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Fr. Philip LeMasters

Offering Our Blessings and Sufferings in Hope
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Offering Our Blessings and Sufferings in Hope

Homily for the Third Sunday After Pentecost and the Third Sunday of Matthew in the Orthodox Church

Fr. Philip LeMasters

Even with the challenges posed by the pandemic, the current social tensions, and our own personal problems, we have so much for which to be grateful.

Restoration, Not Escape: Homily for the First Sunday of Lent in the Orthodox Church
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Restoration, Not Escape: Homily for the First Sunday of Lent in the Orthodox Church

Hebrews 11:24-26, 32-40; John 1:43-51

Fr. Philip LeMasters

The way to find joy is not by imagining that we can run away from our problems. It is, instead, to find healing for our souls, which means becoming more beautiful living icons of Christ in the midst of life as we know it.

In Communion with Christ and One Another: Homily for the Leave-Taking of and the Sunday After Theophany (Epiphany) in the Orthodox Church
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In Communion with Christ and One Another: Homily for the Leave-Taking of and the Sunday After Theophany (Epiphany) in the Orthodox Church

Ephesians 4:7-13; Matthew 4:12-17

Fr. Philip LeMasters

It is certainly possible to have a letdown after the holiday season. Though it has its own stresses, a time of year filled with parties, rich food, and visiting with loved ones appeals to most people, if only as a cultural observance. The same is surely true for those of us who celebrated the Savior’s birth at Christmas and His baptism at Theophany.

The Healing of the Samaritan Leper: Homily for the 12th Sunday of Luke in the Orthodox Church
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The Healing of the Samaritan Leper: Homily for the 12th Sunday of Luke in the Orthodox Church

Fr. Philip LeMasters

As the healing of the Samaritan leper shows, God’s mercy extends to everyone who receives Jesus Christ with faith, repentance, and gratitude.

Jairus and the Bleeding Woman: Homily for the 21st Sunday After Pentecost in the Orthodox Church
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Jairus and the Bleeding Woman: Homily for the 21st Sunday After Pentecost in the Orthodox Church

Fr. Philip LeMasters

We read in today’s gospel passage about two very different people who approached Jesus Christ in different ways

Christ's Compassion and Integrity: Orthodox Homily on the Raising of the Son of the Widow of Nain
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Christ's Compassion and Integrity: Orthodox Homily on the Raising of the Son of the Widow of Nain

2 Corinthians 9:6-11 Luke 7:11-16

Fr. Philip LeMasters

No one likes a hypocrite, someone who says one thing and does another. As Christians, we must be very careful not to condemn ourselves and scandalize others by not living out what we teach to be true. Instead, we must be people of integrity who live out our beliefs every day in what we say and do.

Finding Healing Through Sacrifice: Homily for the Sunday After the Exaltation of the Cross in the Orthodox Church
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Finding Healing Through Sacrifice: Homily for the Sunday After the Exaltation of the Cross in the Orthodox Church

Fr. Philip LeMasters

It may seem strange that we devote certain periods of the Church year especially to the Cross because it is so characteristic of our entire life in Christ.

Homily for the Sunday of the Canaanite Woman in the Orthodox Church
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Homily for the Sunday of the Canaanite Woman in the Orthodox Church

Fr. Philip LeMasters

This Canaanite woman is a tremendous model for us as Christians, for we so easily give up on the Lord and on ourselves.

The Eucharistic Context of Pastoral Response to Contemporary Challenges in Marriage, Family, and Sexuality
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The Eucharistic Context of Pastoral Response to Contemporary Challenges in Marriage, Family, and Sexuality

Fr. Philip LeMasters

The celebration of the Eucharist provides a necessary context for understanding the pastoral response of the Orthodox Church to contemporary challenges in marriage, family, and sexuality. As St. Nicholas Cabasilas commented on the Eucharist, “its aim is the sanctification of the faithful.” Likewise, the aim of the union of husband and wife is their sanctification, their participation in the Wedding Feast of the Lamb.

American Christianity Declines as the Martyrs of the Middle East Bear Powerful Witness to Christ
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American Christianity Declines as the Martyrs of the Middle East Bear Powerful Witness to Christ

Homily for the Sunday After the Ascension in the Orthodox Church

Fr. Philip LeMasters

A recent survey of Americans about religion is getting a lot of attention, especially because it shows that fewer people now identify themselves as Christians and more consider themselves unaffiliated with any religion. Perhaps at least part of the reason for these declines is that many people have not found something worth living and dying for in the churches with which they are familiar.

