Hearts And Minds

In the 3rd litany of the Divine Liturgy, we pray for the "good estate of the holy churches of God." This is a global as well as a local prayer for our parishes. As we take in new members to our parishes, what are our responsibilities to them?

In our Divine Liturgy we pray "In peace let us pray to the Lord." We all want peace but what does it mean to be a peace maker?

In part 2, Fr. John connects the opening prayers of the Divine Liturgy to the real life issues facing our world. He begins with a typical family preparing for church on a typical Sunday morning.

In this new 10 part series, Fr. John introduces his topic which relates the necessity of intercessory prayer to the world circumstances we face.

Fr. John reminds us that "we are not God," and that it is better to use discernment in situations where we do not know the whole story than to leap to judgment.

Fr. John tells us that faith is an active expression where we offer, fill, untie, explain, rise, walk, and follow.

Fr. John reminds us that while we all seek from another person to be fully known and fully loved, this is something that only God can give.

Fr. John Oliver asks difficult questions in the wake of the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Fr. John shows how the Bible's answer to "What must I do to be saved?" differs from the world's.

Fr. John exhorts his listeners (despite being a published author himself) to read the saints first.

Fr. John uses the great feasts we are celebrating as evidence against excusing our deviant behavior.

Fr. John explains how all the Church's words are full of grace and truth—an example for us all as we celebrate the birth of the Word.

Fr. John uses the parable of Jesus to show us what Christian life is supposed to be.

Fr. John examines how the advent season prepares us for the Nativity of Christ.

Fr. John summarizes the parable of Lazarus and the rich man in just two words.

Fr. John notes the differences between problems and crosses to bear.

During the afterfeast of the Dormition of the Theotokos, Fr. John reflects on the mystery that is Mary.

Fr. John offers a reflection on the recent tragedy in the Gulf of Mexico.

Fr. John makes the obvious (?) connection between summer and the Northern Kingdom of Israel in the 8th Century, BC.

Fr. John looks at tombs we all fall into—the sins, beliefs and habits that drain the life out of us.