Hearts and Minds

Fr. John Oliver's thoughtful perspective on culture, society and the Orthodox faith.

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.

12-19
--:--

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.

12-10
--:--

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.

12-03
--:--

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?

11-28
--:--

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.

11-16
--:--

Charlie and the Church: A Brief Reflection on a Public Execution

Fr. John Oliver reflects on the death of St. Telemachus.

11-05
--:--

When Love Is Not Enough

Fr. John Oliver reflects on ways to translate love into action.

10-30
--:--

I Feel Dead Inside: Now What?

Fr. John Oliver reflects on compassion.

10-22
--:--

Christ in a Flood of Pain

Fr. John offers a reflection on turning to Christ in the midst of disappointment.

07-23
--:--

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.

07-22
--:--

Blindfolded But Not Alone

Fr. John Oliver reminds us that God is always with us.

07-03
--:--

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.

06-25
--:--

The Rhythm of the Saints

Fr. John Oliver reflects on how we can find simplicity.

06-18
--:--

To Whom Do You Cling in the Middle of the Night?

Fr. John Oliver reflects on how to deal with rejection.

06-11
--:--

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.

06-04
--:--

Accept that You Are Accepted

Fr. John Oliver reflects on how inner piece is found.

05-20
--:--

The Chains of Thankfulness

Fr. John Oliver reflects on the Chains of St. Peter.

01-23
--:--

On Flashlights, Jesus, and The Low Time

Christ came to be with us in our darkness.

01-17
--:--

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.

12-27
--:--

Seeing Angelically, Seeing Demonically

Fr. John Oliver reflects on the Exodus story as a metaphor for our journey of faith.

12-18
--:--

Recommend Channels