St Mark Sermons

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the harmony of the Gospels through the stories of infants brought to Jesus and the encounter with the rich young ruler. He explains how Jesus welcomes children as examples of the humility and faith needed to enter the kingdom of God, emphasizing childlike trust and innocence as spiritual qualities. Fr. Matthias then examines the rich young ruler’s question on inheritin...

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the parable of the persistent widow from the Gospel of Luke, highlighting the importance of persistent prayer and faith in God’s timing. He explains how God, unlike the unjust judge, responds to His children’s prayers with compassion and wisdom. Fr. Matthias then discusses the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, contrasting self-righteou...

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the relationship between faith, human effort, and God’s grace as taught by Jesus in the Gospels. He discusses the parable of the mustard seed, emphasizing that even a small amount of faith can bring about significant transformation when coupled with obedience. Fr. Matthias explains the balance between trusting God’s power and actively participating...

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the harmony of the Gospels by examining the parables of the Unjust Steward and the Rich Man and Lazarus, as well as teachings on divorce. Fr. Matthias explains the steward’s role and the spiritual lessons about stewardship, urging believers to plan for their eternal future rather than focusing only on worldly possessions. He discusses the consequen...

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the Parable of the Prodigal Son from Luke 15. He explains the story of a younger son who demands his inheritance early, leaves home, and squanders his wealth in a distant land, symbolizing humanity’s rebellion and separation from God. Fr. Matthias discusses the son’s eventual repentance, his return to the father, and the father’s compassionate and...

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his Bible study on the harmony of the Gospels, focusing on Christ's final teachings before His crucifixion. He explores the meaning of true discipleship, emphasizing the necessity of prioritizing Christ above family and worldly attachments. Fr. Matthias explains the spiritual significance of taking up one's cross, highlighting the sacrifices and suffering inherent in...

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the journey of Christ toward Jerusalem, focusing on the teaching about salvation found in Luke 13. He examines the meaning of entering through the narrow gate, emphasizing the need for daily struggle, repentance, and true discipleship rather than mere proximity to holiness. Fr. Matthias explains Jesus’ parable of the great supper, illustrating how...

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the encounter between Jesus and Nicodemus, as recorded in John chapter 3. He explains Nicodemus’ approach to Jesus by night out of fear and curiosity about salvation. Fr. Matthias examines the necessity of being “born again” to see the kingdom of God, emphasizing the spiritual rebirth through baptism by water and the Spirit. Using analogies such as...

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores Jesus’ teachings on covetousness, worry, and watchfulness as the Lord journeys toward Jerusalem. Fr. Matthias explains the difference between planning and worry, emphasizing Christ’s call to trust God for our needs rather than fixating on material possessions. Using examples from nature and parables, he highlights the importance of seeking the king...

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the metaphor of the eye as the lamp of the body, drawing from passages in Matthew and Luke to explain how spiritual vision affects the believer’s whole life. He examines the role of grace and inner purity in producing visible fruit that leads others to faith. Fr. Matthias then discusses the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, detailing their legalism, prid...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the harmony of the Gospels by examining key passages from Luke, including the journey of Jesus toward Jerusalem. He begins with the parable of the Good Samaritan, highlighting the lawyer's challenge to Jesus about inheriting eternal life and explaining both the literal and allegorical meanings of the parable. Fr. Matthias shows how the priest and Levite represent the O...

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad continues exploring the harmony of the Gospels, focusing on effective prayer and the promise that God hears and responds to persistent prayer. He explains the meaning behind Christ’s teachings on asking, seeking, and knocking, emphasizing the relationship of trust believers have with God as a loving Father. Fr. Matthias then addresses accusations against Je...

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues the study of the harmony of the Gospels by exploring Jesus' ministry during the Feast of Dedication, also known as Hanukkah, and his journey toward Jerusalem. He explains the historical background of the feast, highlighting its origins in the time of the Maccabees and its significance as a celebration of the temple’s rededication. Fr. Matthias discusses Jesus’ declara...

