Inspired by a timeless spiritual paradox, "The Open Gate" is a blues-folk story that suggests the most profound truth isn't hidden away for the chosen few—it's accessible to everyone.

Using the ancient parable of a loving father saving his children from a burning house, the song explores the idea that the greatest wisdom doesn't require immense skill or a lifetime of practice, but simply an open heart. With a soulful, acoustic groove, "The Open Gate" is a reminder that the path to peace is not a steep mountain to be climbed, but a door standing wide open for all.

Lyrics

(Intro - Acoustic guitar and a single, long slide guitar note)

(Verse 1)
Some folks try to climb a mountain, thinkin' that's the only way
Practice hard for countless ages, just to see a brighter day
They believe you gotta be a scholar, or a saint of high degree
That only the strongest souls can find the key to be set free
And for them, that road is true, but it's a hard and lonely state
It takes a will of iron just to get past the first gate

(Chorus)
But the Teacher, in his wisdom, he turned it all around
Said the truest, deepest teaching is for the lowest ground
Some paths say you must be worthy, before you even start
But the real Truth is a river, for every broken heart
It don't depend on your own power, your wisdom or your might
It's the power of the Love itself that brings the darkness into light

(Verse 2)
They tell a story 'bout a Father, watchin' his whole house burn down
His children played inside with toys, the most distracted kids in town
He called out, "I've got precious treasures, wonders to behold!"
A loving lure to save them from that ruin, weak and old.
But he didn't give those separate gifts, when they were safe and near, 
He gave them one great open road, and put an end to all their fear.

(Chorus)
'Cause the Teacher, in his wisdom, he turned it all around
Said the truest, deepest teaching is for the lowest ground
Some paths say you must be worthy, before you even start
But the real Truth is a river, for every broken heart
It don't depend on your own power, your wisdom or your might
It's the power of Love itself that brings darkness into light

(Bridge)
In these modern, troubled days, the world is full of strife
The old maps are all faded, they've lost the power for this life
So you don't need a grand cathedral, don't need a scholar's mind
The only thing that's asked of you is the faith that you can find
Just a simple act of trust, a whispered prayer or tune
To awaken that bright Spirit, that's been sleeping in the gloom

(Outro)
Yeah, the gate is standin' open, for the sinner and the saint
For the fisherman's child, the warrior, for the weary and the faint
The truest teaching... is for the open gate...

The Open Gate

The Sweet Illusion

A raw, one-take acoustic song.
This is a song about being stuck in a prison of your own making, calling the "poison water 'sweet, good wine.'" It's for anyone who's been so lost for so long, they've "forgotten what goodness even feels like."
It's about the paradox of grace: the moment a guide offers you a beautiful lie—a sweet illusion—just to give you a place to rest, only to take it away once you're strong enough to face the truth.
It's a song about the rest stop, not the final destination.
(Lyrics based on the wisdom of the Conjured City parable.)

Lyrics: 
(Verse 1) 
I built my house on a crooked line 
Called the poison water "sweet, good wine" 
Called the anger in my blood "a righteous spine" 
And this whole damn prison... I called it "mine."

(Verse 2) 
I walk in circles 'til my feet are raw 
My "right and wrong" is just my favorite flaw 
I chase a pleasure that just bites and claws 
And I don't know how to live... by any other laws.

(Chorus) 
Is there a goodness that I plain forgot? 
A taste of joy that can't be sold or bought? 
My heart's a lock, and the key is lost 
I never even stopped to count the cost. 
I don't know how to do good... 
Hell, I'm not even sure I would.

(Verse 3) 
I was on that highway, bleedin' out my faith 
My spirit just a pale and tired wraith 
I told the guide, "I'm givin' up the fight." 
(The guitar gets softer, almost tender) 
He said, "I know... but rest here for the night." 
And he raised a city, shinin' in the sand 
Said, "This is home, son... this is the promised land."