Choose Repentance Instead of Shame: Homily for the Sunday of the Prodigal Son in the Orthodox Church
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Choose Repentance Instead of Shame: Homily for the Sunday of the Prodigal Son in the Orthodox Church

Fr. Philip LeMasters

The prodigal son in today’s gospel reading provides a wonderful example of how to get over wounded pride and repent of even the most shameful acts.

Cultivating Humility: Homily for the Sunday of the Pharisee and the Publican in the Orthodox Church
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Cultivating Humility: Homily for the Sunday of the Pharisee and the Publican in the Orthodox Church

Luke 18: 10-14

Fr. Philip LeMasters

The hard truth is that we will never grow in Christ unless we intentionally take steps that help us grow in humility, that help us embrace the truth about where we stand before the Lord.

On Getting Ready for the Banquet: Homily for the Sunday of the Forefathers of Christ in the Orthodox Church
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On Getting Ready for the Banquet: Homily for the Sunday of the Forefathers of Christ in the Orthodox Church

Fr. Philip LeMasters

Great challenges judge us because they reveal the true state of our ability and character. They often open our eyes to our weaknesses in surprising ways.

The Unique Beauty of His Daughters and Sons
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The Unique Beauty of His Daughters and Sons

Homily for Sts. Barbara the Great Martyr and John of Damascus and the Luke 13:10-17

Fr. Philip LeMasters

The example of these Saints shows us that it does not matter whether we are young, old, male, female, or face this or that set of challenges. We may still grow in personal union with the Lord regardless of any such details. The door to holiness is fully open to us all.

Focusing on the One Thing Needful This Advent: Homily for the Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple
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Focusing on the One Thing Needful This Advent: Homily for the Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple

Fr. Philip LeMasters

The weeks of the Nativity Fast are a time of joyful preparation to receive Christ at His birth. They provide us an alternative to the angry and anxious ways of our culture. And on this Feast of the Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple, they call us to follow the example of someone very different from the ones people usually think are most important in life.

Just Reach Out in Humble Faith: Homily for the 7th Sunday of Luke in the Orthodox Church
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Just Reach Out in Humble Faith: Homily for the 7th Sunday of Luke in the Orthodox Church

Fr. Philip LeMasters

If we are honest, we will recognize ourselves in her humble example. Who is not embarrassed and discouraged due to some long-term struggle, some weakness or burden that we have virtually lost hope of overcoming?

Learning to See and Serve Christ in Poor Lazarus
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Learning to See and Serve Christ in Poor Lazarus

Homily for the 5th Sunday of Luke in the Orthodox Church

Fr. Philip LeMasters

It is tempting to think that those who seem to have it all in this world are God’s favorites whose success is a reward for holiness and virtue. It is appealing to think that God’s kingdom is simply an eternal manifestation of the arrangements of this world, of life as we know it, where the powerful usually lord it over the weak and the rich almost always seem to get their way.

The Good Witness of Becoming Our True Selves: Homily for the 6th Sunday of Luke in the Orthodox Church
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The Good Witness of Becoming Our True Selves: Homily for the 6th Sunday of Luke in the Orthodox Church

Luke 8:26-39

Fr. Philip LeMasters

When we recognize this difficult truth about ourselves, we can understand at least a bit why the man in today’s gospel lesson wanted to leave his hometown and follow Jesus Christ.

On Sharing Undeserved Mercy: Homily for the Third Sunday of Luke in the Orthodox Church
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On Sharing Undeserved Mercy: Homily for the Third Sunday of Luke in the Orthodox Church

Fr. Philip LeMasters

If we are to live the Christian life with integrity, we too must have the courage to relate to others with true compassion as they suffer, mourn, and live with pain and disorder of whatever kind.

Forgiveness and the Healing of the Soul: Homily for the 11th Sunday of Matthew in the Orthodox Church
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Forgiveness and the Healing of the Soul: Homily for the 11th Sunday of Matthew in the Orthodox Church

Fr. Philip LeMasters

Every human being bears the image of God, including our enemies. In that we have done something harmful to anyone, we have done it to the Lord. Remember the words of St. John: If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar (1 John 4:20). It is only by the power of the Holy Spirit in our hearts and souls that we will be able to live out our love of God in relation to every human being we encounter.

How to Avoid Sinking: Homily for the 9th Sunday After Pentecost and the 9th Sunday of Matthew in the Orthodox Church
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How to Avoid Sinking: Homily for the 9th Sunday After Pentecost and the 9th Sunday of Matthew in the Orthodox Church

Fr. Philip LeMasters

Let us use our freedom to become God’s fellow workers in making ourselves holy temples. Let us embrace the divine power that enables us to walk across the stormy seas of our lives, even to share in the Savior’s victory over sin and death. We will be able to do so only when we embrace personally the glorious truth that our nature and purpose is to grow in holiness and union with the Lord.

