Last week I started writing about how to have a really excellent first visit to an Orthodox church. I think you need to be aware of several differences — just six or so — between the Christian East and the Christian West. The first one is outside, when you look up and see a dome […]
Monday Meditation — RCL Year B, 5th Sunday of Easter, John 15:1-8
I find it surprising that the Revised Common Lectionary’s cycle of Gospel texts in Easter season includes so little that is explicitly on the Resurrection. Last week there was, at least, the passing reference to Jesus taking his life up again after laying it down for his sheep. John 15:1-8 This week? Nothing. At least […]
Letters to a Young Pastor: The Children’s Sermon — Picking Your Topic
Dear ______: Okay, I promised some input on the actual contents of your children’s sermons. I hope you don’t mind the extended rant about problems to avoid, but your actions are as much a witness to Christ (or, God forbid, a witness against him) as your words. That counts when preaching to grown-ups as well […]
First Visit to an Orthodox Church: Domes vs. Steeples
If you’re a regular here on my blog you’ve seen me writing on a variety of topics relating to Orthodox Christianity. I don’t mean “little ‘o’ orthodox” — like any Christianity with good theology. We’re talking “big ‘O’ Orthodox” — Eastern Christianity, the part that was divided from the West back in 1054 and is […]
Monday Meditation — RCL Year B, 4th Sunday of Easter, John 10:11-18
“I am the good shepherd,” says Jesus. Among the “I Am” sayings in John, I particularly love “I am the Good Shepherd” (John 10:11-18). There is tenderness and love in it that appeals to both children and adults. (John 10:11-18 is the lectionary Gospel for the 4th Sunday of Easter in Year B. I’ve also […]
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