Justin Varghese

Love and Forgive One Another - Br, Justin Varghese by St. Luke Orthodox Mission Church

Love and Forgive One Another - Br, Justin Varghese

Partake in Christ Suffering (1 Peter 4: 12-19) - Rev. Fr. Gheevarghese John by St. Luke Orthodox Mission Church

Partake in Christ Suffering (1 Peter 4: 12-19) - Rev. Fr. Gheevarghese John

Giving a defense of what we believe is not something that most of us are comfortable with. In fact, it’s the one thing that most of us don’t like doing or will not do in terms of our Orthodox Christian faith. Personally, I have to tell you that I am not comfortable with defending my faith when questions arise or when I find myself in a situation where I have to reply to someone else’s idea of faith or religion. But I can also say that I have gotten better at it. I mention this because I want to make the point that this is not something that unique to laypeople, it is also true for clergy.

Have A Defense for Your Faith (1 Peter 3:13-16) - Rev. Fr. Gheevarghese John

We are gathered together today: the first Sunday after the Ascension of our Blessed Lord Jesus Christ. We are met with the words of the Apostle Paul in his first letter to the Corinthians in chapters 7 and 9. In chapter 7: 1-2, St. Paul talks about how a man and a woman should have a spouse, albeit because otherwise we might fall into sexual immorality. In chapter 7: 25-34, he talks about those who are married and unmarried. He also talks explicitly about how the unmarried can focus on God; and how the married must focus on their spouse. In chapter 9: 1-10, he mentions that he and Barnabas are not married but that the other apostles are. The content of chapter 7 and 9 are being read today, partial because it is the Sunday of Monks, but also because the Church is attempting to explain the three "journeys" that we all have in life; that is, either we are single, or we are living a celibate life (unmarried), or we are married. These are NO three different paths or roads, but a "journey" that an individual takes on the same road. The Scriptures do not point to singlehood, celibacy, or married-life as being different roads that we take that are isolated from each other; instead, it is the same road that each one has chosen to take. Although the path or road is the same, the journey has different struggles and experiences. Let me explain this a little bit further.

The “Journey” of Being Single, Married or Celibate (1 Cor. 7 & 9) - Rev. Fr. Gheevarghese John

Predeep Chacko

One thing in this life that will be constant is being treated contemptuously for doing the Will of God. In whatever way it shows itself, it is relatively hard to find a supportive group, outside of the Church, that wishes to live according to the Gospels. Often, those who influence our lives push us towards a life that is in direct contrast to a life according to the Scriptures. We may have friends or even family members who either question, mock or even ostracize us when we wish to live a good Christ life. We may not be physically attacked, but very often, our resolve to do the good which is asked of us shatters because of the influence of friends and family. The number one way this happens is when we are left out of certain circles because of our religious affiliation. This can show itself through fewer phone calls or text messages or people outright avoiding us. When we go through this, two things may pop up in our minds. We either build up resentment for those who ignore us, or we put the fault on God, though never directly.

The Long Fought Struggle (Luke 9: 51-62) - Br. Predeep Chacko

There is a lot to say about this Gospel portion, but the most exciting point that hits most readers is that two of the 72 Evangelists could not recognize Jesus, even though they talked about Him. After having received the news that the tomb is empty and that the women received a vision from the angels that Christ had risen, Sts. Luke and Cleopas traveled from Jerusalem to Emmaus. Christ meets them on the journey, but they do not recognize Him. To be more specific, Scripture states that their eyes were held fast or shut from seeing Christ. What was the reason why these two could not recognize Jesus? It was due to their preconceived notion as to who Jesus was. For those two Evangelists, Jesus was merely a great Prophet, not the Son and Word of the Father. As it states in this Gospel portion, these two Evangelists were hoping for an earthly ruler, not the Ruler of all creation.

Pray With Undivided Attention (Luke 24 : 13 - 35) - Br. Predeep Chacko

In the Bible, we read about building the first Temple, which is described in chapter 6 of 1 Kings. But such a Temple would not last because King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylonia and his army entered Jerusalem and burned down the Temple. The Temple was in utter ruin, but in God’s time, the Temple was rebuilt with the decree of King Cyrus, under the reign of King Darius 1, as described in Ezra 5: 1-7. But again, in 70 AD, as Our Lord had prophesied (Mark 13: 3-4), the Second Temple was utterly destroyed by the Romans. After that, no attempt was made to rebuild the Temple, and it remains so till the present.

