Dull Minds and Heavy Hearts

Dull Minds and Heavy Hearts, sermon/homily recorded live May 21, 2006 at Maruroopa Palli (Holy Transfiguration Malankara Orthodox Mission
Parish) in Madison, Wisconsin USA - Scriptures include passage near the end of the Gospel of Luke and the end of the First Epistle of
John.

Christianity: Universal and Indigenous?

Christianity: Universal and Indigenous?
By Rev. Fr. John Brian Paprock, for the V.C. Samuel Ecumenical Forum
is now available in PDF at the ICON website along with other fine articles.
http://www.icon.org.in/icon_resources_home.icon#

direct link to the PDF is
http://www.icon.org.in/jsp/icon/resources/vcsamuel/Essay-IndigenousOrthodoxy
.pdf

This is submitted online with all humility as it is my hope that this essay
work for the common good.

May the risen Christ have mercy on us all as we move toward the full
realization of His Holy purpose for us and this world. May the comforter
and all the gifts of the Spirit come upon us again as at the apostolic
celebration of Pentecost so that the love of God may be truly known
regardless of them and in spite of us.

Please pray for me and for our mission and for all mission efforts of Holy
Orthodoxy.

As always, your comments are welcome.

your servant,

Fr John Brian
Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission
Madison, Wisconsin
608.236.9622
http://maruroopa.blogspot.com/
www.angelfire.com/wi/inroads/transfig.html

Of Mothers and Sheep

Of Mothers and Sheep - sermon/homily recorded live Sunday May 14, 2006 (which is Mother's Day in the USA) at Maruroopa Palli (Holy Transfiguration Malankara Orthodox Mission Parish) in Madison, Wisconsin USA - concerning the scripture verses at the end of the Gospel of John.

Preparing to Prevail

Preparing to Prevail - sermon/homily recorded May 7, 2006 live at Maruroopa Palli (Holy Transfiguration Malankara Orthodox Mission Parish) in Madison, Wisconsin USA
Scripture: John 21 (begin), Ephesians 6 (end)

RE: Confession through letters or mails

Dearest Abraham,

 

The essential element to all of our activity as Orthodox Christians is "relationship" - to God and to one another.  God saw fit to establish His Church to accomplish this.

 

You may confess to anyone - to a judge in a secular court, to a secular therapist, to a beggar on the street - however, without the essential element of reconciliation to the Church - the Church that Christ God established through the Holy Apostles that has and continues to exist through time and history - then why confess anything. 

 

Now, we certainly can use the practice and there are benefits to speaking the truth even when it hurts.  In a selfish way, we may get a reduced sentence or feel better.  We may even overcome grievous mental and physical illness. 

 

So, from this, mail or letter could be seen as practice and, perhaps, as lancing the boils of our sin. The Saints and Fathers of Holy Church teach us that the sacraments are healing and nourishment for our souls and spirits, for the very core of our existence - and these can only happen in person, in context, in community.  The admission of Truth about ourselves (our shortcomings, our faults, our sins) need not be public, but the resolution and reconciliation must be completed by an agent of our community entrusted with that duty to welcome lost sheep into the flock; to welcome prodigals back into the family. 

 

Confession, absolution and penance can be private matters, but when the priest or bishop has granted absolution, then who are we to retain our sins or the sins of our brethren?  However, if only secret letters are passed, only psychotherapy received - has the sin been absolved? 

 

Christ told His Apostles after His resurrection - that supreme act of salvation, of potential reunion for all of us - "whatsoever sins you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven"  We can hang onto our sin as long as we like - we can blame fears of inadequate priests and bishops and remain separate from Holy Church - we may even walk away from being in community with Christ and His successors to follow false prophets (secular or religious or "spiritual") because they have lower expectations - but it is an illusion that we can "get away" with our sins, that we can reconcile by avoiding those whom we need to reconcile, that we can live forever outside Holy Church (which is not as the Church is here). 

