The document outlines the Sundays of Lent and the themes associated with each one. It discusses:
1) Preparation Sunday which calls believers to pray in secret and focus inwardly, shutting out the world.
2) Treasuring Sunday emphasizes surrendering one's life to God's care without worry as he provides for all needs.
3) Temptation Sunday examines maintaining strong faith in God as father despite life's hardships and temptations.
4) The Sunday of the Prodigal calls believers to true repentance found by returning to God and experiencing his loving embrace.
Contents of this presentation:
1. What is Christ?
- Direct statements of the Eternity and Deity of the Son of God
- Implications that the Son of God is Eternal
2. The importance of the Issue
3. Some clues to the possibility of the doctrine Myth, Art and Logic
4. Arguments for Christ’s Divinity
Attached are notes and a power point for a 23 hour class on the Book of Hebrews given by Dr. John Oakes recently in Manila, Philippines. The recordings are now available in the ARS store.
Presentation on the topic "Resurrection of Jesus" . Contains word study of the word "resurrection", harmonization of the Gospel accounts and historical evidence for the death, empty tomb and post-mortem appearances of Jesus.
The temptation is one of the most familiar experiences of a true child of God and no one can totally escape from it. Even our Lord Jesus Christ was tempted (Matt 4:1, Heb 4:15). This is why the Lord taught us to include it in our daily prayer.
Contents of this presentation:
1. What is Christ?
- Direct statements of the Eternity and Deity of the Son of God
- Implications that the Son of God is Eternal
2. The importance of the Issue
3. Some clues to the possibility of the doctrine Myth, Art and Logic
4. Arguments for Christ’s Divinity
Attached are notes and a power point for a 23 hour class on the Book of Hebrews given by Dr. John Oakes recently in Manila, Philippines. The recordings are now available in the ARS store.
Presentation on the topic "Resurrection of Jesus" . Contains word study of the word "resurrection", harmonization of the Gospel accounts and historical evidence for the death, empty tomb and post-mortem appearances of Jesus.
The temptation is one of the most familiar experiences of a true child of God and no one can totally escape from it. Even our Lord Jesus Christ was tempted (Matt 4:1, Heb 4:15). This is why the Lord taught us to include it in our daily prayer.
We can use the power of the blood of Jesus for our benefit. Claiming His blood daily, builds up a shield of protection around you, your household and your ministry.
We can use the power of the blood of Jesus for our benefit. Claiming His blood daily, builds up a shield of protection around you, your household and your ministry.
This lesson will help answer the following questions about baptism:
What is baptism?
What does the New Testament teach about baptism?
Is water baptism required to be saved?
Do those who teach baptism is for salvation affirm salvation by works?
This presentation describes the basic elementary teachings about Christ and also the foundation Christian creeds that form the basis of Christian Doctrinal setting.
Pastor Tye's message on how the early church spread because of the persecution. The enemies of God thought they would stamp out Christianity, but they didn't realize they were only helping to spread it. This message also includes discussion about water baptism, what is it, what does it mean, how should it be done and who should do it.
SOM 01-01 Worldview 1
This class will examine the basic foundational beliefs of the evangelical Christian church, with a focus on God, Creation, Revelation, & Fall.
Are you struggling with pornography and masturbation?
This is for you.
You will know The Truth and The Truth will set you free.
If you know the Truth you will be free indeed.
This is a series of authors writing on the issue of walking in the Spirit which helps believers see how the Holy Spirit plays a role in every area of our lives.
In this second of four sessions of our “Being and Making Disciples” workshop help in Sacele on September 1,2012 we answered the question “How Did I Begin to Disciple Someone?. We started by looking at things we should take into consideration even before we start discipling someone like how we should model Jesus, the importance of focusing on relationships and the goal of what we do in discipleship. We then went on to look at five key things we should do to help those we are discipling to get off to a good start.
Understanding Grace - Blood Covenant and Prodigal.pdfEhab Roufail
How is Grace Defined?
What did the Lord Jesus do for us?
Old Testament Blood Covenant
What is Grace?
Prodigal Son
Is Divine Grace for all?
What do we have to do for it?
1. Evidence for a beginning of the Universe
2. Evidence for fine tuning in the Universe
3. Solar System’s fitness for life
4. Earth’s fitness for life
5. The miracle of life
When you say there is evil, aren’t you admitting there is good?
