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The Shepherd of Hermas

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Parable 1 – A Parable of Two Cities

He says to me, “You know that you who are the servants of God dwell in a strange land; for your city is far away from this one. If, then,” he continues, Shepard of Hermas“you know your city in which you are to dwell, why do ye here provide lands, and make expensive preparations, and accumulate dwellings and useless buildings? He who makes such preparations for this city cannot return again to his own. Oh foolish, and unstable, and miserable man! Dost thou not understand that all these things belong to another, and are under the power of another? For the Lord of this city will say, ‘I do not wish thee to dwell in my city; but depart from this city, because thou obeyest not my laws.’ Thou, therefore, although having fields and houses, and many other things, when cast out by him, what wilt thou do with thy land, and house, and other possessions which thou hast gathered to thyself? For the Lord of this country justly says to thee, ‘Either obey my laws or depart from my dominion.’

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The Significance of Resurrection

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H.H. Pope Shenouda III
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III
Pope of Alexandria & Patriarch of the See of St. Mark-An excerpt from His Holiness’ book Words of Spiritual Benefit.

Death is an alien and a stranger to humanity. When God created man, He formed him for life; He breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living being.

God wished him life and perpetuity, but man’s choice was inclined towards sin. Man thus brought death upon himself as a result of his sin, “For the wages of sin is death…” (Romans6:23), and death came into the world and reigned over humanity.

We rejoice with the resurrection because it is a triumph over death and a return of man’s nature to life. God has created man to live and not to die.

Christ’s resurrection is the handsel of our resurrection, and thus, Saint Paul the apostle described Him as “…the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” (1Corinthians15:20) He is the first fruit and we will rise after him.

Perhaps someone may ask saying ‘How can Christ be the first fruit of the dead while many rose before Him?’ Examples of such people are:

  1. The son of the widow in Zarephath in the region of Sidon, who was raised from death by Elijah the prophet (1Kings17:22).
  2. The son of the Shunammite, whom Elisha the prophet raised from death (2Kings4:32-36).
  3. The three whom the Lord Christ Himself raised from death, and they are:

1. The son of the widow of the town called Nain,

2. Jairus’ daughter, and

3. Lazarus.

Continue reading “The Significance of Resurrection”

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