Monday in the Octave of Easter Lk 24 13-35

Posted on 5. April 2026 by Peter Prochac

 They suddenly see that everything is different. They realize that Jesus was not defeated but conquered; that although he was dead, he is alive again; and that everything he said has impacted their lives. This is an amazing thing; this is true joy. But why is there this fear? They have touched on something that transcends us humans: something inexplicable, mysterious, and amazing. The moment they turn away, they encounter Jesus. It’s no longer about the empty tomb; it’s about a personal encounter with Christ. That is enough to make them joyful.
Jesus didn’t require an original quote for his tombstone, as the empty tomb itself conveys the message. The tomb is not the end but a transition. Its emptiness brings us joy and hope. This is the joy of Easter Sunday and the entire Easter season. In fact, we can say that Jesus did not need to roll away the stone because he is not dependent on matter. We needed the stone to be rolled away to know that he had risen. When he appeared to the apostles, he was not a ghost—it was really him.
Jesus didn’t need to create a unique quote for the tombstone; the empty tomb itself conveys the message. This fact—the tomb—is not the end but a transition. It remained empty, and this is a joy and a promise for us. This is the joy of Sunday and the whole of Easter. We can even say that Jesus did not need to roll away the stone; he is not dependent on matter. We needed to know that he had risen, and when he appeared to the apostles, he was not a ghost but really him.

Some wanted to keep Jesus’ resurrection a secret, but it could not be kept secret. Just as life in the form of a fragile dandelion breaks through asphalt, the truth will eventually manifest itself despite lies and fabrications. It occurs to me that what the leaders and soldiers invented was fake news of that time—a lie deliberately broadcast to the world. In many places, it took root, and people had no press, telephone, TV, internet, Facebook, Twitter, etc. Under these technical circumstances, it is easier and more dangerous to stumble upon something today. Remember that when someone questions our faith, our relationship with God, the Church, and the resurrection of Christ, they are questioning the most essential thing. St. Paul adds:

‘If Christ has been preached as having been raised, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? If there is no resurrection, then Christ has not been raised. If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is false, and our faith is false. We would be found to be false witnesses of God. We testified that God raised Christ, but if there is no resurrection of the dead, then God did not raise him. For if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised either. If Christ has not been raised, then your faith is futile, you are still in your sins, and those who have fallen asleep in Christ are perishing. If we have hope in Christ only in this life, we are the most pitiable of all men. But Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep’ (1 Cor. 15:11). 12–20). 

If resurrection were not possible, then Jesus would not have risen. If he had died as an ordinary man, his death would have had no consequences for us. We would remain in sin, and there would be no hope. But Christ was resurrected in solidarity with others. Our sins were redeemed, and we have a chance. When we belong to Christ, we belong not to death and sin but to life. Whether in politics or in ordinary life—and even more so in matters of faith—let us not be complacent. Let us not fall for fake news. Let us search, think, and open ourselves to the truth. So many martyrs of the faith witness that truth: Jesus lives—with us and for us.g

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Easter Sunday, John 20:1-18

Posted on 3. April 2026 by Peter Prochac

In Christian churches, we sing joyful Alleluia again and feel elevated because Easter is here, bringing with it the event of the empty tomb of Jesus, who is alive and has set the whole world in motion before us.

We also find testimony to this event in today’s Gospel. Jesus has risen from the dead! The unprecedented event sparked considerable debate, and we can observe with the passage of time how the Jews, members of the chosen nation, reacted when they heard this news.

Some waved their hands and said: They have taken away his body, and now they are spreading the news that he has risen. He who is dead is dead, and that is all! However, some said, “Perhaps he was only half-dead, and when he got to the cold tomb, he woke up from the cold, and his disciples are now hiding him.” Others just shrugged their shoulders, because this event did not excite them in the least, and commented on it: If they took away his body, let them find it, show it, and the matter is settled. If he escaped from the tomb, then he is hiding somewhere and is recovering from his serious wounds. It will not be a problem to find him at all, because a seriously wounded man will not be able to run away, and he will be finished. But time passed, and neither Herod nor Pilate showed Jesus’ body; the soldiers did not find a place where he could recover from his serious wounds, and they did not find Jesus’ disciples hiding either. That was how it was in the beginning.

