Father François Beyrouti's Homilies.

The letters of Saint Paul frequently contain nuances that we can easily overlook.He is a master of making his point by using both eloquent and well-crafted points. Therefore, to really get to the richness of what he is saying we must read his words very carefully. Support the show

If we were to ask God for anything, what would we ask for?If we have health issues, we would want to be cured. If we do not have a job, we would want help finding one. If we were going through a personal difficulty or tragedy, we would want some Divine assistance... Support the show

How the Bible Engages All Our Senses. July 24, 2022, homily by Father François Beyrouti, Ph.D./D.Th. Seventh Sunday after Pentecost Epistle: Romans 15:1-7.Gospel: Matthew 9:27-35.Support the show

July 3, 2022, homily by Father François Beyrouti, Ph.D./D.Th. Fourth Sunday After Pentecost Epistle: Romans 6:18-23 Gospel: Matthew 8:5-13. Support the show

June 26, 2022, homily by Father François Beyrouti, Ph.D./D.Th.Third Sunday After PentecostEpistle: Romans 5:1-10.Gospel: Matthew 6:22-33. Support the show

Today's Gospel focuses on two sets of brothers, Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John, who leave their fishing nets and their father to follow Jesus.Every Sunday we read passages from the Bible and our prayers are composed of verses from the Old and New Testaments because we believe the Bible helps us celebrate all that God has done for us and it is also a guide for our daily life. Therefore, was relevant in the past, and it is relevant in the present and will remain relevant for all time. Support the show

Today, on the Sunday after Pentecost we celebrate the Sunday of all the Saints. We heard in the letter to the Hebrews why some are considered “Saints.” “The saints who through faith … enforced justice, received promises, stopped the mouths of lions, [34] quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness, … Some were tortured …  Others suffered mocking and scourging, and even chains and imprisonment. [37] They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword; they went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, ill-treated” (Hebrews 11:33-37). ...Support the show

Some of the words we use in Church sound fancy because they are not part of our day-to-day conversations, and they are often rooted in three main languages:-Hebrew, where we get words like Alleluia (praise the Lord) and Amen (so be it, literally: for sure.).-Greek, where we get words like Liturgy (work of the people) and Kyrie eleison (Lord have mercy)-Latin, where we get words like Pope (father) and Creed (Credo: I believe)... Support the show

Has someone ever asked you: “Are you Catholic or are you Christian?” “Are you saved?” “Why do Catholics baptize children?” or other faith-related questions?If so, do you feel comfortable answering these and other questions related to your faith? You should, because in his first letter, Saint Peter says: “Always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who calls you to account for the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15). If there is hope in us, then we need to be able to speak about that hope comfortably and convincingly...Support the show

Happy Mother's Day to all our mothers.The word “mother” is one of the most beautiful words in every language of the world. “Mama” is also one of the first words any child says. As well, the word mother is one of the first words in the Bible because the word “mother” refers to a person, but also implies the creation of a child that is connected to a lifetime relationship that a man and a woman commit to each other. This relationship flows from the gift of God and mirrors God's love for us... Support the show

Christ is Risen. He is Truly Risen.On this second Sunday after Easter, we continue to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus. In last week's Gospel Jesus appeared to the apostles and Saint Thomas. Today's Gospel focuses on the women who went to the tomb to anoint Jesus's body... Support the show (https://www.holycrossmelkite.org/donate)

Christ is Risen. He is Truly Risen.Almaseeh Qaam. Haqqan Qaam.Christos Anesti. Alethos Anesti.We keep repeating this wonderful phrase for forty days as a reminder that Jesus appeared to His followers many times after the resurrection... Support the show (https://www.holycrossmelkite.org/donate)

One of the most annoying things is when someone tells you “I told you so.”This phrase sounds so condescending and it makes it seems that the person saying it knows so much more than you and wants to rub in some past advice. Support the show (https://www.holycrossmelkite.org/donate)

