The blog of a Cuban who became an Eastern Orthodox priest.
Let's continue the Regency romance of the Book of Esther. Yesterday, we left the king agreeing with Haman that the Jews should be wiped out. A decree goes out saying that on such and such a day, all Jews were to be killed. Mordecai is horrified, but … [Continue reading]
One of the best romance novels I have ever read is the Septuagint version of the Book of Esther. Wait, father, a romance novel? Yes, various parts of the Book of Esther read almost like a regency period romance novel. At time, parts of it remind me … [Continue reading]
Music by Hallucination-Walker on DeviantArt “I, Doctor Martin Luther, wish all lovers of the unshackled art of music grace and peace from God the Father and from our Lord Jesus Christ! I truly desire that all Christians would love and regard as … [Continue reading]
In the last couple of weeks, I have been going over the books of Ruth and Esther in the Old Testament in the parish in which I am a temporary supply priest. And, I have been surprised at some of the underlying themes in both books. They tend to be … [Continue reading]
I happen to be at a clergy conference this week. It has been very interesting, relaxing, uplifting, etc. I could probably use several more adjectives and be fully accurate. But, that is not what caused me to reflect today. This was the week of the … [Continue reading]
I found myself thinking about Liturgy and technology, and how technology can alter the way that we view items and practices in our Church, and can do it without our ever really noticing it. I am a geek and a nerd. This means that I am not against … [Continue reading]
Un hermano preguntó a un anciano: «¿Hay algo bueno para que yo lo haga y viva en ello?». Y el anciano respondió: «Sólo Dios sabe lo que es bueno. Sin embargo, he oído decir que un Padre había preguntado al abad Nisterós el Grande, el amigo del abad … [Continue reading]
“There is no good trying to be more spiritual than God. God never meant man to be a purely spiritual creature. That is why He uses material things like bread and wine to put the new life into us. We may think this rather crude and unspiritual. God … [Continue reading]
“It is when we notice the dirt that God is most present in us; it is the very sign of His presence.” ? C.S. Lewis There is a saying from the Desert Fathers that is a longer way of expressing the same thought. A brother questioned Abba Poemen in … [Continue reading]
“[God] will not be used as a convenience. Men or nations who think they can revive the Faith in order to make a good society might just as well think they can use the stairs of heaven as a shortcut to the nearest chemist’s shop.” -- C.S. … [Continue reading]
