St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the spiritual meaning behind fasting and the importance of where we place our treasures—on Earth or in Heaven. Drawing from the Gospel of Matthew and teachings of St. John Chrysostom, he explains how the state of our “eye,” or inner vision, affects our perception of sin, temptation, and the world around us.

Fr. Matthias contrasts the “eye full of light,” which sees sin as destructive and desires God, with the “darkened eye,” which mistakes sin for pleasure and remains blind to personal weaknesses. He emphasizes the necessity of self-examination, repentance, and seeking the heavenly treasure to resist worldly lusts and find true hope in Christ.

This sermon highlights the connection between fasting, spiritual clarity, and drawing closer to God by illuminating the heart’s condition and the power of divine light over darkness.#ChristianSermon #SpiritualFasting #LightOfTheBody #FrMatthiasShehad #ChristianTeachings #HeavenlyTreasures #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the meaning of spiritual food through the Gospel account of the feeding of the five thousand. He explains how many pursue temporary, earthly needs rather than seeking the eternal nourishment that comes from God. Fr. Matthias emphasizes the importance of having a genuine hunger and desire for spiritual growth, comparing it to diligently pursuing other goals in life.

He discusses how spiritual food sustains the soul, unlike physical food which perishes, and highlights the role of the Eucharist as essential for true life. The sermon encourages cultivating a personal and private relationship with God through prayer, Scripture, and participation in the Church. Fr. Matthias also addresses the unlimited and hidden nature of spiritual food, urging believers to focus on eternal life rather than worldly pursuits. The message calls Christians to commit fully to their spiritual journey toward salvation and to regularly partake in the sacraments as the source of their spiritual nourishment.#SpiritualFood #Eucharist #FrMatthiasShehad #ChristianSermon #FaithJourney #SoulNourishment #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Fr. Matthias Shehad explores why some people remain blind to the glory of God by examining the story of the man born blind healed by Christ. He explains how sin, distraction, inconsistency, lack of forgiveness, and pride can prevent individuals from recognizing God's work in their lives. Fr. Matthias emphasizes the difference between physical sight and spiritual perception, highlighting how the healed man came to truly see God's glory while the Pharisees remained blind despite witnessing miracles.

Drawing on biblical teachings and the example of Mary and Martha, Fr. Matthias discusses balancing worldly responsibilities with spiritual priorities. He also stresses the importance of a consistent spiritual life and forgiveness in experiencing God's presence. Ultimately, Fr. Matthias calls believers to reflect on these reasons in their own lives to open their eyes and perceive God's love and salvation more deeply.#GloryOfGod #SpiritualSight #FaithAndForgiveness #ChristianSermon #SeeingGod #FrMatthiasShehad #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Fr. Matthias Shehad discusses the greatness of St. John the Baptist, focusing on his role as the forerunner of Christ and his humility in directing all attention to Jesus. He explores John’s austere lifestyle, his dedication to repentance, and his rejection of worldly status or miracles. Fr. Matthias highlights John’s fearless commitment to truth and justice, including his bold confrontation with King Herod despite personal risk.

The talk emphasizes the lessons believers can learn from St. John: living with integrity, serving without seeking personal gain, and identifying oneself through service to God. Fr. Matthias also reflects on how John’s example challenges modern attitudes toward influence and recognition. Through St. John’s life and ministry, listeners are encouraged to pursue faithfulness, courage, and sincere care for others while preparing the way for Christ.#StJohnTheBaptist #ChristianSermon #FaithAndCourage #ForerunnerOfChrist #ChristianLiving #SpiritualGrowth #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the significance of the Feast of Theophany, focusing on the manifestation of the Holy Trinity during the baptism of Jesus Christ. He reflects on St. John the Baptist’s testimony recognizing Jesus as the Son of God witnessed by many, including skeptics like the Pharisees. Fr. Matthias examines reasons why many failed to believe despite witnessing these miracles, highlighting spiritual blindness caused by attachment to worldly desires and distractions.

He explains how some people focus on trivial matters or defend personal versions of truth instead of embracing God's revelation. Fr. Matthias also discusses common misconceptions about God that prevent acceptance of Christ’s identity and mission, such as the rejection stemming from familiarity or misunderstanding of the Messiah’s suffering and purpose.

