Wednesday, December 10, 2014

The Power of Spiritual Community

Spiritual Community

The power of spiritual community is explored in this inspirational sermon of Fr. John Brian.

Fr. John Brian talks about spiritual community from an Eastern Christian perspective, using Galations 3 and 1 John 3 for scriptural insight and clarity.

He begins by quoting the Holy Fathers about the Nativity feast and the profound community of God and man manifest by Emmanuel "God with us."

Please pray for Fr. John Brian who remains committed to us in the continuing development of Christian Spirituality.

This sermon uses and refers to scripture readings appointed by the Syriac Orthodox calendar and was given on Sunday November 30, 2014 by Fr. John-Brian Paprock at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Chapel, Madison, Wisconsin.

PODCAST OR DOWNLOAD: http://feeds.feedburner.com/frjohnbrian or
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Thursday, October 09, 2014

Finding the Cross

Finding the Cross

The Cross has a central place in Christian life. And so we should look for places it can be a source of hope and healing, protection and providence for us.

Fr. John Brian talks about the Cross and the post-crucifixion story from an Eastern Christian perspective.

This inspirational sermon can bring us the Cross of Light to our lives so that we can easily find and use it as a direction for good in the world.

Please pray for Fr. John Brian who remains committed to us in the continuing development of Christian Spirituality.

This sermon uses and refers to scripture readings appointed by the Syriac Orthodox calendar and was given on Sunday September 21, 2014 by Fr. John-Brian Paprock at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Chapel, Madison, Wisconsin.

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Tuesday, September 02, 2014

Mother of Life and Death

Mother of Life and Death

Mary, the Mother of God, is a deep mystery and one that does not easily lift its veil. Fr. John Brian gives some insight into the mystical and the practical in another thought provoking sermon.

Fr. John Brian talks about the Mother from an Eastern Christian perspective - how the maternal is a key to our life and our death.

This inspirational sermon can bring us closer to Mary the Mother God, asking her to intercede or us with her son, our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Please pray for Fr. John Brian who remains committed to us in the continuing development of Christian Spirituality.

This sermon uses and refers to scripture readings appointed by the Syriac Orthodox calendar and was given on Sunday August 24, 2014 by Fr. John-Brian Paprock at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Chapel, Madison, Wisconsin.

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Tuesday, August 19, 2014

The Mystical Transfiguration


The Mystical Transfiguration

Some of the mystery and the mystical is given in this thought provoking sermon.

Fr. John Brian gives us insight into the symbolism and Luke's gospel account of the Transfiguration from an Eastern Christian perspective. This inspirational sermon can bring us closer to God in this life and in that to come.

Please pray for Fr. John Brian who remains committed to us in the continuing development of Christian Spirituality.

This sermon uses and refers to scripture readings appointed by the Syriac Orthodox calendar and was given on Sunday July 13, 2014 by Fr. John-Brian Paprock at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Chapel, Madison, Wisconsin.

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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Monday, July 14, 2014

A Lonely Place with Five Thousand

A Lonely Place with Five Thousand

This is another sermon given for this modern time during the festal time of the Holy Apostles.

In the Gospel of Luke 9:10-17, we are given a story of a miracle, but it begins with Jesus going to a lonely desolate place with his apostles.

When a multitude of the needy come to him there, he heals them and teaches them.

Then we are told that with 5 loaves of bread and two fish, the multitude is fed.

Fr. John Brian gives us insight into the symbolism and the spiritual instructions of this passage from an Eastern Christian perspective. This inspirational sermon can bring us to greater service and greater connection to God in this life and in that to come.

Please pray for Fr. John Brian who remains committed to us in the continuing development of Christian Spirituality.

This sermon uses and refers to scripture readings appointed by the Syriac Orthodox calendar and was given on Sunday July 13, 2014 by Fr. John-Brian Paprock at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Chapel, Madison, Wisconsin.

Please pray for the mission chapel and all who attend services there.

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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Saturday, July 12, 2014

If ... in This Life

If ... In This Life
This is a sermon given for this modern time during the festal time of the Holy Apostles.

"...For if in this life of the flesh, my efforts bear fruit." (Philippians 1:22) Yes, St. Paul actually says "IF." He writes that he is unsure of the results of his efforts. The great apostle, the great builder of the church, the great teacher, St Paul was unsure of the results of his efforts, even though he definitely saw congregations form and seek spiritual food - indeed we have that evidence in his amazing spiritual instructions in the letters he wrote to them.