But everything changed on the day of Pentecost, when something was felt in the air, people were tense, and the time had come to resolve the incident with Jesus of Nazareth once and for all. Then something extraordinary happened. At a certain place in Jerusalem, there was a huge crowd of people surrounding a group of Jesus’ disciples, from which a strong, distinct voice rang out: “We are witnesses of all that Jesus did in the land of Judea and in Jerusalem.” But they hanged him on a tree and killed him. God raised him on the third day and granted him to be revealed – not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen in advance by God, to us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that it is he whom God has ordained to be judge of the living and the dead. To him, all the prophets testify that through his name, everyone who believes in him will receive forgiveness for sins. Although they were from different nations, everyone understood this message. Here and there, some slipped away from the crowd and claimed that the apostles were drunk. However, those who continued to listen to Peter believed his words and were baptized.

Under such circumstances, the news of the empty tomb began to spread, dividing people into two groups: those who shrugged their shoulders and did not care, and those who continued to listen, which culminated in their baptism. And what about us? Do we want to stay? After all, how many temptations are around us! Will we be able to endure? Aren’t we tired of listening to what God says and does for his people? We too can leave, shrug our shoulders, but we will not do it, and the fact that we have come here today testifies that we take the news of the empty tomb of Jesus seriously, which, at the same time, we declare in our baptism.

The apostles met Jesus on a new level of life. These were great and profound encounters for them. Therefore, immediately after the Holy Spirit was sent, they began to talk about this great experience: “We are witnesses of everything that Jesus did…” Nothing could stop them. Neither prison, nor whipping, nor death. And although they had no temples, no religious orders, nor a press, they nevertheless turned the world of that time upside down.

Don’t we feel that we lack the fervor and enthusiasm of these witnesses? Nothing should threaten or stop our enthusiasm, which must persist as it did with Sister Vincentia. She was Chinese, a young and intelligent woman who joined the order during the nuns’ missionary work in China. However, the establishment of the Red government in China forced the missionaries to flee. The Americans solved the problem of transporting them to the USA. However, since Vincentia was Chinese, she had to stay at home and literally disappear. For many years, no one had any news of her. She wrote to her superior only in 1986, when the post office between the USA and China opened. She wrote: I have not seen a priest for over 30 years, I have not been to Holy Mass, and I have not received any sacrament.” The only thing that kept me going was what I learned from you. I secretly read the Holy Scriptures; I often renewed my holy vows, and later I managed to find three other nuns who had suffered the same fate, and together we recalled all the religious customs. And now, when I met a priest for the first time in a long time, I renewed my holy vows before the Church.

We ask what gave this religious sister strength?” It was love for Jesus! He was alive, glorified for her, and she accepted him. No agitator or threat could stop her enthusiasm. She lived with Christ. She was aware of the Apostle Paul’s prophetic words: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: For your sake we are killed all day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” But in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. And I am convinced that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other creature, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Jesus sacrificed himself for our sins, and the heavenly Father accepted this sacrifice by raising him from the dead and by his ascension into heaven, showing that he truly accepts what was offered to him and, in Christ, accepts us as well.

The Easter ceremonies began with the blessing of the fire and the candle. The priest lit it, walked through the church, and sang: Christ, light of the world! The faithful then, with the help of assistance, lit their own candles from the Easter candle, thus expressing that the light of Jesus must spread throughout the world and to every place through the brave lives of the faithful, through their responsible work and noble behavior.

Let us also become spreaders of this light, not only during Easter, but throughout our entire lives!

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Explain and describe the rites of Holy Saturday

Posted on 3. April 2026 by Peter Prochac

Holy Saturday, the day between Good Friday and Easter Sunday, is a special moment in the Christian liturgical year, especially within the Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and some Anglican and Protestant traditions. The tone and specific rites differ by tradition, but the common thread is quiet reflection on Christ’s passion, death, and the anticipation of the Resurrection. Here is an overview of how Holy Saturday is observed in major Christian traditions and the key rites or practices associated with it.

Roman Catholic Church (Latin Rite)

General theme:
– Holy Saturday is a day of waiting, mourning, and preparation for the Easter Vigil. It commemorates the time Jesus lay in the tomb and the hope of the Resurrection.

