preface by his grace
bishop moussa
Monday, September 18, 2006
Undoubtedly
the second canonical books Tobit, Judith, Baruch,
Wisdom, Jesus son of Sirach, First and second Maccabees and the Completions of the books of Esther and
Daniel are important books with historical significance, spiritual teachings
and beneficial proverbs.
The
traditional churches, including our Coptic Orthodox Church, used it and still
do that we may be filled from meditating in them and benefiting from their
content.
The
book of Tobit tells us about marital chastity and
purity. The book of Judith tells us about sacrifice on behalf of the whole
people. The books of Wisdom and Jesus son of Sirach
give us important teachings, principles and proverbs. Baruch tells us about
Jeremiah the prophet and his role in warning the people from sin. The books of Maccabees tells us of the
purification of the Israelites from paganisms in preparation for the
incarnation and birth of Christ. The completions of Esther and Daniel provide
us with touching stories and important lessons such as the story of Baal and
the dragon and the story of Susannah.
Thus
it is wonderful that the beloved brother Ehab
Raeef Wahib has
introduced these books with their spiritual teachings to the Coptic youth of
Australia and the Diaspora. He publishes his studies in both Arabic and English
to make them accessible to everyone. He also turns them to nice competitions to
encourage people to study them.
Between
the beloved reader’s hands is the story of Judith who took of the clothes of
her widowhood and went to the residence of the Tyrant who subdued the people of
God. She subjected herself to the danger of death to save the people from him.
It
is a beautiful touching story with an introduction to the book, written in a
simple style to suit the regular reader to enjoy the blessing of this courageous
faithful heroine.
Looking forward to more of
these studies. May the Lord bless the beloved deacon Ehab
and every reader of these pages, through the intercessions of our Mother Saint
Mary and the prayers of our beloved Shepherd, the initiator of the contemporary
revival in the church His Holiness Pope Shenouda III.His Grace Anba Moussa
May
God’s grace surround us all.
His Grace Anba Moussa