It was the Holy Spirit that continues to give life to these teachings and to us. Fr. John-Brian gives important teachings about the Holy Spirit and its place in Apostolic Succession.

The Spirit is like a breath or a wind. See Genesis 2:7 and Ezekiel 37:9 in addition to the gospel ordinations and the Holy Spirit coming to the Apostles by Jesus after the resurrection and at Pentecost and Acts records the Spirit coming to them again.

"As long as breath is in me, the Spirit of God is in me." Job 27:3

In this sermon, Fr John Brian describes the Trinitarian formula for restoration, a transformative understanding of the Trinity to bring us to our created purpose and essence.

Please pray for Fr. John Brian who remains committed to us in the continuing development of Christian Spirituality.

This sermon uses and refers to scripture readings appointed by the Syriac Orthodox calendar and was given on Sunday June 29, 2014 by Fr. John-Brian Paprock at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Chapel, Madison, Wisconsin.

Please pray for the mission chapel and all who attend services there.

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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Tuesday, July 01, 2014

Not Afraid of Those Who Kill

Not Afraid of Those Who Kill

This expository sermon discusses one of the most significant scriptures for the early church; Matthew 10:23 - "do not be afraid of those who kill the body, but cannot kill the soul."

Fr John Brian starts by speaking to the essence of honor and words. It is good to be like our leaders, masters, teachers - we show that honor by using their words and examples in our leading and teaching.

Fr. John Brian reminds us that "fear will take you away from love" and so we should not be afraid of others, treating them with fear. We ought, as Fr. John Brian says, "to treat them with respect and honor because it is the potential of every person to be redeemed at the end of time." So we should treat them as though they can reach that potential.

So how can we get to the point of trust as the early Christians, who went to martyrdom praying for thought that would "kill the body."

"Love God more," says Fr. John Brian.
"Make God's love and mercy our priority is how we grow and development spiritually." This is the wisdom of Christianity.

Please pray for Fr. John Brian who remains committed to us in the continuing development of Christian Spirituality.

This sermon uses and refers to scripture readings appointed by the Syriac Orthodox calendar and was given on Sunday June 22, 2014 by Fr. John-Brian Paprock at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Chapel, Madison, Wisconsin.

Please pray for the mission chapel and all who attend services there.

PODCAST OR DOWNLOAD: http://feeds.feedburner.com/frjohnbrian or
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Friday, June 20, 2014

Continuing New

Continuing New

This important sermon discusses what St Paul calls "walking in newness of life" (Romans 6:4)

Starting with Apostolic Succession and moving into our personal lives, Fr. John Brian enhances understanding of our spiritual genealogy.

"We walk in newness of life. " says Fr. John Brian, "as though we have been resurrected from the dead."

This sermon discusses how we can do this walk or as Fr John Brian puts it:

"Rather than a lump of was without a wick, each of us has a wick in the core of us to be lit... We have always been part of the truth and reality of God - that newness of life - the activity of being-ness."

Fr. John Brian closes with insight into Matthew 11:28-30" Come to me [says Jesus] all who are heavy laden and I will give you rest... for my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Fr. John-Brian continues to speak to our further spiritual development.

Please pray for Fr. John Brian who remains committed to us in the continuing development of Christian Spirituality.

This sermon uses and refers to scripture readings appointed by the Syriac Orthodox calendar and was given on Sunday June 15, 2014 by Fr. John-Brian Paprock at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Chapel, Madison, Wisconsin.

Please pray for the mission chapel and all who attend services there.

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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Thursday, June 05, 2014

A Holy Waiting

A Holy Waiting

This sermon elaborates on the Gospel stories of holy waiting for us to consider the pauses in our lives as opportunities:
to work our spiritual work
to practice spiritual principles
to be ready for the time to come
to be ready for the eternal life
to be ready for the return of Christ

Fr. John-Brian continues to speak to our further spiritual development in another inspirational sermon.

Please pray for Fr. John Brian who remains committed to us in the continuing development of Christian Spirituality.

This sermon uses and refers to scripture readings appointed by the Syrian Orthodox calendar and was given on Sunday June 1, 2014 by Fr. John-Brian Paprock at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Chapel, Madison, Wisconsin.

Please pray for the mission chapel and all who attend services there.

