Messages From Our Ecumenical Patriarch
The Most Reverend Sean Alexander, DD, OSB
The Good Shepherd and His Sacrifice (John 10:11-18)
Jesus Appears to His Disciples and Validates His Resurrection (Luke 24_35-48)
The Resurrection of Jesus (John 1:1-9)
Jesus Before Pilate (Mark 15:1-39)
Some Greeks Wish to See Jesus (John 12:20-33)
Jesus Cleanses the Temple (John 2:13-25)
The Transfiguration (Mark 9:2-10)
The Temptation of Jesus (Mark 1:12-15)
Jesus Cleanses a Leper (Mark 1:40-42)
Jesus Heals Many at Simon’s House (Mark 1:29-39)
The Man with an Unclean Spirit (Mark 1:21-28)
The Beginning of the Galilean Ministry (Mark 1:14-20)
The First Disciples of Jesus (John 1:35-42)
The Visit of the Wise Men (Matthew 2:1-12)
Jesus is Presented in the Temple (Luke 2:22-40)
Zechariah Prophecy (Luke 1:67-80)
The Testimony of John the Baptist (John 1:6-8, 19-28)
The Proclamation of John the Baptist (Mark 1:1-8)
End Times and Eternal Hope: Lessons from Mark 13
The Judgment of the Nations (Matthew 25:31-46)
The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-15)
The Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids (Matthew 25:1-13)
Jesus Denounces the Scribes and Pharisees (Matthew 23:1-12)
Religious Leaders Question Jesus (Matthew 22:34-40)
A Warning Against Hipocrisy
The Parable of the Wedding Banquet
Riches in Christ (Luke 12:13-21)
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ. In today's Gospel passage from Luke, Jesus is approached with a request to settle an inheritance dispute. This provides an opportunity for Him to warn against greed and seeking earthly...
The Cost of Discipleship: Following Christ’s Call to Suffering and Service
Twenty Second Sunday in Ordinary Time Title: The Cost of Discipleship: Following Christ’s Call to Suffering and ServiceScripture: Matthew 16:21-28 21 From then on Jesus[a] began to tell his disciples plainly that it was necessary for him to go to Jerusalem, and that...
It’s Time to Pray – Part 1 – Psalm 51:1-17
The Blessed Hope (Titus 2:13 NKJV)
You Must Know Your Season (Ecclesiastes 3:1-15)
You Will Get Through It
What to Expect on Life’s Journey (2) (2 Timothy 4:7 NKJV)
Key Verse: "I have finished the race." (2 Timothy 4:7 NKJV)10-13 You’ve been a good apprentice to me, a part of my teaching, my manner of life, direction, faith, steadiness, love, patience, troubles, sufferings—suffering along with me in all the grief I had to put up...
Keep Building Up Your Faith (Hebrews 11:6 NKJV)
Key Verse: "But without faith it is impossible to please Him." (Hebrews 11:6 NKJV)11 1-2 The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It’s our handle on what we can’t...
Reason for Hope (Hosea 2:15 NIV)
Key Verse: "I ...will make the Valley of Achor a door of hope." (Hosea 2:15 NIV) 14-15 “And now, here’s what I’m going to do: I’m going to start all over again.I’m taking her back out into the wilderness where we had our first date, and I’ll court her.I’ll give...
Overcoming Rejection (4) (Luke 17:3)
Key Verse: "If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him." (Luke 17:3 NKJV)1-2 He said to his disciples, “Hard trials and temptations are bound to come, but too bad for whoever brings them on! Better to wear a millstone necklace and...
Be Persistent (Philippians 3:12-4:1)
Key Verse: I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. (Philippians 3:12 NLT)12 I don’t mean to say that I have already...
Learn to Think Strategically (Ephesians 5:15-16 NLT)
Key Verse: "So be careful how you live. Don't live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days."(Ephesians 5:!5-16 NLT)15 So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise.16 Make the most...
At Your Breaking Point – Turn to God (Psalm 27:14)
Key Verse: "Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen [your] heart." (Psalm 27:14)1 Light, space, zest— that’s God!So, with him on my side I’m fearless, afraid of no one and nothing.Reflection: (Psalm 27:1) Fear is a dark shadow that envelops...