 

Our access to Christ's healing touch is through His successors.  We must be present in body, mind and spirit to receive the gracious and merciful gifts that God gives freely.  It is not abstract.  It is not long distance.  It is intimate and it is everything.

 

What does Christ say, over and over again to those that are healed? 

And in another place, He asks, which is easier to forgive sins or to heal the sick?  Are not both miracles?

 

Fr John Brian

Madison, Wisconsin

 

---

From: Abraham.Koshy
To: IndianOrthodox@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [ICON] Confession throgh letters or mails

Respected Achens,
Thanks for the prompt response  to my query. As I understand now,  confession through letter and mails can be done preferably through known Priests and Bishops?

In case the Priests and Bishops are not known personally, is it possible to do confession through Mail or Letter?

Hope Achan will be able to guide me.


Abraham
Bangalore (India)

St Thomas at the octave of resurrection

Due to technical difficulties, the audio for this week's sermon cannot be
posted. So, this printed sermon is offered in its stead. Pray for our
mission effort in Madison, Wisconsin. Pray for me - John Brian Achen
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St Thomas at the octave of resurrection
John 20:19-31
Based a sermon given on May 7, 2000
Rev. Fr. John-Brian Paprock

Holy St Thomas, the "doubting" apostle, is mentioned in all Gospels and also
mentioned in Acts. However, in Matthew, Mark and Luke (and Acts), he is
mentioned only once in a list of apostles, usually next to Matthew. In the
Gospel of John, St Thomas has a larger role, especially in chapter 20. In
chapter 11 of John's Gospel, St Thomas accompanied the Lord to Bethany to be
a witness to the raising of Lazarus from the dead. In chapter 14, it is St
Thomas' question, "How can we know the way?" that prompts the Lord to
respond, "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life." How is it then that such
an apostle doubts the resurrection?

He was not alone with doubts. All the apostles and disciples of Jesus
Christ were in doubt and turmoil after the crucifixion. It was to the women
that Jesus first appeared after rising. It was Mary Magdalene tries to
convince them of the resurrection. When Jesus Christ appeared in their
midst after the door had been closed, he showed them his wounds. St Thomas
was not yet there.

So he asked for the proof of Christ's wounds, the same proof provided to the
others. Verse 28: "And Thomas answered and said unto Him, My Lord and my
God." This declaration of Christ's Godhood and of St Thomas' servant-hood,
is in anticipation of our own Christian life.

It is important to note that in this chapter of John, Jesus says three times
"Peace be unto you" in the rest of the Gospel peace is mentioned only two
other times - at the Last Supper:

(14:27)"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world
giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be
afraid."

(16:33)"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace.
In the world ye shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer; I have
overcome the world."

So when we can exclaim from our innermost soul, "My Lord and my God," then
we have liberation from all lesser things. It seems that last things to
overcome in the Christian life are periods of doubt that arise - but having
seen the and witnessed the Holy One within, sensing His sorrow, allowing
ourselves the privilege of seeing His wounds and His cares for us, we are
brought to our knees in all humanity; and then, with all doubts relieved
from our being, we relax ourselves into the fullness of Christ. From then
on we do not need to act with the old self, using the old personality with
its human traits, but become a new being. When our Lord is able to manifest
Himself to us, the first thing established is the "peace of God, which
passes all understanding." Great peace can be ours, then we are sent
forward with the Holy Ghost to forgive sins, no longer on our own. See, the
peace in our hearts and the forgiveness of others are connected, but neither
do we do alone. We just need to overcome the doubts.

Many years ago, I was caught up in some difficult times. I lamented to
Christ God to relieve me of my burdens, but doubted there was anything that
could be done. I went to a place of beauty and serenity, hoping it would
give me what I could not accept elsewhere. Then it hit me - serenity -
despite the turmoil, like a whirlwind surrounding me, I felt an inner peace.
In the magnitude of God's creation, I finally let God be in charge and
resolved to do only the small portion in front of me - the next right thing.
Later, as I was driving away, I tried to figure out exactly what I did to
capture that serenity and, at that very moment, it was gone. See, this
peace is bestowed by Christ on the pious, those that accept and understand
the limitations of being human, being separated from God and not being God.
It is only by keeping my self as a servant to "My Lord and my God" that I am
granted this peace. Trying to be God's master with my demands and
timetables that most people seem to call prayer, gives me the impossible
task in addition to my own troubles - supervising the all-knowing,
all-powerful God. Talk about chutzpah!

