Parables of Community

Fr. Nicolaie writes about seeing mercy in times of waiting both in the scriptures and in the life of the community.

Fr. Nicolaie writes about how Lent teaches us mercy through prayer, and how the way in which we live either draws mercy near or chases it away.

An anonymous community member shares how connecting with the community at St. John the Compassionate Mission has relit a spark in their spiritual life.

How Great Lent helps us fast for a word that feeds our souls.

The community is learning that forgiveness is the door through which we step into Lent.

Fr. Nicolaie shares the story and words of a community member who finds hope in God's mercy.

Fr. Nicolaie shares what the community is learning together about mercy, as they discuss the Publican and the Pharisee.

Fr. Nicolaie encourages the community to learn from the common solitude of a poor community member and rich Zacchaeus.

St. John the Forerunner's relationship to Christ is a model for each of us.

True community is a place where the sick care for the sick, where mercy is better than life... it is Heaven on earth.

A meditative look at two Nathaniels and their love for truth and living "without guile."

The community's take on this Sunday's scriptures challenges us to find faith enough to speak to God about our pain; and courage enough to let go of things of this world.

Fr. Nicolaie shares examples from the community of the mercy that is poured out as people gather together and share.

Fr. Nicolaie shares stories from the community of those experiencing separation who long for union, extending the hope that the Father offers to all.

A challenge to seek (and care for) for the Lazaruses around us and the one within ourselves, as well.

Fr. Nicolaie discusses weeping (both for sorrow and for joy) and the value it brings to our spirits.

Fr. Nicolaie reflects on recent events in the community and how they draw us into communion with Christ.

Fr. Nicolaie shares insights from the community about the disciples' fishing leading to deeper communion when following Christ.

Fr. Nicolaie shares a story from the community about love in the place of shame, and relates it to the Gospel reading for the Sunday of the Holy Cross.

Brother Luke shares a handful of recent family-related stories from the community.

Fr. Nicolaie shares two stories of generosity by community members.

Fr. Nicolaie reflects on how differently members of the community have responded after experiencing an encounter with Christ.

Fr. Nicolaie shares examples from the community as they learn that walking with Christ can only be accomplished through humility.

Fr. Nicolaie compares the journey of those who have left everything to follow Christ to the beauty of a wildflower field.

Fr. Nicolaie shares the stories of two community members, and ponders how "the right shoes" can help us to walk the path of life.

Fr. Nicolaie shares stories that reflect on loneliness and our need for an encounter with Christ.

Fr. Nicolaie shares insights from the community on how God can use times of illness to touch all of us with His mercy.

Fr. Nicolaie shares the stories of myrrhbearers Sergei and Timothy who came to the mission this week bearing countenances reflecting the joy of the resurrection.

Fr. Nicolaie shares insights into Michael's baptism on Lazarus Saturday.

Brother Luke and Father Nicholaie share snippets of life at the mission, encouraging us to pray like a child, forgive as the Theotokos learned to do, and work towards peace.

Fr. Nicolaie looks at the role of faithful fasting and prayer in bringing healing.

Fr. Nicolaie shares experiences that are helping the community to "water the dying plants" in their midst, embracing resurrection instead of neglecting it.

The community explores the beauty of God's forgiveness as it meets us in our messiness.

Fr. Nicolaie explores the truth that hunger, if met with kindness, heals deep gulfs between us and creatively brings about unity.

Fr. Nicolaie encourages the community to be faithful to the work that God has prepared for them, specifically acts of mercy, and to do so with joy, unlike the older brother in the parable of the Prodigal Son.

Padre Roberto and Fr. Nicolaie encourage us to take this Triodion season to prepare our hearts to say YES! to Christ, just as members of the community are doing.

Father Nicolaie shares stories of the prayers of community members, and reflects on the value of their prayers for the entire community.

The community processes Zacchaeus' outcast status, observing how repentance first opened his home to Christ, then turned his heart to the poor; then considers how this relates to their own situations.

Fr. Nicolaie shares stories of community members who emulate the one leper who returns to give thanks.

Fr. Nicolaie shares the week's scriptures and how they are playing out in the community.

The community is becoming a witness of Theophany through the signs of healing it lives and experiences.

Fr. Nicolaie shares a reflection on new life and loss in the community, noting how both are part of the Nativity story.

Fr. Nicolaie shares glimpses at Nativity events in the community.

Fr. Nicolaie and Brother Luke reflect on fasting and Christmas in the context of the community.

A look at the Gospel reading of the woman who was bent over for many years, through the lens of community members' experiences.

John, a volunteer at the mission, is helping others to see Christ more clearly, even though he himself is legally blind.