Hearts and Minds
229 episodes — Page 1 of 5
It’s Summer: Where to Store the Leftovers
Mavis and Her Strong Feelings
Jesus Saves, But How? The Wonder of Communicatio Idiomatum
”Hell is Other People"? Not So Fast.
Fr. John explores the differences between the Christian and secular outlooks on relationships.
Prepping for the Polycrisis
Fr. John ponders the question, "What do The Ten Lepers, The Poseidon Adventure, and one minute of our life have in common?"
Show of Hands: Who Wants a Cold Universe?
Fr. John reflects on losing faith, the Gospel of John, the presence of Christ, and perhaps finding faith once again through hope rather than intellect, reason and arguments.
Basketballs, Bells, and a Leather Belt
Fr. John weaves together the punishment of an entire basketball team for one member's failed prank and the camel hide belts worn by the prophets to teach us about the consequences of the fall and the Incarnation for all of humanity.
Porphyrios Visits the Prostitutes: A Theophany Story
Fr. John reflects on Theophany, how God regards humanity, and how His perspective differs from the gods of paganism. He shares a story from the life of St. Porphyrios as an example of how one can put God's perspective on humanity into practice in our daily interactions.
Christ Is the Question
Fr. John reflects on a disastrous diplomatic miscommunication brought about by AI and God's communication through the incarnation of Christ.
Where Meaning Gathers Its Strength
Fr. John reflects on a simple cake mix, a marketing failure, the nature of effort, and our need for meaning in our salvation.
Why Listening is Better than Knowing
Fr. John reflects on road trips, vacations, and an unusual wedding homily about journeying as husband and wife under God's mysterious directions.
The Mourner and His Message: Every Day is A Special Occasion
Fr. John reflects on the incarnation, Christ's healing ministry, and our understanding of every human person as a "special occasion" that calls us to rise above our preoccupation with de-humanizing religious regulations.
The Trail and the Tree: Understanding Who We Are and What Needs to Heal
Fr. John reflects on our hearts as the center of our spiritual life, as the Nativity season prepares our hearts for the grace of the eight Beatitudes.
To the Young Men Searching for Orthodoxy
Fr. John reflects on the convert surge and spiritual warfare. As "prisoners of war," do we pursue rescue according to our earthly expectations, or higher, spiritual realities?
The Big Reveal: This Shows Who You are Becoming
Fr. John Oliver reflects on the need for Christians to exercise self-control over our speech.
Charlie and the Church: A Brief Reflection on a Public Execution
Fr. John Oliver reflects on the death of St. Telemachus.
When Love Is Not Enough
Fr. John Oliver reflects on ways to translate love into action.
I Feel Dead Inside: Now What?
Fr. John Oliver reflects on compassion.
Christ in a Flood of Pain
Fr. John offers a reflection on turning to Christ in the midst of disappointment.
A Theology of Place: Why You Might Want to Stay Where You Are
Fr. John Oliver reflects on God's presence in all our circumstances.
Blindfolded But Not Alone
Fr. John Oliver reminds us that God is always with us.
The Greatest Tool for Evangelism is Not What You Think It Is
Fr. John Oliver reflects on suffering and humility. The works of C.S. Lewis are considered.
The Rhythm of the Saints
Fr. John Oliver reflects on how we can find simplicity.
To Whom Do You Cling in the Middle of the Night?
Fr. John Oliver reflects on how to deal with rejection.
Proud or Teachable: Pick One
Fr. John Oliver presents us with the examples of Apollos and Simon the Sorcerer and the key difference in how they responded to corrective teaching.
Accept that You Are Accepted
Fr. John Oliver reflects on how inner piece is found.
The Chains of Thankfulness
Fr. John Oliver reflects on the Chains of St. Peter.
On Flashlights, Jesus, and The Low Time
Christ came to be with us in our darkness.
Sturdy Ark, Gathering Storm: Why the Details About Jesus Matter
Fr. John Oliver reflects on what is essential for facing any storm that may be coming.
Seeing Angelically, Seeing Demonically
Fr. John Oliver reflects on the Exodus story as a metaphor for our journey of faith.
Killing the Non-Persons
Fr. John Oliver reflects on the ramifications of Professor Peter Singer's brand of utilitarianism.
I'll Be Content When Everything Changes
Fr. John Oliver reflects on simplicity.
Which is Stronger: Your Faith or Your Feelings?
Christians are called to live life differently.
Helping Others Heals Ourselves
Fr. John Oliver reflects on how helping others helps us fight our own battles.
God: The Sender of Unwanted Gifts
Fr. John Oliver reflects on suffering.
On Hurricanes and Holy Communion
Fr. John Oliver reflects on the recent hurricanes.
Blame Game
Fr. John Oliver reflects on the need to take responsibility for one's own sins.
Christ: the Artist and the Art
Fr. John Oliver reflects on the connection between Creation and the Cross.
Below the Summit of Pride
Fr. John Oliver reflects on pride and humility.
The Freedom to Be in Bondage
Fr. John Oliver reflects on the true meaning of freedom.
Special Announcement: Ancient Faith Men's Retreat
The Ancient Faith Men's Retreat runs August 22-25, 2024.
What's Your Town?
Fr. John Oliver reflects on the boundaries within our hearts.
Even the Devil is a Servant of God
Fr. John Oliver reflects on the role evil and suffering plays in drawing us closer to God.
A City Dump Becomes the Village Church
Fr. John Oliver shares the story of the reclamation of a church after the end of the Soviet era, reminding us that "we walk by faith, and not by sight."
Are You Nice? That’s Too Bad
Fr. John Oliver reflects upon the difference between being nice and being holy.
The Evil in Me or the Evil in You?
Fr. John Oliver reflects on spiritual blindness.
Stay Put or Steady On?
"Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end."
Forget About Getting Good Grades
Fr. John Oliver reminds us of the true focus of Christian life.
Scientists Call It Cardioelectromagnetic Communication, We Just Call It…
Fr. John Oliver reflects on forgiveness, and the energies of the heart.
The Crisis of Modern Man
Fr. John Oliver talks about the crisis of exclusion...and its greatest remedy.