اMay 6, 2012 Baramodah 28, 1728 From “Words of Spiritual Benefit” for H.H. Pope Shenouda III Growth One of the characteristics of the spiritual life is continual growth... Man starts his relationship with God through repentance then he grows from the fear of God to His love. The growth in love continues till it reaches holiness, as it is said in the Bible..."you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, 'Be holy for I am holy'". (1 Pet. 1:15-16). Would one stop after reaching holiness? No he has to strive for perfection. The Bible says, "Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect." (Matt. 5:48). The one who endeavors on the road to perfection never reaches its end, no matter how far he gets, perfection has no limits... There are levels of perfection; each level is higher than the other... Look at St. Paul, who was a saint. He was caught up to the third heaven and he made wonders and miracles. In spite of all that, he says, "Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on... I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead." (Phil. 3:12-13). The Apostle concludes his saying about this growth, "Therefore, let us, as many as are mature, have this mind." We can see that even the righteous must always strive, "to reach forward." God has compared the faithful to a grain of wheat that becomes a seedling and grows. He said, "... and the seed should sprout and grow, he himself does not know how. For the earth yields crops by itself; first the blade, then the head and after that the full grain in the head." (Mark 4:27-28). Are you like the wheat that grows continually, starting as a seedling becoming an ear of corn then full grains of wheat?... Try to grow as growth gives continual warmth. To stop growing means no warmth in the heart which leads to one's Luke warmness. If you feel you are unable to grow, try at least to stop where you are. Beware of going backwards. ١٧٢٨ ٢٨ برمود ه٦ مايو٢٠١٢ من كتاب" منفعة كلمة" الث شنودة الثابا لقداسة الب النمو.. " . : " ) " ١ ١ : ١٥ ١٦ .( . " " ) ٥ : ٤٨ .( . .. .. " : .. ) " ٣ : ١٢ ١٣ .( " .." " .." " . ) " ٤ : ٢٧ ٢٨ ( . .. . . .
Transcript
ا
May 6, 2012
Baramodah 28, 1728
From “Words of Spiritual Benefit” for H.H. Pope
Shenouda III
Growth
� One of the characteristics of the spiritual life is continual growth...
� Man starts his relationship with God through repentance then he grows from the fear of God to His love. The growth in love continues till it reaches holiness, as it is said in the Bible..."you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, 'Be holy
for I am holy'". (1 Pet. 1:15-16).
� Would one stop after reaching holiness? No he has to strive for perfection.
� The Bible says, "Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is
perfect." (Matt. 5:48).
� The one who endeavors on the road to perfection never reaches its end, no matter how far he gets, perfection has no limits...
� There are levels of perfection; each level is higher than the other...
� Look at St. Paul, who was a saint. He was caught up to the third heaven and he made wonders and miracles.
� In spite of all that, he says, "Not that I have already attained, or am already
perfected; but I press on... I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one
thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to
those things which are ahead." (Phil. 3:12-13).
� The Apostle concludes his saying about this growth, "Therefore, let us, as many as
are mature, have this mind." We can see that even the righteous must always
strive, "to reach forward."
� God has compared the faithful to a grain of wheat that becomes a seedling and grows. He said, "... and the seed should sprout and grow, he himself does not
know how. For the earth yields crops by itself; first the blade, then the head
and after that the full grain in the head." (Mark 4:27-28).
� Are you like the wheat that grows continually, starting as a seedling becoming an ear of corn then full grains of wheat?...
� Try to grow as growth gives continual warmth. To stop growing means no warmth in the heart which leads to one's Luke warmness.
� If you feel you are unable to grow, try at least to stop where you are. Beware of going backwards.
لذلك تطلب الكنيسة ". You moved"يمكن لكل أسرة تسجيل بياناتھا وعناوينھا وذلك عن طريق قسم .٤ .تعاونكم فى إدخال بياناتكم وذلك لجميع ا!سر حتى من لم يتم تغيير عناوينھم
1. The church’s annual fundraising will take place today at 5:00 p.m.
2. Next Tuesday will be the feast of Saint Mark; we will pray the vespers on Monday at 7:30 p.m. and the Holy Liturgy on Tuesday from 8:00 – 10:00 a.m.
3. The Junior Youth Convention (grades 4 – 6) will take place from June 23 till 25. (Cost 70$). Registration starts today April 29, and will be ongoing through May 6, 13 & 20. (Places are limited). For more information please contact Mina Youssef or the classes’ servants.
4. A section under the name “you moved” has been added to the church’s main page on the website. We require your cooperation in this regard by registering your addresses and personal information.
5. The church will organize a summer camp for the children grades 1 – 6 starting June 25, till August 24. To register through the church’s website www.stmarkmontreal.ca or contact Nevine Assaad (514)583-6243. Last registration date will be May 27.
Blessed Baptism
The church congratulates her beloved Guirguis Anwar and his wife Nermine Gouhar for the blessed baptism of their son Raphael may the
Lord bless his upbringing and growth
٢)
Church’s websiteca.stmarkmontreal.www
For visitation, please contact any of the fathers and
![[liyuconberma] warmth of milk](https://static.documents.pub/doc/80x56/568bc22f1a28ab777e8d35b0/liyuconberma-warmth-of-milk.jpg)
