In today’s Gospel reading, we hear the story of Zacchaeus, whose desire for God led to transformation. Fr. Gregory explains that every movement of the soul begins with desire. Desire then becomes vision, vision becomes communion, and communion becomes transformation. We see this in Zacchaeus’ story, and also in the story of St. Gregory the Theologian, whom we celebrate today.

Fr. Gregory draws parallels between these two men, who followed the same path of holy desire. Like Zacchaeus, St. Gregory sought to see Christ, to receive him in humility, and to offer his whole life in return.

This is also the story of every soul that seeks Christ, Fr. Gregory explains. First, we see him from afar, stirred by longing. Then, we receive him with joy, opening the door of our hearts. Finally, we give ourselves in love, allowing his grace to shape every part of our lives. This is the pilgrimage of the human heart: from curiosity to communion and from desire to transformation.

In this Sunday’s Epistle reading from St. Paul’s letter to the Hebrews, we hear the words, “For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. Through him, then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is the fruit of lips that acknowledges his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”

Fr. Micah, in his sermon, carefully goes through each sentence of the passage. He explains that, in this reading, St. Paul distills down to a few lines what each of us is called to do, how we’re to live our lives, and what we are to become.

In today’s Gospel reading, Christ begins his public ministry, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Fr. Gregory explains that repentance is a complete reorientation of the heart, mind, and will toward God. In Greek, the word “repentance” means to change one’s mind or to turn one’s whole being around. True repentance is not an emotion or passing sense of guilt, but rather it is a turning away from sin and toward Christ.

Fr. Gregory continues, explaining that repentance is the transformation of all things into thanksgiving, of life into worship. The church, in her wisdom, gives us practical disciplines by which we may live out our repentance, such as getting a spiritual father, going to confession, keeping a prayer rule, reading the Scriptures daily, and helping the poor. Fr. Gregory encourages us to follow these disciplines that we may live in repentance and that our lives may reflect the beauty and order of the Divine Liturgy.

This Sunday is the Sunday before Epiphany. Epiphany commemorates the baptism of Christ, when the revelation of God was made manifest and the triune God revealed. In today’s Gospel reading from Mark 1, we hear of John the Baptist, who tells us how we must prepare to be saved.

Fr. Paul, in his sermon, echoes the teachings of John the Baptist, emphasizing our need for baptism, repentance, and faith in Jesus, who releases us from our sin. Through these things, we may find true happiness and peace, both in this life and in the life to come.

In today’s sermon, Fr. Micah speaks of the first Christmas carol to ever be written, the final line of which references King Herod’s order to slaughter the male infants. Why, during this joyous time, was so much emphasis placed on death? Fr. Micah explains that this is because the purpose of our Lord’s coming was to destroy death by his death.

Fr. Micah emphasizes that Christ is the Light of the Father, who shines upon both the good and the evil. The first step to seeing and rejoicing in this light, Fr. Micah says, is to admit that we’re in darkness, and we are sinners. Second, we must receive the mysteries, the windows by which the light of the age to come shines into the world.

On this Sunday before Nativity, Fr. Gregory explains that the Church asks us to look back and remember the long journey that brought us to the threshold of Christmas. Today’s readings from Hebrews and Matthew trace the story of God’s promise — the promise of salvation, the promise of a redeemer, the promise that God himself would come to dwell among his people and make all things new. In today’s readings, the church sets this promise before us in three movements: the promise awaited, God’s pledge to redeem humanity embraced in faith by the patriarchs; the promise fulfilled, the birth of the redeemer and Word made flesh; and the promise received, the faith and obedience that welcomes Christ into our lives. Fr. Gregory encourages us to consider these three movements as we prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ.

This, Fr. Gregory says, is the Gospel. God has not forgotten his people. What he promised, he has done. Abraham looked for a city with foundations, and now, that city is among us. Its cornerstone is laid in a manger, and its builder and maker is God. Yet, the journey of faith continues. Like Abraham, we walk in hope toward the fullness of that city. Like Joseph, we are still called to trust in the midst of mystery. Like the magi, we still travel toward the light that shines in the darkness. The promise that once drew shepherds to Bethlehem now draws us to the altar of Christ, where the Word made flesh becomes our food and life. Let us, Fr. Gregory says, come with faith, gratitude, and joy, for the Lord has kept his word. The redeemer has come. The promise has been fulfilled, and it abides among us still.

In this Sunday’s Gospel reading, our Lord tells a parable of a man who has a banquet, and it’s implied that the man is the Lord himself. We hear of those who are invited to the banquet, but they choose not to go and make excuses.

Fr. Micah challenges us to reflect on how we, too, make excuses to avoid our Lord. He encourages us to stop making these excuses, but rather to be humble and honest.

Continuing in the Gospel reading, we hear of how the poor, maimed, blind, and lame are invited to the banquet. If we are poor of virtue, maimed by sin, blind and unable to see what to do with our lives, we are still invited to the banquet.

Finally, Fr. Micah reminds us that this Sunday is the Sunday of the Forefathers, when we remember the righteous of the Old Testament. He encourages us to read the stories of Joseph, Moses, David, Daniel, Elijah, and so many more, that we may reflect on the abounding love of God.

In this Sunday’s Epistle reading from Ephesians 5, St. Paul says, “Walk as children of light, for the fruit of the light is in all goodness and righteousness and truth.” In the Gospel reading from Luke 13, Christ heals a woman who was unable to stand upright for 18 years. In his sermon, Fr. Gregory shows how these two passages illumine one another and offers reflections on the fruits of light: goodness, righteousness, and truth.

This Sunday, visiting priest Fr. Alex Limberatos posed the question, “What does it take to lead others to Christ?” To answer this question, he points to St. Andrew, whom we celebrate this Sunday. He explains that St. Andrew, as well as his first teacher, St. John, exhibit great strength in hardship. Through many trials, St. Andrew depended on God and led many to Christ through his example. Even while he was being crucified, he preached the Gospel.

Fr. Alex encourages us that, in the hardships of life, we can follow St. Andrew’s example. We can depend on God to strengthen us, to give us guidance. In this, he is given the glory and others are led to follow him.

Fr. Micah begins today’s sermon by explaining the ancient Greek concept of kleos — fame, glory, or reputation — found in texts such as the Iliad and the Odyssey. Kleos was understood to be what humans truly desired, needed, and pursued. In this Sunday’s Gospel reading, we find a man who is wealthy and continues to build his wealth, pursuing glory and wealth.

In these accounts, we see what also drives so many of us today: fame, popularity, reputation, and possessions. Yet, Fr. Micah emphasizes, none of this can be taken with us. He quotes the hymn of St. John of Damascus, which begins, “Vanity are all the works and quests of man, and they have no being after death has come.”

Fr. Micah encourages us, in contrast to the pursuit of wealth and glory, to empty ourselves that our hearts may be filled with gladness. He explains that this self-emptying is love — an active, tangible love that requires us to give. Fr. Micah concludes with the story of Abba Sisoes the Great, who exemplifies this self-emptying love.