Bliskost među ljudima ne meri se samo krvnim vezama, već i duhovnim srodstvom koje se ostvaruje kroz Hrista i zajedništvo u Crkvi. Na ovu istinu nas je podsećao veliki ruski duhovnik i tumač unutrašnjeg života hrišćanina Sveti Teofan Zatvornik .
- Na zemlji je duhovno srodstvo nešto sasvim drugo od prirodnog, i ukoliko poslednje nije u saglasju sa prvim, ono se hladi i sasvim iščezava. Krvni srodnici postaju strani jedan drugome. Na to nas je uputio Gospod kada je rekao “Ko je brat Moj i mati Moja?” i odgovorio “Onaj koji tvori volju Oca Mojega.” Ako je na zemlji tako, na nebu će se to ispoljiti krajnjom silinom, posebno nakon Poslednjeg Suda - govorio je Sveti Teofan.
Sveti Teofan jasno pokazuje da se ljudska bliskost ne može meriti samo telesnim vezama krvi i roda. Porodica je, naravno, sveta i važna u hrišćanskom životu, ali prava bliskost se zasniva na zajedničkom hodu ka spasenju. Kada se u porodici ne gradi život u Hristu, prirodna veza slabi i postaje prazna, dok ona koja je osveštana verom i vršenjem volje Božje postaje neraskidiva.
Ovo učenje oslanja se na reči samog Gospoda, koji je ukazao da je istinsko bratstvo ono koje se gradi kroz poslušnost Bogu. U tom smislu, Crkva je mesto gde se svi verni rađaju duhovno i postaju deo jedne porodice – porodice Božje.
Sveti Teofan podseća da će se ova istina u potpunosti otkriti na nebu, naročito nakon Poslednjeg Suda, kada će biti jasno da samo oni koji su tvorili volju Očevu ostaju u večnom zajedništvu. To je poziv svim hrišćanima da već ovde na zemlji teže duhovnom srodstvu, jer ono vodi u Carstvo nebesko .
Čitanje Jevanđelja za utorak 2. sedmice po Duhovima
Jevanđelje
Poslanica Svetog apostola Pavla Rimljanima, začalo 86 (4,4-12)
4. A onome koji radi, ne računa se plata po milosti nego po dugu; 5. Onome pak koji ne radi, a veruje u Onoga koji opravdava grešnika, računa se vera njegova u pravednost. 6. Kao što i David govori da je blažen onaj čovjek kome Bog uračunava pravednost bez dela: 7. blaženi su oni kojima se oprostiše bezakonja i kojima se pokriše gresi. 8. Blažen je čovjek kome Gospod ne uračuna greh. 9. Ovo blaženstvo, dakle, da li se odnosi na obrezanje ili i na neobrezanje? Jer govorimo da se Avraamu uračuna vera u pravednost.
10. Kako mu se, dakle, uračuna? Kad je bio u obrezanju ili neobrezanju? Ne u obrezanju, nego u neobrezanju. 11. I primi znak obrezanja, pečat pravednosti vere koju imaše u neobrezanju, da bi on bio otac sviju koji veruju u neobrezanju, da se i njima uračuna u pravednost; 12. i da bi bio otac obrezanja ne samo onima koji su od obrezanja, nego i onima koji hode po stopama vere oca našega Avraama koju imaše u neobrezanju.
Jevanđelje po Mateju, začalo 22 (7,15-21)
15. Čuvajte se lažnih proroka, koji vam dolaze u odelu ovčijem, a iznutra su vuci grabljivi. 16. Po plodovima njihovim poznaćete ih. Eda li se bere sa trnja grožđe, ili sa čička smokve? 17. Tako svako dobro drvo plodove dobre rađa, a zlo drvo plodove zle rađa. 18. Ne može drvo dobro plodove zle rađati, ni drvo zlo, plodove dobre rađati. 19. Svako drvo koje ne rađa dobra ploda seče se i u oganj baca. 20. I tako, dakle, po plodovima njihovim poznaćete ih.21. Neće svaki koji mi govori: „Gospode, Gospode”, ući u Carstvo nebesko; no koji tvori volju Oca mojega koji je na nebesima.
Read the full article at Republika →6 reports
RepublikaParty-alignedCenterFactual 50Objective 3512 days agoThe article presents a religious reflection attributed to Saint Theophan, a 19th-century Orthodox spiritual figure, drawing on words from the Gospel. It argues that without obedience to God there can be no eternal closeness, even among the closest blood relatives.
Bias read (Center): The piece is a devotional religious reflection with no political framing, partisan language, or stance on any left-right issue.
RepublikaParty-alignedCenter2 days ago If you know this, you know everything: St. Nicholas reveals the greatest secret of human lifeThe article discusses a sermon by Bishop Nikolaj Velimirović, focusing on the importance of preserving the heart as the center of human existence and spiritual life. The sermon references biblical texts, particularly from the Book of Ecclesiastes and the Gospel of Matthew, emphasizing that the heart is where love, will, and intellect reside, and that it is essential to keep the heart close to God to ensure a meaningful and righteous life.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a religious sermon with theological reflections and does not take a political stance or engage in partisan commentary. It focuses on spiritual teachings without any evident ideological framing or bias.
KurirParty-alignedCenter5 days agoThe article discusses a religious sermon by a patriarch, focusing on the need to overcome righteous anger toward those who act with ill intent and to pray even for them. It critiques the polarization in Serbian society, where one side believes it is entirely correct while the other sees itself as entirely wrong. The text also touches on the rights of atheists and agnostics under the constitution, noting their freedom of personal belief but criticizing public displays of religiosity and the commercialization of religion.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses on religious discourse and societal attitudes rather than directly addressing political issues. It presents a critique of social polarization without taking an overtly partisan stance. The content leans more towards commentary on cultural and religious practices rather than align
RepublikaParty-alignedCenter8 days ago RELATED: The Church teaches that it is not a miracleThe article explains the Christian significance of wearing a cross around the neck, emphasizing it as a symbol of Christ's victory over death and a reminder of His sacrifice. It references biblical passages such as Apostle Paul's writings and Jesus' teachings, highlighting the cross as a sign of faith and belonging to the Church rather than an amulet or talisman.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a religious explanation of the symbolism of the cross without taking a political stance or showing bias toward any particular group or ideology. The content is focused on theological interpretation and does not engage with contemporary political issues.
Večernje novostiParty-alignedCenter10 days agoThe article discusses the commemoration of Saint Theodora of Tarsus, a Christian martyr who stood up for her faith during the persecution under Emperor Maximian. It describes how she encouraged fellow Christians before being sentenced to death by having a heavy stone tied around her neck and thrown into the sea. According to tradition, she was miraculously saved by divine intervention and returned to the shore, where she continued to affirm her faith.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a historical account of a religious figure without taking a political stance or showing bias toward any ideological group. It focuses on religious tradition and does not involve contemporary political issues or controversial viewpoints.
BlicIndependentCenter14 days agoA Serbian man named Brano Ivanović from Sombor waited six hours in a queue to venerate the Girdle of the Holy Mother of God. He became unwell at the temple entrance, after which, according to the article, a miraculous event occurred.
Bias read (Center): The article uses sensationalized framing with dramatic language ("Neverovatna ispovest" / "incredible confession," "čudo" / "miracle") and quotes designed to provoke emotional engagement, typical of tabloid-style reporting, though the subject matter itself is culturally neutral.
Serbia