13th Sunday of Matthew, readings: https://www.antiochian.org/epistleliturgicday/4661 What excuse do we have when we refuse to repent? Drawing from Matthew 21, Fr. David connects the Parable of the Two Sons and the Parable of the Wicked Tenants to reveal a sobering spiritual truth: like the Pharisees, we often condemn ourselves by our own self-righteous judgment of others. Surrounded by the holy icons, the sacraments of the Church, and the witness of the Saints, Orthodox Christians are left without excuse. In this homily, we are challenged to examine our stewardship of God's vineyard, lay aside our defensive scheming, and discover the true joy and sweetness of a humble, repentant life in Christ. To support our parish and its ongoing ministries as we share the light of Christ with our community, you can give securely online here: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=E3E4Q2M6NHJT4 #OrthodoxChristian #ParableOfTheTenants #Repentance #FrDavid #OrthodoxSermon #GospelOfMatthew #ChristianFaith #OrthodoxChurch

Fr. David reflects on the Gospel of the Rich Young Ruler and the difficult question Jesus asks each of us: What are we willing to give up to follow Christ? The young man in the Gospel had kept the commandments, yet when Christ asked him to give up his possessions and follow Him, he walked away sorrowful. Why? Fr. David argues that the deeper problem was not simply wealth. The young man had confused what should be loved with what should merely be used. His possessions had become objects of love, while God and his neighbor were pushed aside. But the temptation to choose possessions over God takes a modern form. We increasingly choose ease, convenience, independence, and comfort over the difficult work of genuine love and relationship. Real love is not easy. Following Christ is not easy. But the Christian life promises something far greater than ease: depth, fulfillment, communion with God, and eternal life. The question is ultimately one we all have to answer: What are you willing to sacrifice for what you truly love? #OrthodoxChristianity #OrthodoxSermon #RichYoungRuler #JesusChrist #EternalLife #Christianity #OrthodoxChurch #Gospel #FollowingChrist #ChristianLife #Faith #GreatLent #FrDavid The day's readings https://www.antiochian.org/epistleliturgicday/4654 12th Sunday of Matthew

On the 11th Sunday of Matthew, deacon John Pelikan reflects on the readings of the day https://www.antiochian.org/epistleliturgicday/4647

On the 10th Sunday of Matthew Why does St. Paul call the apostles "fools for Christ's sake" and "the scum of the earth"? Following the Feast of the Transfiguration, Fr. David reflects on how our vision of God and the world is often blinded by a spiritual veil. Without Christ, we naturally construct the "Beatitudes of the Veiled Heart"—praising the strong, the rich, and the self-sufficient. By looking at St. Paul’s striking words to the Corinthians, this homily explores how Christ shreds the veil of worldly pride. We are invited to reject the world's obsession with power and retaliatory strength, embracing instead the true victory, humility, and transfigured vision of the Holy Cross. To support our parish and its ongoing ministries as we share the light of Christ with our community, you can give securely online here: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=E3E4Q2M6NHJT4 #OrthodoxChristian #FoolsForChrist #Transfiguration #FrDavid #OrthodoxSermon #ChristianFaith #Beatitudes #StPaul #1Corinthians