Apparently, 86.54 percent of statistics are made up.On the other hand, some statistics are real, but not very helpful. One statistic points out that hospitals are the most dangerous places on earth because that is where most deaths take place... Support the show (https://www.holycrossmelkite.org/donate)

April 10, 2022, homily by Father François Beyrouti, Ph.D./D.Th. Palm Sunday. Epistle: Philippians 4:4-9. Gospel: John 12:1-18. The Glorious Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. Support the show (https://www.holycrossmelkite.org/donate)

In one way or another, you prepared for almost everything you did this week.Before you went to school, work, or came to Church, you prepared your clothes, you prepared what you were going to do, and you even prepared your thoughts to make sure you were in the right frame of mind. Support the show (https://www.holycrossmelkite.org/donate)

With tears, the father of the boy said: “I do believe, help my unbelief” (Mark 9:24). Before the man in today's Gospel said this, he left the crowd and went to Jesus's disciples so they can heal his son... Support the show (https://www.holycrossmelkite.org/donate)

Sometimes people say that religion in general and even Christianity is out of date. However, the closer we study and reflect on the words of Jesus the more we realize that the most recent developments in mental health, emotional intelligence, and other psychological fields affirm the basic teachings of Jesus Christ... Support the show (https://www.holycrossmelkite.org/donate)

How many miracles did Jesus do in today's Gospel?You may say one, to refer to Jesus healing the paralyzed man. Perhaps two, since Jesus also forgave this man's sins. But are there at least three, if not more miracles in today's Gospel? Support the show (https://www.holycrossmelkite.org/donate)

I have a theory that if you fast from certain kinds of food, like meat or dairy, or if you decide to give up something else for Lent, like chocolate or music, you will not immediately die. I am not sure if this theory is accurate, so I need your help... Support the show (https://www.holycrossmelkite.org/donate)

February 27, 2022, homily by Father François Beyrouti, Ph.D./D.Th.Gospel of the Cheese-Fare. Forgiveness & Fasting.Epistle: Romans 13:11-14:4Gospel: Mt 6:14-21. Support the show (https://www.holycrossmelkite.org/donate)

Meat Fare Sunday. The Last Judgement. Epistle: 1 Corinthians 8:8-9:2. Gospel: Matthew 25:31-46. Support the show (https://www.holycrossmelkite.org/donate)

In our Melkite Catholic Church and all other Catholic and Orthodox Churches that follow the Byzantine liturgical tradition, there are always periods of preparation for the major feast days of the Church year...Support the show (https://www.holycrossmelkite.org/donate)

It's always good to thank God. After reading today's Gospel, one thing we may thank God for is that we are not like this Pharisee who brags that he is “not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector” (Luke 18:11)... Support the show (https://www.holycrossmelkite.org/donate)

When you open a Bible, you will find that each passage has a title in bold that summarizes the main point of each section. For example, there are titles like “The Healing of Many People” or “The Feeding of the Four Thousand.” Although these titles are helpful, they can only give one aspect of a section. ..Support the show (https://www.holycrossmelkite.org/donate)

Preparation, perseverance, and consequences need to always remain connected in our minds as we live our day-to-day lives and especially as we dig into the significance of the major celebrations of the Church year...Support the show (https://www.holycrossmelkite.org/donate)

Christ is Born. Glorify Him. Almaseeh wulidah. Famijodoo. One of the most common questions people ask each other is: “How are you doing?” A friend always answers: “I'm going great because every day is Christmas.” Support the show (https://www.holycrossmelkite.org/donate)

For the big feasts of the Church year, we celebrate the day itself and spend weeks preparing for them. For example, Pascha (or Easter) is preceded by a special holy week of preparation and before that a 40 day fast. The feast of Saints Peter and Paul is preceded by a fast and the feast of the Dormition is preceded by a two week fast... Support the show (https://www.holycrossmelkite.org/donate)

Today's Gospel is called the Gospel of the Great Banquet, but it could easily be re-named, the Gospel of the bad excuses because everyone ends up making excuses as to why they can't make it for the great banquet...Support the show (https://www.holycrossmelkite.org/donate)

