Seeing darkness, I watch the clouds build on the horizon. Assuming rain, I wait for the clouds to whip up the sea and the sand. What really comes? Not clouds, but a cloud. The cloud. "The angel said to her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God'" (Luke 1:35). Rejoice in the cloud that Overshadows. Rejoice in the cloud that brings Light. Rejoice in the c

When I gaze upon the still waters, I feel the breeze of your loving insistence. When I gaze upon the still waters, I hear the calm from your enveloping silence. When I gaze upon the still waters, I smell the incense of your everlasting persistence. When I gaze up on the still waters, I taste the love in your embracing sustenance. When I gaze upon the still waters, I see the light of your glistening countenance. How can this be, Through such a life? The Most Holy Trinity, One

Open your eyes wide to the coming of the Lord! This message is given to us repeatedly as the Church approaches The Feast of the Meeting...

"Your birth, O Christ our God, dawned the light of knowledge upon the earth. For by Your birth those who adored stars were taught by a star to worship You, the Sun of Justice, and to know You, Orient from on High." O Lord, glory to You. - From the Apolytikion (a dismissal hymn) of the Feast of the Nativity - Icon of the Adoration of the Magi (from the Menologion of Basil II, 10th-11th c.)

"Today the Virgin gives birth to the Transcendent One, And the earth offers a cave to the Unapproachable One! Angels with shepherds glorify Him! The wise men journey with a star! Since for our sake the Eternal God was born as a Little Child!" - Kontakion (thematic hymn) from the Nativity Service

Mary, the Mother of God, the Most Holy Theotokos, died to herself at a very early age in order to serve God. Have you ever thought about what that was like? It was a total gift of body, soul, and spirit. Not one part of her was reserved for something selfish. That is why in death she was assumed, soul AND body, into heaven. Do you meditate on her life? Do you ask her intercession? Do you ask God for the strength to emulate her? Die to yourself. Live in God and God alone. An i

In order for a person to serve others authentically, they must first be at peace with God and themselves. An icon of Moses at the Burning Bush

The Divine nature of Jesus was revealed on Mt. Tabor; Peter, James. and John were transfigured because of it. These three Apostles saw Jesus for what He has always been, still is, and shall be: the Eternal and Primordial Image of God. We know Sacred Scripture. We have the Sacraments. Why are we not transfigured? Because we have not fully committed ourselves to love God, to desire God, and to strive toward God. For this we must purify our worldly eyes, train our distracted min

Pandemics, protests, storms, and stress, no matter what you are personally facing right now, please know in your heart that God is with you. He has never left you. You have left Him. Seek Him again. Or, rather, open yourself up to understand who He is and where He is and what He is doing. Unclench your fists. Relax your shoulders. Close your eyes. Sit. Take a deep breath. Breathe again. Breathe ever more deeply the third time. Recite the Jesus Prayer: "Lord, Jesus Christ, Son

During this time of isolation, I encourage you to learn more about your inner life with God. If you do so in all earnest, you will taste His spiritual sweetness and find true rest in Him. "16. Therefore, O beloved brethren, since such good things have been offered to us and such wonderful promises have been made to us by the Lord, let us get rid of all obstacles. Let us renounce all love for the world and devote ourselves to that one good by a thorough seeking and yearning so