Jul 28, 2009

A Greek word for self-discipline is the root of the Christian idea of "asceticism." Behavioral people call it "delayed gratification." Scripture calls it denying oneself and taking up the cross. Nobody ever became an Olympic athlete, a musician, or even an effective professional or a good spouse, without practicing the skills and habits they mean to embody.

Mar 1, 2009

Contrary to what many think or feel, Lent is a time of joy. Unless we understand this quality of joy in Lent, we will make of it a monstrous caricature, a time when in God’s own name we make our life a misery. This notion of joy connected with effort, with ascetical endeavour, with strenuous effort may indeed seem strange, and yet it runs through the whole of our spiritual life, through the life of the Church and the life of the Gospel...

Nov 19, 2008

The Way, through tests, introspection, and suffering, is hard and has many pitfalls. There is a strong temptation to look for happiness and consolation right from the beginning. If we experience disillusionment or disappointment, then we might start fearing that our journey to God might turn into torment and punishment...

Nov 17, 2008

A brother came to see Abba Macarius the Egyptian, and said to him, “Abba, give me a word, that I may be saved.”…

Sep 16, 2008

One who climbs a mountain for the first time needs to follow a known route; and he needs to have with him, as companion and guide, someone who has been up before and is familiar with the way. To serve as such a companion and guide is precisely the role of the "Abba" or spiritual father...

Sep 15, 2008

An old man was asked: ”How can a fervent brother not be shocked when he sees others returning to the world?”

Nov 10, 2007

In a time when churches of every description are faced with Vanishing Male Syndrome, men are showing up at Eastern Orthodox churches in numbers that, if not numerically impressive, are proportionately intriguing. This may be the only church which attracts and holds men in numbers equal to women. As Leon Podles wrote, “The Orthodox are the only Christians who write basso profundo church music, or need to.”