Musings from the High Desert

The parable is perhaps misnamed since the entire setup of chapter eighteen in Matthew's Gospel has to do with forgiveness and humility. The parable might best be understood as an extended commentary on the saying in our Lord's prayer, properly translated "forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors." But the next question is, how do we get to that place where we can forgive? Listen in with Fr. Gabriel Rochelle.

The parable is perhaps misnamed since the entire setup of chapter eighteen in Matthew's Gospel has to do with forgiveness and humility. The parable might best be understood as an extended commentary on the saying in our Lord's prayer, properly translated "forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors." But the next question is, how do we get to that place where we can forgive? Listen in with Fr. Gabriel Rochelle.

Fr Gabriel brings a slightly new take on the "weak" and the "strong" in Romans 15, and how this connects to Paul's concern for Jewish Christians and Jewish people who have not come to confidence in Christ as Messiah. (Romans 15-13)

Fr Gabriel brings a slightly new take on the "weak" and the "strong" in Romans 15, and how this connects to Paul's concern for Jewish Christians and Jewish people who have not come to confidence in Christ as Messiah. (Romans 15-13)

At the Divine Liturgy, Fr Gabriel continues with a consideration of Paul's injunction to use our gifts in a spirit of love. (Romans 12:6-12 and following)

At the Divine Liturgy, Fr Gabriel continues with a consideration of Paul's injunction to use our gifts in a spirit of love. (Romans 12:6-12 and following)

This passage is so extraordinary in Paul's writings that we have to cover most of the chapter this week. At Vespers, Fr Gabriel, after reviewing the preceding chapters, considered verses 1-5, about presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice. (Romans 12:1-5)

This passage is so extraordinary in Paul's writings that we have to cover most of the chapter this week. At Vespers, Fr Gabriel, after reviewing the preceding chapters, considered verses 1-5, about presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice. (Romans 12:1-5)

As we end the Apostles' Fast, Fr Gabriel looks at a quintessential passage from the third and final section of the second prophet known as Isaiah. As the people prepare to return from captivity, in Babylon under the amnesty granted by King Cyrus of Persia, the prophet expresses both high expectation and hope for the future, but issues a caution about conduct that contradicts the content and spirit of fasting. The caution continues into our day. Listen in. (Isaiah 58:3-12)

As we end the Apostles' Fast, Fr Gabriel looks at a quintessential passage from the third and final section of the second prophet known as Isaiah. As the people prepare to return from captivity, in Babylon under the amnesty granted by King Cyrus of Persia, the prophet expresses both high expectation and hope for the future, but issues a caution about conduct that contradicts the content and spirit of fasting. The caution continues into our day. Listen in. (Isaiah 58:3-12)

In this Gospel from Matthew, Jesus lays down the gauntlet: you have to serve either God or mammon. But what is mammon, anyway? Join in as Fr Gabriel explores the meaning of this text in its time and for our lives today, with the call to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. (Matthew 6:22-33)

In this Gospel from Matthew, Jesus lays down the gauntlet: you have to serve either God or mammon. But what is mammon, anyway? Join in as Fr Gabriel explores the meaning of this text in its time and for our lives today, with the call to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. (Matthew 6:22-33)

Fr Gabriel takes a deeper look at the word "blessed" which is often now translated as "happy." What does this word really mean? How does it have an impact on our lives today, particularly in regard to the call to be both salt and light, which ends this passage from Matthew 5? (All Saints of North America)

Fr Gabriel takes a deeper look at the word "blessed" which is often now translated as "happy." What does this word really mean? How does it have an impact on our lives today, particularly in regard to the call to be both salt and light, which ends this passage from Matthew 5? (All Saints of North America)

Fr. Gabriel Rochelle offers meditations on the meaning of saintliness for our times in the light of the biblical concept of sainthood, reflecting also on the concept of holiness. Tune in.