HOLY SILENCE

God knows everything about us. But do we know everything about ourselves? We must commit to uncovering the things we have done to harm ourselves and others. When we're honest about these sins and transgressions, we participate in the catharsis necessary for theoria (illumination). "Do not try to conceal yourself, covering your nakedness with a fig leaf and hiding in the bushes from the Lord, who comes to you in the conscience and exposes you. Blame yourself completely, and as

Below is a reflection that will help you consider the current state of your spiritual life. All of us drift from God, focusing on our wants and desires instead of on our salvation and what God needs from us in this life. If you read this slowly and reflectively, you may feel the pain from your past and present sins. You may even feel the weight of changing into something new. Please do not worry. We all feel like this. But if we remain constant in our desire to be closer to G

This is a vocal prayer read in the context of Vespers at Pentecost in anticipation of the Feast of the Most Holy Trinity. It provides us plenty of material on which to meditate (the bold type is added to help you start a meditation). Notice that this prayer addresses Jesus Christ, the second person of the Most Holy Trinity. While it contains heavier theological content, the material is accessible and presented in a way that reveals, as familiar, the human condition. It acknow

The Great Canon of St. Andrew, Bishop of Crete, is a long hymn used over the first few days of Great Lent. St. Andrew himself composed this personal meditation as a cathartic remembrance of his sins; as a contemplative reflection on the truth, goodness, and beauty of God; and as a loving recitation of desire for union with Christ now and in Heaven. With a spirit of mournful humility, we, too, ought to pray with it. For now, try meditating on this irmos (a miniature hymn) from

In our modern age, it is quite fashionable to interpret Christ, the sacraments and every bit of prayer through our individual socio-political and linguistic filters. While our personal experiences are certainly known and understood by the ever-living God, far too often these cultural realities reinforce our self-absorption and therefore, our delusions about who and what we are before God, ourselves and others. Thus, what is needed is a deep, serious and completely honest exam

Does it ever seem to you that when you are filled with faith and exude a vibrant spirit, that something - more often than not, someone - finds a way to knock you down? Sometimes it comes from a friend or family member that's supposed to be loving and kind. Sometimes it comes from a total stranger. No matter who it comes from, we always know that the evil one encouraged it. He cannot stand when we abide in God's love. Better still, he cannot stand it when we remain in faith an

Seeking silence is difficult work for two of many reasons. First, it is completely foreign to the modern way of life. Second, it forces us to discern the truth of our current lives and causes us to re-think and re-shape our future. This process, as we have said elsewhere, demands catharsis, which at times, can feel like a crucifixion. Metaphorically, it is a stretching of the body, soul, and spirit to the point of a kind of emotional, intellectual, physical, relational, and s