When you accept the existence of goodness, you must affirm a moral law on the basis of which to differentiate between good and evil.
But when you admit to a moral law, you must posit a moral lawgiver.[
Why the Bible?
Evaluating the integrity of Ancient Writings
Prophecy
Textual Criticism
Questions to ask to affirm the reliability of the Gospels
Where were they written?
Do the writers use the right names?
Geography: Do they know the places described?
What is prophecy?
Test of a true prophet
The importance of prophecy
Messianic prophecies
The significance of messianic prophecies
Messianic prophecy issues
Probability of fulfillment of prophecies
Other Old Testament (OT) prophecies
Prophecy – the future told in advance by God through a prophet
John 5:39, “You search the Scriptures; for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me.”
The reliability of the Bible is confirmed by the accuracy of its prophecies
Cannot be said of any other “sacred writings”
Other writings make great claims but contain no prophecy unique to them that establishes “truth"
“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.” (Romans 8:14)
Exactly how are we be led by the Holy Spirit?
Exactly how does the Holy Spirit communicate to all of us in this life?
If the Bible calls the Holy Spirit our Guide and Teacher in this life, then this means He will attempt to communicate to all of us from time to time.
Otherwise we will never be able to pick up from Him exactly what He is trying to teach us or tell us to do.
The very first thing we need to know if we want to learn how to be led by the Holy Spirit is that
We can develop a direct personal relationship with Him
Just like you already have with God and Jesus.
Here are two key verses from the apostle Paul telling us that we are allowed to have direct communication and direct fellowship with the Holy Spirit Himself:
“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” (2 Corinthians 13:14)
“Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit …” (Phillippians 2:1)
Types of Messiah
What is prophecy?
Test of a true prophet
The importance of prophecy
Messianic prophecies
The significance of messianic prophecies
Messianic prophecy issues
Probability of fulfillment of prophecies
Other Old Testament (OT) prophecies
End Time prophecies
The significance of the Apocalypse
The circumstances surrounding its writing
Who wrote it? To Whom? Where? Why?
Its structure and Content
Aids to interpretation
How can we benefit from it?
Biblical Dating
“Being the right person to serve my future spouse’s needs and be a God-glorifying husband or wife”
"Acceptable" is such a loose term, so it's hard to say what is "acceptable" for any given person. After all, everyone is a different individual and their situations and maturity will vary greatly. Something that is acceptable for one person may not be acceptable for another.
Also keep in mind 1 Corinthians 10:23 (NIV), which says, "'I have the right to do anything,' you say—but not everything is beneficial. 'I have the right to do anything'—but not everything is constructive." We have many freedoms through Christ, but that doesn't mean that everything will be healthy or good for you.
We see pain, suffering and death all around us
Holocaust wipes out 6 million Jews during WWII
September 11, 2001 attack on World Trade Center resulted in the death of 3000
Tsunami kills more than 250,000 in Dec. 2004
2 million Sudanese Christians have been martyredfor their faith
Earthquakes, floods, accidents cause thousands of deaths
Earthquake in Haiti kills more than 150,000 in Jan. 2010
Human suffering
Toothaches to broken limbs and cancer
Infant deaths
Wars
Famines
Etc…
Suffering caused by man, natural disasters, & disease
Human suffering
Toothaches to broken limbs and cancer
Infant deaths
Wars
Famines
Etc…
Suffering caused by man, natural disasters, & disease
Three main categories:
Suffering caused by man,
Natural disasters,
Disease
Helmet of Salvation
Who do you think you are?
Problems of low self esteem
Satans psychological weapon
God’s view of me
Biblical
Our new position in Christ
Implications
Christian, Coptic, Christmas,
You Are Important To God
Your Life Matters To God
Your Faith Matters To God
The Relevance of Christmas
The Reality of Christmas
The Reason for Christmas
The Result of Christmas
The Seven Fasts of the Church – and the focus of the main Three
The Sunday readings before and During Advent
Other 40 Day Fasts
Praise during the month of Kiahk
Jesus - the One I love
Let’s get to discuss a bit The Character of the One we love to follow
His Creativity
His Depth
His Righteousness
His Psychological insight
His Compassion
Exploring the Mindfulness Understanding Its Benefits.pptxMartaLoveguard
Slide 1: Title: Exploring the Mindfulness: Understanding Its Benefits
Slide 2: Introduction to Mindfulness
Mindfulness, defined as the conscious, non-judgmental observation of the present moment, has deep roots in Buddhist meditation practice but has gained significant popularity in the Western world in recent years. In today's society, filled with distractions and constant stimuli, mindfulness offers a valuable tool for regaining inner peace and reconnecting with our true selves. By cultivating mindfulness, we can develop a heightened awareness of our thoughts, feelings, and surroundings, leading to a greater sense of clarity and presence in our daily lives.