(Verse 4) 
And that illusion... Lord, it tasted sweet 
I slept for ages, got back on my feet I thought 
I'd made it, thought my journey's end 
Was in that city, with my newfound friend 
(Guitar stops. One beat of cold silence) 
But when I woke up strong... he just smiled and waved his hand 
And there was nothin' but the desert... Nothin' but the sand.

(Chorus 2 - The Turn) 
He said, "That was the goodness that you plain forgot... 
"The taste of joy that can't be sold or bought. 
"Your heart's a lock... but here's the key: 
"That city wasn't for you... 
(Voice breaks, just a little) 
...That city was me."

(Pivot) 
I don't know how to do good... 
(Guitar hangs on a suspended, aching chord) 
But he just stood there... 
And he would.

(Outro) 
(The first "stuck" guitar pattern returns. But it's slower now. It's not "stuck" anymore... it's "walking.") 
He just stood there... and he would. ... 
My house is built on a crooked line... 
But I'm walkin'... 
And the road is fine. 
I'm just walkin'... 
And the road is fine. 
(Guitar pattern plays twice, then stops cold.)

The Sweet Illusion

This week we’re going straight from one of Jesus’ most beloved parables to one of His least. Readers across the centuries have wrestled with this one, since at first glance it seems to condone dishonesty. It’s a good reminder that parables often have one central point—so we shouldn’t try to apply every detail literally. Let’s walk through this one together and see what Jesus wants us to learn. This message was preached by Pastor Erick Cobb on October 19, 2025.



Luke 16:1-15 (October 19, 2025)

A late-night story told on a worn-out porch, "The Same Moon" is a bluesy folk parable about an old teacher and a young student. It explores the timeless Zen wisdom of the "finger pointing at the moon"—the idea that teachings and scriptures are only signposts, not the destination itself.

Driven by a fingerpicked acoustic guitar and a haunting harmonica, the song has a raw, honest feel reminiscent of early Bob Dylan and Townes Van Zandt. It's a reminder that true understanding doesn't come from memorizing the words of others, but from looking up and seeing the truth for yourself—the same moon that shines for us all.

A song for late-night reflection and quiet moments.

Lyrics: 
(Music Begins: A lone, mournful harmonica melody over a simple, fingerpicked acoustic guitar riff in G)
(Verse 1) 
Well, the night was black, the ink was on the page 
I was lookin' for the wisdom of a long-gone age 
Read them golden letters 'til my eyes went blind 
Tryin' to soothe this restless, troubled mind of mine.

(Verse 2) 
The old man sat, he didn't say a word 
Just the quietest lesson that I ever heard 
He raised a weathered hand up to the sky 
And pointed with a tired old twinkle in his eye.

(Chorus) 
He said, "Son, it ain't no sacred mystery 
It's the same moon for you, the same moon for me. 
I ain't pointin' to no master's holy light 
Just the same old moon, shinin' in the night."

(Harmonica fill, short and soulful)

(Verse 3) 
But I stared so hard at that crooked hand of his 
I thought the pointin' was the thing that is 
I studied every wrinkle, every scar and line 
Mistook the dusty bottle for the sacred wine.

(Verse 4) 
I built a church around that finger in the air 
Said my prayers to a knuckle and a nail up there 
Forgot about the darkness, forgot about the sky 
Just the holy hand that was showin' me the lie.

(Chorus) 
But he said, "Son, it ain't no sacred mystery 
It's the same moon for you, the same moon for me. 
I ain't pointin' to no master's holy light 
Just the same old moon, shinin' in the night."

(Bridge) 
Then a quiet wind blew through the cypress tree 
And I felt his patient eyes lookin' right past me 
So I lifted up my head, let my own vision climb… 
And I saw that silver dollar for the very first time. 
It wasn't his, Lord, it was mine.

(Chorus - a bit stronger now, with harmony vocal) 
And I heard, "Son, it ain't no sacred mystery 
It's the same moon for you, the same moon for me. 
I ain't pointin' to no master's holy light 
Just the same old moon, shinin' in the night."

(Outro) 
(Acoustic guitar riff continues, slows down. The harmonica plays a final, resolved melody that hangs in the air and then fades to silence.)