There are only nineteen shopping days left until Christmas. Or should we say there are only nineteen days left of prayerful preparations for Christmas?We are sometimes so busy with the buzz surrounding Christmas that we forget this is most of all a special time to prepare for the birth of Jesus Christ...Support the show (https://www.holycrossmelkite.org/donate)

I hope all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.Think of how long you prepared for your Thanksgiving dinner. Was it worth it? Imagine if you prepared a table full of food but forgot to invite anyone to your house. Or imagine if you invited your family and friends but forgot to prepare any food... Support the show (https://www.holycrossmelkite.org/donate)

Today's Gospel contains one of Jesus' most popular parables, frequently called the Parable of the Good Samaritan. Countries such as Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, Finland, Germany, India, Ireland, Israel, Romania, United Kingdom, and the United States, have even been enacted “Good Samaritan Laws” that encourage bystanders to help those in need without being sued. Therefore, this parable has literally influenced people around the world in different ways... Support the show (https://www.holycrossmelkite.org/donate)

What is ordinary and what is extraordinary?  If we were to summarize Jesus' life, most would say, He was a great teacher, He did many miracles, He died, and rose from the dead. We tend to think these things were ordinary for Jesus. We overlook that each of these elements of Jesus' life is exceptionally significant. If we assume we already heard this story, then that which is supposed to be extraordinary becomes ordinary and perhaps even boring...Support the show (https://www.holycrossmelkite.org/donate)

Rethinking Sunday School: The Problems & Practical Solutions. Monday, September 20, 2021. Presented by Father François Beyrouti, Ph.D./D.Th.“We, then, are the Church, the Body of Christ and we actualize it for the transformation of the world, transforming the world to become the Body of Christ.” Bishop Nicholas Samra, Stewards of the Mysteries, Page 23.Support the show (https://www.holycrossmelkite.org/donate)

There are several Gospel texts that speak about demons and unclean spirits. People are sometimes fascinated with this topic mainly because of how demons are portrayed in art, literature, and film. To make this topic interesting, the devil is often portrayed wearing a red suit, horns on his head, a long red tail, a pitchfork in his hand, and a silly grin on his face. Sometimes the devil and our guardian angel are portrayed fighting for our attention and for our soul. In some movies, evil spirits possess people, and all sorts of crazy things happen... Support the show (https://www.holycrossmelkite.org/donate)

October 17, 2021, homily by Father François Beyrouti, Ph.D./D.Th.Fourth Sunday after the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy and Life-Giving Cross.Fathers of the Seventh Ecumenical Council. Second Council of Nicea.Epistle: Titus 3:8-15. Epistle of the Fathers.Gospel: Luke 8:5-15. Parable of the Sower. Support the show (https://www.holycrossmelkite.org/donate)

When you are on a road trip with your family, there are two questions someone will ask: “Where are we?” and “How long will it take us to get where are going?”These are also important questions for all of us to ask every day as we focus on both our journey through life and our ultimate destination. It is interesting that although a GPS tells us how long it will take us to get to our destination, the first thing that it locates is where we are... Support the show (https://www.holycrossmelkite.org/donate)

Are you barbaric, civil, or Christian? You have probably heard the saying “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.”Hopefully, you have never said it or used it, as this verse is often used by someone who is angry and wants revenge. If we operate at this level, we are barbaric... Support the show (https://www.holycrossmelkite.org/donate)

Like all other teachers and leaders, Jesus died. But Jesus is not just another figure among the list of many others who are now long dead, because He, unlike anyone else, rose from the dead. Without the Resurrection, there would be no Christianity. That is why Saint Paul tells us: “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile, and you are still in your sins” (1 Corinthians 15:17). To fully understand the full relevance of Jesus' we need to keep together the connection between Jesus' birth, life, death, and resurrection. Support the show (https://www.holycrossmelkite.org/donate)

