The Arena Homily | Crying Burning Tears - Great Judgment Sunday 2026
Apr 1, 2026
A sermon that centers on weeping burning tears and the sobering reality of the final judgment. The talk connects liturgy, mosaics, and parish life to spiritual readiness. Stories from Tobit highlight prayer, fidelity, and divine providence. Listeners are urged toward humility, works of mercy, and vivid remembrance of death as a spur to holiness.
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Clergy Seminar at Alhambra Monastery
- Fr. Josiah described the recent clergy seminar with about 100 priests held at a monastery in Alhambra that included six hours of lectures on ecclesiology by Bishop Anthony.
- He emphasized fellowship, daily services, and that the retreat left him encouraged but unable to enroll catechumens that week, promising extra enrollments next week.
New Theophany Mosaic Over Baptismal Chapel
- Fr. Josiah recounted the installation of two new mosaics at the parish, highlighting a Theophany mosaic above the baptismal chapel entry.
- He explained the iconography: Christ in the Jordan, the Holy Spirit as a dove, and John baptizing with 21-karat gold background.
Ancient Tower In Theophany Iconography
- The Theophany mosaic includes an ancient depiction of a tower in the Jordan reflecting a 6th-century Byzantine pilgrimage complex at Bethany beyond the Jordan.
- Fr. Josiah referenced Theodosius's 530 travel account and archaeological findings showing basilicas, baptistries, and a column with an iron cross at the site.