Parables of Community

Brother Luke and the community members presenting a theatrical rendition of the life of St. Maria of Paris were in for an unexpected turn of events during their presentation!

Several more community members share ways in which the community experiences (and offers) refreshment to all.

Fr. Nicolaie observes how "only five loaves and two fish" become a banquet for those in the wilderness who are living in their own kind of hell.

Fr. Nicolaie reflects on the roles of light and water in our growth.

When I was a young man and a new teenage convert to the Christian Faith through the Jesus People movement I believed whatever I read in a book as long as it was written by someone with letters after their name. Yep: I was that dumb. And so when I first read an article written by S.G.F. Brandon saying that Jesus was a Zealot, I was shaken in my faith and thrown for a loop. In my distress I turned for help and refutation to the young people who converted me, fellow Jesus People just a few years older than myself. They basically just shrugged and said (essentially) “whatever”. Yet despite my distress, I soldiered on and tried to keep my doubts firmly locked away.

Fr. Nicolaie writes about the blessing of having a very young volunteer in the community

Fr. Nicolaie and the community ponder Sunday's gospel reading, and what it takes to be released from the demons that pursue us.

Fr. Nicolaie shares stories and a gospel reading reflection about how humbling ourselves to help heal others can also bring healing to our own soul.

Fr. Nicolaie learns alongside the community about sea cucumbers and becoming the kind of "fish food" that is a better "fisher of men."

Fr. Nicolaie shares examples from the community of ways in which some community members that could be considered "the last" are the first to be used by God to bless the rest.

Fr. Nicolaie tells what the community is learning about their own poverty (and hope) as they observe the supportive friendship of Brian and Miriam.

This episode Dr. Jenkins completes looking at the Council of Florence proper with a discussion of its teaching on the primacy and prerogatives of the Bishop of Rome. For Fr. Joseph Lucas on Purgatory: https://tinyurl.com/FrJosephPurgatory St. John of Damscus, On the Two Wills in Christ: https://bit.ly/4cWYqcA

The community is experiencing God's embrace in the midst of the brokenness in the world.

Fr. Nicolaie writes about the mercy of God working on the blind man (and the experience of one in the community) and in the lives of three women experiencing homelessness.

Fr. Nicolaie writes about two meetings with Christ: the Samaritan Woman's, and the Pharisees'.

Fr. Nicolaie shares stories of the need for healing in the community, and the unexpected angels who are helping.

Fr. Nicolie shares the two themes that the community is especially focused on for this Myrrhbearers' Sunday: both courage and the white robes of the angel.

Fr. Nicolaie shares what the community is learning together and through each other during Bright Week.

Fr. Nicolaie writes about seeing mercy in times of waiting both in the scriptures and in the life of the community.

Fr. Nicolaie writes about how Lent teaches us mercy through prayer, and how the way in which we live either draws mercy near or chases it away.

An anonymous community member shares how connecting with the community at St. John the Compassionate Mission has relit a spark in their spiritual life.

How Great Lent helps us fast for a word that feeds our souls.

The community is learning that forgiveness is the door through which we step into Lent.

Fr. Nicolaie shares the story and words of a community member who finds hope in God's mercy.

Fr. Nicolaie shares what the community is learning together about mercy, as they discuss the Publican and the Pharisee.

Fr. Nicolaie encourages the community to learn from the common solitude of a poor community member and rich Zacchaeus.

St. John the Forerunner's relationship to Christ is a model for each of us.

True community is a place where the sick care for the sick, where mercy is better than life... it is Heaven on earth.

A meditative look at two Nathaniels and their love for truth and living "without guile."

The community's take on this Sunday's scriptures challenges us to find faith enough to speak to God about our pain; and courage enough to let go of things of this world.

Fr. Nicolaie shares examples from the community of the mercy that is poured out as people gather together and share.

Fr. Nicolaie shares stories from the community of those experiencing separation who long for union, extending the hope that the Father offers to all.

A challenge to seek (and care for) for the Lazaruses around us and the one within ourselves, as well.

Fr. Nicolaie discusses weeping (both for sorrow and for joy) and the value it brings to our spirits.

Fr. Nicolaie reflects on recent events in the community and how they draw us into communion with Christ.

Fr. Nicolaie shares insights from the community about the disciples' fishing leading to deeper communion when following Christ.

Fr. Nicolaie shares a story from the community about love in the place of shame, and relates it to the Gospel reading for the Sunday of the Holy Cross.

Brother Luke shares a handful of recent family-related stories from the community.

Fr. Nicolaie shares two stories of generosity by community members.

Fr. Nicolaie reflects on how differently members of the community have responded after experiencing an encounter with Christ.

Fr. Nicolaie shares examples from the community as they learn that walking with Christ can only be accomplished through humility.

Fr. Nicolaie compares the journey of those who have left everything to follow Christ to the beauty of a wildflower field.

Fr. Nicolaie shares the stories of two community members, and ponders how "the right shoes" can help us to walk the path of life.

Fr. Nicolaie shares stories that reflect on loneliness and our need for an encounter with Christ.

Fr. Nicolaie shares insights from the community on how God can use times of illness to touch all of us with His mercy.

Fr. Nicolaie shares the stories of myrrhbearers Sergei and Timothy who came to the mission this week bearing countenances reflecting the joy of the resurrection.

Fr. Nicolaie shares insights into Michael's baptism on Lazarus Saturday.

Brother Luke and Father Nicholaie share snippets of life at the mission, encouraging us to pray like a child, forgive as the Theotokos learned to do, and work towards peace.

Fr. Nicolaie looks at the role of faithful fasting and prayer in bringing healing.

Fr. Nicolaie shares experiences that are helping the community to "water the dying plants" in their midst, embracing resurrection instead of neglecting it.