Morning and daytime:
– Quiet, prayerful observance: Many Catholics observe the day with fasting and almsgiving, and some may attend private or parish devotions.
– Liturgy of the Hours: In some places, the Liturgy of the Hours (the canonical hours) is said or reflected upon in the morning or evening.

The Easter Vigil (Great Vigil of Easter) is the central rite of Holy Saturday, celebrated after sunset or at night, and it has four main parts:
1) Service Dogmatis (Vigil) Preparation and the Lucernarium (Blessing of the Light)
– The church is darkened. A new fire is lit outside the church, and from this fire the Paschal (Easter) candle is lit.
– The Paschal candle, adorned with the sign of the cross, the year, and five grain of incense, is processed into the dark church.
– The Exsultet (the Easter Proclamation) is sung, traditionally by the deacon or priest, praising God for the Resurrection and the light that Christ brings.

2) Liturgy of the Word
– A series of readings (often 7) from Scripture recounts the history of salvation, from creation to salvation through Christ. This includes readings from Genesis, Exodus, the Prophets, and the Gospels.
– Each reading may include a psalm, an exhortation, and a Gloria is sung only at this service (during the Easter Vigil, not on Holy Saturday daytime).

3) Liturgy of Baptism and Confirmation (and Eucharist)
– The catechumens (those preparing for baptism) are baptized, confirmed, and receive their first Eucharist during this vigil.
– The reaffirmation of baptismal promises is common for the congregation, often with Paschal water blessed and sprinkled on the people (the Aspersion or Renewal of Baptismal Promises).
– The Eucharist is celebrated with the distribution of Communion.

4) The Communion Rite and Concluding Rites
– After Communion, the priest blesses the faithful, and the Paschal joy is proclaimed.
– The ministers extinguish the candles, and the Mass ends with the Easter greeting and blessing.

In many parishes, Holy Saturday is also a day without the Eucharist in ordinary Mass for the daytime, reserving the “Easter Vigil” as the primary liturgical celebration.

Eastern Orthodox Church

– Holy Saturday (Lazarus Saturday is a different day, observed before Palm Sunday; within Holy Week, Holy Saturday is called the Saturday of Light or the Saturday of Holy Week) emphasizes the Tomb and the harrowing of Hades (Descent into Hades) and the burial of Christ.
– The primary rites occur during the Matins of Holy and Great Saturday, often in the morning, and the Liturgy of St. Basil the Great may be celebrated in the evening, or a divine liturgy might be celebrated at sunset on Holy Saturday or at midnight.
– The tomb and the iconography: The church is prepared with an epitaphios (a cloth icon), depicting Christ laid in the tomb, and the tomb is decorated. The service emphasizes Christ’s death and his descent into Hades with hymns of lamentation and victory.
– The Liturgy of St. Basil (or the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom) is celebrated on Holy Saturday evening, with the Paschal procession and the “Paschal Midnight Service” that leads into the Paschal Divine Liturgy of Easter with the “Christ is Risen” proclamation and the resurrection.
– The “Descent into Hades” motifs are spiritually enacted through hymns and readings.

Anglican Communion (Church of England, Anglican Catholic, etc.)

– Holy Saturday is observed as a day of reflection and mourning in many parishes, often with quiet contemplative prayers, Tenebrae (a service of darkness) or a “Stripping of the Altars” used in some places on Good Friday.
Some parishes may celebrate the Easter Vigil in darkness, although its observance is not as widespread as in Catholic or Orthodox traditions.
– Some communities hold a Prayer Book style “Holy Saturday” service focusing on contemplation of Christ’s death and the anticipation of the Resurrection, sometimes including a short service of readings, psalms, and a brief word of exhortation, followed by the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday evening or the Easter Day sunrise service.

Protestant traditions (some, e.g., Lutheran, Methodist)

– Holy Saturday is often a low-key day of reflection on the passion and the tomb experience.
– Some churches hold a Tenebrae service (Darkness Service) on Holy Week or Holy Saturday, where candles are progressively extinguished to symbolize the darkness of Good Friday and the waiting for the Resurrection.
– Easter Vigil: A few congregations celebrate a Pentacost-like Easter Vigil with readings, lighting of the Paschal candle, baptism or reaffirmation of baptismal vows, and the celebration of the Eucharist.

