Teach Me Thy Statutes

For the next three weeks we will be re-posting some prior episodes before returning to new content. Today, we are re-posting Episode 45, in which we discussed the significance of Jesus’ movement in and out of the great city of Jerusalem, and His spending the evenings in Bethany. We also highlighted a parable Jesus spoke while visiting the Temple, calling out the religious people of His time. In stark contrast to how Jesus lived His earthly life—ministering to the poor and the outcast—these “pious” people condemned and disassociated from them. In the end, Fr Aaron pointed out the teaching of Scripture: talk is cheap. What ultimately matters is not what we claim to believe, but if we live according to God’s will.

To highlight the significance of Jesus telling His disciples to become like little children, we discussed the role of children in the Roman Empire of Jesus’ time. Children of that time did not have the same rights and protections we often take for granted in our own societies. We then touched on the significance of Jesus saying the greatest in the Kingdom will be like a child, and Jesus’ harsh words for those who would cause children to stumble.

In discussing Paul's admonition "Let him who thinks he stand take heed lest he fall," Fr Aaron pointed out the subtle, yet important, use of the Greek word "stasis" in the New Testament. We reviewed Paul's use of the word in today's reading, as well as the use of the word in relation to the story of Barabbas and of Christ's resurrection, and how it shows the way we should live our lives. We also discussed how Paul brought the Gentile Corinthian Christians into the biblical/Old Testament narrative, using this as a way to instruct the Corinthians on how they should understand being part of the people of God.

Today’s episode began with an explanation of how Paul sets up various metaphors to help make his point by using Jewish biblical teaching and well-known Roman concepts that would have been clearly understood by his readers. One specific example Fr Aaron gave relates to the structure of the Roman household, and how this can help us understand Paul’s teaching of God being the only judge, and why we should refrain from judging others. Fr Aaron emphasized the importance of understanding this metaphor and continually reminding ourselves of it when we fall into the sin of judging others; only then can we keep our focus on doing the will of our Master, and extend the mercy He has given us to others.

For today's episode, we are sharing Fr Aaron's sermon from June 26, 2022, the Sunday following the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Fr Aaron encourages Christians to understand our true goal, which is not changing laws, but changing hearts. Furthermore, he emphasizes how the Church is a spiritual hospital, welcoming all who have fallen short of the Gospel's ideals. Finally, Fr Aaron highlights how Christians should take a comprehensive approach to being "pro-life," including adopting and fostering children in need.

We began today by addressing the division among members of the church in Corinth. We then moved to where Paul speaks about spiritual gifts and emphasized that these gifts are from God, to be used for His glory alone. We discussed how all members of the church are needed for the church to function properly and, therefore, all should be respected and appreciated equally. We concluded with chapter 13 and Paul’s well-known verses on love. Fr Aaron highlighted that “agape”—the type of love Paul mentioned—is a self-emptying or self-sacrificial love, the kind of love God shows us. Ultimately, we must use our spiritual gifts with agape love, or we are misusing them for our own glory.

Today’s reading led us into a discussion about anxiety in general, as well as anxiety disorders. Fr Aaron shared with us his own story of dealing with an anxiety disorder and what conclusions he has drawn from his own experience. Fr Aaron advocated for viewing anxiety disorders—and mental health issues more broadly—more holistically, recognizing that the body, as well as the soul, must be treated. He provided a poignant analogy to help us better understand that point. We then discussed anxiety in more general terms, and how it often stems from us desiring to control the world around us. We concluded with some practical thoughts about how best to learn to start giving up this desire for control.

Today we discussed some practical implications of Jesus’ teaching to give and lend without expecting anything in return. We began by discussing the meaning of financial stewardship, balancing between ensuring accountability and not trying to control or micromanage in an unhealthy manner. We concluded by contemplating Jesus’ command to love our enemies and how we have the ability to do so because we are made in God’s image. To that end, Jesus taught we should behave as God behaves towards us—providing us with His love and mercy so that we would share it with others.

Today we discussed Paul's defense of his faith at the Areopagus. We highlighted the radical nature of Paul's teaching, one that was at first both foreign and "foolish" to his hearers. Specifically, we noted the idea that the divine would suffer as a human, let alone exalt the poor and needy, was something radical to the Greeks, but also unique to the Judeo-Christian Scriptures. We concluded with a reminder that although we often claim to uphold these same values, we must be sure to actually put them into practice instead of simply paying lip-service.

Today, in discussing the decisions made at the "Council of Jerusalem" in Acts 15, we highlighted the importance of the Old Testament to the early Christian community. We noted that while many Christians tend to minimize the Old Testament, we should learn to understand it and its powerful role in forming many values we hold dear in Western civilization. Finally, we discussed how and why the apostles came to their conclusions in Acts 15 and how that related to Jesus' fulfillment of the Scriptural message and promise.