Musings from the High Desert

Fr Gabriel invites us to look at icons this day from two different perspectives. Listen in.

Fr Gabriel invites us to look at icons this day from two different perspectives. Listen in.

The parable of the last judgment which is our threshold to Lent is the harshest in the New Testament. Beyond the imagery, however, he main point is that we are responsible for our behavior in this world. What stands in the way, most often, is our own focus on self. Listen as Fr. Gabriel Rochelle contemplates this parable from that angle of vision. (Matthew 25)

The parable of the last judgment which is our threshold to Lent is the harshest in the New Testament. Beyond the imagery, however, he main point is that we are responsible for our behavior in this world. What stands in the way, most often, is our own focus on self. Listen as Fr. Gabriel Rochelle contemplates this parable from that angle of vision. (Matthew 25)

In a developing series on passages from the Psalms, Fr Gabriel Rochelle focuses on a portion of the longest Psalm in the book. We consider what it means that God's word is sweet, like honey to the taste; and secondly, what it means to consider God's word a lamp for your feet and a light on your path. (Psalm 119:103ff)

In a developing series on passages from the Psalms, Fr Gabriel Rochelle focuses on a portion of the longest Psalm in the book. We consider what it means that God's word is sweet, like honey to the taste; and secondly, what it means to consider God's word a lamp for your feet and a light on your path. (Psalm 119:103ff)

The Parable of the Prodigal Son could be called many other things. It is a deep source of contemplation and teaching about the faith. This year Fr Gabriel focuses on the older brother in the parable and asks how we might be like him. (Luke 15:11-32)

The Parable of the Prodigal Son could be called many other things. It is a deep source of contemplation and teaching about the faith. This year Fr Gabriel focuses on the older brother in the parable and asks how we might be like him. (Luke 15:11-32)

A meditation on silence and waiting awaits listeners. Fr Gabriel offers five interpretations of what it means to wait in silence for God. (Psalm 62)

A meditation on silence and waiting awaits listeners. Fr Gabriel offers five interpretations of what it means to wait in silence for God. (Psalm 62)

Persecution is the backdrop for the earnest encouragement and advice given to our young priest Timothy in this week's Epistle lesson. In particular there are lessons for all of us about the cumulative benefit of studying scripture over a long period of time. (II Timothy 3:10-15)

Persecution is the backdrop for the earnest encouragement and advice given to our young priest Timothy in this week's Epistle lesson. In particular there are lessons for all of us about the cumulative benefit of studying scripture over a long period of time. (II Timothy 3:10-15)

Fr. Gabriel Rochelle teaches that the Zacchaeus' story is a great demonstration of the truth that being Christian is not about being good. Zacchaeus' ethic is above reproach, but this shows us that ethics is not what the faith is about. It is about having Christ come into your life, into your heart, and transform you from within, to renew your nature. As St Cyril of Alexandria pointed out, Zacchaeus' small stature is spiritual, not merely physical. He needs to be enlarged by Christ in the core of his life. We all do. (Luke 19:1-10)

Fr. Gabriel Rochelle teaches that the Zacchaeus' story is a great demonstration of the truth that being Christian is not about being good. Zacchaeus' ethic is above reproach, but this shows us that ethics is not what the faith is about. It is about having Christ come into your life, into your heart, and transform you from within, to renew your nature. As St Cyril of Alexandria pointed out, Zacchaeus' small stature is spiritual, not merely physical. He needs to be enlarged by Christ in the core of his life. We all do. (Luke 19:1-10)

Fr Gabriel Rochelle considers carefully the words enjoined to the young priest Timothy in this passage: to set an example for believers, in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity. These apply, ultimately to all of us in our dealings with one another. (I Timothy 4:9-15)