Practical notes and variations

– The exact times and formats vary by region, parish, and rite. The core idea across traditions is the transition from the sorrow of Christ’s death on Good Friday to the joy of the Resurrection on Easter Sunday.
– Sacramental emphasis: In Catholic and many Orthodox traditions, Holy Saturday culminates in the Easter Vigil, which is the most significant liturgical event of the year. In other traditions, Holy Saturday remains a day of solemn worship and preparation.
– Baptismal focus: The Easter Vigil is often the primary time for adult baptism and confirmation in Catholic and some Anglican and Orthodox communities.

If you’d like, tell me which tradition (Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Anglican, Lutheran, etc.) you’re interested in, and I can give a more detailed, step-by-step outline of the specific rites, prayers, and hymns used in that tradition.

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Holy Saturday /Night of Easter – Easter Vigil

Posted on 2. April 2026 by Peter Prochac

Love means giving… 

My dear brothers and sisters,
Today’s liturgy began with the blessing of the fire. During that prayer, it was said that this fire is a sign of Christ and a blessing for us all. Yes. Once, when Christ looked at his disciples and all those who followed him, he exclaimed: ‘I have come to cast fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!’ Christ is fire; Christ is the light of the world. Whoever receives this light will no longer walk in darkness or wander, but will walk the sure path to heaven. 

Christ is fire. What does fire do? It provides warmth and light. Therefore, fire is a sign of love, because wherever love is present, it brings spiritual warmth as well as kindness, mercy, forbearance, and goodness. Love forgives others and sees only the good in them. Yes, love is just that. Love means giving a gift. Love means giving a gift. Christ is love; he is a flame that warms and shines. He arrived on this earth to share his love and kindle this light. His love knew no bounds, so he is that flame. He died for us on the cross. Jesus laid down his life for his friends—the ultimate act of love. He did this so that his light would shine in our hearts and lives and the flame of God’s love would burn within us. 

Christ is love. Firefighters know that fire must be cared for and can be easily extinguished. The Lord gave us this gift of grace in holy baptism: the gift of becoming children of God, the gift of becoming brothers, and the gift of entering the eternal kingdom of God. But like fire, this gift must be maintained. 

How is this fire maintained? It is a supernatural fire through prayer. But that alone is not enough. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus said to the apostles: ‘Pray and watch, lest you fall into temptation.’ So prayer and vigilance are two necessary elements for the fire that Christ threw on the ground and wants to ignite in your heart, your family, this parish, this village, and this country. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain this fire by being vigilant and cautious. I pray, and I obtain this grace. We can compare prayer to the oxygen that the flame needs. But the air must not be too strong; otherwise, the fire will be extinguished. 

Now, without speaking too loftily or theoretically, what does this analogy mean specifically? Prayer comes from the word of God, that is, one reads, meditates on, rays, and speaks to God daily. And prudence means refraining from this dialogue with evil, resisting seduction, and obeying rather than following one’s own instincts, because the key to this whole treasury of the Kingdom of God is obedience. That is the key. Jesus merited us through obedience on the cross, that is, obedience to the Word of God and obedience to the one whom the Lord sent here, to the Holy Father, the Bishop. Obedience is the key to opening that treasury and, at the same time, to keeping that flame. Living, maintaining, and taking care of this fire correctly requires not following one’s own ego. That is not possible. Christ, who is our Lord, who gave this fire, knows very well how we should keep that fire of God’s love in our hearts. He knows this, so we must listen to him; we must obey him. Listening means I hear the word; obeying means I do what he says. He knows the secret of this fire; he knows what needs to be done to keep this fire in us. Christ was sentenced to eternity. Kindle this fire because the readings merit a new Spirit, so that we will know what God desires. And that is the new Spirit, the Spirit of Christ. He said: “He who loves me keeps my word. Or whoever keeps my word, he it is who loves me truly. And we will come to him and make our home with him. Do you understand what Christ is saying to you? He is telling you and all of us that He has loved us eternally, and He never takes it back; His love—that He never regretted dying on the cross for you, that He was spat on, that He was scourged, that He was mocked, and that He was wrongly condemned. He has never regretted it and will never regret it, because He cannot deny merited for That is why He has loved you from eternity, and He still loves you from eternity. He keeps bringing this fire and does everything to ensure that the smoldering wick in your heart, which is a tiny flame that has remained, is not extinguished. He never breaks a reed but seeks everything so that the fire of his death, suffering, and resurrection burns in your heart.

