Musings from the High Desert

The number of miracles in the Gospels are relatively few; Jesus does not depend on wonderworking skills and draws no attention to himself as healer, but in this chapter of Luke there are three occasions on which the compassion of God shines through his humanity; first with the centurion's servant, secondly with the mother of the deceased young man, and lastly through calling attention to the shape of his ministry in conversation with disciples of John the Forerunner. In this week's homily we deal with the middle one of these acts of compassion. (Luke 7:11-16)

Fr Gabriel reflects on the way in which our Lord calls us to a higher ethic than one based on simple reciprocity. We are not called to fall in love with our enemies or to treat them like family, but we are called to treat them with that open-ended, compassionate love which God demonstrates to his people. We are called to mercy, which is a divine virtue, and hence we cannot enter this life without the support of the Christ who went through death and resurrection for us. (Luke 6:31-36)

Fr Gabriel reflects on the way in which our Lord calls us to a higher ethic than one based on simple reciprocity. We are not called to fall in love with our enemies or to treat them like family, but we are called to treat them with that open-ended, compassionate love which God demonstrates to his people. We are called to mercy, which is a divine virtue, and hence we cannot enter this life without the support of the Christ who went through death and resurrection for us. (Luke 6:31-36)

Deacon Ted Brinegar considers the meaning of the two commandments and their unity in the life of the Christian. Christ always upends the questions that come to him and asks challenging questions in response. Listen in. (Matthew 22:35-46)

Deacon Ted Brinegar considers the meaning of the two commandments and their unity in the life of the Christian. Christ always upends the questions that come to him and asks challenging questions in response. Listen in. (Matthew 22:35-46)

What's at the heart of this parable's message? Could it be that we overlook the natural grace that is given us in an ongoing manner simply because we are alive and active?

What's at the heart of this parable's message? Could it be that we overlook the natural grace that is given us in an ongoing manner simply because we are alive and active?

Fr Gabriel speaks to the ministry and mission of Christ as the surrounding of compassion and love in which we should hear the parable of the wicked vinedressers (Matthew 21:33-42).

Fr Gabriel speaks to the ministry and mission of Christ as the surrounding of compassion and love in which we should hear the parable of the wicked vinedressers (Matthew 21:33-42).

Fr. Gabriel reflects upon the epistle reading from 1 Corinthians 15:1-11.

Fr. Gabriel reflects upon the epistle reading from 1 Corinthians 15:1-11.

Fr Gabriel continues an examination of the prophetic tradition, focusing today on Samuel and asking how we can carry on the prophetic tradition in our Christian communities today.

Fr Gabriel continues an examination of the prophetic tradition, focusing today on Samuel and asking how we can carry on the prophetic tradition in our Christian communities today.

In Amos, we hear "surely the Lord God does nothing without revealing his plans to the prophets." We need to look at the overall prophetic tradition; too often in Orthodoxy we hear only prophecies perceived to be messianic. But the field is much wider. Listen in to part one as Fr Gabriel discusses prophecy and the prophetic tradition in general.

In Amos, we hear "surely the Lord God does nothing without revealing his plans to the prophets." We need to look at the overall prophetic tradition; too often in Orthodoxy we hear only prophecies perceived to be messianic. But the field is much wider. Listen in to part one as Fr Gabriel discusses prophecy and the prophetic tradition in general.