Pope Tawadros II Discusses ‘Law of Discipleship’ in Weekly Address

Pope Tawadros II delivered his weekly sermon during the Wednesday meeting at the Church of the Virgin Mary in El-Maamoura, Alexandria. The sermon was broadcast across various Christian television channels and on the C.O.C channel, part of the church’s media center, via the internet.

During the evening prayers, His Holiness was joined by Bishop Pavli, General Bishop of the Montazah Churches, Bishop Hermina, General Bishop of East Alexandria, and several priests from the Alexandria clergy along with a congregation that filled the church.

Following the prayers, church officials welcomed Pope Tawadros’s visit. The church’s children’s choir performed a series of hymns and songs. His Holiness signed a document commemorating the visit, which coincides with the church’s golden jubilee celebration. Bishop Pavli also delivered a welcoming address, reflecting on the church’s founding story and its role in community service since the 1960s.

Pope Tawadros expressed his gratitude for being in El-Maamoura and thanked local officials and police for their efforts in ensuring security and organizing his visit. He also appreciated Bishop Pavli and all clergy members for their support.

In his sermon, part of a series titled “Spiritual Laws for Life,” Pope Tawadros focused on the “Law of Discipleship,” reflecting on Luke 9:23: “And He said to them all: If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” He emphasized that this verse guides everyone on how to become a disciple of Christ through:.

• “He said to them all”: The invitation is open to everyone.
• “If anyone desires”: This law is voluntary; discipleship is a choice.

The Pope outlined three steps to discipleship:.

1. “Let him deny himself”:
   This marks the beginning of the journey. One must choose between self-centeredness or surrendering one’s will to God. True contentment comes from yielding one’s life to divine guidance. St. Macarius once said: “He who does not die to his own will cannot live for God.”
2. “And take up his cross daily”:
   Faithfulness on this path involves accepting God’s will consistently. This requires being hopeful and determined through life’s challenges. As stated in Nehemiah 2:20: “The God of heaven will give us success; therefore we His servants will arise and build.” Every cross carries a promise of resurrection.
3. “And follow Me”:
   The sweetness of this journey lies in obeying God’s commandments and following the guidance of the Holy Spirit daily. Discipleship is not just enthusiasm but an ongoing relationship with Christ.

Pope Tawadros encouraged parents to instill in their children a mindset reflective of Christ by engaging them in daily prayer and scripture reading. He concluded by emphasizing that one needs to live out their discipleship by continually praying and reading the Bible to become more like Christ. He quoted Psalm 37:4: “Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.”.