We can only understand some sayings if we know the context they refer to. For example, when someone doesn't have a solution for a problem they are in, they can say: “I'm up the creek with no paddle.” This specifically refers to river kayaking. If you have ever gone kayaking in a river you know that you need both a good kayak and a good paddle...Support the show (https://www.holycrossmelkite.org/donate)

Good morning, or as some people say “What's up?”There are different ways of saying “What's up?” and the meaning changes depending on how you say it. For example, “It's good to see you. How are you doing?” is “What's up?” But “What do you want?” is “What's up?” Support the show (https://www.holycrossmelkite.org/donate)

There are some passages in the Bible that are very easy to understand and do not need much explanation.For example, Saint Paul provides us with some clear and straightforward instructions. In his letter to the Colossians, he says: “Put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and foul talk from your mouth. [9] Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old nature with its practices” (3:8-9). Saint Paul does not tell us to do these things when we feel like it but instructs us to do them all the time. As hard as it may be to do these things, the Bible is clear we should never become angry, malicious, talk about other people, lie, or swear. Support the show (https://www.holycrossmelkite.org/donate)

Are you a Martha or a Mary?This is a frequently asked question in the spiritual life as Martha represents the life of actionand sometimes busyness while Mary represents the life of quiet listening.The spiritual life is never about one of these over the other but how well we balance the two. Support the show (https://www.holycrossmelkite.org/donate)

Let Us Be Attentive.July 18, 2021, homily by Father François Beyrouti, Ph.D./D.Th. Eighth Sunday After Pentecost. Sunday of the Fathers of the First Six Ecumenical Councils Epistle: Titus 3:8-15. Gospel: Matthew 5:14-19. Support the show (https://www.holycrossmelkite.org/donate)

We heard in today's epistle from Saint Paul's letter to the Corinthians: “The plowman should plow in hope and the thresher thresh in hope of a share in the crop.” (1 Corinthians 9:10)Before we try to understand what Saint Paul means we should get a clear image in our mind about how a plow and a thresher work...Support the show (https://www.holycrossmelkite.org/donate)

August 1, 2021, homily by Father François Beyrouti, Ph.D./D.Th. Tenth Sunday After Pentecost. Healing of the Epileptic Boy Epistle: 1 Corinthians 4:9-16. Gospel: Matthew 17:14-23. Support the show (https://www.holycrossmelkite.org/donate)

July 18, 2021, homily by Father François Beyrouti, Ph.D./D.Th. Eighth Sunday After Pentecost. Sunday of the Fathers of the First Six Ecumenical Councils Epistle: Titus 3:8-15. Gospel: Matthew 5:14-19. Support the show (https://www.holycrossmelkite.org/donate)

July 11, 2021, homily by Father François Beyrouti, Ph.D./D.Th. Seventh Sunday After Pentecost. Healing of the Two Blind Men. Epistle: 2 Corinthians 6:1-10. Gospel: Matthew 9:27-35. Support the show (https://www.holycrossmelkite.org/donate)

Sixth Sunday After Pentecost. Epistle: Romans 12:6-14 Gospel: Matthew 9:1-8. Support the show (https://www.holycrossmelkite.org/donate)

“Are you saved?” “Have you accepted Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior?” Someone may have asked you these important questions.Before you answer these questions or anyone other faith related question, make sure you clarify what the words in a question mean? Support the show (https://www.holycrossmelkite.org/donate)

Bishop Nicholas Samra's June 16, 2021, Pastoral Letter "Return to the Eucharist." Read by Father François Beyrouti. The Eucharist is our life-line, without it we cannot live. The Sunday Divine Liturgy is the community celebration of Christ in our midst, the event that unites us all together as the Body of Christ. Celebrating the Eucharist is not just a commandment of the Church, but an inner necessity.  Christ sustains us, and, without Him, our lives are empty. It is time to return to full parish life, with precautions, and to come back to church weekly to participate in the Lord's banquet and receive Him in Holy Communion, by which we become the Body of Christ....Support the show (https://www.holycrossmelkite.org/donate)