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We have been blessed with many children in our temple, brother.

Thank you for your observation the phrase "long in the tooth." While you're correct that its traditional meaning refers to aging, particularly how horses' teeth appear longer as their gums recede with age. However, in this specific context of the homily-especially following the call to "face the hard things now" and preceding the Pink Floyd reference about eating your meat before having pudding-the phrase takes on a different nuance. It is used more in the sense of "don't be reluctant" or "don't hold back." Language is fascinating, as phrases can evolve and adapt to convey different meanings depending on their context for conveying messages.

@ I think I heard “yes _we mean cranky old”

​@sweetstephylu Thank you for your attention to the phrase "long in the tooth." While you're right about its traditional meaning in relation to aging, in this particular moment of the homily, the phrase is being used metaphorically to speak about spiritual hesitation rather than physical age. Looking at the full context: "Christ encourages us to face the hard things now... Don't be so long in the tooth, my children... Can't have any pudding if you don't eat your meat." The message here is about not delaying or hesitating to face spiritual challenges. It's connected to the earlier examples in the homily about the woman with the issue of blood who, after years of suffering, finally reached out to Christ in desperate faith. Like the familiar Pink Floyd reference that follows it "Can't have any pudding if you don't eat your meat", it's speaking to the necessity of facing difficult things rather than holding back. The spiritual message is about taking action in faith rather than remaining hesitant or reluctant in our spiritual journey... rather than physical age.

Thank you for your important point about Christ being the only true source of healing and transformation. The quote you're responding to is actually a short excerpt from a longer homily that deeply agrees with your perspective. In the full message, we hear how our fleshly understanding and self-determination are precisely what prevent us from receiving Christ's healing. The homily uses the woman with the issue of blood to show how true healing only comes when we reach the end of our self-reliance: "Faith is not given to you through a fleshly understanding of 'I did all the things, I read all the things, I know all the things' - faith is given to you through desperation and pain." The message specifically criticizes the self-determined approach of "I'm going to fix it. I'm going to make it right. I'm the one. I'm the boss. I I I I." calling this "the problem." I'd encourage you to listen to the full homily (which is linked above). It beautifully illustrates how we must come to the end of our fleshly self-determination to receive Christ's healing - much like the woman who, after exhausting all her own resources, finally reached out to touch Christ's garment in desperate faith.

@@StMaryOfEgyptOrthodoxChurch I can not believe it but I agree with most of what you are saying here! I would use different wording but hey that just my opinion, thank you so much for replying

@@ericborcherds8384 Glory to God in All Things, brother. Thank you for your interaction.

I say this and I still haven’t learned

God Bless you. Your reflections resonate deeply. Within our spiritual journey many experience what you are experiencing. That is a good sign. It’s truly enlightening when we recognize how our daily choices shape our relationship with God. As St. John Chrysostom wisely said, “Prayer is the place of refuge for every worry, a foundation for joy, a source of constant happiness.” When we choose to invest our time in prayer and remembrance of Him, it indeed brings a profound joy that is hard to replicate through distractions. Particularly such distractions as scrolling. Remember, your struggle itself can bring you closer to God, as it teaches you patience and perseverance. St. Isaac the Syrian reminds us, “The one who prays is not far from God.” Each day is an opportunity for your growth. Even in our shortcomings, we find God’s grace waiting for us when we approach Him with a broken and contrite heart. Keep striving, and trust that every small effort counts in drawing closer to Him. May all your prayers be filled with peace and joy!

This is challenging for certain, and St. John Chrysostom talks very directly about honoring a secular father who doesn't provide a godly example. St John tells us to obey parents "in the Lord." This means that we're not required to follow them into sin or compromise our faith. It is in St. John's 21st Homily on Ephesians 6:1 ("Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right"), where Chrysostom addresses the challenge of secular or sinful commands from parents. He tells us that we need to maintain respect, but our specific obedience is contingent upon how our parents' commands align with God's commands. By exploring this homily, you can discover how you can navigate difficult family relationships. St John can teach you to obey a parent so long as it aligns with what God commands. Your goal here is to show respect and care for your father. Simultaneously, you must set boundaries around behaviors that conflict with your faith. St. John teaches us that even if parents are not believers or issue foolish commands, we need to honor them in fundamental ways without following them into sin. Your goal is approaching your this relationship with your father with wisdom. You show patience and love for him. You pray for him and remain steadfast in your faith. Ultimately, your priest or spiritual father is with whom you need to discuss this challenge. He will provide you with a tailored plan to honor your father while staying faithful to God.

Lord have mercy on your servant Hector. Remind Him (and all of us) of your unfailing love so that he will long to draw near to You often, and help him in all his struggles and needs. Amen.

Yes

Yes

My understanding is all of us struggle against sin, our passions-Up until death. That’s spiritual warfare. Repentance is what we as Christians strive for with fear and trembling. To be constantly struggling against the passions and moving ever closer to Christ. What I got from what Father spoke on was keep struggling and strive for repentance. Be watchful, mindful, and ever vigilant. I could be wrong but that was how I understood it.

St. John Chrysostom encourages us as believers to persist in prayer. Prayer cultivates spiritual growth and deepens our relationship with the Divine, regardless of our emotional state. "When we pray, we should not be discouraged if we do not feel like praying. For it is through our prayers that we can overcome our lack of desire and draw closer to God." Much like working out, when we pray when we do not feel like praying, we are building our spiritual muscles. Hearing that your love for the Church and God truly helps you is wonderful. When you acknowledge your struggles with anger and sloth, you are showing growth. You are becoming more aware of these challenges, and it is important to ask God to guide you through these. Remember. It is okay to bring your weaknesses to God and ask him to help you. He welcomes this. He wants this. May your love for Him continue to deepen your prayer life and transform those struggles into growth opportunities.

@@StMaryOfEgyptOrthodoxChurch thank you Father. Interestingly I just read Father “Maximos” quoting the same from St John Chrysostom in the book Gifts of the Desert.

​@@StMaryOfEgyptOrthodoxChurch You are Spot On, Fr Turbo. We must listen attentively to Our Guardian Angel that Our GOD ALMIGHTY FATHER has Blessed each of us with. I am Praying to Change my Vices into Virtues everyday. Thank You Fr Turbo, and I "especially Thank Our GOD ALMIGHTY FATHER" for Everything in My Life, right from the moment I came into existance.🕊️🙏💖🙏🪔🕯️🕯️🕯️ 🕊️🤗💖🤗🙏

We are

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