic miscommunication brought about by AI and God's communication through the incarnation of Christ.

Fr. John reflects on a simple cake mix, a marketing failure, the nature of effort, and our need for meaning in our salvation.

Fr. John reflects on road trips, vacations, and an unusual wedding homily about journeying as husband and wife under God's mysterious directions.

Fr. John reflects on the incarnation, Christ's healing ministry, and our understanding of every human person as a "special occasion" that calls us to rise above our preoccupation with de-humanizing religious regulations.

Fr. John reflects on our hearts as the center of our spiritual life, as the Nativity season prepares our hearts for the grace of the eight Beatitudes.

Fr. John reflects on the convert surge and spiritual warfare. As "prisoners of war," do we pursue rescue according to our earthly expectations, or higher, spiritual realities?

Fr. John Oliver reflects on the need for Christians to exercise self-control over our speech.

Fr. John Oliver reflects on the death of St. Telemachus.

Fr. John Oliver reflects on ways to translate love into action.

Fr. John Oliver reflects on compassion.

Fr. John offers a reflection on turning to Christ in the midst of disappointment.