25 March 2019

With the Heart

Vide ut quod ore cantas, corde credas, et quod corde
credis, operibus comprobes.

Take heed that what you sing with your mouths you believe
in your hearts, and what you believe with your hearts you
show forth in your works.


                              Fourth Council of Carthage, 4^th Century

14 March 2019

On the Dignity of Man Fully Alive

The glory of God is man fully alive, and the life of man is the vision of God.
If the revelation of God through creation already brings life to all living
beings on the earth, how much more will the manifestation of the Father
by the Word bring life to those who see God.


                                                                                           Saint Irenaeus of Lyons

7 March 2019

On the Eucharist

Without shame and without doubt, eat the flesh and drink the blood
(of Christ), if you are desirous of true life.

                                                                           - St. Gregory of Nazianzus

16 February 2019

Being Called Out Into the Deep

That you may understand that the Lord was speaking of spiritual fishing, however,
Peter says, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let
down the nets.” It is as if he were saying, “Through whole night our fishing has
brought us nothing, and we have been laboring the in vain. Now I will not fish with
fishing gear but with grace, not with diligence acquired by skill but with the
perseverance acquired by devotion.” When Peter lets down the nets at the word,
therefore, he is in fact letting down the teachings in Christ. When he unfolds the
tightly woven and well-ordered nets at the command of the Master, he is really
laying out words in the name of the Savior in a fitting and clear fashion. By these
words he is able to save not creatures but souls. ‘We toiled all night,’ he says, ‘and
took nothing.’ Peter, who beforehand was unable to see in order to make a catch,
enduring darkness without Christ, had indeed toiled through the whole night. But
when the Savior’s light shone upon him the darkness scattered, and by faith he
began to discern in the deep what he could not see with his eyes.”

                                                                                                               St. Maximus of Turin

14 February 2019

A fish that is alive …

A fish that is alive swims against the flow of water.
One that is dead floats down with the water. A true
Christian goes against the current of sinful age. A
false one is swept away by its swiftness.



                                                   St. Philaret of Moscow

12 January 2019

Church of God, Elect and Glorious

Church of God, elect and glorious, holy nation, chosen
race; called as God's own special people, royal priests
and heirs of grace; know the purpose of your calling,
show to all his mighty deeds; tell of love which knows
no limits, grace which meets all human needs.

                                                                                 LSB 646:1

17 December 2018

Meditation on the Incarnation

Then come to him, lying in the lap of the fairest and sweetest maid. You
will see how great is the divine goodness, which seeks above all else that
you should not despair. Trust him! Trust him! Here is the Child in whom
is salvation. To me there is no greater consolation given to mankind than
this, that Christ became man, a child, a babe, playing in the lap and at the
breasts of his most gracious mother. Who is there whom this sight would
not comfort? Now is overcome the power of sin, death, hell, conscience,
and guilt, if you come to judge this gurgling Babe and believe that he is
come, not to judge you, but to save.


                                                                        Martin Luther’s Christmas Book