The other amazing point in the Gospel is that Christ rose from the dead with
His wounds fully intact. Now, I always knew this - in my head. I have seen
the Roman Catholic realistic depictions on the cross. It is easier, perhaps,
to leave the injuries and wounds there. It didn't really strike me until I
had encountered the intensity of my own inner wounded-ness and felt great
despair over the limitations of my pain and my fear. Someone pointed this
out to me and, like a thunderbolt; I was awakened from my bed of despair.
Christ, being God, could have easily repaired all the injuries that He
received and risen as a completely whole and perfect man. But, instead,
rose with His wounds fully intact - not only overcoming death, but also the
frailness of our human existence as well. In this understanding does St
Thomas' exclamation make sense - Jesus Christ asks St Thomas to prove His
wounded-ness and to "be not faithless, but believing." We want an
appearance of the burning bush, the descent of the Epiphany dove, the
blinding light of the Transfiguration, but Christ offers His wounded-ness.

"Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed; blessed are they
that have not seen, and yet have believed."

"Can we, today, touch the wounded flesh of the Savior? " asks Orthodox
priest and monk Fr. Lev Gillet (of blessed memory) who wrote under the
pseudonym A Monk of the Eastern Church, "Can we, who are not granted
ecstasies or visions, be sure that it is a living being and not a phantom
that we worship?"

Fr Lev writes, "We can, this possibility is given to everyone. Jesus is
invisibly, but really, alive in the flesh and blood creatures who exist all
around us. We can estimate the wounds of the crucifixion today, and worship
them in the sick, the poor, in all men and women who suffer...Jesus says to
us: 'If thou dost doubt that I was crucified for thee and that I was raised
from the dead, pay attention to the suffering members of my body. Touch me
in stretching out a rescuing hand to them. In giving to them, thou shalt
find me. Do something for them, which is costly for thee. Sacrifice
thyself for them as much as thou canst. And, behold, in them thou shalt
feel me living and present. Thou shalt experience the reality, the power of
my Resurrection.'

"It is not given to us to see the Blessed Face constantly, but, like an
evanescent vision, the face of Christ will appear to me behind the face of
my brother or sister, and, through compassion, I shall meet the Passion
[Crucifixion and Resurrection]. I shall touch my brother who suffers, and
say: "My Lord and my God."

May Christ bring to us Peace to comfort our turmoil and Peace to transmit to
others during this auspicious time! Amen.

A version of this sermon is available at:
http://www.angelfire.com/wi/theosis/thomas.html

Risen from the Dead! - Sermon/homily of Fr John Brian recorded live at middle night services on April 23, 2006 at Maruroopa Palli (Holy Transfiguration Malankara Orthodox Mission Chapel) Madison, Wisconsin USA - Scripture, Matthew Chapter 28 - 15 minutes, 14 seconds

Sermon of St John Chrysostom is read aloud at Easter - Pascha - Pesaha throughout Christian churches. This is recorded live at middle night
service, early morning of April 23, 2006 at Maruroopa Palli (Holy Transfiguration Malankara Orthodox Mission Chapel) Madison, Wisconsin USA - 3 minutes, 41 seconds

Prepared as Wise Virgins? - April 2006

Recorded Monday evening, April 17, 2006 at Maruroopa Palli (Holy Transfiguration Malankara Orthodox Mission Chapel) Madison, Wisconsin
USA

Scriptures: Hebrews 5:12-14; Matthew 25:1-13

Hosanna Branches - sermon/homily recorded Sunday April 16, 2006 at
Maruroopa Palli (Holy Transfiguration Malankara Orthodox Mission) in
Madison, Wisconsin

Mark 11:1-18
Romana 11:13-24
1 John 5:1-12

CHRIST IS RISEN, My Dear Ones, Christ is risen!

For Easter 2006

8th Day Pastoral Reflection - Pesaha - Easter 2004
Rev. Fr. John-Brian Paprock
Maruroopa Palli - Hoy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Parish
Madison, Wisconsin

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My Dear Ones,

CHRIST IS RISEN!
Kristu Uyirthezunnettu!
Christos T'ensah Em' Muhtan!
Krisdos Hareavi Merelots!
Kristos Aftooun!
Christos Anesti!
Meshiha Qam!

HE IS RISEN INDEED!

This is the 8th Day - the day of ending and beginning - the elevated octave
of humanity -
For Christ is Risen from the dead trampling death by death and on those in
the tombs bestowing life!

On this Resurrection Day, we are reminded that upon this defeat of sin,
death is destroyed - it has no more sway over those that follow Christ. The
entire universe, all of creation, is transformed - for the penalty of sin is
transfigured, transmuted and translated - Christ is risen because of God's
great mercy and love for us, showing us that we need only repent and return
to His love to engender His mercy.

Christ is risen from the dead and the gates of hell can no longer hold
captives, the chains of the devil can no longer bind the penitent.

Christ is risen and there is no longer a darkness that has not been
shattered by light - long and dark shadows are now easily dismissed, because
Christ is risen and we know the source of light - we turn to it and shadows
disappear.

Christ has saved all of us, not just through His excruciating death, but,
most importantly, by rising from death and bringing the remedy to the curse
of Adam. We are no longer expelled. Eden's delight and the promised land
are within our reach. The gates of heaven are open to all of us - if we but
walk through.

Some may need to stop admiring the door stop or the door handle on the
outside and make the effort to walk through that door that was flung open in
this miracle beyond all miracles, this fantastic event that is now available
to everyone.

Some may not have heard this good news - Christ is risen and we no longer
live under the assumption of death. We no longer live by the dictates of
the lower nature. Christ is risen and instructs His apostles in
establishing the One True Church so that we, alive on earth in 2004, may
come to a knowledge of His Truth, His Love and His Mercy.

Some may reject it because they believe they know before they know - not
having the benefit of the Holy Apostles and all our father and mothers
before us preserving the One True Church for this auspicious time. The
Church is too easily rejected in this day and age because it too has
suffered under the delusion of death, but death is defeated, because Christ
is risen from the dead!

The One Holy Apostolic Church, founded by the Apostles, protected by their
prayers as well as the intercessions of Holy Theotokos, Mother of God, Mary,
needs to show the world the light beyond all lights - the light that can
never be extinguished - that spiritual light that illumines the faithful so
that they may be lights unto those that are still in darkness. This is the
light of Hope, the light of Love, the light of Light, the everlasting light
of Life! Christ is risen and has ensured that all of creation will no
longer have to sit in darkness and fear, but live in the light of Truth!
Christ is risen so that each of us, as True Apostolic Christians may carry
His love, His light, His Hope and His life in us and freely give to those
that seek relief from the burdens of living a life unto death. For Christ
is risen and death is destroyed - death's yoke that drives so many to sin
and isolation from God has been broken.


CHRIST IS RISEN, My Dear Ones, Christ is risen!
He is risen, indeed!



your servant, Fr John Brian

Keeping Focus - Sermon/Homily recorded Sunday April 9, 2006 at Maruroopa Palli (Holy Transfiguration Malankara Orthodox Mission) in
Madison, Wisconsin USA

Scriptures
John 9:1-41
I Peter 4:12-19

Ready to be Healed? - Sermon/Homily April 2006
Recorded Sunday, April 2, 2006 at Maruroopa Palli (Holy Transfiguration Malankara Orthodox Mission Chapel) in Madison, Wisconsin USA

sermon commentary from church members

Four Comments about the audio sermons on-line
www.frjohnbrian.blogspot.com

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From: George Mathew (Monday, March 27, 2006)

My dear Achen,

Trust all is well. I am glad you have taken up a new ministry. It will be a
blessing for all who hear it.

