In this episode, Fr. Gabriel leads a Bible study on 1 Corinthians 12:27-31, exploring St. Paul’s message to the Christians of Corinth about their role as members of the body of Christ. Fr. Gabriel emphasizes how each person in the Church has a unique spiritual gift, from apostleship to prophecy, teaching, helping, and more. He explains that these gifts work together to build up the Church, with each member’s role being valuable, regardless of how prominent or humble it may appear.

The discussion touches on the responsibilities of the Church’s leaders, particularly the bishops, who succeed the apostles and carry on their mission. Fr. Gabriel underscores that all spiritual gifts, whether miraculous or administrative, are vital for the well-being of the Church, highlighting that even the quieter roles in the Church are indispensable. He also discusses how each member’s spiritual state impacts the whole community, as we are all interconnected in the body of Christ.

Concluding the episode, Fr. Gabriel encourages everyone to pray for the growth of their gifts, focusing on the purpose of each gift to serve and uplift others within the Church. The study sets the stage for the upcoming passage on love, which St. Paul describes as the highest and most essential spiritual gift.

In this fifth session on prayer, Fr. Gabriel continues exploring how a life of prayer reorients every aspect of our lives towards God. Drawing from Archimandrite Ioannikios’ book, The Beginnings of a Life of Prayer, he emphasizes that prayer isn’t only a time-bound activity but an ongoing process that permeates daily life, guiding us to seek communion with God rather than being overly attached to the things of this world.

The main theme of this session is obedience, a concept often misunderstood in modern culture as a loss of independence or as blind submission. However, in the Christian life, obedience is redefined as a willing alignment of our will with God’s, echoing Christ’s example in Gethsemane when he prayed, “Not my will, but yours be done.” Fr. Gabriel explains that true obedience comes from a place of freedom and love, where we freely choose to trust and follow God’s will over our own desires.

This relationship of obedience is not forced but cultivated through a deep connection with God. Fr. Gabriel encourages practicing obedience in small ways, such as consulting with spiritual mentors or trusted friends and seeking God’s guidance in prayer. He likens this to a relationship where, over time, we learn to listen, trust, and submit our will to God, thereby growing in humility and letting go of self-centeredness.

Fr. Gabriel concludes by reminding participants that obedience and humility are essential virtues in the Christian life, helping us form a deeper bond with God and align our lives with His will, ultimately leading us to spiritual growth and peace.

In this episode, Fr. Gabriel leads a Bible study on 1 Corinthians 12:15-26, focusing on the metaphor of the Church as the body of Christ. He explains how St. Paul emphasizes the interconnectedness of believers, each playing a unique and vital role within the body. Fr. Gabriel reflects on the spiritual gifts that God gives to each member, underscoring that no gift is more important than another and that every part of the body is necessary for its full function.

A major theme in the discussion is the unity of the body of Christ—when one member suffers, all suffer, and when one rejoices, all rejoice. Fr. Gabriel also touches on the cultural challenges of competition and comparison in today’s society, contrasting it with the Christian calling to humility and mutual care. The study emphasizes the importance of valuing all members of the Church, especially those who may seem weaker or less visible, and the call for everyone to support and uplift one another in love.

The episode concludes with a reminder that being part of the body of Christ means being spiritually alive, and that the true measure of our worth is our connection to Christ and the Church, not societal status or material success.

In this episode, Fr. Gabriel leads a Bible study on 1 Corinthians chapter 12, focusing on the spiritual gifts given to members of the body of Christ. He explains how St. Paul emphasizes that each believer receives unique gifts from the Holy Spirit, which serve to build up the Church as a unified body. Fr. Gabriel also reflects on the profound idea that the human body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, and how this applies not just individually, but collectively to the Church.

A key highlight of the study is the role of the Virgin Mary as the first “God-bearer,” offering a model for all Christians to become vessels of God’s grace. Fr. Gabriel connects this with the sacraments, particularly baptism and the Eucharist, where the physical and spiritual are united, allowing believers to share in the body and blood of Christ.

Throughout the session, he emphasizes the holistic nature of Christian life, where both body and soul are devoted entirely to God, making each person a living temple of the Holy Spirit. The study concludes with reflections on the unity of the Church, the importance of spiritual gifts, and how believers can embrace their roles within the body of Christ.

In this episode, Fr. Gabriel leads a Bible study on October 9, guiding the group through a deep exploration of 1 Corinthians 12. We dive into St. Paul’s profound teachings to the church of Corinth, addressing the challenges of forming a Christian community amidst cultural and linguistic divisions. Fr. Gabriel emphasizes the importance of spiritual gifts and the role of the Holy Spirit in uniting and empowering believers. Join us for an insightful conversation about living out our faith and understanding the diverse yet unified nature of the Spirit’s work.

In this fourth episode of the prayer lecture series, Fr. Gabriel guides the group through a reflection on the spiritual journey of prayer, focusing on the concept of passions and their role in spiritual life. He begins by reviewing the previous classes, which covered becoming aware of our spiritual struggles, refocusing on the kingdom of God, and understanding the challenges we face in our prayer life.

Fr. Gabriel explains that passions are habitual sins or bad habits that bind the soul, causing suffering. He emphasizes that Christ is the “physician of souls and bodies” and that the process of prayer and repentance is about healing these passions. By turning to God with humility and seeking His help, we begin the journey of healing and restoring order to our soul. Fr. Gabriel also touches on how Christ’s passion on the cross serves as a model for enduring our own struggles with grace and calmness.

This episode delves deeply into the understanding of how prayer is not merely asking for things but involves a holistic communion with God, where healing, repentance, and transformation occur.

Based on the book “Beginnings of a Life of Prayer”. This is our third class, unfortunately, the second class was not recorded.

1 Corinthians 11:27-34

1 Corinthians 12:1-3

1 Corinthians 11:17-26