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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Wednesday, June 04, 2014

All of What is Human

All of What is Human

"All of what is human," says Fr John Brian in this sermon, "meets Jesus at the Cross, or rather through the Cross to the Resurrection."

"...not just the embrace of a physical life with spiritual attributes, but the spiritual life that embraces even the death of the physical body on the cross." - Fr. John Brian

We need to become willing to let Christ raise us together, integrated fully in life which is the Spirit moving in the denseness of matter. This is our own work individually and collectively. This divine work is what moved the apostles to people they had never known, places of distant lands.

Fr. John Brian uses the Second Chapter of the Epistle to the Ephesians to help us and remind us that it is the actual effort of God in this world to bring us together. .

Fr. John-Brian continues to speak to our further spiritual development in this inspirational sermon.

Please pray for Fr. John Brian who remains committed to us in the continuing development of Christian Spirituality.

This sermon uses and refers to scripture readings appointed by the Syrian Orthodox calendar and was given on Sunday May 18, 2014 by Fr. John-Brian Paprock at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Chapel, Madison, Wisconsin.

Please pray for the mission chapel and all who attend services there.

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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Thursday, May 29, 2014

All the Grace and Mercy

All the Grace and Mercy
Christ is Risen!

"All the grace and mercy of God has been given to humanity," says Fr John Brian, "so that we may also rise from the dead."

IN this resurrection time, we are reminded in today's sermon that death has no more power over us. By living dedicated to fear and survival, we actually can end up separated from the eternal mercy available to all.

Fr. John Brian uses the Epistle of Hebrews Chapter 10:1 to help us by showing there is a second and re-newed way of being that helps us reach for the holy sanctification of this auspicious time.

Fr. John-Brian continues to speak to our further spiritual development and he encourages us another inspirational sermon.

Please pray for Fr. John Brian who remains committed to us in the continuing development of Christian Spirituality.

This sermon uses and refers to scripture readings appointed by the Syrian Orthodox calendar and was given on Sunday May 11, 2014 by Fr. John-Brian Paprock at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Chapel, Madison, Wisconsin.

Please pray for our mission chapel and all our spiritual helpers.

PODCAST OR DOWNLOAD: http://feeds.feedburner.com/frjohnbrian or
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Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Fix the Broken in Our Lives

Fix the Broken in Our Lives
Christ is Risen!

This sermon focuses on the Resurrection Gospel reading - John Chapter 21.

We may have felt the joy of the resurrection, that God has defeated death and given hope for our limited lives. But are we ready for God to be in our everyday life?

If we can see how we have separated ourselves from Him, how can we truly be reunited with HIm? We are taught in the gospels that He revealed Hmself to His Apostles after His return from death. And in John 21. He is embraced and joins the dinner.
But how do we follow His example of coming back from death?

How do we removed the lingering doubts we have in our relationship with God? We need to make amends. We need to fix that which was broken. When we acknowledge our sins, our separateness, we have only begun a process that is given to us for strength in our conviction that God is good and there is nothing that will keep His goodness, love and mercy from us.

Fr. John Brian explains why the post-resurrection conversation of Jesus and Peter is a demonstration of the way we can fix the brokenness in the world around us - that begins with mending our own brokenness. This brings the talk to the healing of the resurrection continues into our present age.

Fr. John-Brian continues to speak to our further spiritual development and he encourages us another inspirational sermon.

Please pray for Fr. John Brian who remains committed to us in the continuing development of Christian Spirituality.

This sermon uses and refers to scripture readings appointed by the Syrian Orthodox calendar and was given on Sunday May 4, 2014 by Fr. John-Brian Paprock at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Chapel, Madison, Wisconsin.

Please pray for our mission chapel and all our spiritual helpers.

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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Thursday, April 24, 2014

Christ Lives In Me!

Christ Lives In Me!
Christ is Risen!

This sermon focuses on Galatians 2:20 in harmony with the resurrection celebration of Pascha (Easter).

The fullness of the Christian experience is the resurrection of Christ. Fr. John Brian talks bout why this was so important. He asks how do we overcome the separation from God? How do we attain complete relationship with God?

Fr John Brian explores why several key events were not enough: the incarnation, epiphany, crucifixion... These are all important to show God's willingness to be with us completely.

But it is the resurrection that gives us the path to be with God completely!

St. Paul writes in Galation (2:20) "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me."

