Parables of Community

Humility Heals Twice 01.07.2026 ↓

Fr. Nicolaie shares stories and a gospel reading reflection about how humbling ourselves to help heal others can also bring healing to our own soul.

On Becoming "Fish Food" 24.06.2026 ↓

Fr. Nicolaie learns alongside the community about sea cucumbers and becoming the kind of "fish food" that is a better "fisher of men."

The Last Shall be First 17.06.2026 ↓

Fr. Nicolaie shares examples from the community of ways in which some community members that could be considered "the last" are the first to be used by God to bless the rest.

Poor Carrying the Poor 10.06.2026 ↓

Fr. Nicolaie tells what the community is learning about their own poverty (and hope) as they observe the supportive friendship of Brian and Miriam.

Embraced Though Broken 03.06.2026 ↓

The community is experiencing God's embrace in the midst of the brokenness in the world.

Those in the Margins 27.05.2026 ↓

Fr. Nicolaie writes about the mercy of God working on the blind man (and the experience of one in the community) and in the lives of three women experiencing homelessness.

Meeting Christ 20.05.2026 ↓

Fr. Nicolaie writes about two meetings with Christ: the Samaritan Woman's, and the Pharisees'.

On Healing and Angels 13.05.2026 ↓

Fr. Nicolaie shares stories of the need for healing in the community, and the unexpected angels who are helping.

Courage and White Robes 06.05.2026 ↓

Fr. Nicolie shares the two themes that the community is especially focused on for this Myrrhbearers' Sunday: both courage and the white robes of the angel.

Glimpses of Community Life During Bright Week 29.04.2026 ↓

Fr. Nicolaie shares what the community is learning together and through each other during Bright Week.

Moved With Mercy 01.04.2026 ↓

Fr. Nicolaie writes about seeing mercy in times of waiting both in the scriptures and in the life of the community.

Learning Mercy Through Prayer 18.03.2026 ↓

Fr. Nicolaie writes about how Lent teaches us mercy through prayer, and how the way in which we live either draws mercy near or chases it away.

Testimonial 11.03.2026 ↓

An anonymous community member shares how connecting with the community at St. John the Compassionate Mission has relit a spark in their spiritual life.

Fasting for the Lenten Word 04.03.2026 ↓

How Great Lent helps us fast for a word that feeds our souls.

The Door to Lent 25.02.2026 ↓

The community is learning that forgiveness is the door through which we step into Lent.

Words on Mercy from a Prodigal Son 11.02.2026 ↓

Fr. Nicolaie shares the story and words of a community member who finds hope in God's mercy.

Learning from the Publican and the Pharisee 04.02.2026 ↓

Fr. Nicolaie shares what the community is learning together about mercy, as they discuss the Publican and the Pharisee.

Joseph and Zacchaeus 28.01.2026 ↓

Fr. Nicolaie encourages the community to learn from the common solitude of a poor community member and rich Zacchaeus.

He Must Increase, I Must Decrease 15.01.2026 ↓

St. John the Forerunner's relationship to Christ is a model for each of us.

12.7.25 This is Heaven 17.12.2025 ↓

True community is a place where the sick care for the sick, where mercy is better than life... it is Heaven on earth.

11.30.25 Like Nathaniel 10.12.2025 ↓

A meditative look at two Nathaniels and their love for truth and living "without guile."

11.23.25 Finding Faith and Courage 03.12.2025 ↓

The community's take on this Sunday's scriptures challenges us to find faith enough to speak to God about our pain; and courage enough to let go of things of this world.

11.16.25 The Icon of Mercy 26.11.2025 ↓

Fr. Nicolaie shares examples from the community of the mercy that is poured out as people gather together and share.

11.9.25 Longing for Union 19.11.2025 ↓

Fr. Nicolaie shares stories from the community of those experiencing separation who long for union, extending the hope that the Father offers to all.

11.2.25 Seeing Lazarus 04.11.2025 ↓

A challenge to seek (and care for) for the Lazaruses around us and the one within ourselves, as well.