Slide 3: Benefits of Mindfulness for Mental Well-being
Practicing mindfulness can help reduce stress and anxiety levels, improving overall quality of life.
Mindfulness increases awareness of our emotions and teaches us to manage them better, leading to improved mood.
Regular mindfulness practice can improve our ability to concentrate and focus our attention on the present moment.
Slide 4: Benefits of Mindfulness for Physical Health
Research has shown that practicing mindfulness can contribute to lowering blood pressure, which is beneficial for heart health.
Regular meditation and mindfulness practice can strengthen the immune system, aiding the body in fighting infections.
Mindfulness may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and obesity by reducing stress and improving overall lifestyle habits.
Slide 5: Impact of Mindfulness on Relationships
Mindfulness can help us better understand others and improve communication, leading to healthier relationships.
By focusing on the present moment and being fully attentive, mindfulness helps build stronger and more authentic connections with others.
Mindfulness teaches us how to be present for others in difficult times, leading to increased compassion and understanding.
Slide 6: Mindfulness Techniques and Practices
Focusing on the breath and mindful breathing can be a simple way to enter a state of mindfulness.
Body scan meditation involves focusing on different parts of the body, paying attention to any sensations and feelings.
Practicing mindful walking and eating involves consciously focusing on each step or bite, with full attention to sensory experiences.
Slide 7: Incorporating Mindfulness into Daily Life
You can practice mindfulness in everyday activities such as washing dishes or taking a walk in the park.
Adding mindfulness practice to daily routines can help increase awareness and presence.
Mindfulness helps us become more aware of our needs and better manage our time, leading to balance and harmony in life.
Slide 8: Summary: Embracing Mindfulness for Full Living
Mindfulness can bring numerous benefits for physical and mental health.
Regular mindfulness practice can help achieve a fuller and more satisfying life.
Mindfulness has the power to change our perspective and way of perceiving the world, leading to deeper se
HANUMAN STORIES: TIMELESS TEACHINGS FOR TODAY’S WORLDLearnyoga
Hanuman Stories: Timeless Teachings for Today’s World" delves into the inspiring tales of Hanuman, highlighting lessons of devotion, strength, and selfless service that resonate in modern life. These stories illustrate how Hanuman's unwavering faith and courage can guide us through challenges and foster resilience. Through these timeless narratives, readers can find profound wisdom to apply in their daily lives.
Lesson 9 - Resisting Temptation Along the Way.pptxCelso Napoleon
Lesson 9 - Resisting Temptation Along the Way
SBs – Sunday Bible School
Adult Bible Lessons 2nd quarter 2024 CPAD
MAGAZINE: THE CAREER THAT IS PROPOSED TO US: The Path of Salvation, Holiness and Perseverance to Reach Heaven
Commentator: Pastor Osiel Gomes
Presentation: Missionary Celso Napoleon
Renewed in Grace
In Jude 17-23 Jude shifts from piling up examples of false teachers from the Old Testament to a series of practical exhortations that flow from apostolic instruction. He preserves for us what may well have been part of the apostolic catechism for the first generation of Christ-followers. In these instructions Jude exhorts the believer to deal with 3 different groups of people: scoffers who are "devoid of the Spirit", believers who have come under the influence of scoffers and believers who are so entrenched in false teaching that they need rescue and pose some real spiritual risk for the rescuer. In all of this Jude emphasizes Jesus' call to rescue straying sheep, leaving the 99 safely behind and pursuing the 1.
The Good News, newsletter for June 2024 is hereNoHo FUMC
Our monthly newsletter is available to read online. We hope you will join us each Sunday in person for our worship service. Make sure to subscribe and follow us on YouTube and social media.
The Book of Joshua is the sixth book in the Hebrew Bible and the Old Testament, and is the first book of the Deuteronomistic history, the story of Israel from the conquest of Canaan to the Babylonian exile.
What Should be the Christian View of Anime?Joe Muraguri
We will learn what Anime is and see what a Christian should consider before watching anime movies? We will also learn a little bit of Shintoism religion and hentai (the craze of internet pornography today).
