“And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white.” (Luke 9:29) Hi Fighter, Last Sunday was the Feast of the Transfiguration. It’s a day of great significance in the Orthodox church – even more important than Christmas! In the Western church, we never really know what to […]
Preacher, Pugilist, Activist, Father of four
“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful” (Luke 6:36) Hi Fighter, How do you urge a fighter to be merciful? You don’t win fights by being merciful! I still remember the final words given to me before I climbed into the ring for my first fight. My cornerman urged me to put aside any
Preacher, Pugilist, Activist, Father of four
Then he looked up at his disciples and said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.” (Luke 6:20-21) Hi Fighter, Those words ring true for me today.
Preacher, Pugilist, Activist, Father of four
A Very Unique Birthday Read More »
“[Jesus] said to Simon, “Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets.”. (Luke 5:4-5) Hi Fighter, I love this scene on the beach where Jesus
Preacher, Pugilist, Activist, Father of four
See you at the Barricades! Read More »
They got up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they might hurl him off the cliff. But he passed through the midst of them and went on his way. (Luke 4:29-30) Hi Fighter, In case you’re not familiar
Preacher, Pugilist, Activist, Father of four
The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the broken-hearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; To proclaim the acceptable year of
Preacher, Pugilist, Activist, Father of four
Proclaiming Liberty Read More »
“And [the steward] said to [the bridegroom], “Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now.” (John 2:10) Hi Fighter, I’m opening this week with a joke about getting drunk at a wedding. What’s more, it’s a joke about
Preacher, Pugilist, Activist, Father of four
Let’s Get This Party Started Read More »
On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary, his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. (Matthew 2:11) Hi Fighter, Do you recognise the story? Yes, it’s the saga of the three wise men, visiting the infant Jesus.
Preacher, Pugilist, Activist, Father of four
Mixing Religion and Politics? Read More »
It’s a spooky thought – that some events, and some people, have a spiritual significance that transcends time. That’s not true for all of us, is it? Or is it? I feel comfortable with the thought that God loves everyone equally, and that therefore everyone has an equally significant role to play in the divine drama. The Bible though tells a very different story.
Preacher, Puncher, Father of four
Onwards and Upwards! Read More »
The church marks the first Sunday after Christmas as the “Feast of the Holy Family”, which sounds like a further slap in the face for those whose families look anything but holy. Even so, our Gospel text for the day suggests that Jesus’ earthly family may not have been as functional as we might have first assumed!
Preacher, Pugilist, Activist, Father of four
