Journey of Lent 4: Lent Warfare

Journey of Lent 4: Lent Warfare

This is the fourth sermon in the Lenten Journey of 2011. This week, Fr John Brian gives us a truly homiletic sermon - verse by verse - through the reading appointed from end of Romans Chapter 7 (verses 14-25).

This is discussed in context with the Gospel story of the Canaanite woman who would accept "crumbs from the table" which brings to light one of the paradoxes of the New Testament: how Jesus Christ came to Hebrew people specifically, yet died for all of us.

The Lenten Journey is a journey to the cross. This week we set up the cross at the top of the hill (which will become Golgotha) and we are renewed and refreshed by the healing power of the cross, reminded of Moses, arms held in cruciform to ensure safety of the people of God.

This sermon lesson uses the readings and services appointed from the Malankara Syrian lectionary and was given on Sunday, March 27, 2011 by Fr. John Brian Paprock at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Chapel, Madison, Wisconsin.

"We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency may be of the power of God and not of us." 2 Corinthians 4:7.

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Journey of Lent 3: Glory in Our Tribulations

Glory in Our Tribulations - Continuing the Journey of Lent

This week in our Lenten Journey, Fr John Brian speaks to the spiritual teaching in St. Paul's Epistle to the Romans Chapter 5 where he writes, "and we glory in our tribulations..." Fr John Brian defines "our tribulations" and discusses the spiritual fruit available. The Gospel lesson of the Paralytic (Mark 2) can be seen through this spirit as well.

The Lenten Journey is a journey to the cross, but this week we see the cross at the top of the hill we have already become weary to climb. Fr John Brian reminds us of the rewards and the importance of the effort.

This sermon lesson uses the readings and services appointed from the Malankara Syrian lectionary and was given on Sunday, March 13, 2011 by Fr. John Brian Paprock at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Chapel, Madison, Wisconsin.

"We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency may be of the power of God and not of us." 2 Corinthians 4:7.

PODCAST OR DOWNLOAD: http://feeds.feedburner.com/frjohnbrian or
http://frjohnbrian.hipcast.com/rss/spiritual_reflections_or_fr_john_brian.xml
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Journey of Lent 2: Ready for the End of the World

Journey of Lent - Ready for the End of the World

This week, Fr John Brian acknowledges the tremendous tragedy of Japan's earthquake and speaks to those who are anxious about the signals of the "end times." He also speaks to the problems of dark and troubled times and likens them to the flower bulb that spend winter in the dark, yet breaks through the dirt to reach toward the light.

The Lenten Journey is a journey to the cross, but this week we may have lost sight of it under the rubble of the concerns of this world. Fr John Brian asks if you can tell if you are ready for the end. Are you? How can you tell?

This sermon lesson uses the readings and services appointed from the Malankara Syrian lectionary and was given on Sunday, March 13, 2011 by Fr. John Brian Paprock at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Chapel, Madison, Wisconsin.

"We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency may be of the power of God and not of us." 2 Corinthians 4:7.

PODCAST OR DOWNLOAD: http://feeds.feedburner.com/frjohnbrian or
http://frjohnbrian.hipcast.com/rss/spiritual_reflections_or_fr_john_brian.xml
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Journey of Lent 1: Temptations of the Fast

Journey of Lent - Temptations of the Fast

This week, Fr John Brian directs our attention to being spiritually ready for the Lenten fast. This sermon refers to Cana Sunday and the Service of Reconciliation and Forgiveness appointed for the beginning of the Lenten Fast. The Lenten Journey is a journey to the cross, but, at this time, it appears small and precious like the small gold crosses worn around the necks of the faithful.

This sermon lesson uses the readings and services appointed from the Malankara Syrian lectionary and was given on Sunday, March 6, 2011 by Fr. John Brian Paprock at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission
Chapel, Madison, Wisconsin.

"We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency may be of the power of God and not of us." 2 Corinthians 4:7.

PODCAST OR DOWNLOAD: http://feeds.feedburner.com/frjohnbrian or
http://frjohnbrian.hipcast.com/rss/spiritual_reflections_or_fr_john_brian.xml
Listen on-line here: