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A site that publishes some brief articles and other teaching of Father Thomas Reeves, the Priest/Pastor at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church in Bloomington, IL (stmattsblm.org) and author of "Was Jesus an Evangelical: Some Thoughts about the American Church and the Kingdom of God" released by eLectio Publishing (a traditional publisher - available on Amazon.com). For some of Father Tom's recent video sermons see https://www.youtube.com/@fathertomreeves2872.

Tuesday, March 30, 2021

The Innkeeper and the Priest

 

"He brought him to an inn and took care of him" - Luke 10:34


The validity of the orders of the priest and the grace of the Sacrament depends upon the love of God, Who knows what they need whom He brings to His inn. The innkeeper was not necessarily a person of any great merit, but to him was given sufficient to provide for the needs of the man. God has entrusted His Sacraments to His priests, and however much they may fail in their own lives, the gifts they dispense are a perfect provision for our souls, for they are indeed the gifts of God Himself.


- Father Andrew, Meditations, 283




Samaritan Living

 

"When he saw him, he was moved with compassion and came to him" - Luke 10:33


The Samaritan passes by and comes where the man is. In that sentence is told all the deep mystery of our Lord's Incarnation. He came down to be in the poverty of the poor. He did not pass by, He did not come down and look at it, and then go back to heaven. He did not come to tempted men and say, "You ought not to have that temptation,' but He came to where the tempted man was. he came into the place of suffering and willed that His own coronal should be a crown of thorns. The story of the Good Samaritan is the story of the Incarnation. It is the picture of the love of God.


- Father Andrew, Meditations, pg. 282



Tuesday, March 16, 2021

Review: The Apocalypse of St John: A Revelation of Love and Power

The Apocalypse of St John: A Revelation of Love and Power The Apocalypse of St John: A Revelation of Love and Power by Fr Lawrence Farley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Listened to this over a 2-year period via Podcast (but also bought the written commentary).

Highly Recommended. The author is not only versed exegetically and historically in regards to interpretive issues but does a fantastic job bringing out the need for a deep understanding of the Old Testament if one is to rightly interpret Revelation. It is constantly (and rightly) emphasized that to understand Revelation and its intent, the book must be read and studied from the perspective of a faithful Jew - who is also a Christian. The author illustrates the point repeatedly and thoughtfully.

Highly Recommended.

View all my reviews

Friday, March 12, 2021

Mercy for Seeking and Knowing Truth

 



I, therefore, cease not to ask of our true Lord and Master that He will design so to teach me, either by the utterances of His Scriptures, or by a discussion with fellow believers, or by the inward and more sweet teaching of His own inspiration, that in those things which I am to put forward or assert I may ever hold fast to the truth; and I ask that from this very Truth, Himself, I may be taught many things and more which I do not know, for from Him I have received the little that I do know. I beseech Him that He will go before me and follow me with His mercy; and that those things which I ought to know to my soul’s health He will teach me; that what I know of truth He will guard me therein; that in those things in which I am humanly mistaken He will correct me, and that from what is false and harmful He will deliver me; and that He will make to go forth from my mouth those things which are the most pleasing in the sight of Truth Himself, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, and Saviour.

Fulgentius of Ruspe (468-533) (Bishop in North Africa and Christian Saint)