Dear brethren,

Under the title “small things make a difference”, the Rev. Fr. Youhanna Nasief wrote:

“There are little things in our lives that if we care for, will be a cause of blessings in our life, and if we neglect would be a huge loss too!

“On the negative side … there are sins that seem small but actually are deadly. They will be like small foxes that spoil the fruitful vineyards, and like a little whole in a boat will drown it, and as a drop of ink in a glass of water makes it undrinkable. These sins may be things we barely consider; like: a look greed, or hostility in the heart, or some of thoughts of transcendence, or neglect to provide the tithe to God … and often we lose the blessings in our life because of sins we think are small.

“On the positive side there is a simple things, when we add to our lives and care about them will makes a big difference … for example:

• The commitment to stand for prayer in the morning before leaving home, will make a huge difference in the day … as Augustine says: “he who prays well will spend a good day”.
• Fifteen minutes at least every day reading the bible, for reading and contemplation to listen to the voice of God and discover His love … will make a huge difference in our lives on the short and long terms.
• Listening to a sermon every day, or even a simple contemplation, will make a difference.
• Reading one “word of benefit” every day, will build our life day by day.
• Being careful in selection of words in speech and responses … to provide a word of love … a word of appreciation and respect … a word of encouragement … a word of peace … a word of welcome and smile … make a tangible difference …
• Small useful work … or simple effort in the church … or hidden service to someone in need … or a short visit to a patient … these things make a difference … develop in the person a spirit of giving, and move the love of God in the heart, and spread a spirit of love amid the church.

“The words of Christ are encouraging; that if we just offer a cup of cold water will not lose our reward, so let’s always have faith that love makes a difference no matter how small.”

For the church news, we would like to remind you that our annual banquet celebrating the feast of St. Mercurius will be on Sunday, November 13. Its income will be dedicated for the Coptic Youth Center.

We would like to also remind you that the feast of the martyrdom of St. Mercurius the intercessor of our church will be on Sunday, December 4^th. On this occasion, we will be blessed by the annual visit of HG Bishop Karas during vesper prayer on Saturday, December 3 at 7:30 pm where he will anoint the relics of St. Mercurius, and also during the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, December 4 at 8:30 am.

May the blessing of St. Mary & St. Mercurius, all the martyrs and saints be with us all.

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