Hearts And Minds

Fr. John ponders the question, "What do The Ten Lepers, The Poseidon Adventure, and one minute of our life have in common?"

Fr. John reflects on losing faith, the Gospel of John, the presence of Christ, and perhaps finding faith once again through hope rather than intellect, reason and arguments.

Fr. John weaves together the punishment of an entire basketball team for one member's failed prank and the camel hide belts worn by the prophets to teach us about the consequences of the fall and the Incarnation for all of humanity.

Fr. John reflects on Theophany, how God regards humanity, and how His perspective differs from the gods of paganism. He shares a story from the life of St. Porphyrios as an example of how one can put God's perspective on humanity into practice in our daily interactions.

Fr. John reflects on a disastrous diplomatic miscommunication brought about by AI and God's communication through the incarnation of Christ.

Fr. John reflects on a simple cake mix, a marketing failure, the nature of effort, and our need for meaning in our salvation.

Fr. John reflects on road trips, vacations, and an unusual wedding homily about journeying as husband and wife under God's mysterious directions.

Fr. John reflects on the incarnation, Christ's healing ministry, and our understanding of every human person as a "special occasion" that calls us to rise above our preoccupation with de-humanizing religious regulations.

Fr. John reflects on our hearts as the center of our spiritual life, as the Nativity season prepares our hearts for the grace of the eight Beatitudes.

Fr. John reflects on the convert surge and spiritual warfare. As "prisoners of war," do we pursue rescue according to our earthly expectations, or higher, spiritual realities?

Fr. John Oliver reflects on the need for Christians to exercise self-control over our speech.

Fr. John Oliver reflects on the death of St. Telemachus.

Fr. John Oliver reflects on ways to translate love into action.

Fr. John Oliver reflects on compassion.

Fr. John offers a reflection on turning to Christ in the midst of disappointment.

Fr. John Oliver reflects on God's presence in all our circumstances.

Fr. John Oliver reminds us that God is always with us.

Fr. John Oliver reflects on suffering and humility. The works of C.S. Lewis are considered.

Fr. John Oliver reflects on how we can find simplicity.

Fr. John Oliver reflects on how to deal with rejection.