Parables of Community

Brother Luke reflects on Holy Week experiences in the community.

Brother Luke reflects on some scenes from every day at the mission.

A community member and Father Nicolaie each reflect on their experience with an aspect of the Gospel story of the young man who was possessed.

It is always better to give than to receive. When we try to help other people, we tend to forget their need to also be able to give.

St. Gregory Palamas believed in beholding through prayer the uncreated energies of God. A young volunteer reveals to the community that this is not one quick event that pierces the soul. It is rather an encounter for the whole day.

Frank (or Isaac, in the Church), a regular member of the community, passed away suddenly near the end of March. A mixup with his phone provided the community with the chance to learn of his passing, and opened the door for his daughter to share her grief with others who also loved her father.

A question recently posed at the mission caused Fr. Nicolaie to recall an experience he had when he was a teacher in Romania; and to reflect on how we each have our very own occasional "Emmaus" roads.

Brother Luke shares a collection of interactions and experiences from within the community.

In the heart of every prodigal son, at the time of prayer, God prepares a real place ready to offer hospitality to the one that is wounded.

Members of the community interact with the story of the Canaanite woman's faith, sharing their crumbs of wisdom.

Most servants are faithful with the talents entrusted to them. Even though broken and poor, they keep nothing for themselves. This is the reality of the gospel that we see within the community: there is an abundance of good done by the people.

When someone is in need, they seek to be listened to, to be heard by a heart that cares about their story and about the injustice done.

In today's generation, we do better to remain poor and in need of healing, but together in Christ; than to be healed alone and segregated through disunity. The community is learning this while walking with people like Judy.

Members of the community reflect on the margins of our existence; where seemingly-forgotten people dwell; and yet, in the margins is where they find their faith strengthening...

The dynamis of Theophany is towards new life and communion. We see this in the community, as God is bringing healing to Jacob, while also opposing the flattening (or "alienation of the spirit") that so often happens in modern culture.

Both Hector and Mohamed share their wisdom, encouraging each person to use their God-given creativity and humbly open their hearts, in order to build community and open the door to holiness.

The silence of God at Nativity invites the caring community to action and change.

The community welcomes a friend who reminds them of the woman "bent over for eighteen years" in St. Luke's Gospel. The ones who are unnoticed are a priority for God.

One story of a clinical depression sufferer's progress within the context of a welcoming community.

How do we understand the Parable of the Rich Man (and his barns), when the life of a poor soul is vanishing before our eyes?

Glimpsing the hope of the resurrection, modeled by the insights of one displaced by war.

One might say that the beauty of the poor is hard to spot. But one would be wrong... because in truth, beauty is the hospitality of holiness for the human being. And where do we find this hospitality more present than in the body of the poor? Take a look into Christine's joyful and deep blue eyes, to see for yourself.

A handful of stories demonstrating how the repentance of the poor and downtrodden offers everyone a glimpse at the doors that lead to peace and life.

Notes from the underground, written by Brother Luke.