Category Archives: Messages

Philo of Alexandria declared that “You shall not covet” is a central pillar of moral instruction. There is the individual aspect of this command which intends the spiritual education and elevation of an individual, but ultimately concludes that that significance of violation of this command on the family, the land and all of mankind can ultimately be destroyed as a result of unbridled desire. The command “You shall not covet” therefore has the potential to save the world. Continue reading →

“Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” He said to him, “ ’You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”
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It is almost audacious of God –imagine, suggesting that as a person of faith I might have to say “no” to some things in order to say “yes” to God. Why can’t I just believe in God and other things, too? Why do I have to turn away from other gods? In Japan I can be both a Buddhist and a Shinto. Can’t I trust free market economics and trust God? Continue reading →

Ten Words Exodus 19:1-6 On the third new moon after the Israelites had gone out of the land of Egypt, on that very day, they came into the wilderness of Sinai. They had journeyed from Rephidim, entered the wilderness of … Continue reading →

We live in a society dominated by rights-activism, permeated with the philosophy of “me first,” and molded by the corporate ideals of efficiency and success. The Church must be called to remember that demanding one’s rights and privileges may be popular but if it does so at the expense of Christian unity and love, it is not Christian! Continue reading →

The End of An Era – The Start of A New Era It’s pretty well accepted that Luke is the author of the Gospel which carries his name and the author of the Book of the Acts.  Luke wasn’t a … Continue reading →

This may be hard to imagine but according to the Gospel of John the very last words of Jesus is a rebuked of Peter and of us to the extent we are like Peter. “…what is that to you?” Jesus said. “Follow me!” It was none of Peter’s business. Your business, Jesus told him, is to follow me, not meddle in the lives of others. Continue reading →

Aelred wrote of having a friend, a spiritual friend: “…what joy to have someone to whom you dare to speak on terms of equality as to another self; one to whom you need have no fear to confess your failings; one to whom you can unblushingly make known what progress you have made in your spiritual life; one to whom you can entrust all the secrets of your heart and before whom you can place all your plans!” Continue reading →

In our story Jesus, not yet recognized by his disciples, a carpenter by trade and a teacher by practice, shouts instructions from the shore to men who have been professional fishermen since childhood. ‘…toss your net to the right side of the boat’ he says. No fisherman who knows his salt would think of fishing from the starboard side. Continue reading →

John 20:26-31 A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them.  Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27Then he said to Thomas, “Put … Continue reading →