The PBHP DYC ~ Reflections on The Dhamma (English).pptxOH TEIK BIN
A PowerPoint Presentation based on the Dhamma Reflections for the PBHP DYC for the years 1993 – 2012. To motivate and inspire DYC members to keep on practicing the Dhamma and to do the meritorious deed of Dhammaduta work.
The texts are in English.
For the Video with audio narration, comments and texts in English, please check out the Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zF2g_43NEa0
The Chakra System in our body - A Portal to Interdimensional Consciousness.pptxBharat Technology
each chakra is studied in greater detail, several steps have been included to
strengthen your personal intention to open each chakra more fully. These are designed
to draw forth the highest benefit for your spiritual growth.
1. Journey through theJourney through the
Sundays of LentSundays of Lent
University Meeting 2009: Ehab RoufailUniversity Meeting 2009: Ehab Roufail
Based on “Based on “Journey to the Bosom of the Father”Journey to the Bosom of the Father”
By Hegomen Pishoy Kamel By Hegomen Pishoy Kamel
2. OutlineOutline
The Journey BeginsThe Journey Begins
Preparation Sunday (Matt. 6:1-8)Preparation Sunday (Matt. 6:1-8)
Treasuring Sunday (Matt. 6:24-34)Treasuring Sunday (Matt. 6:24-34)
Temptation Sunday (Matt. 4: 1-10)Temptation Sunday (Matt. 4: 1-10)
Sunday of the ProdigalSunday of the Prodigal (Luke 15:11-32)(Luke 15:11-32)
Sunday of the Samaritan (Matt 21:28–32)Sunday of the Samaritan (Matt 21:28–32)
Sunday of the Paralysed Man (John 4:1-42)Sunday of the Paralysed Man (John 4:1-42)
Sunday of the Marn Born Blind (Sunday of the Marn Born Blind ( John 5: 1–John 5: 1–
18)18)
3. The JourneyThe Journey
BeginsBegins
The Journey BeginsThe Journey Begins
The essence of the fall was prideThe essence of the fall was pride
This is the essence of the fast, that we crucify this inherentThis is the essence of the fast, that we crucify this inherent
selfishness so that we may love others. For Christ’s love inselfishness so that we may love others. For Christ’s love in
this world is a crucified love.this world is a crucified love.
It is warfare against the passions.It is warfare against the passions.
Fasting is to realize that I am limitedFasting is to realize that I am limited
Fasting is a sign that God is the Source of life and not breadFasting is a sign that God is the Source of life and not bread
During the fast, there exists a a dual path: one to Christ andDuring the fast, there exists a a dual path: one to Christ and
the other to our fellow brothers and sisters.the other to our fellow brothers and sisters.
4. The Journey Begins:The Journey Begins:
FastingFasting
Fasting:Fasting:
The practice of fasting looks to theThe practice of fasting looks to the pastpast,, presentpresent
andand futurefuture::
ToTo the pastthe past,, as a recognition of offencesas a recognition of offences
committed against God and others;committed against God and others;
ToTo the presentthe present,, in order that we may learn to openin order that we may learn to open
our eyes to others and to the world around us;our eyes to others and to the world around us;
ToTo the futurethe future,, in order that we may open ourin order that we may open our
hearts to the realities of God and, by the gift ofhearts to the realities of God and, by the gift of
divine mercy, renew the bond of communion with alldivine mercy, renew the bond of communion with all
people and with the whole of creation, accepting thepeople and with the whole of creation, accepting the
responsibility which each of us has in historyresponsibility which each of us has in history
5. Preparation Sunday:Preparation Sunday:
Shut your DoorShut your Door
The Point of Departure of the JourneyThe Point of Departure of the Journey
““When you pray enter into your closet,...shut your door, pray to your FatherWhen you pray enter into your closet,...shut your door, pray to your Father
which is in secret....” Also if you give alms or fast that also should be towhich is in secret....” Also if you give alms or fast that also should be to
the Father in secret....the Father in secret....
The Church declares to us that the closet is the point of departure of theThe Church declares to us that the closet is the point of departure of the
journey of Lent. If it does not start at the closet then the journey of ourjourney of Lent. If it does not start at the closet then the journey of our
fast has deviated from its true course. The fact that the Church starts thefast has deviated from its true course. The fact that the Church starts the
fast by directing us to the closet means that the fast is not only related tofast by directing us to the closet means that the fast is not only related to
the flesh but it is related more to the spirit and to Kingdom of God.the flesh but it is related more to the spirit and to Kingdom of God.
