Robert Capon – Parable of the Narrow and Closed Doors
But now we (specifically Jesus) are faced with the direct question of “will those who are saved be few?” Luke 13:23. Or more subtly, “how do I make the cut, and others won’t?”
Gregory of Nyssa
The Story of Creation – Week 3(a) – Genesis 1:1b-2
The merism of “heaven and earth” express the totality of the cosmic phenomena at creation.
The Story of Creation – Week 2(b) – Genesis 1:1a
As we begin to spiritually unveil the deeper meaning of Scripture, our goal is to see who God is, who we are we, and the relationship between the two. There is no “right” answer, there is only growing closer to the Ultimate Divine Reality.
The Beatitudes – Rejoicing Through Persecution, pt.2
Jesus promises three groups of people the kingdom of heaven: the poor in spirit, those persecuted for righteousness, and those that show compassion (Matt. 25:46).
The Beatitudes – Making Peace, pt.2
This is the greatest of the beatitudes, for to be a peacemaker is to be adopted as the child of God. –
St. Gregory of Nyssa
The Beatitudes – Growing More Holy, pt.2
Although the pure in heart cannot see God’s Essence, we can see God’s “energy”, such as his Goodness or his sanctifying Grace. Once our hearts are pure, our eyes are open to see the Divine throughout all of his Creation and especially his interaction with us.
The Beatitudes – Showing Mercy, pt.2
Mercy is the very essence of who God is – “merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.” Exodus 24:6
The Beatitudes – Becoming Righteous, pt.2
Jesus says that his “food is to do the will of him who sent me.” Therefore, our hunger, like Jesus’, is satisfied by doing the Divine Will.
The Beatitudes – Learning Gentleness, pt.2
For Gregory of Nyssa, in this Beatitude Christ promises that it is the humble and reasonable man who obtains reentry into the perfect spiritual state found in the land of the Garden of Eden.
The Beatitudes – Repenting of Our Sins, pt.2
Now the comfort comes through participating in the Comforter. For the gift of comforting is the special operation of the Spirit, of which may we made worthy, through Jesus Christ. – St. Gregory of Nyssa