Fr. Abraam Sleman's Blog

  Isaiah’s prophecy of a future where nations turn to Yahweh for peace (Isaiah 2:4) resonates with today’s world, especially with the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and Ukraine. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene stated, “The U.S. is funding the Ukraine Government at $1 billion/month… and funding most of the war by providing weapons, ammo, and equipment.” Instead of fueling war, the U.S. should focus on negotiating peace. Isaiah’s vision of turning swords into plowshares reminds us that leaders, established by God (Rom 13:1), have a responsibility to promote peace, not prolong violence through military aid. True peace comes not from more weapons but from pursuing justice and reconciliation through diplomacy. Fr. Abraam Sleman #EndWarFunding #Isaiah24 #PeaceNotWar #DiplomacyFirst #JusticeOfYahweh #NoMoreWar #LeadForPeace #UkraineCrisis

  The Bible contains various principles and examples that can be interpreted in discussions about the security of national borders. The following verses address themes of national defense, the role of authorities, and the treatment of foreigners. Here are some relevant passages: 1. Nehemiah 4:6-9: Nehemiah’s efforts to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem for protection reflect the importance of securing a community for safety: “So we rebuilt the wall, and all the wall was joined together to half its height, for the people had a mind to work. But when Sanballat and Tobiah and the Arabs and the Ammonites and the Ashdodites heard that the repairing of the walls of Jerusalem was going forward and that the breaches were beginning to be closed, they were very angry. And they all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and to cause confusion in it. And we prayed to our God and set a guard as a protection against them day and night.” 2. Romans 13:1-4: This passage emphasizes th...

  The reasoning behind the belief that transgender identities are not biblical generally stems from several key scriptural texts and theological principles. Here are some common verses cited to prove this view: 1. Creation Order: Genesis 1:27 where states, "So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." This verse means that God created humans with distinct and unchangeable genders. 2. Gender Roles: Deuteronomy 22:5, which says, "A woman shall not wear a man's garment, nor shall a man put on a woman's cloak, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the LORD [Yahweh] your God," are evidence that the Bible prescribes specific roles and distinctions between genders. 3. Body as Temple: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, which speaks about the body being a temple of the Holy Spirit, means that altering one's body in a way that changes one's gender is inconsistent with honoring God with one...

  The reasoning behind the belief that transgender identities are not biblical generally stems from several key scriptural texts and theological principles. Here are some common verses cited to prove this view: 1. Creation Order: Genesis 1:27 where states, "So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." This verse means that God created humans with distinct and unchangeable genders. 2. Gender Roles: Deuteronomy 22:5, which says, "A woman shall not wear a man's garment, nor shall a man put on a woman's cloak, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the LORD [Yahweh] your God," are evidence that the Bible prescribes specific roles and distinctions between genders. 3. Body as Temple: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, which speaks about the body being a temple of the Holy Spirit, means that altering one's body in a way that changes one's gender is inconsistent with honoring God with one...

  Discipleship is a profound journey that goes beyond belief; it is a call to total devotion, sacrifice, and obedience to Christ. It demands that we, like the first disciples, leave behind our ambitions and follow Christ wholeheartedly. This path of discipleship reorients our entire life toward Christ and His teachings. It is a lifelong commitment, renewed daily, as we live in union with Him through worship, prayer, and the Eucharist. In the Divine Liturgy, we are reminded that discipleship is not a singular decision but a continual act of faith, where we offer our lives to Christ as He offers Himself to us. As we partake in His Body and Blood, we are invited to follow His example of self-giving love, empowered by the Holy Spirit to carry our cross daily and live as His true disciples. What Does It Mean to Be a Disciple of Christ? Discipleship is not simply a matter of belief but a call to total commitment, sacrifice, and obedience. In the same way that Simon Peter, Andrew, J...

In the Gospel of Luke (Luke 10:21-28), we see a beautiful moment where Jesus rejoices in the Holy Spirit, praising the Father for His ways and revealing His nature. This joy flows into a teaching that encapsulates the very heart of the faith: the command to love God and neighbor. Let us explore how these two aspects—God’s self-revelation and His commandment of love—are deeply intertwined in our lives. Jesus’ Joy in Revealing the Father (Luke 10:21-24): “At that very time, He rejoiced greatly in the Holy Spirit and said, ‘I praise You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants. Yes, Father, for this way was well-pleasing in Your sight.’” (Luke 10:21, LSB) Here, we witness a glimpse of the inner life of Jesus. He rejoices in the Father, the Lord of heaven and earth, for revealing His truths not to the wise and learned but to “infants”—those who approach God with a simple, humble heart. This ...