Pray for Spiritual Insight (Proverbs 20:5 NIV)
Key Verse: The purposes of a person's heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out." (Proverbs 20:5 NIV)1 Wine makes you mean, beer makes you quarrelsome— a staggering drunk is not much fun.2 Quick-tempered leaders are like mad dogs— cross them...
In Praise of Moms (Proverbs 31:28 MSG)
Key Verse: Her children respect and bless her. (Proverbs 31:28 MSG)10-31 A good woman is hard to find, and worth far more than diamonds.Her husband trusts her without reserve, and never has reason to regret it.Never spiteful, she treats him generously all her...
Young Person, Aspire to Greatness (1 Timothy 4:6-16)
Key Verse: "Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all." (1 Timothy 4:12 NLT)6-10 You’ve been raised on the Message of the faith and have followed sound teaching. Now pass on this counsel to the followers of Jesus there, and you’ll...
Learning the Hardway (4) (Judges 16:22 NKJV)
Key Verse: "The hair of his head began to grow again." (Judges 16:22 NKJV)1-2 Samson went to Gaza and saw a prostitute. He went to her. The news got around: “Samson’s here.” They gathered around in hiding, waiting all night for him at the city gate, quiet as mice,...
The Importance of the Cross (5)(Galatians 2:20 NKJV)
Key Verse: "I've been crucified with Christ" (Galatians 2:20 NKJV)11-13 Later, when Peter came to Antioch, I had a face-to-face confrontation with him because he was clearly out of line. Here’s the situation. Earlier, before certain persons had come from James, Peter...
The Importance of the Cross (3)(1 Corinthians 1:18-31 NKJV)
Key Verse: "The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing" (1 Corinthians 1:18 NKJV)18-21 The Message that points to Christ on the Cross seems like sheer silliness to those hellbent on destruction, but for those on the way of salvation it makes...
God and Your Money (3) (Hebrews 4:16 NKJV)
Key Verse: "Help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:16 NKJV)14-16 Now that we know what we have—Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God—let’s not let it slip through our fingers. We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He’s been through...
God and Your Money (2) (2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV)
Key Verse: "In all things at all times, having all that you need." (2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV) 1-2 If I wrote any more on this relief offering for the poor Christians, I’d be repeating myself. I know you’re on board and ready to go. I’ve been bragging about you all...
God and Your Money (1) (Psalm 84:11)
Key Verse: No good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly." (Psalm 84:11)1-2 What a beautiful home, God-of-the-Angel-Armies! I’ve always longed to live in a place like this,Always dreamed of a room in your house, where I could sing for joy to...
Rejoice, You Are In The Will of God (Psalm 40)
Key Verse: "I delight to do Your will, O my God." (Psalm 40:8 NKJV)1-3 I waited and waited and waited for God. At last he looked; finally he listened.He lifted me out of the ditch, pulled me from deep mud.He stood me up on a solid rock to make sure I wouldn’t...
The Need For Repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10 NKJV)
Key Verse: "Godly sorry produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted." (2 Corinthians 7:10 NKJV) 5-7 When we arrived in Macedonia province, we couldn’t settle down. The fights in the church and the fears in our hearts kept us on pins and needles. We...
How’s Your Marriage? (2) (Ecclesiastes 9:9 NKJV)
Key Verse: "Live joyfully with the wife whom you love." (Ecclesiastes 9:9: NKJV) 1-3 Well, I took all this in and thought it through, inside and out. Here’s what I understood: The good, the wise, and all that they do are in God’s hands—but, day by day, whether it’s...
Thomas’s Twin (John 20:24 NKJV)
Key Verse: "Thomas, called the Twin...was not with them when Jesus came." (John 20:24 NKJV)24-25 But Thomas, sometimes called the Twin, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples told him, “We saw the Master.” But he said, “Unless I see...
How’s Your Marriage (1) (Proverbs 18:22)
Key Verse: "He who finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the Lord." (Proverbs 18:22 NKJV)Proverbs 18: 1 Loners who care only for themselves spit on the common good.2 Fools care nothing for thoughtful discourse; all they do is run off at the mouth.3 When...