Close Your DoorClose Your Door
The journey starts after closing the door-the door that looks at the world.The journey starts after closing the door-the door that looks at the world.
Then there opens before us another door that faces heaven, “Our fatherThen there opens before us another door that faces heaven, “Our father
who art in heaven”, “I looked, and, behold a door was opened inwho art in heaven”, “I looked, and, behold a door was opened in
heaven.” (Rev 4:1) “Fasting is not a fetter or a prison to the senses but aheaven.” (Rev 4:1) “Fasting is not a fetter or a prison to the senses but a
soaring without hindrance towards contemplation of God.”soaring without hindrance towards contemplation of God.”
6. Preparation Sunday:Preparation Sunday:
He sees in secretHe sees in secret
Your Father Who Sees in SecretYour Father Who Sees in Secret
Since the journey is with the soul, it should be done inSince the journey is with the soul, it should be done in
secret. The relationship between the human soul and Christ,secret. The relationship between the human soul and Christ,
is an invisible relationship that begins in the chamber.is an invisible relationship that begins in the chamber.
So fasting is accompanied by a reduction in talking and visitsSo fasting is accompanied by a reduction in talking and visits
and by concentrating on spiritual readings and attending theand by concentrating on spiritual readings and attending the
Divine Liturgy.Divine Liturgy.
Our Heavenly Father is calling us to a holy participation withOur Heavenly Father is calling us to a holy participation with
Him in secret, through which we may start our fast, ourHim in secret, through which we may start our fast, our
prayers, and our almsgivings. prayers, and our almsgivings.
So we need to beware of negligence.So we need to beware of negligence.
Practice: The practice in the week of preparation is thePractice: The practice in the week of preparation is the
prayer of the chamber and the worship in secret which willprayer of the chamber and the worship in secret which will
continue with us all through after the period of fasting.continue with us all through after the period of fasting.
7. Treasuring Sunday:Treasuring Sunday:
SurrenderSurrender
SurrenderSurrender of Life to the Heavenly Father: (Matt.of Life to the Heavenly Father: (Matt.
6:24-34)6:24-34)
The gospel of the first Sunday of Lent calls for theThe gospel of the first Sunday of Lent calls for the
surrender of life to the Father.surrender of life to the Father.
““Take no thought for your life, what you shall eat...norTake no thought for your life, what you shall eat...nor
yet for the body, what you shall wear....do not worryyet for the body, what you shall wear....do not worry
about tomorrow.” The reason for not worrying is thatabout tomorrow.” The reason for not worrying is that
“your heavenly Father knows that you have of all“your heavenly Father knows that you have of all
these things.” (Matt. 6:32).these things.” (Matt. 6:32).
The practice of this week is a call to a secure life inThe practice of this week is a call to a secure life in
the care of the Father and the carrying out of whatthe care of the Father and the carrying out of what
comes in the verse, “Do not worry about tomorrow,”comes in the verse, “Do not worry about tomorrow,”
physically, mentally and spiritually.physically, mentally and spiritually.
8. Treasuring Sunday:Treasuring Sunday:
AssuranceAssurance
The Christian commandment is full of risks but itsThe Christian commandment is full of risks but its
assuranceassurance is the care of the Father. is the care of the Father.
The woman who gave the two mites was risking herThe woman who gave the two mites was risking her
meal. During the fast, Satan wages his war bymeal. During the fast, Satan wages his war by
convincing us that we are risking the necessities ofconvincing us that we are risking the necessities of
the body and causes us to worry about our health.the body and causes us to worry about our health.
Likewise, in charity, there is a risk of wealth.Likewise, in charity, there is a risk of wealth.
In this week, we experience the complete surrenderIn this week, we experience the complete surrender
to the care of the Father and to His commandment.to the care of the Father and to His commandment.
9. Temptation Sunday:Temptation Sunday:
Don’t doubt hisDon’t doubt his
FatherhoodFatherhood
Why does God forget us if He is our Father? (Matt. 4: 1-10)Why does God forget us if He is our Father? (Matt. 4: 1-10)
The gospel of the Second Sunday deals with the temptation ofThe gospel of the Second Sunday deals with the temptation of
doubting God’s paternity to us,doubting God’s paternity to us,
““If you are the son of God-why does He leave you hungry?If you are the son of God-why does He leave you hungry?