We Are The House of God (Hebrews 3: 1-13) - Rev. Fr. Gheevarghese John

It has been two weeks after the Great Fast, two weeks after celebrating the Resurrection of our Lord. What has changed within us? Are we the same people from before the Fast? Did we not grow in our spiritual journey? Or, worse yet, did we grow during the Fast and, once it was over, choose to revert back to our old ways? This was the case for the Disciples. Even after having communed with the Risen Lord, the Disciples went back to their old lives. There is almost an immediacy regarding how quickly they went from seeing Christ and St. Thomas saying "my Lord and my God" to the Disciples getting into the fishing boat to return to their life before they met Christ.

Back to “Normalcy” - Br. Predeep Chacko

The Eagles Training Camp begins in August, followed by the preseason and then, what the NFL calls, the "regular season." These distinctions are made because each area of football has a meaning and purpose. The training camp's focus is to identify critical plays and acclimate the players and the coaching staff to the rigor and toughness necessary for the regular season play. Although the points and scores begin to count in the regular season, the regular season has a high probability of failure without a proper training camp and preseason. Even though we are speaking of football, much of what I said relates to our Great Lent experience, which we just completed last week.

Get Ready for the “Regular Season” - Rev. Fr. Gheevarghese John

Christ is risen. This phrase is one of the most common things you will hear people say today. Even little children will be able to respond when anyone states, Christ is risen. Today marks the greatest event in history. Christ is risen. In our songs today, we sing “Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by His death...” and the author of the piece is so filled with joy that he had to include, “rejoice oh beloved Church, for your master has risen.” Today is the feast of all feasts; there is nothing more significant to exclaim except that Christ is risen.

Christ is Risen, Indeed He is Risen (Matthew 28: 1-20) - Br. Predeep Chacko

The podcast ministry of St. Luke Orthodox Mission.Welcome to the weekly podcast of St. Luke Orthodox Mission Church led by Rev. Fr. Gheevarghese John. To learn more visit our website at http://stlukemission.org/. To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://stlukemission.org/donate/

The podcast ministry of St. Luke Orthodox Mission. Welcome to the weekly podcast of St. Luke Orthodox Mission Church led by Rev. Fr. Gheevarghese John. To learn more visit our website at <a href="http://stlukemission.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://stlukemission.org/</a>. To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: <a href="https://stlukemission.org/donate/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://stlukemission.org/donate/</a>

The Way

In the narrative of the Feeding of the Five Thousand, presented today in the Gospel Reading, taken from Luke 9: 10-17, we can observe how the many thousands of people who were following Christ found themselves in a deserted place in the evening with nothing to eat. The disciples become ever so concerned with the multitude of people and their need for food. So, they asked Christ to tell the people to go away and get food and drink in the nearest town before the sun set.  Christ’s reply to this request is interesting and should be noted. He tells them, “You give them something to eat.” It is my inference, here, that Christ was challenging the disciples, putting them in an impossible position, because they had no way of getting food (enough for everyone).

Take Ownership of Your Spiritual Life (Luke 9: 10-17) - Rev. Fr. Gheevarghese John

In the age of advanced information technology, where we know the “where, when, what and why” of what is happening in the world within minutes, it is hard for us to accept the words of Christ when he says, “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” (Mark 13:32) Here we see that it is only God that knows the hour and time of the end of the age; that is, the end of the universe as we know it.

Trust in the Lord (Mark 13: 32-36) - Rev. Fr. Gheevarghese John

The Acts of the Apostles, Ch. 7, verse. 51-60, records the martyrdom of St. Stephen. Here, St. Stephen rebukes the Jews of their persecution of the prophets whom God sent to them in times past, including Jesus (who of course was God.) In vehement anger the Jews that were gathered there stoned St. Stephen to death. St. Stephen called out to God to “receive his spirit.” He also asked God to forgive his killers.

Christ “Stands” with Us (Matthew 23: 34-39) - Rev. Fr. Gheevarghese John

In the Gospel Reading today we encounter a Jewish priest named Zachariah and his wife Elizabeth, who are of mature age, yet they do not have children. They are, as the Gospel of Luke reports, blameless; that is, they have kept all the laws and upheld the traditions of their fathers and mothers.Read more: https://stlukemission.org/sermons/every-life-has-value

In the Gospel Reading today we encounter a Jewish priest named Zachariah and his wife Elizabeth, who are of mature age, yet they do not have children. They are, as the Gospel of Luke reports, blameless; that is, they have kept all the laws and upheld the traditions of their fathers and mothers. Read more: <a href="https://stlukemission.org/sermons/every-life-has-value" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://stlukemission.org/sermons/every-life-has-value</a>

All Lives Matter (Luke 1: 5-25) - Rev. Fr. Gheevarghese John

In the Gospel reading today we encounter the birth of John the Baptist. At the time of his birth, his family members and even friends of the family were present. The question that arises is, “what should we name the newborn?” Elizabeth, the newborn's mother, wanted him to be named John, but the others stated that ‘no one among the relatives was named John.’ This is so because it is the tradition of the east to name the baby after a relative. For example, I was named Gheevarghese, after my uncle.Read more: https://stlukemission.org/sermons/what-is-the-meaning-of-your-name

In the Gospel reading today we encounter the birth of John the Baptist. At the time of his birth, his family members and even friends of the family were present. The question that arises is, “what should we name the newborn?” Elizabeth, the newborn's mother, wanted him to be named John, but the others stated that ‘no one among the relatives was named John.’ This is so because it is the tradition of the east to name the baby after a relative. For example, I was named Gheevarghese, after my uncle. Read more: <a href="https://stlukemission.org/sermons/what-is-the-meaning-of-your-name" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://stlukemission.org/sermons/what-is-the-meaning-of-your-name</a>

What is the Meaning of Your Name? (Luke 1: 57-80) - Rev. Fr. Gheevarghese John

Have we been angry lately? If we have, today in the Gospel reading, Jesus tells us that we have committed murder. Have we had lustful thoughts lately? If we have today in the Gospel reading, Jesus tells us that we have committed adultery. Have we coveted someone’s possessions lately? If we have today in the Gospel reading, Jesus tells us that we have committed theft.

Unpacking Your Sin Problem (Matthew 5: 21-26) - Rev. Fr. Gheevarghese John

Shawn Thomas

Sunday homily by guest celebrant at St. Luke Orthodox Mission Church, Rev. Fr. Shawn Thomas - Humility (Matthew 21:28-32)Read more: www.stlukemission.org/humility

Sunday homily by guest celebrant at St. Luke Orthodox Mission Church, Rev. Fr. Shawn Thomas - Humility (Matthew 21:28-32) Read more: <a href="http://www.stlukemission.org/humility" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.stlukemission.org/humility</a>

Humility (Matthew 21:28-32) - Rev. Fr. Shawn Thomas

Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem is anything but triumphant. He rode in on a donkey to enter the gates of Jerusalem. Further, he himself knew this was the beginning of the end, at least in human terms. That is, in the days approaching, he would be betrayed by all, especially by one of his own, and eventually be killed by the plot of the Jews and the authorities of Rome. If we were to stage our own “triumphant” entry in the context of the 21st century, we would “roll in” with the best car, best attire, best shoes, and best perfume. But Christ showed us that to be triumphant has little to do with wealth, prestige, honor, power or glory. Rather, it has everything to do with “humility.” That’s right! Humility! Humility is the key to salvation--so declare the Fathers of the Church. The definition of humility is: a person’s ability to conduct themselves in all things without pride or arrogance.Learn more: https://stlukemission.org/sermons/god-sanctifies-all-things

Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem is anything but triumphant. He rode in on a donkey to enter the gates of Jerusalem. Further, he himself knew this was the beginning of the end, at least in human terms. That is, in the days approaching, he would be betrayed by all, especially by one of his own, and eventually be killed by the plot of the Jews and the authorities of Rome. If we were to stage our own “triumphant” entry in the context of the 21st century, we would “roll in” with the best car, best attire, best shoes, and best perfume. But Christ showed us that to be triumphant has little to do with wealth, prestige, honor, power or glory. Rather, it has everything to do with “humility.” That’s right! Humility! Humility is the key to salvation--so declare the Fathers of the Church. The definition of humility is: a person’s ability to conduct themselves in all things without pride or arrogance. Learn more: <a href="https://stlukemission.org/sermons/god-sanctifies-all-things" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://stlukemission.org/sermons/god-sanctifies-all-things</a>