Forgive Them and Release Yourself (Mark 11:25 NIV)
Key Verse: "When you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them." (Mark 11:25 NIV)12-14As they left Bethany the next day, he was hungry. Off in the distance he saw a fig tree in full leaf. He came up to it expecting to find something for...
Look for Good Counselors (Proverbs 11:14 NKJV)
Key Verse: "In the multitude of counselors there is safety." (Proverbs 11:14 NKJV)Proverbs 1:1-6 1-6 These are the wise sayings of Solomon, David’s son, Israel’s king—Written down so we’ll know how to live well and right, to understand what life means and where...
Recall God’s Lovingkindness To You (Psalm 26:3 NKJV)
Key Verse: "Your lovingkindness is before my eyes." (Psalm 26:3 NKJV)1 Clear my name, God; I’ve kept an honest shop.I’ve thrown in my lot with you, God, and I’m not budging.2 Examine me, God, from head to foot, order your battery of tests.Make sure I’m...
Has Your Mate Been Unfaithful (Psalms 31:12)
Key Verse: "I am like a broken vessel."(Psalm 31:12)1-2 I run to you, God; I run for dear life. Don’t let me down! Take me seriously this time!Get down on my level and listen, and please—no procrastination!Your granite cave a hiding place, your high cliff...
Live By Your Convictions (1) (Daniel 1:8 NKJV)
Key Verse: "Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself." (Daniel 1:8 NKJV) Importance of Message: We should spend less time wondering when future events will happen and more time learning how we should live now.3-5 The king told Ashpenaz, head of...
The Power Is In God’s Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV)
Key Verse: "All Scripture is God-breathed...so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV)3:10-13 You’ve been a good apprentice to me, a part of my teaching, my manner of life, direction, faith, steadiness, love,...
Toxins in the Workplace (2 Corinthians 6:17)
Key Verse: "Come out from among them and be separate" (2 Corinthians 6:17 NKJV)14-18 Don’t become partners with those who reject God. How can you make a partnership out of right and wrong? That’s not partnership; that’s war. Is light best friends with dark? Does...
This Year Keep Your Joy! (Nehemiah 8:10)
Key Verse: "The Joy of the Lord is your strength" (Nehemiah 8:10)73 The priests, Levites, security guards, singers, and Temple support staff, along with some others, and the rest of the People of Israel, all found a place to live in their own towns.8:1 By the time the...
Be Careful Who You Turn To (Ecclesiastes 4:7-12)
Key Verse: "Pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up." (Ecclesiastes 4:10 NIV)7-8 I turned my head and saw yet another wisp of smoke on its way to nothingness: a solitary person, completely alone—no children, no family, no friends—yet working obsessively...
How to Avoid Shipwreck (1) (Acts 27-10)
Key Verse: "There is trouble ahead if we go on - shipwreck." (Acts 27-10 NLT)1-2 As soon as arrangements were complete for our sailing to Italy, Paul and a few other prisoners were placed under the supervision of a centurion named Julius, a member of an elite guard....
Always Be Humble (2 Samuel 7:19 NIV)
Key Verse: "Who am I... that you have brought me this far?" (2 Samuel 7:18 NIV)18-21 King David went in, took his place before God, and prayed: “Who am I, my Master God, and what is my family, that you have brought me to this place in life? But that’s nothing compared...
Stand On God’s Word (4) (1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT)
Key Text: When you are tempted, He will show you a way out." (1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT)1-5 Remember our history, friends, and be warned. All our ancestors were led by the providential Cloud and taken miraculously through the Sea. They went through the waters, in a...
Know Who’s Guiding You (Galatians 5:16 NLT)
Key Text: "Let the Holy Spirit guide your lives." (Galatians 5:16 NLT)16-18 My counsel is this: Live freely, animated and motivated by God’s Spirit. Then you won’t feed the compulsions of selfishness. For there is a root of sinful self-interest in us that is at odds...
Giving Is Its Own Reward (2 Corinthians 12:15 NLT)
Key Verse: "I will gladly spend myself and all I have for you." (2 Corinthians 12:15 NLT)11-13 Well, now I’ve done it! I’ve made a complete fool of myself by going on like this. But it’s not all my fault; you put me up to it. You should have been doing this for me,...