The Gospels do not mention Christ laughing, a detail that theologians and scholars have noted throughout history. While the Scriptures do not explicitly state whether Jesus laughed, His life and mission provide insight into why laughter may not have been a focus in the Gospel narratives. 1- One reason often suggested is the seriousness of His mission: Jesus came to redeem humanity through His suffering, death, and resurrection. His focus on repentance, the kingdom of God, and people’s spiritual and physical needs highlights the gravity of His calling. Isaiah 53:3 refers to the Messiah as “a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief,” underscoring His deep empathy and the seriousness of His purpose. 2- Another reason is Christ’s compassion for human suffering: His concern for the sick, poor, and sinful often brought Him into close contact with human pain. His empathy is seen through His acts of healing and comforting, with tears being more fitting than laughter, as when He wept over ...

In the Holy Scriptures, “laughing” can carry various meanings depending on the context in which it is used. Below are some key themes associated with laughter in the Bible:   1- Laughter as a sign of joy: In many cases, laughter signifies genuine happiness, often in response to the blessings of God or divine intervention. For example, in Genesis 21:6, when Sarah gives birth to Isaac in her old age, she says, “God has made laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh with me.” This laughter reflects the joy and surprise at God’s miraculous work.   2- Laughter as a sign of scorn or ridicule: Laughter in the Bible can also indicate mockery, especially when people or even God are responding to human folly or arrogance. An example of this can be seen in Psalm 2:4, which says, “He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision,” referring to how God laughs at the futile efforts of those who oppose Him.   3- Laughter of disbelief: Laughter can also conve...

I am deeply concerned about the direction in which our nation is heading. The tragedies of the past, like 9/11 and recent challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, should have been wake-up calls for us to turn back to God. Yet, we continue down a path that ignores His call for righteousness. The current moral debates around issues like abortion and the redefinition of gender are not just political issues; they are spiritual battles. Our country is in desperate need of repentance and a return to God’s principles. This is not just about winning elections; it’s about the state of our hearts as a nation. As Proverbs 14:34 says, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” If we want to see our nation lifted up, we must start by turning away from sin and aligning our lives with God’s standards. The upcoming presidential election in 2024 is critical. It will shape the moral and spiritual fabric of our society for years to come. However, real change does not star...

  Vice President Kamala Harris has recently spoken of her belief in “the ambition, the aspirations, the dreams of the American people.” While her message can be inspiring, it reveals a critical omission: God. By focusing solely on human ambition, her agenda promotes goals that often conflict with biblical teachings. The pursuit of success is not inherently wrong, but ambition disconnected from God risks becoming self-centered. For example, Harris’s support of abortion rights directly contradicts the biblical commandment to honor the sanctity of life. In Psalm 139:13-16, God intricately forms life in the womb, bestowing value upon it from conception. Policies that support terminating unborn lives disregard this divine significance and place human desires above God’s will. Mrs. Harris’s stance on gender ideology further promotes an ambition that contradicts God’s design. Genesis 1:27 states that God created humans “male and female.” Advocacy for self-identification over God’s cre...

Dear Vice President Harris, I write to you as a Christian, deeply concerned with some of the recent policies and perspectives promoted on issues such as abortion and gender identity. While I acknowledge the complex nature of these topics and the pain many people face in their personal struggles, I must express my conviction based on the truths found in the Holy Scriptures. The sanctity of life is a foundational principle within the Christian faith. From the very beginning, God made it clear that human life is precious and sacred. As it is written, “For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb” (Psalm 139:13, LSB). Life, in all its stages, is a gift from God, and we are called to protect and cherish it. It is important to understand that a woman does not have the freedom to do whatever she wants with her body. While society often emphasizes personal autonomy, Scripture teaches that our bodies ultimately belong to the Creator. As the Apostle Paul writes, “Do you not kn...

The emotional nature of Yahweh, the Creator and Sustainer of all life, is often overlooked or misunderstood. Yet, Scripture presents a God who deeply feels both joy and sorrow in response to the actions, faith, and rebellion of His people. This reflection explores key biblical moments when God rejoices and grieves, revealing His profound love and relational character. God Rejoices in Righteousness and Obedience One of the most beautiful images of Yahweh’s joy is found in (Zephaniah 3:17), which says, “Yahweh your God is in your midst, A victorious warrior. He will exult over you with joy, He will be quiet in His love, He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy” (LSB). This verse captures the heart of God rejoicing over His people when they live in faithfulness to His commands. Throughout the Bible, Yahweh expresses His pleasure when His people walk in righteousness. The book of Deuteronomy is filled with blessings associated with obedience, and (Deuteronomy 30:9), says, “Then Yahweh y...