We read the tone four Antiphons, alongside Psalms 128-130 (MT 129-131), as illumined by Isaiah 42:6-7, 1 Peter 4:12-14, and St. John Cassian. Here is wise instruction on humility and God’s willingness to illumine those who keep their eyes on Him ..read more

We consider the third grouping of Ascent Songs for Orthros, comparing them with their foundational Psalms LXX 125-128 (MT 126-129), and illumining them with reference to Col 1:9-14; Eph 4:4-8 and1 Cor 15:43. Everywhere, as we walk towards the light of the eighth day, the generosity of God is apparent ..read more

Sober joy is the atmosphere of the second group of ascent songs, based on Psalms LXX 122-124 (MT 123-125). While aware of human need, we also meditate upon the security found among the people of God, and the presence of the Holy Spirit to sanctify us and the whole world, helped in our thinking by Ephesians 6:10-17, 2 Peter 3:9 and Romans 8:26-27 ..read more

We turn to the Songs of Ascent, reading them in the light of Psalms 119-121 (MT 120-122), upon which they are based, and Hebrews 12:18-29, where we approach of heavenly Zion ..read more

We read this stunning sixth censing prayer of Matins, looking to help from wise Church fathers, and the clarification of multiple passages in the Bible: Psalm 142 (143 MT); Romans 4:8; Philippian 3:12; 2 Samuel/2 Kingdoms 15-18, Rev 20:11, and Luke 21:17-18. God’s mercy towards us is always surprising, and is impressed upon us as we begin the Lord’s Day ..read more

We read of the joy, warnings, and blessings of God in Rev 14:1-13, helped in our interpretation by St. Andrew of Caesarea, St. Bede, and St. Augustine, as well as three passages from the OT— 2 Kings 6, 2 Sam 11:6-13, Genesis 2:1-3. Because of its imagery, the worship in heaven may seem exclusive; however, all who follow the Lamb are invited to join in the “new song ..read more

We look to John’s intriguing vision of the Temple and the two witnesses in Revelation 11:1-14, aided by the visions of two earlier prophets in Ezekiel 40 and Zechariah 4. John’s images help us to understand that the bitter-sweet scroll pertains to us, and our witness in a God-defying world, as we follow the slaughtered-standing Lamb wherever He goes ..read more

We read the difficult chapter of Revelation 9, looking to Job, Ezekiel 9:3-8, the words of Jesus (Luke 21:18), and the wisdom of some early commentators in order to help us consider the problem of evil, placed alongside our omnipotent and loving God ..read more

We hear Jesus’ words to Laodicea (Rev 3:14-22), rejoicing that even for a lukewarm Church there is the remedy of forgiveness and revival, as also seen in Isaiah 65:16-19, Ezekiel 36-7 and Jeremiah 31, as well as in Jesus’ own words concerning the enlivening work of the Holy Spirit. Repentance is for all of us, not simply for unbelievers, and yields the riches, healing, and purity that God intends for His people ..read more

As we approach the depth of Holy Week, we hear Jesus’ call to repentance, and promise for those who follow Him into victory, in Revelation 2:12-17. We are helped in understanding this word to Pergamum and to us by reading Numbers chapters 24-25 and 31, and Hebrews 4:12 ..read more