Imperfectly Reaching For Perfection

Imperfectly Reaching For Perfection
or
Impurely Reaching for Purity

What is the main problem with this world that we have to struggle against? Why are we not already perfect and pure? If we have attained purity and perfection, why can't we just stay that way? Why doesn't God just make us that way and keep us that way?

These questions (and maybe a few answers) are discussed in this sermon by Fr John Brian. Using Hebrews Chapter 8 and the prophecy of Mary when she meets Elizabeth, Fr. John Brian investigates why we need a savior in the first place and why the story of Jesus Christ is still relevant in our modern age.

This sermon uses and refers to scripture readings appointed by the Syrian Malankara calendar and was given on Sunday, November 27, 2011 by Fr. John-Brian Paprock at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Chapel, Madison, Wisconsin.

"Called to Divine Nature" is the theme of an open and free mini-retreat in Madison, January 21, 2012 hosted by Holy
Transfiguration Mission. Pre-registration by email or voicemail by January 8 is encouraged.

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http://frjohnbrian.hipcast.com/rss/spiritual_reflections_or_fr_john_brian.xml
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Question from God

Question from God?
If God were to ask one question of you, what would it be?

Mary answered the angel "behold the hand maiden of the Lord..." Fr. John Brian indicates that this is the answer to the main question that God asks of us: Whom do you serve? In this sermon for annunciation, Fr. John Brian explains that it is also: Whom do you love?

Then Fr John Brian focuses on Chapter 4 of John's First Epistle which is an extension of the designated portion for the day and is important for our developing spirituality.

An excerpt was read during the sermon from: COMMON DECLARATION BY THE HEADS OF THE ORIENTAL ORTHODOX CHURCHES ~ THE MEETING OF THE HEADS OF THE ORIENTAL ORTHODOX CHURCHES ~ Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate- Cairo, Egypt ~ 14 November 2011

"... the Churches of the Oriental Orthodox Family are united in faith, theology, doctrine, tradition and spirituality. This strong bond of unity has sustained this Family and became a source of spiritual strength, missionary outreach and social action in spite of tremendous challenges and crisis which surrounded these Churches in the course of their long history. The unity of faith of our Family is grounded on Apostolic Tradition and the teachings of the first three Ecumenical Councils ... It is vitally important that we re-affirm and re-strengthen our unity, and re-invigorate our Christian witness. In a world which is constantly threatened by secularistic and materialistic ideologies and different sort of heresies which may jeopardize the integrity, identity and unity of our faith, therefore, re-organizing and re-revitalizing our intra-family collaboration is of decisive importance. The Oriental Orthodox Family has a long and rich history. Its relevance needs to be re-affirmed and its common witness to be re-activated in those regions and countries where the faithful of our Churches have organized their church and community life. ... We appeal to our faithful to remain firm in their Christian faith and participate fully in the witness of our Churches. May God lead our Churches in faithfulness to the command of our Lord Jesus Christ." (The letter is signed by Pope Shenouda III, Patriarch Ignatius Zakka I, Catholicos Aram I, and Patriarch Abuna Paulos.)

"In God there is nothing quantitative. Love, insofar as it is the divine essence, is an absolute. There is within it neither more nor less. God simply loves. That is all. God gives himself." Fr. Lev Gillet, Monk of the Eastern Church - The Burning Bush

This sermon uses and refers to scripture readings appointed by the Syrian Malankara calendar and was given on Sunday, November 20, 2011 by Fr. John-Brian Paprock at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Chapel, Madison, Wisconsin.

"Called to Divine Nature" is the theme of an open and free mini-retreat in Madison, January 21, 2012 hosted by Holy Transfiguration Mission. Pre-registration by email or voicemail by January 8 is encouraged.

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:

Human and Divine Christianity

Human and Divine Christianity

How is it that we can be partakers of Divine Nature when we are immersed in human nature?

Fr John Brian uses the scriptures appointed, especially the first chapter of Second Peter, to talk about our human and spiritual lives, and how we can be "partakers of divine nature" as St Peter  tells us in his epistle.

This is the theme of an open and free mini-retreat in Madison, Wisconsin - January 21, 2012 - "Called to Divine Nature" hosted by Holy Transfiguration Mission. (Pre-registration email or voicemail by January 8 is encouraged.)

This sermon uses and refers to scripture readings appointed by the Syrian Malankara Orthodox calendar and was given on Sunday, November 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.

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Building Spiritual Life

Building Spiritual Life

How are we building spiritual life? Fr John Brian uses the scriptures appointed for Foundation Sunday to talk about properly building our spiritual lives, showing us where to find the blueprint to insure quality building.

Which building plans are you following?

This sermon uses and refers to scripture readings appointed by the Syrian Malankara calendar and was give on Sunday, November 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:

Spiritual Milk and Living Stones

Spiritual Milk and Living Stones

This sermon uses verses and phrases from 1 Peter Chapter 2, and 1 Corinthians Chapter 6 to give an understanding of the reading from the Gospel of Matthew Chapter 16.

Fr John Brian talks about the problems of sacrifice and selfishness, and the integration of Christ into our whole life.

Fr John Brian then draws our attention to Holy Communion as a perfecting sacrifice.

So, are making a proper sacrifice? Do you understand that to be of Christ also means to participate in the sacrifice?

This sermon uses and refers to scripture readings appointed by the Syrian Malankara calendar and was give on Sunday, October 30, 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: