My Child

Source: Excerpt from Paradise of the Fathers

Jesus Loves His Child
Jesus Loves His Children

My Child,

With eternal love I have loved you, thus, I have protected you from many evil temptations that occupied you, and I had compassion upon you by My blessing and choice. I have granted you and given you wisdom, that guided you in intense situations, I took care of your matters, and granted you overwhelming happiness. I strengthened you when you were weak, and from many tribulations I have delivered you. I taught you, I have advised you, and still in front of Me, this is nothing. So do not thank Me for it, for My love demands that I do this for your sake.

You rejected me, swore at me, lied to me, thought evil against me, denied me in front of people, belittled Me in the eyes of My enemies. I was obedient in your sight, Yet you caused Me misery. You left My ways, you resisted Me, and made Me bare what I did not want from you. You made my sadness unutterable, and embarrassed Me in numerous situations. All this I will not count nor consider, for you did it out of ignorance and in unbelief.

I came down from My Kingdom taking the form of a servant, and became like man, and was found in Divinity. Like man, became hungry and could not find that which would fill me, when from Me came all the blessings. I was thirsty, and could not find the one to give Me drink, even though I created the seas. No place to lay My head, though I have created holes for foxes and the air for the birds.

I was saddened for you, and wept much for you, I suffered bitterly for your sake. And what did I get in the end? I was captured, and falsely accused, even though I committed no evil, and in My mouth no lie could be found.

They slapped Me, and with lashes torn at My body, and even My hair they grabbed with violence. They ripped My garment and mocked Me. They forced a crown of thorns on My head. They bowed to Me in mockery, they spit on My face and with a rod they hit Me on the head, till the thorns dug deep within my skull. AND ON THE WOOD OF SHAME THREW ME. They nailed My hands and My feet and lifted Me for all to see. And I was as a lamb who was slaughtered. Silent was I in front of all, and opened My mouth not as if I was cut out of the world and became like vapor. All My bones were separated. My heart became like a candle, melted among my emotions. They gave Me vinegar to drink, along with its bitter taste. They cursed Me, so I blessed them, and asked for their forgiveness and granted them mercy. All this I endured because I love you. Do you then question My love?

Jesus and Child

Come close and do not fear, give Me your heart and I will return it to you like new. Give Me your life, so that I may move you from darkness to the light and from death to life. I will make you a child of God and share My inheritance and My Kingdom with you. All this, so that your sadness may become joy, and give you hope, your worries into gains, and your fear into peace. I will put a new hymn in your mouth.

I will carry you, and in the days of hunger feed you. So do not worry or fear tonight, and you shall succeed in your path. You shall not be tormented in the process. And on your side thousands shall fall, and to your right dominions will tremble. FOR I AM WITH YOU. Therefore, I will deliver you, and carry you and bring you into My heart and I will put My left arm under your head, and My right arm will embrace you. I will guard you from him who hates good, and I will return his poison back to him and bring him under your feet. And thus, I shall conclude your life, with righteous days, blessed and joyful. And to My glory I will bring you. By My side you will find richness, and comfort and peace.

Do you still question My love?

Come now and do not reject my invitation this time, for I am waiting for you.

Your Love, Jesus.

The Martyrs of Nag Hammadi

On January 7, 2010, after Christmas Eve liturgy, eight Coptic Orthodox Christians were murdered as they exited the church in Nag Hammadi, Egypt.  Three gunmen opened fire on the parishioners as they were coming out of church; the youngest was only 17. In addition to the deaths of the eight, several others were injured and remain in critical condition. The following day brought more destruction. Numerous homes and businesses were set ablaze leaving many homeless or without a livelihood.

Sadly, this is ONLY the latest round of violence in Egypt against Christians including many incidents of looting, murder, and arson. As reported in the press, these acts, though continuous throughout history, have escalated in the recent years.

May God protect His church and His people.

Fr. Thomas Nashed’s Welcome Reception

St. George & St. Shenouda Coptic Orthodox Church of Jersey City, NJ

extends an invitation to everyone to share in celebrating

The Reception of

Fr. Thomas Nashed

Friday, December 25, 2009 at 7:00pm in Bethany Building (861 Bergen Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07306)