Why does God allow the presence of disease, failure and theWhy does God allow the presence of disease, failure and the
death of our beloved?”death of our beloved?”
Practice: It is our duty this week to examine our faith in thePractice: It is our duty this week to examine our faith in the
love of the Father who gave His Son for us. love of the Father who gave His Son for us.
Our faith should surpass all temptations and emotions. FaithOur faith should surpass all temptations and emotions. Faith
in the Father should be a faith that fortifies us against thein the Father should be a faith that fortifies us against the
temptation of the Adversary, the hardships of this world andtemptation of the Adversary, the hardships of this world and
the sufferings and desires of the body.the sufferings and desires of the body.
10. Sunday of theSunday of the
Prodigal: RepentanceProdigal: Repentance
Repentance in the Father’s bosom (Luke 15:11-32)Repentance in the Father’s bosom (Luke 15:11-32)
Repentance in Christianity is different from anyRepentance in Christianity is different from any
other repentance; it is the return of the son to hisother repentance; it is the return of the son to his
Father and the Father running to fall on the neck ofFather and the Father running to fall on the neck of
His son to embrace him and kiss him (Luke 15:20).His son to embrace him and kiss him (Luke 15:20).
This is the gospel of the third Sunday.This is the gospel of the third Sunday.
The Father’s paternity to us is not because of ourThe Father’s paternity to us is not because of our
righteousness, but because of His paternity to hisrighteousness, but because of His paternity to his
children, especially the sinners.children, especially the sinners.
The Father’s paternity for us challenges all our sins,The Father’s paternity for us challenges all our sins,
our failures, our betrayal of His love and ourour failures, our betrayal of His love and our
mistreatment of His name.mistreatment of His name.
11. Sunday of theSunday of the
Prodigal: Repent withProdigal: Repent with
HimHim
Practice: Let’s not permit this week to go byPractice: Let’s not permit this week to go by
without true repentance and resorting to thewithout true repentance and resorting to the
Father’s embrace....Examine this in yourFather’s embrace....Examine this in your
chamber and taste the Father’s embrace andchamber and taste the Father’s embrace and
His kisses which are reserved only for thoseHis kisses which are reserved only for those
who repent. This is the week of repentance inwho repent. This is the week of repentance in
the Father’s bosom, the repentance of thethe Father’s bosom, the repentance of the
whole Church...the communal repentance.whole Church...the communal repentance.
12. Sunday of theSunday of the
Samaritan: WorshipSamaritan: Worship
Worship of the Father in Spirit and in Truth (John 4:1-Worship of the Father in Spirit and in Truth (John 4:1-
42)42)
The next step after repentance is worship of theThe next step after repentance is worship of the
Father Who accepted and loved me and cleansedFather Who accepted and loved me and cleansed
me from my sins and put me in His bosom. me from my sins and put me in His bosom.
Contrition of the spirit and submission to the FatherContrition of the spirit and submission to the Father
and the love of frequent prostrations in worship areand the love of frequent prostrations in worship are
the expressions of our love for Him who opened Histhe expressions of our love for Him who opened His
arms for us sinners and kissed us. This is the end ofarms for us sinners and kissed us. This is the end of
the road of repentance in the Father’s bosom, andthe road of repentance in the Father’s bosom, and
this is the sweetest fruit of the chamber and whichthis is the sweetest fruit of the chamber and which
the Father gives us in secret.the Father gives us in secret.
13. Sunday of theSunday of the
Samaritan: WorshipSamaritan: Worship
The Church, inspired by the Spirit, stresses inThe Church, inspired by the Spirit, stresses in
the period of Lent the use of prostrationsthe period of Lent the use of prostrations
during private prayers and in the Divineduring private prayers and in the Divine
Liturgy (At the Offering of Incense after theLiturgy (At the Offering of Incense after the
readings of the prophets).readings of the prophets).