Learning from Martyrs and Confessors: Homily for the Sunday of All Saints in the Orthodox Church
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Learning from Martyrs and Confessors: Homily for the Sunday of All Saints in the Orthodox Church

Fr. Philip LeMasters

It is tempting to think that what we read about in the Scriptures and the history of the Church occurred in a world so different from ours that it has become irrelevant. This Sunday of All Saints reminds us that our Lord’s fundamental calling to every generation does not change, but challenges the assumptions of every culture and the preferences of every human being.

On Not Escaping the World, But Being Holy in It
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On Not Escaping the World, But Being Holy in It

Homily for the Sunday After the Ascension in the Orthodox Church

Fr. Philip LeMasters

Even if we know the words of the Nicene Creed by heart, we may still be tempted to turn Christ into a Savior who fits with our preconceived notions about what we would like from a religion. After all, it is much easier to follow a Lord Who serves our own pursuit of pleasure, power, and pride than it is to embrace One Who calls us to holiness in every dimension of our existence.

Light Shines Even in the Dark Prison of Death: Homily for the Sunday of the Blind Man in the Orthodox Church
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Light Shines Even in the Dark Prison of Death: Homily for the Sunday of the Blind Man in the Orthodox Church

Fr. Philip LeMasters

It is so easy for people to be blind to the truth about themselves. It is not hard to notice when others do not see the truth about what they do, but it is often quite difficult to notice our own blindness.

Overcoming Hate and Division through the Resurrection: Homily for the Sunday of the Samaritan Woman in the Orthodox Church
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Overcoming Hate and Division through the Resurrection: Homily for the Sunday of the Samaritan Woman in the Orthodox Church

Fr. Philip LeMasters

We all have our assumptions about who are our friends and who are our enemies. For all kinds of reasons, we probably feel more comfortable associating with some people as opposed to others.

Embodied Persons, Male and Female: Thoughts on the Body and Personal Identity
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Embodied Persons, Male and Female: Thoughts on the Body and Personal Identity

Fr. Philip LeMasters

Christians must show true compassion toward people who struggle with gender identity without encouraging them to adopt self-definitions that ignore the physical realities of human personhood. Christ invites us to the healing of every dimension of our humanity, which includes embracing the truth about who we are as embodied male or female persons. For all of us, that is a struggle in one way or another. Healing comes through the difficult task of offering every dimension of our lives to the Lord in humility.

The Disorienting Shock of an Empty Tomb: Homily for the Sunday of the Myrrh-Bearing Women in the Orthodox Church
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The Disorienting Shock of an Empty Tomb: Homily for the Sunday of the Myrrh-Bearing Women in the Orthodox Church

Fr. Philip LeMasters

We will grow in our participation in the Savior’s victory over sin and death by humbly accepting the opportunities for serving Him that our lives, and the lives of those around us, present. Most of us need look no further than our own families, our parish, and our friends and acquaintances in order to discern quite clearly what God is calling us to do. If we want a Lord Who fits our preconceived notions and calls us to serve Him only in ways that we find convenient, pleasing, or easy, then we will fall into the idolatry of worshiping our own self-centered delusions.

His Bodily Wounds and Ours: Homily for Thomas Sunday in the Orthodox Church
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His Bodily Wounds and Ours: Homily for Thomas Sunday in the Orthodox Church

Fr. Philip LeMasters

The good news is that Christ does not ask us to conquer sin and death by our own power, for He has already done that. But He does ask us truly to have faith, which requires a faithful life, even as we constantly ask for His mercy and strength to participate as fully as possible in the joy of His resurrection.

Triumph Through Humility: Homily for Palm Sunday in the Orthodox Church
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Triumph Through Humility: Homily for Palm Sunday in the Orthodox Church

Fr. Philip LeMasters

Holy Week reveals what kind of Savior Jesus Christ is, and unless we remain squarely focused on Him we will miss the point of these holy days, even as those crowds did. So it is time to tune out our usual distractions and excuses, and enter into the Passion of our Lord by worshiping Him in the services of the Church whenever possible, as well as in every thought, word, and deed this week.

Humble Repentance or Paralyzing Guilt?: Homily on St. Mary of Egypt for the 5th Sunday of Lent in the Orthodox Church
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Humble Repentance or Paralyzing Guilt?: Homily on St. Mary of Egypt for the 5th Sunday of Lent in the Orthodox Church

Fr. Philip LeMasters

Whenever we experience guilt and shame because of something we have done wrong, we need to ask ourselves a question. Do we feel that way because we are sorrowful that we have disobeyed God or because we cannot stand being less than perfect in our own eyes or those of others?