This leads Fr John Brian to talk inspirationally about our journey as Orthodox Christians - how Easter is echoed in every Sunday liturgy throughout the year.- so that our journey with Christ IN us will lead us beyond death and into union with God.

Fr. John-Brian continues to speak to our further spiritual development and he encourages us another inspirational sermon.

Please pray for Fr. John Brian who remains committed to us in the continuing development of Christian Spirituality.

This sermon uses and refers to scripture readings appointed by the Syrian Orthodox calendar and was given on Saturday Night (in anticipation of Paschal Sunday), April 19, 2014 by Fr. John-Brian Paprock at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Chapel, Madison, Wisconsin.

Please pray for our mission chapel and all our spiritual helpers.

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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Wishing and Striving are Not Enough

Wishing and Striving are Not Enough

This sermon is a homiletic of Romans 9:16 with the Hosannas that lead to the Passion of Christ.

St. Paul writes of the blessings of God, that in the scriptures there are those that are favored. IN the Gospel of Mark, Jesus curses a fig tree in Jerusalem that bears no fruit. He then casts out the money-changers from the temple.

This leads Fr John Brian to talk compassionately about the acceptance of what is beyond our reach.

St. Paul divides this up for us in verse 16 of Chapter 9, writing that the blessings are NOT in reach of our wishing nor of our striving. No earthly human plan has worked of itself.

St. Paul finishes the verse by writing that IT IS within the reach of the merciful God.

Fr. John-Brian continues to speak to our further spiritual development and he encourages us another inspirational sermon.

Please pray for Fr. John Brian who remains committed to us in the continuing development of Christian Spirituality.

This sermon uses and refers to scripture readings appointed by the Syrian Orthodox calendar and was given on Sunday, April 13, 2014 by Fr. John-Brian Paprock at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Chapel, Madison, Wisconsin.

Please pray for our mission chapel and all our spiritual helpers.

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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Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Christian Enough

Christian Enough

Sometimes it seems that we got it all sewn up and we can easily tell who is Christian. But we cannot know everything about anyone, not even ourselves - we cannot know who is Christian enough. This is something only He who knows the heart can know.

People have been harshly judgmental lately, as though life was some sort of a team sport, where wearing the proper colors lets everyone know you root for the home team. Bur Fr. John Brian reminds us, "our self interest ought to become less and less selfish."

The two blind men, healed in the Gospel of Mark, follow Christ when they are given the gift of sight. There is no record of these former blind men using there ability to see judging others and harshly criticizing others. All they do after being healed is follow Christ. Fr. John Brian notes, "Being able to enumerate and talk about another's sins does not make you holy or even superior. It certainly does not make you less sinful. It does make you a person with great interest in another person's sins."

"I would prefer'" he continues, "people come to church as rampant sinners - so they can truly come to know the love of God for them."

Fr. John-Brian continues to speak to our further spiritual development and he encourages us in this inspirational sermon.

Please pray for Fr. John Brian who remains committed to us in the continuing development of Christian Spirituality.

This sermon uses and refers to scripture readings appointed by the Syrian Orthodox calendar and was given on Sunday, April 6, 2014 by Fr. John-Brian Paprock at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Chapel, Madison, Wisconsin. Please pray for our mission chapel and all our spiritual helpers.

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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Wednesday, April 16, 2014

We are People of the Mud

People of the Mud

We are all People of the Mud, of the dirt. We are one humanity with one hope.

God got muddy with us and showed us that, even though the dirt and dust remain, we may all rise from the dirt and have new life.

This sermon uses the spring weather in the Midwest with the mud that still seems lifeless as analogy of the Lenten season that is coming to a close with hope in all humanity.

Fr. John Brian gives a very short sermon (under 10 minutes) on the issues that the season brings to our humanity and our spiritual development.

Fr. John-Brian continues to speak to our further spiritual development and he encourages us in this inspirational sermon.

Please pray for Fr. John Brian who remains committed to us in the continuing development of Christian Spirituality.

This sermon uses and refers to scripture readings appointed by the Syrian Orthodox calendar and was given on Sunday, March 30, 2014 by Fr. John-Brian Paprock at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Chapel, Madison, Wisconsin.

Please pray for our mission chapel and all our spiritual helpers.

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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Sunday, March 30, 2014

Servant of All

Servant of All

On March 21, 2014, HH Moron Mor Ignatios I Iwas, Patriarch of Antioch and all the East departed from this world. At the request of the Patriarch, memorial prayers were said in all churches.

