So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

Today Our Lord sets forth the standard of conduct for his followers. Fr. Patrick reflects on this commandment, its implications for Christian thought and action, and one of the greater temptations to threaten Christians along the way.

“Henceforth ye shall be fishers of men” These are the Lord’s words to the Apostles, and to everyone who would follow him when they are called. “Go out to the nations, and shine as a lamp on a hill; drawing men out of the darkness and depths.”

And yet, we often fish the night away and greet morning empty-handed. The net tears and breaks and we are left bruised and battered with nothing to show. Often the boat feels as though it may be dragged down into the waters, leaving us to the cold, unfeeling deep.

How do we see darkness if we are with the Light? How is there turmoil when the Prince of Peace sails with us?

Fr. Patrick talks today about the very first commission, the call of the Lord to his chief soldiers. And how even at the beginning, we see what is to come.

The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. Behold the great mystery - the Herdsman who will not suffer even one of his flock to be lost, but will himself go into the brambles and thorns to retrieve them. Yea, though I walk the depths of the valley of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me.

Fr. Patrick discusses spiritual warfare, the power of peace, and trust; and what God himself tells us is the way of Life.

“I am the way, the truth, and the life” saith the Lord of Hosts, “except ye eat my flesh, and drink my blood, yet have no life in you.”

Is it not said that we are as we eat? Is it not true that the matter we consume is the same matter of which we are comprised?

.…is it really so surprising that the God of body and spirit should save us with the same means by which we fell?

On this Blessed Feast of Corpus Christi, Fr. Patrick reflects on the great mystery of salvation, the true presence of the Lord, and the most powerful commandment we have ever received.…

Supernatural Provision, prosperity, wealth, abundance.

All of these have been promised by many in the name of our reading today. Some have even promised direct material gain from it. Riches, a new car, a full tank of gas, a pantry full of incredible delicacies.

Will we really be given anything we ask for? Are there no limits to this promise?

Ought we ask for anything at all?

Today Fr. Patrick discusses the true abundance and provision of God. The real, supernatural blessing of The Lord. And the only true request worthy of the name of Jesus Christ.…

Christ is Risen! Alleluia!

The Lord is risen from the dead, and has trampled death underfoot. How is it that we still experience sickness and sorrow? What last holdout must death have that we must pass through it to reach the Lord?

Fr. Patrick talks about peace and joy reigning in the midst of sorrows. And finding Our King as he reigns among his enemies.

Christ is Risen! Alleluia!

If any have toiled from the first hour, let them receive their due reward; And if any delayed until the ninth hour, let him not hesitate; but let him come too. And he who arrived only at the eleventh hour, let him not be afraid by reason of his delay. For the Lord is gracious and receives the last even as the first. He gives rest to him that comes at the eleventh hour, as well as to him that toiled from the first.

Today Fr. Patrick preaches the hope and assurance of the resurrection. And meditates on where we go and what we should do now that Our Lord is victorious.

Lo the Blessed Cross is displayed Where the Lord in the flesh was suspended And by his blood from his wounds Cleansed and redeemed his Elect.

As Christ and his followers spend the week in prayer; the Enemy gathers his men for preparations of their own. The listless wanderers of the night at last set about to a purpose. The practitioners of impiety have suffered what little they can stand, and they will have payment for it. For they have never been known to forgive even the smallest of debts.

“Behold: I set before you life, and death; blessing, and curses.” No longer can the curtain of darkness shroud the secret plottings of the night. For Light is on Death’s doorstep, and its gate shall not prevail.

“As was his custom”

These are the words used by St. Luke the Evangelist to describe the prayer life of Christ. Yesterday we were given an example in Mary, sister of Lazarus, of piety, devotion, and sacrifice. But what of the Lord himself?

Today Fr. Patrick discusses the piety and devotion of the Son of God. The perfect manifestation of the Law of God, who lacks nothing in his love for the Father and Spirit. In his lived experience, and shining Gospel we find every answer to our lives. For his righteousness is everlasting, and his Law is truth.

“But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”

The age in which we live seeks to divorce Religion and Spirit. To put a rift between a heartfelt, genuine faith - and any real, tangible acts or expressions of that faith. “Be spiritual, not religious” is a maxim found on many street corners and rear windshields.

But who can actually separate these two? Can love be true and genuine if it is devoid of action and expression?

Fr. Patrick takes on piety and devotion this week as we enter the final days before Pascha. And reflects on a living icon scripture gives us of just such a piety, to guide us on our way to the object of our true desires.