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the harmony of the Gospels by examining two key passages from the Gospel of John: the healing of the man born blind and Jesus’ teaching as the Good Shepherd. Fr. Matthias addresses the disciples’ mistaken belief that suffering is always due to personal sin, explaining the deeper spiritual meaning behind this miracle and how God’s glory is revealed...

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad examines the harmony of the Gospels through the story of the woman caught in adultery, as recorded in John chapter 8. He explores the significance of Jesus’ interaction with the Pharisees, highlighting how Christ exposes their hypocrisy while upholding both the Mosaic law and divine mercy. Fr. Matthias explains Jesus’ teaching on salt and fire as symbols of...

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the harmony of the Gospels focusing on the section "Back in Galilee," where Jesus resumes His ministry. Fr. Matthias unpacks stories such as Jesus paying the temple tax through a miraculous catch of a fish, demonstrating both His divine identity and humility. He then examines the disciples' dispute about greatness in the kingdom of heaven, emphasiz...

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the harmony of the Gospels through the event of the Transfiguration and the teaching on who is greatest in heaven. He explains how Jesus reveals His divinity to Peter, James, and John on the mountain, highlighting the presence of Moses and Elijah as representatives of the Law and the Prophets, showing the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy in Ch...

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the harmony of the Gospels, focusing on Jesus’ warning about the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees and its spiritual implications. He explains the symbolism of leaven as sin and how exposure to corrupting influences affects believers. Fr. Matthias then examines Peter’s profession of faith, discussing the meaning of “the rock” on which the Churc...

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the harmony of the Gospels by examining Jesus’ teachings on vain worship and the feeding of the 4,000. He discusses Christ’s critique of the Pharisees, who prioritized human traditions over God’s commandments, highlighting the belief that true defilement comes from the heart, not external rituals. Fr. Matthias explains the significance of the encou...

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his Bible study on the harmony of the Gospels by exploring John chapter 6, focusing on the identity of Christ as the Bread of Life. He explains the context following the miracle of feeding the 5,000 and the significance of Jesus’ teaching on spiritual nourishment versus physical sustenance. Fr. Matthias addresses the misunderstanding of the crowd seeking only physical...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the harmony of the Gospels by examining two key biblical events: the death of John the Baptist and the feeding of the 5,000. He explains John the Baptist’s boldness in rebuking Herod and details the circumstances leading to his imprisonment and execution, as recorded in the Gospels of Matthew and Mark. Fr. Matthias then delves into the feeding of the 5,000, highlightin...

In this study, Fr. Matthias explores the harmony of the Gospels through the parables of Jesus, revealing how the kingdom of heaven transforms the believer from within. From the quiet work of the Holy Spirit in the parable of the leaven to the wholehearted pursuit shown in the hidden treasure and pearl of great price, this message calls us to deep commitment and spiritual awakening. The dragnet par...

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the sending of the twelve disciples as recorded in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. He discusses Jesus’ instructions to preach to the lost sheep of Israel, emphasizing the combination of spiritual teaching with physical acts like healing the sick and casting out demons. Fr. Matthias explains the significance of the disciples traveling light,...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the harmony of the Gospels through key parables: the Parable of the Sower, the Candle (Lamp), the Seed, and the Mustard Seed. He compares the accounts across Matthew, Mark, and Luke, highlighting subtle differences and shared messages. Fr. Matthias explains the spiritual meanings behind these parables, emphasizing how the word of God grows in different hearts and how f...

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the harmony of the Gospels through key passages from Matthew 11:20-30, Luke 7:36-8:3, and the Parable of the Sower. He examines Jesus’ rebuke of the unrepentant cities of Galilee, highlighting the principle of judgment according to what has been revealed. Fr. Matthias discusses the call to come to Christ for rest and the meaning of “taking His yoke...