This memorial focus gave an opportunity to talk about the need, purpose and the nature of hierarchy in the Christian Church from the beginning centuries.

In Holy Orthodoxy, the hierarchy in its form, substance, spirit and symbolism have been kept intact to the present era.

Fr. John Brian gives a short sermon on the issues of leadership, paraphrasing the great work of St. John Chrysostom "On the Priesthood" which was written from St. John's refusal to be consecrated Patriarch of Constantinople in the 4th Century.

May the memory of LL HH Moron Mor Ignatios I Iwas be eternal! May he pray for us, asking for the Lord's mercy and the fruits of faith in all our lives.

Fr. John-Brian speaks to further spiritual development and encouragement in another short inspirational sermon.

Please pray for Fr. John Brian who remains committed to us in the continuing development of Christian Spirituality.

This sermon uses and refers to scripture readings appointed by the Syrian Orthodox calendar and was given on Sunday, March 23, 2014 by Fr. John-Brian Paprock at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Chapel, Madison, Wisconsin.

Please pray for our mission chapel and all our spiritual helpers.

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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Whom Does It Serve?

Whom Does It Serve?

If Lent is the great preparation, whom does it serve?

Fr. John Brian gives a short sermon on the issues of service and temptation. "Selfishness is the major source of our struggles," he says.

He brings up the temptations of Jesus Christ during the 40-day fast after His baptism.

"May God fill us His love. For whom? For self? No for serving others," Fr. John Brian encourages us.

Fr. John-Brian speaks to further spiritual development and encouragement in this short inspirational sermon.

Please pray for Fr. John Brian who remains committed to us in the continuing development of Christian Spirituality.

This sermon uses and refers to scripture readings appointed by the Syrian Orthodox calendar and was given on Sunday, March 9, 2014 by Fr. John-Brian Paprock at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Chapel, Madison, Wisconsin.

Please pray for our mission chapel and all our spiritual helpers.

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:

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

The Great Preparation

The Great Preparation

Lent is the great preparation for the renewal of the entirety of creation through the coming resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The Lenten spotlight in Holy Orthodoxy for this preparation is not only a physical culinary change, but also the clarification of our inner life. Is our focus on being with God or on how others may judge us? And then, we have to come to terms with our judgment of others.

So, Lent begins with forgiveness, with reconciliation, with reparation among those that should and ought to love one another.

Yet often we base our inner life on the outer world rather than engage the inner life in all our worldly activities.

Fr. John Brian uses our instant judgment of a church by its outward appearance as an indicator of how we get stuck in our desire for oneness with God.

Sacred places are places where God dwells and Lent is preparing a sacred place in our hearts. Yet, so often the outward appearance of a person seems to be more important than their heart and soul.

"However, many of us feel more welcomed by an empty church," says Fr John Brian, "than in a church full of people." This is a real problem in our modern Orthodox churches and congregations.


Fr. John-Brian speaks to further spiritual development and encouragement in this short inspirational sermon.

Please pray for Fr. John Brian who remains committed to us in the continuing development of Christian Spirituality.

This sermon uses and refers to scripture readings appointed by the Syrian Orthodox calendar and was given on Sunday, March 2, 2014 by Fr. John-Brian Paprock at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Chapel, Madison, Wisconsin.

Please pray for our mission chapel and all our spiritual helpers.

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:

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Ready for Christian Purpose

Ready for Christian Purpose

As we get ready for the Feast of Feasts, the Day of all Days, the day that our entire relationship with the created universe changed - when Jesus Christ rises from the dead.

We prepare with a Great Fast at Lent. And we prepare for this Great Fast with a smaller fast, examining the mission and purpose that God gave us.

In this examination, inwardlly, we are asked to come to terms with our willingness to work in God's fields. We also come to terms with how we do not trust God.

It is the Prophet Jonah and the scripture story that is our guide and example for the Great Fast.

Fr. John-Brian speaks to the guidance, example and spiritual encouragement of Jonah in this short inspirational sermon.

Please pray for Fr. John Brian who remains committed to us in the continuing development of Christian Spirituality.

This sermon uses and refers to scripture readings appointed by the Syrian Orthodox calendar and was given on Sunday, February 9, 2014 by Fr. John-Brian Paprock at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Chapel, Madison, Wisconsin.

Please pray for our mission and help us as you are able.