Climbing Up by Moving Down: Homily for the 4th Sunday of Lent in the Orthodox Church
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Climbing Up by Moving Down: Homily for the 4th Sunday of Lent in the Orthodox Church

Fr. Philip LeMasters

“Lord, I believe, help my unbelief.” That is the only confession that will enable us to prepare for what is to come in the weeks ahead as we enter into the deep mystery of our salvation. As our Savior said, “The Son of man will be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill Him; and after He is killed, He will rise on the third day.”

On Knowing God as Whole Persons: Homily for the Second Sunday of Lent in the Orthodox Church
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On Knowing God as Whole Persons: Homily for the Second Sunday of Lent in the Orthodox Church

Fr. Philip LeMasters

We need the practices of Lent because, in contrast with the glory to which He calls us, we all remain too much like the paralyzed man before his healing. Our weakness before our habitual sins and passions often seems more real to us than do the gracious divine energies that alone bring healing. Perhaps that is because we have far more experience of our own brokenness than of deep personal union with God.

Venerate Icons by Becoming One: Homily for the Sunday of Orthodoxy
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Venerate Icons by Becoming One: Homily for the Sunday of Orthodoxy

Fr. Philip LeMasters

The journey of Lent is not about punishment or legalism, but instead about helping us grow personally into our exalted identity as those called to share in the eternal life of our Lord. It is about turning away from the idolatry of self-centeredness in order to become a more beautiful icon of the divine glory.

Return with the New Adam to Paradise: Homily for Forgiveness Sunday in the Orthodox Church
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Return with the New Adam to Paradise: Homily for Forgiveness Sunday in the Orthodox Church

Fr. Philip LeMasters

The spiritual disciplines of Lent have nothing to do with legalism or punishing ourselves. Instead, they are tools to help us find healing and strength as we wear the robe of light, as we grow in our personal participation in the salvation that the Second Adam has brought to a world of despair and decay. Now is the time to strip ourselves of all that would hold us back from following our Lord to His cross and glorious resurrection, for it is through His Passion that we will enter into the fullness of the glory for which He created us in the first place.

How We Treat the Living Icons of Christ: Homily for the Sunday of the Last Judgment in the Orthodox Church
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How We Treat the Living Icons of Christ: Homily for the Sunday of the Last Judgment in the Orthodox Church

Fr. Philip LeMasters

As we prepare for our Lenten journey, we should remember that fasting is not simply a change in diet, but a tool that can help us fight passions that keep us from serving Christ in our neighbors. When done in secret and with humility, fasting weakens the self-centeredness that keeps us from sharing God’s love with others.

Wake Up and Come Home: Homily on the Prodigal Son, the Elder Brother, and the Forgiving Father
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Wake Up and Come Home: Homily on the Prodigal Son, the Elder Brother, and the Forgiving Father

Fr. Philip LeMasters

Both the prodigal and the elder brother needed to be reconciled with their father. The same is true of each and every one of us this Lent. We will gain the spiritual strength to do so through prayer, fasting, almsgiving, and other spiritual disciplines. No matter whether we identify more with the older or the younger son, our Lord’s calling to us is essentially the same: Come home and join in the great celebration of the Heavenly Kingdom.

How to Become a Holy Fool: Homily on Saint Xenia of St. Petersburg, Fool for Christ
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How to Become a Holy Fool: Homily on Saint Xenia of St. Petersburg, Fool for Christ

Fr. Philip LeMasters

"Christ surely does not call us all to the rare ministry of a Fool for Christ like St. Xenia, but we may all learn from her example that the humility of embracing our constant need for mercy is at the heart of faithfulness to a Lord Whose Kingdom is not of this world. There must be something of the holy fool in us all, if our eyes are to be opened to a truth that the world does not yet see."

Preparing to Appear with Christ in Glory: Homily for the Sunday of the Holy Forefathers in the Orthodox Church
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Preparing to Appear with Christ in Glory: Homily for the Sunday of the Holy Forefathers in the Orthodox Church

Fr. Philip LeMasters

"Christmas will be here soon, and how we respond to the Lord as His birth will make clear the state of our souls. Will we be ready to welcome Christ into our lives at His birth? Will we be ready to accept the invitation to the feast? I certainly hope so, for the good news of Christmas is that in our Lord the fulfillment of all God’s promises is extended to people like us, those poor, blind, and lame with sin, who suffer from the pain, weakness, and corruption of life in the world as we know it, and who are nowhere near perfect."

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