Understanding Our Heavenly Father (Psalm 103:13 TLB)
He is like a father to us, tender and sympathetic (Psalm 103:13 TLB) 1-2 O my soul, bless God. From head to toe, I’ll bless his holy name! O my soul, bless God, don’t forget a single blessing! Reflection: (Psalm 103:1) David's praise focused on the good...
How to Experience God’s Peace (Philippians 4:2-9)
Key Verse: Don't worry about anything: instead, pray about everything... Then you will experience God's peace." (Philippians 4:6-7 NLT) 2 I urge Euodia and Syntyche to iron out their differences and make up. God doesn’t want his children holding grudges. 3...
Overcoming Stress
Key Verse: 'I seek not to please myself but Him who sent me.' (John 5:30 NIV) 15-16 The man went back and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well. That is why the Jews were out to get Jesus—because he did this kind of thing on the Sabbath. 17...
The First Test: Family and Fortune (Job 1:6-22)
Scripture: Naked I came from my mother’s womb, naked I’ll return (Job 1: 6-22) 6-7 One day when the angels came to report to God, Satan, who was the Designated Accuser, came along with them. God singled out Satan and said, “What have you been up...
Don’t Personalize Rejection (Hebrews 11:34 NIV)
Scripture: "Whose weakness was turned to strength." (Hebrews 11:34 NIV) 1-2 The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It’s our handle on what we can’t see....
Father’s Day
Scripture: Ephesians 6:4 6:4 Fathers, don’t exasperate your children by coming down hard on them. Take them by the hand and lead them in the way of the Master. Message:I think most of us who are fathers here online want to, and wanted to be good fathers...
Keep Plodding and You’ll Succeed (1 Corinthians 15:35-58)
Keep Plodding and You'll Succeed (1 Corinthians 15:35-58) Scripture: "Dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable." (1 Corinthians 15:58 NLT) 35-38 Some skeptic is sure to ask, “Show me how resurrection works. Give me a diagram; draw me a picture....
The Importance of Good Communication (2 Timothy 2:1-14)
Title: The Importance of Good Communication (2 Timothy 2:1-4) Scripture: "Teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others. (2 Timothy 2:2 NLT) 2 Timothy 2 1-7 So, my son, throw yourself into this work for Christ....
Genesis 4:25 – 5:32 (Enoch)
Title: The Story of Enoch Scripture: When Jared was 162 years old, he became the father of Enoch. (Genesis 5:18) Chapter 4 25-26 Adam slept with his wife again. She had a son whom she named Seth. She said, “God has given me another child in place of Abel...
Steps to Getting Well (John 5:1-15)
Steps to Getting Well (John 5:1-15) Scripture: Do you want to get well? (John 5:6 NIV) 5 1-6 Soon another Feast came around and Jesus was back in Jerusalem. Near the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem there was a pool, in Hebrew called Bethesda, with five alcoves. Hundreds of...
A Father’s Wise Advice (Proverbs 4:1-27)
A Father's Wise Advice (Proverbs 4:1-27) Scripture: Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. (Proverbs 4:25) 1-2 Listen, friends, to some fatherly advice; sit up and take notice so you’ll know how to live. I’m giving you good counsel;...
A Wife of Noble Character (Proverbs 31:10-31)
A Wife of Noble Character Scripture: Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious that rubies... (Proverbs 31:10) 10-31 A good woman is hard to find,and worth far more than diamonds.Her husband trusts her without reserve,and never has reason to...
Place Your Life Before God (Romans 12:1-21)
Honor one another above yourselves... Scripture: Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. (Romans 12:10) 1-2 So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating,...
Resurrection (John 20:1-18)
Resurrection Chapter 20 1-2 Early in the morning on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone was moved away from the entrance. She ran at once to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus...
True Blindness (John 9:1-12)
"Go to the pool...and wash." Scripture: 11 “A man named Jesus made a paste and rubbed it on my eyes and told me, ‘Go to Siloam and wash.’ I did what he said. When I washed, I saw.” Message: 1-2 Walking down the street, Jesus saw a man...