Musings from the High Desert

This glorious festival, so central to our understanding of what it means to be a Christian and specifically an Orthodox Christian, often goes by with little notice when it doesn't fall on a Sunday. But this year it does; please listen to this important message.

This glorious festival, so central to our understanding of what it means to be a Christian and specifically an Orthodox Christian, often goes by with little notice when it doesn't fall on a Sunday. But this year it does; please listen to this important message.

After a month of vacation, Fr. Gabriel returns to talk about dealing with factions in the church. Paul is, of course, the authority here, especially in the Corinthian context, where the factions were split along personality cult lines. But the message Paul brought—to avoid dissension and to be of the same mind and the same judgment—remain relevant in our current situations, especially when we consider some alternative ways to translate these terms.

After a month of vacation, Fr. Gabriel returns to talk about dealing with factions in the church. Paul is, of course, the authority here, especially in the Corinthian context, where the factions were split along personality cult lines. But the message Paul brought—to avoid dissension and to be of the same mind and the same judgment—remain relevant in our current situations, especially when we consider some alternative ways to translate these terms.

Chapter 5 of Matthew sets up the Sermon on the Mount, with our Lord giving an introduction to the Kingdom of God. In chapter 6, he moves into the sort of behavior and attitudes that should hold sway among members of the Kingdom, beginning with singleness of vision.

Chapter 5 of Matthew sets up the Sermon on the Mount, with our Lord giving an introduction to the Kingdom of God. In chapter 6, he moves into the sort of behavior and attitudes that should hold sway among members of the Kingdom, beginning with singleness of vision.

Fr Gabriel looks at the call of the disciples in the Gospel, then uses insights from that text to inform our reading of the lives of the North American Saints.

Fr Gabriel looks at the call of the disciples in the Gospel, then uses insights from that text to inform our reading of the lives of the North American Saints.

Fr Gabriel invites us to consider the saints who are important to us, both those we need who may have come uninvited into our lives and also those we want to have as companions. Personal notes here, but please think about your own list.

Fr Gabriel invites us to consider the saints who are important to us, both those we need who may have come uninvited into our lives and also those we want to have as companions. Personal notes here, but please think about your own list.

Fr. Deacon Ted Brinegar, who serves at St. Anthony, brings home a collection of insights into the meaning of Pentecost, not as an historical marker, but as a living experience for us today. Deacon Ted is involved in a unique ministry which we invite you to check out here: Foxhole Homes Mission.

Fr. Deacon Ted Brinegar, who serves at St. Anthony, brings home a collection of insights into the meaning of Pentecost, not as an historical marker, but as a living experience for us today. Deacon Ted is involved in a unique ministry which we invite you to check out here: Foxhole Homes Mission.

Fr Gabriel invites us to dig deep and understand the issues that came to a head at the First Council, particularly in the tireless labor of St. Athanasius, who championed the phrase "God became human in order that humans might become divine...again."

Fr Gabriel invites us to dig deep and understand the issues that came to a head at the First Council, particularly in the tireless labor of St. Athanasius, who championed the phrase "God became human in order that humans might become divine...again."

This week Father Gabriel chose to expound the lesson from Acts. It's all about freedom, the only freedom that Christ offers, which is the only freedom that matters in the long run. As St Paul says, "for freedom Christ has set us free. Therefore, do not submit again to a yoke of slavery." Listen in. (Acts 16:16-34)