Humility: Confidence, Attractive & Helpful (Mark 11:1-11) - Rev. Fr. Gheevarghese John

The word JUST can be used in the English language as an adverb, that is, to describe a verb. For example, I just finished my homework. Or it can be used as an adjective, that is, to describe a noun. In the Gospel reading, Joseph is described a being a just man in his dealings with Mary. He was willing to put her away secretly, rather than shaming her in public for being with a child that was not his. At that time for a man to make such a bold consideration meant that he had a sense of justice and compassion above and beyond what the Jewish law prescribed for such a woman in that predicament. Of course, Joseph is visited by the angel Gabriel and told exactly why and how Mary is pregnant. The point here is that Joseph is described as being a just man. What does the word mean? And how is it applicable to our Christian life at present?

How to be a JUST Christian (Matthew 1: 18-25) - Rev. Fr. Gheevarghese John

Sunday homily by Rev. Fr. Gheevarghese John, vicar of St. Luke Orthodox Mission Church - Be Perfect (Matthew 5:43-48)Read more: https://stlukemission.org/sermons/be-perfect

Sunday homily by Rev. Fr. Gheevarghese John, vicar of St. Luke Orthodox Mission Church - Be Perfect (Matthew 5:43-48) Read more: <a href="https://stlukemission.org/sermons/be-perfect" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://stlukemission.org/sermons/be-perfect</a>

Be Perfect (Matthew 5:43-48) - Rev. Fr. Gheevarghese John

Today we are here celebrating, with pomp and circumstance, the resurrection of our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ. This celebration does not stand-alone; it is adjoined to the Passion, Crucifixion, and Burial of our Lord. So, as in the history of the Orthodox Church, which is often forgotten in our day, Maundy Thursday, Holy Friday, Holy Saturday and Resurrection Sunday are not seen as separate religious observances, isolated with its own purpose, but rather all three observances are seen as one, having a singular divine purpose. If such were the case, then I would postulate “all” of the religious observances of the Church, the “major” Feast Days and the ones that we might consider “minor,” are to be considered one singular divine movement from one end of the liturgical calendar to the other…from the beginning of time, to present and into the future…for is not Christ eternally begotten of the Father, having no beginning or end. So likewise, this experience of Great Lent centers on the Christ, who, as the Bible say, is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. Therefore, our fasting is not confined to 50 days. Our experience of a “greater” prayer life is not isolated to this Fast alone. Our turning away from certain foods is not only for this time period; but for many of us, it is medically recommended to continue it, at least is some sort of modified way, throughout the year. The “extra” steps that we took to refrain from sinful behaviors or excessive desires is not be seen as a struggle for only Lent, but one that must be continued, probably with more intensity, after today.Read more: https://stlukemission.org/sermons/making-it-count

Today we are here celebrating, with pomp and circumstance, the resurrection of our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ. This celebration does not stand-alone; it is adjoined to the Passion, Crucifixion, and Burial of our Lord. So, as in the history of the Orthodox Church, which is often forgotten in our day, Maundy Thursday, Holy Friday, Holy Saturday and Resurrection Sunday are not seen as separate religious observances, isolated with its own purpose, but rather all three observances are seen as one, having a singular divine purpose. If such were the case, then I would postulate “all” of the religious observances of the Church, the “major” Feast Days and the ones that we might consider “minor,” are to be considered one singular divine movement from one end of the liturgical calendar to the other…from the beginning of time, to present and into the future…for is not Christ eternally begotten of the Father, having no beginning or end. So likewise, this experience of Great Lent centers on the Christ, who, as the Bible say, is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. Therefore, our fasting is not confined to 50 days. Our experience of a “greater” prayer life is not isolated to this Fast alone. Our turning away from certain foods is not only for this time period; but for many of us, it is medically recommended to continue it, at least is some sort of modified way, throughout the year. The “extra” steps that we took to refrain from sinful behaviors or excessive desires is not be seen as a struggle for only Lent, but one that must be continued, probably with more intensity, after today. Read more: <a href="https://stlukemission.org/sermons/making-it-count" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://stlukemission.org/sermons/making-it-count</a>