With love and prayers,
Benny Semassan

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From: Rachel Pyngolil (Friday, March 24, 2006)

Dear Fr. John Brian:

I did spend some time listening to one of the sermons on the blogspot. I
didn't have a chance to listen to many of them; however, I find that it is a
great initiative, and I thank you for your interest and the effort you put
forth in doing this. I find the sermon enlightening and think this is a
great project and hope that others benefit from it, as well. Often
non-denominational churches will put their services online for members who
are unable to make it to church. Our service is far more interactive, so I
don't think you can entirely benefit from it without attending church,
however, being able to at least benefit from the sermon and a lot of people
do enjoy the service and music from our service, so if you do have
recordings of service music/and such that would be nice to access and
download, as well. Thanks and God bless!

Sincerely,
Rachel Pyngolil


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From: Jason (Thursday, March 23, 2006)

Dear and Reverend Achen,

I had an opportunity to listen to a few of the on-line sermons. It's a
really great service for those who are unable to hear the sermons directly.
It was definitely a good idea to integrate the sermons on a blog, providing
opportunity for feedback and easy access. I don't know if you recall, but we
met at the St.Gregorios conference in Philadelphia last year.

Thank you for the self-less services you render to the church.

With Love and Prayers,
Jason, Tampa

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From: Jacob Mathew (Thursday, March 23, 2006)

Dear Achen and Kochamma:

I am really excited that you are making your sermons available digitally
online. This will be a treat for people such as us who cannot attend your
services in WI.

Respectfully,
Jacob
Cleveland Prayer Group

A RESPONSE TO GOD'S SILENCE

THE CHRISTIAN
LIGHT OF LIFE

CHRISTIAN NEWS MAGAZINE FOR KERALA MALAYALEE CHRISTIANS FROM INDIA AROUND THE WORLD

MARCH 2006	ARTICLE	VOL:5 ISSUE:03

A RESPONSE TO GOD'S SILENCE

By REV. FR. JOHN-BRIAN PAPROCK

Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission, Madison, Wisconsin USA

http://www.lightoflife.com/light_of_life_ArticlesN.htm

THE IMPORTANCE OF STANDING PRAYERS - A MEDITATIVE STUDY

THE IMPORTANCE OF STANDING PRAYERS - A MEDITATIVE STUDY
by Rev. Fr. John Brian, Wisconsin
http://www.icon.org.in/iconarchives_standingprayers.icon?method=getArticle&id=1
Published on the internet by
The Indian Christian Orthodox Network (ICON)
++Inform! Involve! Inspire!++

Insanity? - Sermon/Homily March 2006

Recorded Sunday, March 26, 2006 at Maruroopa Palli (Holy Transfiguration Malankara Orthodox Mission Chapel) in Madison, Wisconsin

Pattern of Christ - Partial Sermon/Homily March 2006

Recorded Sunday March 5, 2006 at Maruroopa Palli (Holy Transfiguration Malankara Orthodox Mission Chapel) Madison, Wisconsin USA - only last ~6:30 minutes recorded of live sermon

Ancestry of the Son of God - Sermon/Homliy December 2005

Recorded Sunday December 18, 2005 at Maruroopa Palli (Holy Transfiguration Malankara Orthodox Mission) in Madison, Wisconsin

Waiting with the Departed - Sermon/Homily February 2006

Recorded Sunday, February 26, 2006 at Maruroopa Palli (Holy Transfiguration Malankara Orthodox Mission Chapel) in Madison, Wisconsin

Members of the Body - Sermon/Homily January 2006

Recorded at Maruroopa Palli (Holy Transfiguration Malankara Orthodox Mission Chapel) Madison, Wisconsin USA

Joseph Dreams - Sermon/homily December 2005

Recorded Sunday December 11, 2005 at Maruroopa Palli (Holy Transfiguration Malankara Orthodox Mission Chapel) Madison, Wisconsin USA

