The Lukan Jump

Some back-to-school thoughts on 2 Corinthians 2:3-15 and Matthew 23:13-22.

My homily at the anticipated/vigil Divine Liturgy for the 10th Sunday after Pentecost, reflecting on St. Paul's words, "Be imitators of me" (1 Corinthians 4:16/11:1) and the example given to us by the saints. The Bible readings for this Sunday are 1 Corinthians 4:9-16 and Matthew 17:17:14-23.

The feast of the Dormition is one of the greatest feasts on our calendar, but the Bible readings ( Philippians 2:5-11 and Luke 10:38-42 and 11:27-28 ) seem to have nothing to do with the Mother of God! Here are my thoughts on a thread connecting them: humility and obedience to the Word of God leading to glory.

What to do when other people are cooler than we are? We can rip them down out of jealousy, or we can pray for them and share the reward of their awesomeness! The Bible readings for today were 1 Corinthians 16:4-12 and Matthew 21:28-32.

We've had two straight days of feasts of holy deacons saying awesome things as they die! This morning's readings were 1 Corinthians 15:12-19 and Matthew 21:18-22 .

A homily for the Ninth Sunday after Pentecost on the Burning Bush and St. Lawrence, Archdeacon and Martyr. Here I consider St. Paul's reference to Jesus Christ as the only possible foundation for our lives, and how God allows us to share in His own eternal life.

Part of yesterday's Gospel reading was the part of Matthew where Jesus starts flipping over tables and cleaning house. Unfortunately, I forgot to unmute my mic for the first part of the homily, but this fragment seemed useable. Enjoy!

Why care whether Jesus Christ is true God and true man? Hopefully this homily provides some answers. Originally uploaded to YouTube with the generic title "Fathers of the First Six Ecumenical Councils."

A reflection offered to Scouts in the Pittsburgh area for their annual 10 Commandments Hike, offering some thoughts on the First and Second (or Second and Third, depending on how you count them) Commandments. Basically, I ripped off Ratzinger, which shouldn't surprise anyone. Also includes some explanation of our church architecture and history. Presented at Holy Spirit Byzantine Catholic in Oakla...

My homily for the feast of the Transfiguration. The Bible readings for this feast are 2 Peter 1:10-19 and Matthew 17:1-9.

My first homily as a priest, given two days after I was ordained! Some thoughts on judging others, knowing our hearts, and the love of God. I call this one "I looked at the wrong day on the calendar and had to come up with something on the spot." Being a priest is humbling.

Some thoughts on divine power, human weakness, and why we need Jesus. Readings for today were 1 Corinthians 1:10-18 and Matthew 14:14-22.