Musings from the High Desert

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.

The healing of the paralytic comes within a section of John's Gospel that seems to relate to the second phase of entry into Christian faith: baptism. The water imagery is seen as symbolic by early Christian writers. But there is much more that awaits us in this story, and it is pointed toward our own reception and practice of the faith. (John 5)

The healing of the paralytic comes within a section of John's Gospel that seems to relate to the second phase of entry into Christian faith: baptism. The water imagery is seen as symbolic by early Christian writers. But there is much more that awaits us in this story, and it is pointed toward our own reception and practice of the faith. (John 5)

The story of Dorcas/Tabitha is a fascinating one about the only woman in the New Testament called a "disciple." But she is surprisingly more than that, and a great deal was at stake surrounding her life...and death...and Peter's prayer. (Acts 9)

The story of Dorcas/Tabitha is a fascinating one about the only woman in the New Testament called a "disciple." But she is surprisingly more than that, and a great deal was at stake surrounding her life...and death...and Peter's prayer. (Acts 9)

Fr Gabriel offers a slightly different look at St Thomas the Apostle. (John 20:19ff)

Fr Gabriel offers a slightly different look at St Thomas the Apostle. (John 20:19ff)

Paul's letter to the Philippians may be dated near the end of his ministry and life when he was imprisoned at Rome. Despite this, the theme of the entire letter is joy; in this passage Paul enjoins us to follow the pathway he has shown. Listen to his advice on finding peace in a world marked by suffering, pain, war and death. (Philippians 4:4-9)

Paul's letter to the Philippians may be dated near the end of his ministry and life when he was imprisoned at Rome. Despite this, the theme of the entire letter is joy; in this passage Paul enjoins us to follow the pathway he has shown. Listen to his advice on finding peace in a world marked by suffering, pain, war and death. (Philippians 4:4-9)

Fr Gabriel sees this passage as the clearest statement of the meaning of Messiah for Jesus himself. The heart of the message is that the Kingdom of God is an upside-down kingdom in which the servant is the Lord, and the only Lord worthy of the name is the servant. This is the heart of Christ's servant-leadership. (Mark 10:32-45)

Fr Gabriel sees this passage as the clearest statement of the meaning of Messiah for Jesus himself. The heart of the message is that the Kingdom of God is an upside-down kingdom in which the servant is the Lord, and the only Lord worthy of the name is the servant. This is the heart of Christ's servant-leadership. (Mark 10:32-45)

Deacon Ted Brinegar explores and explains the Gospel for the day in connection with the Ladder of Divine Ascent, St John of Climacus' classic text.

Deacon Ted Brinegar explores and explains the Gospel for the day in connection with the Ladder of Divine Ascent, St. John of Climacus' classic text.

Fr Gabriel offers insights into the meaning, significance and centrality of the cross to our faith. Basic material here for your contemplation.

Fr Gabriel offers insights into the meaning, significance and centrality of the cross to our faith. Basic material here for your contemplation.