Making It Count (Matthew 28:1-20) - Rev. Fr. Gheevarghese John

At the last defining moments of Jesus’ life, he stood before the Sanhedrin (the ruling body of the Jewish people at that time) to be falsely condemned and put to death. During those agonizing moments, the second person in command, Peter, who, in the absence of Jesus, was in charge of the disciples and the whole Christian movement, was found denying that he had ever known Jesus to individuals who questioned him about his affiliation to Jesus Christ. This came as no surprise to Jesus, for he knew the weaknesses and fears that Peter struggles with. Despite this, Christ saw the great potential that Peter had in his contribution toward the leadership of the early Church. This was demonstrated when Christ asked Peter if he loved him three times, an obvious repercussion for Peter’s denial of Christ.Learn more: https://stlukemission.org/sermons/feed-my-sheep

At the last defining moments of Jesus’ life, he stood before the Sanhedrin (the ruling body of the Jewish people at that time) to be falsely condemned and put to death. During those agonizing moments, the second person in command, Peter, who, in the absence of Jesus, was in charge of the disciples and the whole Christian movement, was found denying that he had ever known Jesus to individuals who questioned him about his affiliation to Jesus Christ. This came as no surprise to Jesus, for he knew the weaknesses and fears that Peter struggles with. Despite this, Christ saw the great potential that Peter had in his contribution toward the leadership of the early Church. This was demonstrated when Christ asked Peter if he loved him three times, an obvious repercussion for Peter’s denial of Christ. Learn more: <a href="https://stlukemission.org/sermons/feed-my-sheep" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://stlukemission.org/sermons/feed-my-sheep</a>

Feed My Sheep (John 21:15-19) - Rev. Fr. Gheevarghese John

St. Silouan the Athonite, a contemporary saint of the Eastern Orthodox Church, writes that there are two thoughts that can destroy a Christian:Thought 1: when a person thinks that he or she is not a sinner, or that the person becomes prideful about his or her spiritual life or spiritual accomplishmentsThought 2: when a person thinks that God will NOT accept him or her due to sin or that God will not forgive them.St. Silouan’s words are insightful in that it provides for the Orthodox Christian a view of two spiritual perspectives. The first is someone who relies on his or her own efforts as a means to salvation. The second is someone who ends up in a state of hopelessness. The latter is what I want to focus on for today’s message.Read more: https://stlukemission.org/sermons/god-will-not-cast-you-out

St. Silouan the Athonite, a contemporary saint of the Eastern Orthodox Church, writes that there are two thoughts that can destroy a Christian: Thought 1: when a person thinks that he or she is not a sinner, or that the person becomes prideful about his or her spiritual life or spiritual accomplishments Thought 2: when a person thinks that God will NOT accept him or her due to sin or that God will not forgive them. St. Silouan’s words are insightful in that it provides for the Orthodox Christian a view of two spiritual perspectives. The first is someone who relies on his or her own efforts as a means to salvation. The second is someone who ends up in a state of hopelessness. The latter is what I want to focus on for today’s message. Read more: <a href="https://stlukemission.org/sermons/god-will-not-cast-you-out" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://stlukemission.org/sermons/god-will-not-cast-you-out</a>

God Will Not Cast You Out!(John 6:35-46)- Rev. Fr. Gheevarghese John

Sunday homily at St. Luke Orthodox Mission Chuch by Brother Predeep Chacko - The Believer as a Citizen (Matthew 17:22-27)Read more: www.stlukemission.org/sermons/the-believer-as-a-citizen

Sunday homily at St. Luke Orthodox Mission Chuch by Brother Predeep Chacko - The Believer as a Citizen (Matthew 17:22-27) Read more: <a href="http://www.stlukemission.org/sermons/the-believer-as-a-citizen" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.stlukemission.org/sermons/the-believer-as-a-citizen</a>

The Believer as a Citizen (Matthew 17:22-27) - Brother Predeep Chacko

Look at the history of the Egyptians and the role they played for the Israelite people. The most famous story regarding the Egyptians is about how the Egyptians enslaved the Jewish people which sparked the Exodus. Apart from that, time after time we see how Egypt was a place of shelter for certain people. During times of famine, Abraham and Jacob found shelter in Egypt. Joseph, though sold as a slave in Egypt, was practically made governor. Now we read on how Jesus along with His mother and Joseph are told to flee into Egypt to be sheltered from Herod’s attempt to kill Him. Egypt is seen as a place where the children of God go to be saved from destruction. But as for us Christians, the Church has become that salvific place where we run to for shelter against the onslaught of temptations and sins.

