Met. Saba of the Antiochian Archdiocese recently issued a statement, and it has Elissa thinking about Pharisees and the nature of uncleanness.

I once spoke to the Archbishop of Jerusalem about miracles, and he said that he finds that they’re problematic in several ways, and I had to agree. And yet… they’re so wonderful.

Elder Ephraim says that if you’re offended, that’s a good sign that your heart isn’t pure.

Meaning comes later, after the fact — and surely, that is a gift from God. Can we embrace the not knowing?

It’s just ALL incarnation. All the time.

As we approach the Nativity, Elissa considers something St. Augustine of Hippo said, and what it means that the Bread might hunger or the Fountain might thirst…

Maybe it’s better that two opposites can be true at the same time… maybe that’s more wonderful.

Glory to God! We have a new Saint, and she is such a great caretaker of women.

St. Paul says that God sends us comfort so that we will share it with others… and perhaps that’s the case with all of the blessings He sends.

Elissa considers the words of Mother Gavrilia, who is slated to be canonized in the near future.