The Ladder Homilies

Fearless Faith - His Grace Zachariah Mar Nicholovos

Reflecting on the feast of St. Thomas, the speaker revisits John’s account of the disciples hiding behind locked doors out of fear and highlights Thomas’ fearlessness in searching for the risen Lord. Rather than condemning Thomas’ demand to see and touch Jesus’ wounds, Jesus returns and invites him to do so, leading Thomas to proclaim the foundational confession, “My Lord and my God.” The talk contrasts healthy, truth-seeking doubt with the tendency to believe gossip without testing it, and connects Thomas’ experience to his mission to India’s philosophically advanced context. His Grace also addresses modern struggles to pass faith to children, warning that many are “intellectual believers” but “practical atheists,” and concludes that faith is not the absence of doubt but believing despite it.

George Washington, Jesus, and Servant Leadership - Rev. Fr. Vijay Thomas

This episode reflects on what historians call George Washington’s greatest act: giving up power after two terms even though the Constitution set no limit, warning that “the line between a president and a king is at best faint.” Using the idea that power is addictive, the message explores how power dynamics exist everywhere—work, school, home, and church—and that titles and influence carry responsibility. Drawing from Jesus’ warning about the Pharisees and scribes, St. Paul’s instruction to be “rich in good deeds,” and Christ washing the disciples’ feet, it calls listeners to practice what they preach and use influence to serve and love. It connects Washington’s decision to prayer, quoting his journal, and urges prayerful submission to God for wisdom and discernment in leadership. 00:00 Washington Gives Up Power 01:42 Power Is Addictive 02:29 Everyday Power Dynamics 04:20 Gospel Warning to Leaders 05:19 Practice What You Preach 06:50 Servant Leadership Like Jesus 08:05 One Father One Teacher 10:05 Prayer Behind Wise Leadership 11:47 Submit to God in Prayer 12:13 Closing Prayer and Doxology Recorded: October 13, 2024

Silence Over Hustle - Rev. Fr. Sujit Thomas

This episode reflects on how modern life equates worth with productivity, placing intense pressure on people from childhood through academic achievement and constant accomplishment. It also highlights how distractions—especially phones—keep us from focusing on what matters most and from spending time at the feet of Jesus seeking the one thing He calls necessary. Sujit Achen argues that the prevalence of distraction is a reminder of the need for silence and contemplation, noting that if Jesus took His apostles away for this purpose, it is even more necessary for listeners today. 00:00 Productivity Pressure 08:30 Worth and Achievement 08:38 Distraction Overload 08:54 The One Thing Needed 09:08 Phones and Focus 09:20 Silence and Contemplation Recorded: June 28, 2026

How to address the "I will do what I want" attitude - Rev. Fr. Abey George

What does it really mean to follow Christ? In John 6, Jesus declares, "I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me." If even the Son willingly submits to the Father's will, what does that mean for our own lives? This homily explores the struggle between our will and God's will, inviting us to identify the sins that keep us from true freedom. Through practical examples—from family life and marriage to daily habits—we are challenged to crucify our self-centered desires so that God's will can take root within us. True joy is not found in doing whatever we want, but in learning to pray and live the words, "Not my will, but Yours be done." Recorded: June 14, 2026

The Value System of the Kingdom - His Grace Zachariah Mar Nicholovos

On the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, we hear Christ's surprising words: "Blessed are the poor, the hungry, those who weep, and those who are rejected." In a world that measures success by wealth, comfort, popularity, and power, Jesus reveals a completely different set of values—the values of the Kingdom of God. Reflecting on the calling of the Apostles and Christ's teaching from Luke 6, this homily challenges us to examine what we truly seek and what we consider a blessing. Are we living according to the world's standards, or according to the eternal values of Christ's Kingdom? Recorded: June 29, 2025