Lectio Divina for 16 July 2024
Lectio
Read the passage slowly and attentively, paying close attention to each word and detail.
Passage: “Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh, you shall die: but if by the Spirit you mortify the deeds of the flesh, you shall live. For whosoever are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For you have not received the spirit of bondage again in fear: but you have received the spirit of adoption of sons, whereby we cry: Abba (Father). For the Spirit himself giveth testimony to our spirit that we are the sons of God. And if sons, heirs also; heirs indeed of God and joint heirs with Christ: yet so, if we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified with him.” (Romans 8:12-17) (more…)
Lectio Divina for 15 July 2024
Lectio
Read the passage slowly and attentively, paying close attention to each word and detail.
Passage: “Jesus said to his disciples: Let your loins be girt and lamps burning in your hands. And you yourselves like to men who wait for their lord, when he shall return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open to him immediately. Blessed are those servants whom the Lord, when he cometh, shall find watching. Amen I say to you that he will gird himself and make them sit down to meat and passing will minister unto them. And if he shall come in the second watch or come in the third watch and find them so, blessed are those servants. But this know ye, that if the householder did know at what hour the thief would come, he would surely watch and would not suffer his house to be broken open. Be you then also ready: for at what hour you think not the Son of man will come.” (Saint Luke 12:35-40) (more…)
Lectio Divina for 11 July 2024
This is the same passage read on 7 July 2024.
Lectio Divina for 10 July 2024
1. Lectio
Read the passage slowly and attentively, paying close attention to each word and detail.
Passage: “As he was yet speaking to the multitudes, behold his mother and his brethren stood without, seeking to speak to him. And one said unto him: Behold thy mother and thy brethren stand without, seeking thee. But he answering him that told him, said: Who is my mother, and who are my brethren? And stretching forth his hand towards his disciples, he said: Behold my mother and my brethren. For whosoever shall do the will of my Father, that is in heaven, he is my brother, and sister, and mother.” (more…)
On Human Rights, Torture, Cruel and Inhuman Treatment
The Patriarchate of Jerusalem is committed to upholding human rights within its Canonical, Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction to the extent that it is capable and strongly believes and desires to put emphasis on the fact that all human beings, no matter what social status they may or may not hold, must not be subjected to any form of torture or to cruel or inhuman treatment and that any persons resorting to the torture or cruel treatment of fellow human beings should be held accountable by the law of their respective countries.
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Lectio Divina for 9 July 2024
1. Lectio
Read the passage slowly and attentively, paying close attention to each word and detail.
Passage: “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in the clothing of sheep, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. By their fruits you shall know them. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit, and the evil tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can an evil tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit, shall be cut down, and shall be cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits you shall know them. Not every one that saith to me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven: but he that doth the will of my Father who is in heaven, he shall enter into the kingdom of heaven.” (Saint Matthew 7:15-21)
- This is the same passage read on 7 July 2024.
Lectio Divina for 8 July 2024
1. Lectio
Read the passage slowly and attentively, paying close attention to each word and detail.
Passage: “Jesus said in parables: The kingdom of heaven is like unto a treasure hidden in a field. Which a man having found, hid it, and for joy thereof goeth, and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. (more…)
Homily on Saint Matthew 7:15-21
By their fruits you shall know them
In our Gospel for today, we heard a strong admonition and an urgent call to discernment and authentic Christian living.
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in the clothing of sheep, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” Our Lord begins with a stern warning. False prophets are not some relic of ancient times; false prophets have been a constant threat throughout the history of the Church. They disguise themselves with a veneer of piety and goodness, yet their true nature is revealed by their actions. They are like ravening wolves, seeking to lead the faithful astray, devouring the spiritual health of the flock.
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