SEPT 10: DIVINE LITURGY – 9:00 AM (LIVE-STREAMED ON FACEBOOK); ECF – 10:15 AM; DIVINE LITURGY – 11:00 AM.
PROPERS: 09-10-23_Sunday_DL
Streaming via Facebook Live. https://www.facebook.com/saintscyrilandmethodius/
Parishes live-streaming in the Diocese can be found here: https://www.eparchyofpassaic.com/directory
GOD WITH US CATECHETICAL RESOURCES – THE SUNDAY BEFORE THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS (from 9/11/22): https://godwithusonline.org/reflections/the-sunday-before-the-exaltation-of-the-holy-cross-ruthenian/
Today’s Sunday is also know as the Sunday before the Exaltation and it provides an opportunity for the faithful Christians to honor the precious and life-giving Cross and to become immersed in the mystery of our Lord’s sacrificial crucifixion.
In today’s Gospel, John 3: 13-17, our Lord’s words: “Therefore who ever believes in Him will not be lost, but will have eternal life” (John 3,16). He emphasizes this point to show us that in order for us to be saved, His mercy and love are not enough, as we also need our faith in Him. Our faith is the one thing we have control over and is a prerequisite for our salvation. John also foretells us about Jesus’ Crucifixion. He tells us that the same way that Moses raised the snake in the desert, He too must be raised and sacrificed in order for all of those who believe in Him to obtain eternal life. Christ in this gospel reading uses this example from the Old Testament, in order to help his disciples understand the events that will follow, His passion and ultimately his Crucifixion.