Hearts and Minds

Father John explores the unique psychology of wealthy individuals throughout the ages, and the purpose that lies beyond material abundance.

Father John discusses ways in which we can practice discernment in our inner life, prayerfully separating the thoughts inspired by God from those planted by the demons.

Fr. John explores the differences between the Christian and secular outlooks on relationships.

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.

Fr. John Oliver presents us with the examples of Apollos and Simon the Sorcerer and the key difference in how they responded to corrective teaching.

Fr. John Oliver reflects on how inner piece is found.

Fr. John Oliver reflects on the Chains of St. Peter.

Christ came to be with us in our darkness.

Fr. John Oliver reflects on what is essential for facing any storm that may be coming.

Fr. John Oliver reflects on the Exodus story as a metaphor for our journey of faith.

Fr. John Oliver reflects on the ramifications of Professor Peter Singer's brand of utilitarianism.

Fr. John Oliver reflects on simplicity.

Christians are called to live life differently.

Fr. John Oliver reflects on how helping others helps us fight our own battles.

Fr. John Oliver reflects on suffering.

Fr. John Oliver reflects on the recent hurricanes.

Fr. John Oliver reflects on the need to take responsibility for one's own sins.

Fr. John Oliver reflects on the connection between Creation and the Cross.

Fr. John Oliver reflects on pride and humility.

Fr. John Oliver reflects on the true meaning of freedom.

The Ancient Faith Men's Retreat runs August 22-25, 2024.

Fr. John Oliver reflects on the boundaries within our hearts.

Fr. John Oliver reflects on the role evil and suffering plays in drawing us closer to God.

Fr. John Oliver shares the story of the reclamation of a church after the end of the Soviet era, reminding us that "we walk by faith, and not by sight."

Fr. John Oliver reflects upon the difference between being nice and being holy.

Fr. John Oliver reflects on spiritual blindness.

"Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end."

Fr. John Oliver reminds us of the true focus of Christian life.

Fr. John Oliver reflects on forgiveness, and the energies of the heart.

Fr. John Oliver talks about the crisis of exclusion...and its greatest remedy.

Fr. John Oliver reminds us that we work out our salvation in the individual particulars of our own lives.