The practice of this week is to worship theThe practice of this week is to worship the
Father in spirit and truth “for such the FatherFather in spirit and truth “for such the Father
seeks to worship Him.” (John 4:23)seeks to worship Him.” (John 4:23)
14. Sunday of theSunday of the
Paralysed Man:Paralysed Man:
RenewalRenewal
Bethesda and Baptism (John 5:1-18)Bethesda and Baptism (John 5:1-18)
The Gospel of the fifth Sunday talks aboutThe Gospel of the fifth Sunday talks about
Bethesda which symbolizes Baptism. We, theBethesda which symbolizes Baptism. We, the
crowds of Christians, were beside it sick,crowds of Christians, were beside it sick,
lame, blind and paralyzed; suffering everylame, blind and paralyzed; suffering every
spiritual sickness. The Angel that moves thespiritual sickness. The Angel that moves the
water symbolizes the Holy Spirit whichwater symbolizes the Holy Spirit which
comes down on the water of Baptism.comes down on the water of Baptism.
15. Sunday of theSunday of the
Paralysed Man: Don’tParalysed Man: Don’t
DespairDespair
This is our share in Christ: those who areThis is our share in Christ: those who are
baptized are ever in the Father even if theybaptized are ever in the Father even if they
have been sick for 38 years.have been sick for 38 years.
The practice of this week is to hope andThe practice of this week is to hope and
never to despair—Baptism has given us thenever to despair—Baptism has given us the
grace of adoption and children are nevergrace of adoption and children are never
disappointed in their hopes in the love of thedisappointed in their hopes in the love of the
Father.Father.
16. Sunday of the ManSunday of the Man
Born Blind:Born Blind:
EnlightenmentEnlightenment
Sonship is a Spiritual Enlightenment (John 9:1-41)Sonship is a Spiritual Enlightenment (John 9:1-41)
The last Sunday in Lent is the Sunday of Baptism,The last Sunday in Lent is the Sunday of Baptism,
during which we read the gospel of the man bornduring which we read the gospel of the man born
blind.blind.
“ “I was blind and now I see.” This is our everlastingI was blind and now I see.” This is our everlasting
experience as children of the Heavenly Father. Weexperience as children of the Heavenly Father. We
were blind and He opened our sight so we beheldwere blind and He opened our sight so we beheld
miracles of His laws and we saw what the prophetsmiracles of His laws and we saw what the prophets
longed to see, and He gave us understanding of thelonged to see, and He gave us understanding of the
Scriptures.Scriptures.
17. Sunday of the ManSunday of the Man
Born Blind:Born Blind:
EnlightenmentEnlightenment
Baptism means washing (in the pool of Siloam), soBaptism means washing (in the pool of Siloam), so
we become pure.we become pure.
Repentance is a continuous washing, so we mayRepentance is a continuous washing, so we may
see clearly. Repentance is a continuation ofsee clearly. Repentance is a continuation of
Baptism and it is the means through which we canBaptism and it is the means through which we can
see Christ clearly all our life.see Christ clearly all our life.
Lasting repentance cleans our heart, renews theLasting repentance cleans our heart, renews the
intellect, protects the contrite soul in the obedienceintellect, protects the contrite soul in the obedience
of the Father, and through repentance, we canof the Father, and through repentance, we can
discover all the graces and secrets of the Heavenlydiscover all the graces and secrets of the Heavenly
Father.Father.
18. Never to late to beginNever to late to begin
the Journeythe Journey
If we that the Lord is not our treasure – it is not tooIf we that the Lord is not our treasure – it is not too
late to start.late to start.
If we feel tempted and far from the Lord – it is not tooIf we feel tempted and far from the Lord – it is not too
late to turn to Him in our need.late to turn to Him in our need.
If we feel lonely and lost in our sin, having separatedIf we feel lonely and lost in our sin, having separated
ourselves from the Church as the Samaritan womanourselves from the Church as the Samaritan woman
– let us come to the Lord to drink His living water.– let us come to the Lord to drink His living water.
If we have been long in sin as much as 38 years,If we have been long in sin as much as 38 years,
focusing on our own power – it is not too late look tofocusing on our own power – it is not too late look to
Him standing next to us and accept His healing.Him standing next to us and accept His healing.
19. Never to late to beginNever to late to begin
the Journeythe Journey
If we have been born blind, our eyes shut to theIf we have been born blind, our eyes shut to the
Glory of God – it is not too late to let Him touch andGlory of God – it is not too late to let Him touch and
create new eyescreate new eyes
If we are dead and our stench is obvious to allIf we are dead and our stench is obvious to all
around – He calls us to arise and come fortharound – He calls us to arise and come forth
Let us ask and begin wherever we areLet us ask and begin wherever we are