Make Your Own Spiritual Egypt (Matthew 2:9-15, 19- 23) - Brother Predeep Chacko

In the Gospel portion today, taken from Mathew 23, Jesus speaks of the Pharisees and scribes, who are the spiritual leaders of the Jewish religion. He tells of how they are predominantly concerned with their position in the community, their rank as priests and even their attire. This is a concerning matter for Jesus because the Pharisees were called to their priestly order in order to bring the Jewish people closer to God, through their traditions and practices. Instead of fulfilling this calling, they became overwhelming obsessed with their position as Pharisees and the respect and prestige that came with it. Jesus explains that they would go to gatherings/religious ceremonies and expect the best seats. Further, they wanted to be called “teacher” or in Hebrew, “rabbi,” as a form of flattery. All these examples were said by Christ in order to point out the fact that Pharisees “idolized” the position of Pharisee (and the same for scribes). In other words, they did not have a sense of humility that their position was given to them as a gift from God. Rather, they exalted themselves, becoming self-absorbed. It was a sort of worship of position, title, and rank. This was so because they found their identity in themselves…in what they did…their position, rank, and title, rather than in God. By extension rather than becoming a servant to serve the people, and bringing them closer to God, they wanted to be served by the people. They lost sight of their initial calling.Read more: https://stlukemission.org/sermons/self-absorbed-with-ourselves

In the Gospel portion today, taken from Mathew 23, Jesus speaks of the Pharisees and scribes, who are the spiritual leaders of the Jewish religion. He tells of how they are predominantly concerned with their position in the community, their rank as priests and even their attire. This is a concerning matter for Jesus because the Pharisees were called to their priestly order in order to bring the Jewish people closer to God, through their traditions and practices. Instead of fulfilling this calling, they became overwhelming obsessed with their position as Pharisees and the respect and prestige that came with it. Jesus explains that they would go to gatherings/religious ceremonies and expect the best seats. Further, they wanted to be called “teacher” or in Hebrew, “rabbi,” as a form of flattery. All these examples were said by Christ in order to point out the fact that Pharisees “idolized” the position of Pharisee (and the same for scribes). In other words, they did not have a sense of humility that their position was given to them as a gift from God. Rather, they exalted themselves, becoming self-absorbed. It was a sort of worship of position, title, and rank. This was so because they found their identity in themselves…in what they did…their position, rank, and title, rather than in God. By extension rather than becoming a servant to serve the people, and bringing them closer to God, they wanted to be served by the people. They lost sight of their initial calling. Read more: <a href="https://stlukemission.org/sermons/self-absorbed-with-ourselves" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://stlukemission.org/sermons/self-absorbed-with-ourselves</a>

Self-Absorbed With Ourselves (Matthew 23:1-12)- Rev. Fr. Gheevarghese John

In the Gospel reading today we see that two of the disciples of Jesus Christ are walking on a road from Jerusalem to a town seven miles away called Emmaus. These two men were conversing with each other about the things that took place in Jerusalem in the past few days, that is, the crucifixion, death and supposed resurrection of their Master. As they walked and spoke with each other about these things, a man appeared and began to walk beside them. It was the risen Christ. The Gospel of St. Luke chapter 24, explains that the disciples “eyes were restrained” from recognizing that it was Christ. In this unrecognizable state, Jesus played “dumb” and asked what they were talking about. They explain to him how Jesus was a great teacher and the expected Messiah of Israel, but that he was handed over to the Romans by the Jews and eventually killed by crucifixion. Their explanation of the things that occurred seem to convey to the reader that they were disappointed at the outcome, and in someway downtrodden over their experience with Jesus Christ. The unrecognizable Christ explained how the Messiah had to suffer in order to fulfill the Scriptures. Then a good distance into their travels they wanted to lodge at a hotel and invited Jesus to join them. There, Jesus broke bread with them (Qurbana), and at that moment, the “scales” (the restraint) from their eyes were removed and they recognized the Lord.Learn more: https://stlukemission.org/sermons/their-eyes-were-restrained

