Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

The Third Sunday of the middle cycle after Easter (had'bshabo tlithoyo d'mes'oye d'Qymtho) according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church. In Matthew's Gospel we read the story of 'Feeding the multitude' who were gathered to listen to Christ preaching the Good News of the Heavenly Kingdom and the eternal life promised to those who believe. The disciples tell the Lord to send those who gathered into the villages for food as it's almost evening & there was no food in the desert like place. However, Christ tells them not to be sent away but instead feed them. The Disciples inform Him that all they currently have to give are 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish. Our Lord takes those into His hands, looking up into heaven praying and then blessing the baskets. Miraculously, the disciples are able to feed the multitude who had gathered, numbering around 5000 men excluding the women and children. After all had eaten, they collected the leftovers which numbered 12 baskets. The bread that was given is a metaphor for the Gospel, which must be spread out to all, and no one should be sent away without receiving the Good News. In addition, from this we can see the value of Christ's Gospel in our lives. Just like the initial loaves & fish, the message of the Gospel and the traditions of the Church may seem unsatisfying and insufficient for us. However with true faith & genuine gratefulness to the Almighty, one will realize that Christ and His Church will provide all that is required to satisfy this earthly life. This week let us all be thankful to God for everything He provides whether big or small, for His grace is sufficient. The Holy Bible readings from the Church Lectionary:Evening:St. Luke 10:1-16Morning:St. Luke 10:17-24Before Holy Qurbono:Deuteronomy 33:23-29Joshua 6:14-18Hosea 5:11-6:1Isaiah 65:8-12Holy Qurbono:Acts 6:1-71 Corinthians 10:14-18St. Matthew 14:14-23For sermons/commentaries based on the Gospel reading: https://goo.gl/7nKVChMalayalam Sermon by Bar Etho Briro late Dr. Babu Paul IAS: https://youtu.be/IGmjhxTznZsTone of the Day: 3 (7 for alternate days of the week) Syriac prayers for Had'bshabo tlithoyo d'mes'oye d'Qymtho: https://tinyurl.com/4ceyr9ykhttp://www.malankaraworld.com/Library/sermons/Sermon-of-the-week_4th-sunday-after-Pentecost.htm