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:

Saturday, February 22, 2014

Honorable Vessels and the Song of Simeon

Honorable Vessels and the Song of Simeon

Simeon is a prophet who is a witness of Jesus as messiah, the savior of all. He was told by God that he would not die until he saw the messiah.

When he saw the baby Jesus presented in the temple, he knew he could die. And he sang a song - praising God as he let go of this life for the life to come. God's will is fulfilled.

Sometimes he is pictured bearing a candle in each hand, one to be a light for Israel and the other to illuminate the Gentiles. So, we bless candles on this day of Christ's presentation in the temple.

In the Second Epistle to Timothy, St. Paul talks about different vessels that are used in a household. Fr. John Brian uses this analogy to emphasize our spiritual need to embrace the way God made us - with three clear characteristics to be of purpose, as an honorable vessel.

Fr. John-Brian speaks to this blessing and this illumination in this short inspirational sermon.

Please pray for Fr. John Brian who remains committed to us in the continuing development of Christian Spirituality.

This sermon uses and refers to scripture readings appointed by the Syrian Orthodox calendar and was given on Sunday, February 2, 2014 by Fr. John-Brian Paprock at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Chapel, Madison, Wisconsin.

Please pray for our mission and help us as you are able.

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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Thursday, February 13, 2014

Illumination - The Gift of Timket

Illumination - The Gift of Timket

Timket is Ge'ez (the Ethiopian liturgical language) for Epiphany.

The Baptism of Jesus Christ by St. John the Baptist is a seminal event in Christianity. It is the event that ends the Old Testament.

In Ethiopian tradition, it is the feast of the Ark of the Covenant that prefigured the appearance of the Trinity at the Baptism - the Illumination of the Word by the descent of the Holy Spirit as a dove (which links this to the Ark of Noah).

At this festival, the Ark (or the representation of the Ark) is carried forth to the place where the waters are blessed.

Fr. John-Brian speaks to this blessing and this illumination in this short inspriational sermon.

Please pray for Fr. John Brian who continues to encourage us in the continuing development of Christian Spirituality.

This sermon uses and refers to scripture readings appointed by the Syrian Orthodox calendar and was given on Sunday, January 19, 2014 by Fr. John-Brian Paprock at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Chapel, Madison, Wisconsin.

Please pray for our mission and help us as you are able.

PODCAST OR DOWNLOAD: http://feeds.feedburner.com/frjohnbrian or
LISTEN ON-LINE HERE:

Saturday, February 08, 2014

Living in the Cold and Dark

Living in the Cold and Dark

Sometimes we underestimate to the power of the world arounds us - the powerful influence of cold and dark. Through human ingenuity and practical application of the created laws of nature, we are able to combat both of the cold and the dark with heat and electricity. However, not everyone benefits.

In the opening of John's Gospel and his First Epistle, there is discussion of darkness and light. There is a symbolic understanding of cold and dark as applied to our awareness in consciousness and our moral conscience, our inner guidance system.

Fr John Brian talks about these opposing forces in our spiritual development.

Please pray for Fr. John Brian who continues to encourage us in the continuing development of Christian Spirituality.

This sermon uses and refers to scripture readings appointed by the Syrian Orthodox calendar and was given on Sunday, January 5, 2014 by Fr. John-Brian Paprock at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Chapel, Madison, Wisconsin.

Please pray for our mission and help us as you are able.

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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Thursday, January 09, 2014

For That Which Does NOT - Praise God



For That Which Does NOT - Praise God

Any step in the right direction is progress. And we all know to be gracious and grateful for any progres we can make in this life.

We often do not even consider the potential or terrible things that might have happened - when bad things do not happen to us.

After Nativity of Jesus Christ, we are told that Herod, out of fear of losing his earthly kingdom, wealth and power, sought to kill Jesus as a baby. When he found that Bethlehem would be the birth place, he ordered the death of all male infants under a year old. These are considered the first martyrs - the Holy Innocents. We ask them to pray for us.

And the three kings and Joseph were both warned. Joseph, by an angel.

Fr. John Brian talks about the need for the prayers of others. "By prayer," he says, "we hold each other up."

Please pray for Fr. John Brian who continues to encourage us in the continuing development of Christian spirituality.

This sermon uses and refers to scripture readings appointed by the Syrian calendar and was given on Sunday, December 29, 2013 by Fr. John-Brian Paprock at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Chapel, Madison, Wisconsin.

Please pray for our mission and help us as you are able.

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