The sermon calls for humility, willingness to learn, and a readiness to leave behind sinful life patterns to truly follow Christ and understand the gospel’s transformative truth.#Theophany #SonOfGod #FrMatthiasShehad #BaptismOfJesus #ChristianSermon #FaithTestimony #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In this teaching, Fr. Matthias Shehad continues exploring the Ten Commandments, focusing on the Fourth Commandment about keeping the Sabbath day holy. He explains the transition from the Old Testament Sabbath on Saturday to the Christian Sabbath on Sunday, the day of the Lord’s Resurrection and salvation. Fr. Matthias clarifies the spiritual meaning of rest as time spent with God rather than physical inactivity. Using biblical examples like Mary and Martha, he highlights the balance between work and worship.

Fr. Matthias unpacks Old Testament practices surrounding the Sabbath, including the manna from heaven, and the severe consequences for breaking the Sabbath law. He discusses how Christ redefined the Sabbath by doing good works and healing on this day, emphasizing that the Sabbath is meant for doing good. The talk also addresses the difference between the Jewish and Christian understanding of the Sabbath and the spiritual rest found in salvation through Jesus Christ.#TenCommandments #SabbathRest #ChristianSabbath #SpiritualRest #FrMatthiasShehad #BiblicalTeaching #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In this continuation of his series on the Ten Commandments, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the second and third commandments. Fr. Matthias explains the prohibition against making carved images or idols for worship, clarifying the distinction between veneration of icons and idolatry. He discusses biblical examples like the bronze serpent and the cherubim, illustrating how God commanded symbolic representations without endorsing idol worship.

Fr. Matthias also addresses how ancient polytheistic beliefs differed by attributing gods to physical objects and natural phenomena. He emphasizes the uniqueness and invisibility of God, who is above creation and cannot be limited by physical forms. The third commandment is examined in relation to respecting and honoring God’s name, highlighting its power in prayer, sacraments, and protection.

Practical applications for modern believers are included, especially concerning the influence of parental faith on children and the dangers of limiting God through misplaced trust or disobedience.#TenCommandments #ChristianTeaching #Idolatry #HonorGodsName #FaithAndWorship #FrMatthiasShehad #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the meaning and significance of the Ten Commandments as a covenant between God and His people. He explains how the Commandments were given on Mount Horeb with great awe and emphasizes their role in guiding our relationship with God and with others. Fr. Matthias breaks down the first four Commandments that focus on loving God fully, including the call to worship no other gods and avoid idolatry, and the remaining six that direct how we relate to our neighbors.

He discusses the historical context, the seriousness of covenantal obedience, and how love for God and neighbor summarizes the entire law. Fr. Matthias also addresses common misunderstandings about idol worship and how modern idols can take many forms. Drawing from Scripture and tradition, he links the Commandments to God’s redemptive acts and our natural moral awareness. This is the first part of a series unpacking the Ten Commandments in depth.#TenCommandments #ChristianTeaching #FrMatthiasShehad #BiblicalCovenant #LoveGodLoveNeighbor #ChristianFaith #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Fr. Matthias Shehad reflects on the message in Ephesians 4, where Saint Paul calls believers to renew their minds by shedding their former ways and embracing a new life in Christ. He explains the contrast between the futile mindset of the Gentiles and the transformative calling for Christians to discard sinful habits and put on righteousness and holiness. Fr. Matthias emphasizes the importance of self-reflection, recognizing patterns that lead to spiritual darkness, and seeking renewal through confession, the Eucharist, and faith. He encourages viewers to approach each year as an opportunity to prioritize spiritual growth, put off former conduct, and live according to God’s calling. This sermon invites all to consider how to walk forward in renewed faith and holiness.#RenewYourMind #ChristianGrowth #Ephesians4 #FaithInChrist #SpiritualRenewal #HolinessJourney #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the characteristics of heavenly wisdom by reflecting on the story of the three wise men who journeyed to worship the newborn Lord Jesus Christ. He contrasts this wisdom with earthly wisdom described by St. James in the Bible, highlighting how heavenly wisdom is marked by purity, peace, gentleness, willingness to yield, mercy, good fruits, impartiality, and sincerity.

Fr. Matthias explains how true wisdom involves self-sacrifice, faith, and prioritizing spiritual values over worldly gain. Drawing on scriptural references from James and Isaiah, he emphasizes the importance of opening one’s life to the Holy Spirit, maintaining peace with others, showing mercy, and living without hypocrisy.

This sermon invites listeners to consider how they can embrace heavenly wisdom in their daily lives and align their actions with the example of the wise men who surrendered all to honor Christ at His birth.#HeavenlyWisdom #ChristianSermon #FaithAndWisdom #HolySpiritGuidance #WiseMenJourney #ChristianLiving #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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