In the Gospel reading today we see that two of the disciples of Jesus Christ are walking on a road from Jerusalem to a town seven miles away called Emmaus. These two men were conversing with each other about the things that took place in Jerusalem in the past few days, that is, the crucifixion, death and supposed resurrection of their Master. As they walked and spoke with each other about these things, a man appeared and began to walk beside them. It was the risen Christ. The Gospel of St. Luke chapter 24, explains that the disciples “eyes were restrained” from recognizing that it was Christ. In this unrecognizable state, Jesus played “dumb” and asked what they were talking about. They explain to him how Jesus was a great teacher and the expected Messiah of Israel, but that he was handed over to the Romans by the Jews and eventually killed by crucifixion. Their explanation of the things that occurred seem to convey to the reader that they were disappointed at the outcome, and in someway downtrodden over their experience with Jesus Christ. The unrecognizable Christ explained how the Messiah had to suffer in order to fulfill the Scriptures. Then a good distance into their travels they wanted to lodge at a hotel and invited Jesus to join them. There, Jesus broke bread with them (Qurbana), and at that moment, the “scales” (the restraint) from their eyes were removed and they recognized the Lord. Learn more: <a href="https://stlukemission.org/sermons/their-eyes-were-restrained" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://stlukemission.org/sermons/their-eyes-were-restrained</a>

Their Eyes Were Restrained (Luke 24:13-35) - Rev. Fr. Gheevarghese John

As we celebrate the day of Pentecost, which occurred two thousand plus years ago to the beloved Disciples of Christ, we are reminded in the Gospel reading today that we are the branches and Christ is the vine and God the Father is the vinedresser. (St. John 15: 1) As residents of this area, we are not necessarily aware of plants that have vines. We are however more accustomed to seeing trees and its branches. If we were to travel to California or a Mediterranean country we would see grapevines with its branches in abundances. Observing more closely, we would see that the vine is strong yet flexible, a thick stem that has branches, which yields its fruit.Read more: https://stlukemission.org/sermons/move-from-being-connected-to-being-empowered

As we celebrate the day of Pentecost, which occurred two thousand plus years ago to the beloved Disciples of Christ, we are reminded in the Gospel reading today that we are the branches and Christ is the vine and God the Father is the vinedresser. (St. John 15: 1) As residents of this area, we are not necessarily aware of plants that have vines. We are however more accustomed to seeing trees and its branches. If we were to travel to California or a Mediterranean country we would see grapevines with its branches in abundances. Observing more closely, we would see that the vine is strong yet flexible, a thick stem that has branches, which yields its fruit. Read more: <a href="https://stlukemission.org/sermons/move-from-being-connected-to-being-empowered" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://stlukemission.org/sermons/move-from-being-connected-to-being-empowered</a>

Move from Being “Connected” to Being “Empowered” (John 15: 1-14) - Rev. Fr Gheevarghese John

What is sanctification? It is in part, preparation and in part a cleansing. In an earthly sense, we sanctify ourselves daily. When we clean ourselves and get dressed for the day, this is a type of sanctification. Before coming here to Church, I hope everyone brushed their teeth, took a shower, and put on clean clothing. Why do I hope that this is done? Because we do this for school and work, therefore we should also try to do this, if not more, when we are in the presence of the Holy Mysteries.

Qudosh `Idto (Matthew 16:13-23) - Brother Predeep Chacko

In Genesis 1:29, God gave Adam the instruction that He has given him all seed-bearing plants throughout the earth and all the fruit trees for his food. All living things are reproduced on the earth through a seed. For example, if you cut an apple, you will find a seed; and if that seed is taken and planted into the ground, watered and taken care of, then eventually it will produce fruit; and the cycle continues.Read more: https://stlukemission.org/sermons/the-seed-of-god

In Genesis 1:29, God gave Adam the instruction that He has given him all seed-bearing plants throughout the earth and all the fruit trees for his food. All living things are reproduced on the earth through a seed. For example, if you cut an apple, you will find a seed; and if that seed is taken and planted into the ground, watered and taken care of, then eventually it will produce fruit; and the cycle continues. Read more: <a href="https://stlukemission.org/sermons/the-seed-of-god" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://stlukemission.org/sermons/the-seed-of-god</a>

The Seed of God (Luke 1:26-38) - Rev. Fr. Gheevarghese John

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