Lectio Divina for 5 July 2024
1. Lectio
Read the passage slowly and attentively, paying close attention to each word and detail.
Passage: “Amen I say to you, whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall not enter into it. And embracing them and laying his hands upon them, he blessed them. And when he was gone forth into the way, a certain man, running up and kneeling before him, asked him: Good Master, what shall I do that I may receive life everlasting? And Jesus said to him: Why callest thou me good? None is good but one, that is God. Thou knowest the Commandments: Do not commit adultery, do not kill, do not steal, bear not false witness, do no fraud, honour thy father and mother. But he answering, said to him: Master, all these things I have observed from my youth. And Jesus, looking on him, loved him and said to him: One thing is wanting unto thee. Go, sell whatsoever thou hast and give to the poor: and thou shalt have treasure in heaven. And come, follow me.” (more…)
Homily on Saint Mark 8:1-9
Our Gospel reading today presents us with the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes, a deeply meaningful sign of Christ’s divine compassion and providence. This event, which fed four thousand people with only seven loaves and a few small fishes, reveals to us several important truths about our Lord and the nature of His mission.
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Lectio Divina for 4 July 2024
1. Lectio
Read the passage slowly and attentively, paying close attention to each word and detail.
Passage: “In those days again, when there was great multitude and they had nothing to eat; calling his disciples together, he saith to them: I have compassion on the multitude, for behold they have now been with me three days and have nothing to eat. And if I shall send them away fasting to their home, they will faint in the way: for some of them came from afar off. And his disciples answered him: From whence can any one fill them here with bread in the wilderness? And he asked them: How many loaves have ye? Who said: Seven. And he commanded the people to sit down on the ground. And taking the seven loaves, giving thanks, he broke and gave to his disciples for to set before them. And they set them before the people. And they had a few little fishes: and he blessed them and commanded them to be set before them. And they did eat and were filled: and they took up that which was left of the fragments, seven baskets. And they that had eaten were about four thousand. And he sent them away.” (Holy Gospel according to Saint Mark 8:1-9)
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Lectio Divina for 3 July 2024
1. Lectio
Read the passage slowly and attentively, paying close attention to each word and detail.
Passage: “And fear ye not them that kill the body, and are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him that can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and not one of them shall fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: better are you than many sparrows. Every one therefore that shall confess me before men, I will also confess him before my Father who is in heaven.” (St. Matthew 10:28-32) (more…)
Finding One’s Way Back to God
The Call to Repentance
In the journey of life, many people often stray from the path God has laid out for them. Yet, no matter how far one wanders, God’s call to repentance remains constant. The key is genuine repentance. Repentance is not merely feeling sorrow for sins committed; it is a complete turning away from sin and a sincere desire to return to God. This is beautifully illustrated in the parable of the Prodigal Son which can be read in the Gospel of St. Luke 15:11-32, where the father’s joy in welcoming back his repentant son reflects Almighty God’s infinite mercy.
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Lectio Divina for 2 July 2024
Holy Gospel according to Saint Luke 1:39-47
1. Lectio
Read the passage slowly and attentively, paying close attention to each word and detail.
Passage: “And Mary rising up in those days, went into the hill country with haste into a city of Juda. And she entered into the house of Zachary and saluted Elizabeth. And it came to pass that when Elizabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the infant leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost. And she cried out with a loud voice and said: Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed art thou that hast believed, because those things shall be accomplished that were spoken to thee by the Lord. And Mary said: My soul doth magnify the Lord. And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.” (more…)
Lectio Divina for 1 July 2024
1. Lectio
Read the passage slowly and attentively, paying close attention to each word and detail.
Passage: “Jesus therefore, when he had taken the vinegar, said: It is consummated. And bowing his head, he gave up the ghost. Then the Jews (because it was the parasceve), that the bodies might not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day (for that was a great sabbath day), besought Pilate that their legs might be broken: and that they might be taken away. The soldiers therefore came: and they broke the legs of the first, and of the other that was crucified with him. But after they were come to Jesus, when they saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. But one of the soldiers with a spear opened his side: and immediately there came out blood and water. And he that saw it hath given testimony: and his testimony is true. And he knoweth that he saith true: that you also may believe.” (more…)
The Compassion and Providence of God
Homily on Saint Mark 8:1-9
Today we meditate on an impressive miracle narrated in the Gospel according to Saint Mark 8:1-9. This passage presents us with the second multiplication of the loaves and fishes, an act of divine mercy and providence.
Jesus, seeing the crowd that had followed him for three days without having anything to eat, feels compassion for them. The word “compassion” means feeling deep in your gut, a deep empathy that moves you to action. Our Lord not only sees people’s physical needs, but he also cares about their overall well-being. This compassion of Jesus shows us the merciful heart of God, always attentive to our needs.
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Patriarch Urges Israel to Exercise Wisdom in Terrorist Conflict
Galilee, 12 June 2024 – The Patriarch today issued a statement encouraging Israel’s military to employ wisdom and discernment in their ongoing battle against the terrorists associated with Hamas. Amidst the escalating conflict, the Patriarch stressed the importance of strategic decision-making and thoughtful actions to minimize unnecessary suffering and ensure a path towards a just resolution.
The Patriarch emphasized the critical need for Israel’s leadership and citizens to carefully consider the broader implications of their actions. “In times of conflict, it is essential to remain vigilant and judicious,” said the Patriarch. “Our actions today will shape the future for generations to come. We must prioritise the well-being of all and avoid decisions that could lead to devastation of those caught in the crossfire.”
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Condemnation of Iranian Attack on Israel
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
13 April 2024
The recent strike by Iran on the Holy Land has drawn condemnation from the Holy See. This aggressive action, taken without provocation, has caused harm to innocent civilians and is a blatant violation of international norms.
The Holy Land, has long been a symbol of resilience and peace. However, the unprovoked attack by Iranian forces has shattered this tranquility.
“We vehemently condemn Iran’s unwarranted strike on Israel,” stated Fr. Charles of Jesus and Mary, of the Galilean Patriarchate of Jerusalem. “Such actions are inexcusable and go against the principles of humanity. We stand in solidarity with the people of Israel during this challenging time.”
Israel, like any sovereign nation, has the inherent right to defend itself from any form of aggression. The attack on the Holy Land underscores the importance of vigilance and readiness in the face of such threats.
The Galilean Patriarchate of Jerusalem urges the international community to join in condemning this act of aggression by Iran and calls for a swift and just response to ensure the safety and security of all affected communities.
— 13 April 2024