The Same Moon

October 26 - Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time (2025)

Protocol

The parable of the rich man and Lazarus is a story of reversals—a tragic reversal for the rich man, and a gracious one for Lazarus. And it all points to the even greater reversal found in the gospel—where Jesus suffers the anguish and torment we deserve, so that we can be carried to heaven and find our eternal comfort in Him! This message was preached by Pastor Josh White on November 9, 2025.




Luke 16:19-31 (Nov. 9, 2025)

Fr. Lorenzo Galuszka
Twenty-Second Sunday after Trinity
November 16, 2025
Text: Matthew 18:21-35
The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant

Sermon for 22 Trinity: "The Mathematics of Grace"

This sermon, framed by the Coptic calendar's month of agriculture, utilizes the biblical Parable of the Sower to deliver a core spiritual message of preparation. The central analogy compares the human heart to the different types of ground that receive the seed, emphasizing that the Sower (God) and the Seed (God's word) remain constant; only the type of heart (the ground) changes, thus determining the outcome. The speaker argues that a "sensitive heart" is crucial for receiving God's subtle messages, contrasting the receptive hearts of the thief on the cross and the Roman centurion with those who ignored clear evidence, such as the soldiers bribed to deny the Resurrection. Ultimately, the purpose of this message is to urge listeners to cultivate a "good heart" that will receive God's word and yield spiritual fruit.



Prepare your heart daily

       The sermon presents a detailed exposition of the Parable of the Sower as found in the Gospel, emphasizing how different types of soil represent the varied human responses to the Word of God. Luke 8:8 highlights that God initiates the act of sowing His Word generously and indiscriminately, offering everyone the opportunity to respond freely. Despite foreknowledge of how individuals might react, God allows free will to unfold, ensuring His justice as a fair judge. The Word of God is portrayed as a gift of immense generosity, a guiding principle that protects believers from the confusion, temptations, and destructive paths of the world. Four types of responses (or soils) are examined in depth:

When God's Word Meets the Human Will

An historic Episcopal church in Sherman, Texas. Join us for the Holy Eucharist every Sunday at 10 for biblical preaching, sacred music, and warm fellowship.

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Welcome to the musical world of The William Altig Choir, where ancient wisdom meets contemporary sound.

Inspired by the teachings of the Lotus Sutra and infused with deep spiritual themes, my music blends the rich traditions of blues and folk with modern elements, creating a unique fusion that resonates with both the heart and soul.

I've been captivated by the Lotus Sutra's messages of compassion, wisdom, and transformation since my youth. It's a journey of self-discovery that has found its voice in my music. Each song is a reflection of my own spiritual awakening and a celebration of universal truths.

My style is characterized by emotive storytelling, powerful lyrics, and a commitment to exploring the depths of human experience. Featuring contemplative blues, acoustic slide guitar, saxophone melodies, and the harmonies of a gospel choir, my music reflects a quest for enlightenment and a better understanding of the self.

Join me on this musical journey. Together, we can explore the teachings of the Lotus Sutra, finding solace, hope, and a deeper connection to the world around us.

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Upper Room Media is a ministry of the Coptic Orthodox Church. Its mission is to bring the word of God from a timeless faith into your hearts and mind anywhere at anytime.

The Orthodox Church worships God in continuity with the earliest Church, and as such is the oldest Church. It is a Church of balance: between the mystical and the tangible; between spirituality and theology; between the worship of God and service to humanity. Everything is in balance, otherwise known as right worship, which means Orthodox. It is not a denomination, but rather pre-denominational. It is not a religion but rather a life with God in Christ. 

The Orthodox Church worships God in spirit and truth (John 4:24) and dynamically incarnates that truth in every age - empowering all people from all walks of life to love God, others, and themselves. 

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Parable is a 22-year-old music producer dedicated to creating emotional soundscapes.

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Priest of the Diocese of Rochester (NY); Pastor of St. Peter's Parish (Clifton Springs, NY)

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