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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Lectio Divina for 7 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)
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Patriarch Seraphim Affirms Traditional Doctrine and Emphasises God’s Infinite Mercy
TASHKENT, UZBEKISTAN 6 July 2024 – In a recent statement, in conjunction with the Patriarchal Conclave, Patriarch Seraphim reasserted the traditional Catholic teaching of “extra Ecclesiam nulla salus” (outside the Church there is no salvation). This doctrine teaches the necessity of the Catholic Church for salvation, positing the Church as the primary means established by Christ for the salvation of souls.
The Patriarch also acknowledged the boundless nature of God’s mercy and grace. He emphasised that while the Catholic Church is the ordinary means of salvation, God’s grace can operate in mysterious ways beyond the visible confines of the Church. This understanding does not diminish the necessity of the Church but rather highlights the very deep nature of God’s mercy. His Holiness pointed out that those who live in a state of grace, love Christ, worship the Father, uphold the Apostles’ and Nicene Creed, and are baptised and confirmed, are mystically connected to the Catholic Church, even if they are not visibly united with it. Such individuals, he said, will have an opportunity for salvation in the afterlife through purgation.
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Embracing Sacrifice for the Sake of Christ
On the Holy Gospel according to Saint Matthew 10:37-42
Our Gospel for today, though challenging, is essential in understanding the demands of discipleship and the depth of commitment (more…)
Prayers Concerning Tropical Storm Beryl
SPAIN, 6 June 2024 – Rev. Fr. Santiago of La Iglesia Católica Antigua de Jerusalén in Spain, called for prayer regarding Hurricane Beryl, saying “Please pray for Mexico and the United States as hurricane Beryl moves closer to Texas.”
A tropical storm warning has been issued for several regions in Texas, including Brownsville, Corpus Christi, Victoria, and the surrounding areas, as meteorologists anticipate that Tropical Storm Beryl will make landfall between this weekend and Monday. The storm is expected to bring winds reaching up to 80 miles per hour or possibly higher.
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Lectio Divina for 6 July 2024
1. Lectio
Read the passage slowly and attentively, paying close attention to each word and detail.
Passage: “And it came to pass, as Jesus spoke these things, a certain woman from the crowd, lifting up her voice, said to him: Blessed is the womb that bore thee and the paps that gave thee suck. But he said: Yea rather, blessed are they who hear the word of God and keep it.” (Saint Luke 11:27-28) (more…)
Is Salvation Available for Non-Catholics?
The teaching “extra Ecclesiam nulla salus” (outside the Church there is no salvation) is a traditional Catholic doctrine affirming that the Church is necessary for salvation. This doctrine emphasises the importance of the Catholic Church as the means established by Christ for the salvation of souls. While the traditional stance remains firm, the Church acknowledges the mysterious ways in which God’s grace can operate outside the visible confines of the Catholic Church.
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