Teachings of Forefathers - Sermon/Homily February 2006

Recorded Sunday February 19, 2006 at Maruroopa Palli (Holy Transfiguration Malankara Orthodox Mission Chapel) Madison, Wisconsin USA

John the Baptist - Sermon/Homily January 2006

Recorded Sunday, January 8, 2006 at Maruroopa Palli (Holy Transfiguration Malankara Orthodox Mission Parish) in Madison, Wisconsin USA

New Year, New Day - Sermon/Homily January 2006

Recorded Sunday, January 1, 2006 at Maruroopa Palli (Holy Transfiguration Malankara Orthodox Mission Chapel) in Madison, Wisconsin USA

New Year, New Day - Rev. Fr. John-Brian Paprock
Extemporaneous sermon was transcribed and edited for the diocesan website - posted 12/31/09. http://www.ds-wa.org/new-year-new-dayfrbrian.html

Subordinate Roles - Sermon/Homily December 2005

Recorded Sunday, December 4, 2005 at Maruroopa Palli (Holy
Transfiguration Malankara Orthodox Chapel) in Madison, Wisconsin USA.
Lower quailty due to digital recording at wrong setting.

Further Healing in Community - Sermon/homily March 2006

Recorded Sunday, March 19, 2006 at Maruroopa Palli (Holy Transfiguration Malankara Orthodox Mission Chapel) in Madison, Wisconsin USA

Power of Women - Sermon/homily November 2005

Recorded Sunday, November 27, 2005 at Maruroopa Palli (Holy Transfiguration Malankara Orthodox Mission Chapel) in Madison, Wisconsin USA. Quality is mediocre - it is the first digitally recorded sermon.

Groundhogs, Candles and Time - Sermon/homily February 2006

Recorded Sunday, February 5, 2006 at Maruroopa Palli (Holy Transfiguration Malankara Orthodox Mission Chapel) in Madison, Wisconsin USA

audio sermons available online

From: William Hanna
Sent: Saturday, March 18, 2006 7:31 PM 

 

Fr. JB:

 

Your Sermons are wonderful. They are full of spiritual meaning and the Love of Christ. I wish you success in everything you do.  

 

Please Pray for me as I will pray for you also.

 

Glory always be to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. One God. Amen.

 

Blessed Lent.

 

William Hanna

St. Louis, Missouri

 

P.S. Please let others know about the Book on Heresies and Heretics. http://www.heresiesandheretics.com 

The cost of publishing is tremendous. I am hoping to cover the cost of Printing! GBU.

 

I have other books on the Internet for free in pdf: http://www.stmary-church.com

Born Again and Again - Sermon/homily January 2006

recorded January 22, 2006 at Maruroopa Palli (Holy Transfiguration Malankara Orthodox Mission Chapel) in Madison, Wisconsin USA

Worthy Fruit - Sermon/homily February 2006

Recorded Sunday, February 12, 2006 at Maruroopa Palli (Holy Transfiguration Malankara Orthodox Mission Chapel) in Madison, Wisconsin USA

Healing Community - Sermon/homily March 2006

This is the first audio sermon/homily published.



Recorded March 12, 2006 at Maruroopa Palli (Holy Transfiguration Malankara Orthodox Mission Chapel) in Madison, Wisconsin USA

Why a blog?

Praise to be the merciful Lord that allows me this internet, this electronic space to publish both audio and written work to be easily and readily available.

May that Lord richly bless each one who may come to this reading. May God bless this endeavor with His wisdom and grace. May His love be ever present and bountiful. May the Healing Spirit that brings us back into that wholeness of our very creation be present among the electrons, bits and bytes of this media, reaching beyond the screens into the hearts. May Peace prevail! May Love provide! May Light and Life keep us in the Truth! May Wisdom teach our hearts and souls! May we never loose sight of the creator and provider of all good things.

May this small effort be blessed with an angel of healing, an angel of enlightenment, an angel of fortitude, an angel of love. May you be blessed by these angels.

Pray for me, a servant.