Contemplations – Page 505 – Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Midlands, U.K.

“So they all ate and were filled, and twelve baskets of the leftover fragments were taken up by them.” – ‭‭Luke‬ ‭9:17‬ . “But what was the result of the miracle? It was the satisfying a large multitude with food: for there were as many as five thousand men besides women and children, according to what another of the holy Evangelists has added to the narrative. Nor did the miracle end here; but there were also gathered twelve baskets of fragments. And what do we infer from this? A plain assurance that hospitality receives a rich recompense from God. The disciples offered five loaves: but after a multitude thus large had been satisfied, there was gathered for each one of them a basketful of fragments. Let nothing therefore prevent those who are willing from receiving strangers, whatever there may be likely to blunt the will and readiness of men thereunto: and let no one say, “I do not possess suitable means; what I can do is altogether trifling and insufficient for many.” Receive strangers, my beloved; overcome that unreadiness which wins no reward: for the Saviour will multiply thy little many times beyond expectation, and though thou givest but little, thou wilt receive much. “For he that soweth blessings shall also reap blessings,” according to the blessed Paul’s words.” – St. Cyril of Alexandria #overcometheunreadiness #feedingthemultitude #feedingthe5000 #dailyreadings #coptic #orthodox

“So they all ate and were filled, and twelve baskets of the leftover fragments were taken up by them.” – ‭‭Luke‬ ‭9:17‬ . “But what was the result of the miracle? It was the satisfying a large multitude with food: for there were as many as five thousand men besides women and children, according to …

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity!” – Psalms‬ ‭133:1‬ ‭ We were blessed this weekend to have a gathering of 5 wonderful bishops (from left to right): H.G. Bishop Angaelos, H.G. Bishop Moussa, H.G. Bishop Antony, H.G. Bishop Missael and H.G. Bishop David May the Lord preserve your lives and bless your service.

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity!” – Psalms‬ ‭133:1‬ ‭ We were blessed this weekend to have a gathering of 5 wonderful bishops (from left to right): H.G. Bishop Angaelos, H.G. Bishop Moussa, H.G. Bishop Antony, H.G. Bishop Missael and H.G. Bishop David May the Lord …

“So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs.”” – John 21:15 . “The Lord asked Peter to “Feed (His) lambs”…, and did not mention his denial or challenge what he had done. It was as though the Lord was telling him: ‘You had said that you would sacrifice yourself for my sake, so now I am asking you to sacrifice yourself for my lambs’.” – St. John Chrysostom #doyouloveme #faithful #feedmylambs

“So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs.”” – John 21:15 . “The Lord asked Peter to “Feed (His) lambs”…, and did …

“And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.” – Luke 14:27 . “The path of God is a daily cross. No one has ascended into heaven by means of ease.” – St. Isaac the Syrian #bearyourcross #carryyourcross #followernotfan #disciple #thecrossispainful #dailyreadings #coptic #orthodox

“And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.” – Luke 14:27 . “The path of God is a daily cross. No one has ascended into heaven by means of ease.” – St. Isaac the Syrian #bearyourcross #carryyourcross #followernotfan #disciple #thecrossispainful #dailyreadings #coptic #orthodox

Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Romans 8:26 . . . There is nothing more worthwhile than to pray to God and to converse with him, for prayer unites us with God as his companions. As our bodily eyes are illuminated by seeing the light, so in contemplating God our soul is illuminated by him. Of course the prayer I have in mind is no matter of routine, it is deliberate and earnest. It is not tied down to a fixed timetable; rather it is a state which endures by night and day. . Prayer is the light of the soul, giving us true knowledge of God. It is a link mediating between God and man. By prayer the soul is borne up to heaven and in a marvellous way embraces the Lord. This meeting is like that of an infant crying on its mother, and seeking the best of milk. The soul longs for its own needs and what it receives is better than anything to be seen in the world. . Prayer is a precious way of communicating with God, it gladdens the soul and gives repose to its affections. You should not think of prayer as being a matter of words. It is a desire for God, an indescribable devotion, not of human origin, but the gift of God’s grace. As Saint Paul says: we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words. . St John Chrysostom homilies on #prayer #dailyreadings #coptic #orthodoxy #prayerenlightensus #notinwordsonly #butinheart

Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Romans 8:26 . . . There is nothing more worthwhile than to pray to God and to converse with him, for prayer …

Category: Contemplations

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Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Midlands, U.K.