Teach Me Thy Statutes

We discuss why Jesus seemingly pesters Simon Peter about whether he loves Him. We also emphasize the reason Simon is referred to in this passage as the "son of Jonah." Finally, we discuss John's statement that "Jesus did many other things not written in this book." 

In discussing 2 Corinthians 8, we referred back to Paul's collection from the Corinthian church for the church in Jerusalem. Fr Aaron highlighted the historical circumstances that led to Paul taking this collection, but also taught us about how this collection was strategic by St Paul to help unite the Jews and the Gentiles. 

In highlighting the biblical account of the Transfiguration, Fr Aaron showed how that event relates both in Scripture and in the Orthodox Church tradition to Christ's work on the Cross. Further, we discussed the significance of Transfiguration occurring during the Feast of Booths, or the Feast of Tabernacles. Ultimately, Jesus' Transfiguration during this feast follows the biblical tradition, whic...

We discussed the dangers of placing the traditions of men above the Scriptures. Tradition is important, but we must ensure that nothing we do contradicts Scripture, nor serves to make us an exclusive community that prevents sinners from participating. Finally, we discussed how paying only lip service to God is among the chief sins a person can commit. 

In discussing the parable of the sower, we recognized it should rather be referred to as the parable of the seed. For the emphasis of the parable is on the seed—spreading spreading the Gospel message in word and in deed. After all, even if there is good soil, it can bear no fruit without the seed. We further discussed how we should not be discouraged when the seed does not grow or take root, for i...

We discuss the similarities between II Corinthians, Galatians, and the Acts of the Apostles as it relates to Paul and his teaching. Paul’s experience, as described in II Corinthians, put him on parallel to the other apostles who were “eyewitnesses” of Jesus’ public ministry. We concluded by discussing the “thorn in the flesh” of Paul, highlighting the most important aspect of that story, Christ’s...

Today we examined the book of Jude. Fr Aaron discussed the similarities between Jude and the epistles of Peter and James. He showed how these epistles served as a corrective to those who misunderstood Paul’s arguments about grace and freedom. Specifically, Jude notes that being free from the Mosaic Law does not mean we are lawless, but rather are freed from that Law to be enslaved to the Law of Ch...

In discussing Jesus' teaching that we will be judged using the same measure with which we judge others, we touched on the importance of understanding Jesus' teachings literally. For in the judgment, Jesus will not ask whether we "believe" certain biblical events happened, but rather if we lived by the lessons they taught. We concluded by discussing how we can properly help others who have a "speck...

We began the episode by explaining how children were viewed as an underclass in the 1st century Roman Empire. Jesus, therefore, makes the point that children are humble, as they do not put their trust in themselves, but rely on the help of others, just as we should rely on God and be careful not to put our trust in our own righteousness. We concluded by discussing Jesus’ parable of the shepherd le...

We discussed how Jesus challenged the “insiders,” those “who believed in Him,” which is consistent with the entire Bible. This approach is different than what we so often hear today from Christians who are instead condemning those outside the Christian community. Fr Aaron stressed that we are only able to impact those outside of the community if we are willing to confront our own deficiencies and...

We discussed the conversion of St Paul, previously named Saul, as told in Acts 9. We focused on the meaning of Saul's name change to Paul and its implication, which is underscored by the meaning of Ananias's name and function in the story. In short, Saul's conversion to Christianity and his name change to Paul encapsulates Paul's message to the nations, which is an invitation to set aside one's ow...

We began by discussing the tragic tendency to “individualize” the Gospel, missing not only the fact that the Scriptures were written to a community, but also neglecting to share God’s forgiveness and mercy to others as part of our own salvation. We then moved on to show how this understanding is connected to Jesus giving His disciples the power to forgive sins, as well as the power to retain them....

Today we are republishing Episode 109, "Food Does Not Commend Us To God." Right before we begin the Lenten fasting season, the Orthodox Church appoints a reading from St Paul that begins: "Brethren, food does not commend us to God." We discuss why this reading is selected at the beginning of the fasting season and discuss the true nature of biblical fasting. 

Today’s episode centered around the readings appointed just prior to the beginning of Great Lent on the Saturday of Souls and the Sunday of the Last Judgment. Fr Aaron showed how the placement of these texts within the liturgical cycle emphasize the importance of returning to the teachings of Jesus during the season of Lent. Moreover, Fr Aaron underscored this teaching is focused on how we should...

We began today by examining the word translated as “lawful” (from the passage “all things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful.”). Through this we see St. Paul demonstrating that while all humans have the authority to choose evil, we should instead use that power to submit to the way of Christ, recognizing that we are temples of the Holy Spirit. 

In lieu of a regular episode, this week we are offering Fr Aaron's sermon from Sunday, February 5, the Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee in the Orthodox Church. 

In discussing the story of Zacchaeus, Fr Aaron pointed out the double strike against him as a Jewish tax collector, making him the worst kind of traitor among his fellow Jews. We then analyzed the story in light of Jesus’ teaching elsewhere on the difficulty of the rich man entering His kingdom. Zacchaeus, although rich, was ultimately commended by Jesus because he accepted the grace offered him a...

We began by discuss the significance of the Samaritan being the one leper returning to give thanks to Jesus for being healed. We then discussed how all ten lepers demonstrated faith in Jesus, even though the nine neglected to show thanks. We concluded by noting the implication of this; namely, that God heals us completely independently of our own “worthiness,” and simply because He is good.

In Jesus’ refusal to answer the question of His authority posed by the Jewish authorities, Jesus shows these authorities care more about the praise of men than pursuing Scriptural truth. Fr Aaron discussed how this can also be true of today’s worldly authorities, including those within the Church. We concluded by recognizing St John the Forerunner as being despised by these authorities for the sam...

In lieu of a regular episode, we are sharing Fr Aaron's Christmas 2022 homily. In this homily, Fr Aaron emphasizes how we celebrate the birth of the King of Peace, and how we who are called by His name can bring peace upon earth.

We discuss the readings for the Sunday before Christmas, from Hebrews 11 and Matthew 1 (the genealogy of Christ). We highlighted the similarities between the two readings, most specifically the fact that Christ is connected to a historical setting and community. Further, we noted that contrary to normal expectations of royalty, Matthew goes out of his way to point out Christ came from an impure li...

In discussing Jesus healing on the Sabbath, Fr Aaron explained why this was such a big deal to the Jewish leaders. He also highlighted how Jesus shows that the “law of mercy” supersedes all other laws in the Bible. We concluded by discussing the Bible’s systematic favoring of the weak and humble, and how this has impacted Western civilization, to the extent we often take this approach for granted.

In today’s episode we began by discussing the apparent discrepancy between Jesus telling us in today’s passage to let our lamp shine, but elsewhere indicating our good works should be done in secret. Fr Aaron talked about how we should not seeking attention ourselves, but should rather attract people to the Gospel teaching. He then highlighted how we show the world the Gospel message primarily via...

We discuss the "Parable of the Unjust Steward." This parable often confuses readers because of the poor English translations. Fr Aaron noted the better translation of the "unjust steward" is the "steward of/to the unjust." Understood in this light, the parable makes complete sense with the rest of the New Testament and underscores how the Gospel was taken to the Gentiles/nations. While the mission...

In today’s episode we discussed how St. Paul urges the Colossians to avoid the temptations of external rituals that lead to self-righteousness, whether they be pagan or Jewish rituals. In these rituals, we cannot add to what God has already accomplished for us through Jesus Christ. Instead, we respond with thankfulness by loving our neighbors and uplifting the weak. We concluded by discussing our...