Jesus is the light; darkness is the enemy of God. Shortly, we will renounce the darkness and the enemy of God. We will renounce Satan and all that he stands for, and we will say: ‘Lord, we love you and want to respond responsibly to your call and your love.’ We want to see and hear, and we want to be interested. We want to respond like those who have heard your voice and felt the heat of the fire you brought.

Christ is light, love, and truth. Those who love the light go to it, but those who hate it don’t, as the Lord says, because they would be exposed as liars. This year, which particularly emphasizes the renewal of baptism, let us confess our faith and renounce evil. You, Lord, are resurrection and life; you are our lover and our love. You never revoke your covenant; you always confirm it on the altar. You are our way out of any situation. Amen.

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Good Friday of the Lord´s Passion Joh 18,1-19,42

Posted on 1. April 2026 by Peter Prochac

Behold, the cross on which the Savior of the world died…

Dear brothers and sisters,
Today, we have gathered in silence and solemnity to commemorate Good Friday, the day on which our Lord Jesus Christ suffered and died. This is one of the most profound and sacred days in the entire liturgical year.   Today, we remember that the Son of God died on the cross to save the world. Good Friday takes us to Golgotha. There, together with the Virgin Mary, the Apostle John, and several other faithful women, we stand under the cross. We see Jesus, who, out of love for humanity, accepts suffering, humiliation, and death.

Today’s divine service is very special. It is the only day of the year when Holy Mass is not celebrated in Catholic churches. The altar is stripped bare, the bells are silent, and the church is immersed in silence. Instead of the Eucharistic sacrifice, the Liturgy of the Passion of the Lord is celebrated, which has three parts: 1) the Liturgy of the Word, 2) the Adoration of the Cross, and 3) Holy Communion from the gifts transformed during the Holy Thursday Mass.

Today’s first reading from the Book of Isaiah presents us with the Suffering Servant of God. Over seven hundred years ago, the prophet foretold the suffering of Christ: ‘He was pierced for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities.’ These words were fulfilled on Calvary.

In the second reading from the Letter to the Hebrews, we learn that Jesus is a high priest who sympathizes with our weaknesses because he himself suffered. Therefore, we can turn to him with confidence when facing life’s difficulties. 

The climax of today’s liturgy is the Gospel of the Passion of the Lord according to Saint John. We have heard about the final hours of Jesus’ life, including His arrest, trial before Pilate, journey to Golgotha, and death on the cross. In this Passion, we hear words that reveal the profound mystery of the cross: ‘It is finished.’ These words do not signify defeat. They signify the completion of the work of salvation. By fulfilling his Father’s will, Jesus opened the way to life for people through his death. 

One of the most powerful moments in today’s liturgy is the adoration of the cross. Once an instrument of shame and cruel execution, the cross has become a symbol of victory and love. This is why we sing: ‘Behold the cross on which the Savior of the world died’. When we come to worship the cross, we are not worshipping a piece of wood. We worship Christ, who sacrificed his life on the cross for us. One example is given: A boy once asked a priest, ‘Why is there a cross in the church? Why do we look at it?’ The priest replied: ‘So that we may never forget how much God loves us.’ Indeed, the cross is the greatest proof of God’s love. He loves us so much that he gave his Son for us. Therefore, Good Friday leads us to reflect on our own lives. Christ died for our sins. Each of our sins contributed to his suffering. However, each time we return to God, it brings joy to His heart.

Dear brothers and sisters,
Today, we stand beneath the cross. Let us look to Christ the Lord and learn from him about love, sacrifice, and forgiveness. However, Good Friday is not the end of the story. Behind the silence of the tomb, the light of Easter morning already shines. Therefore, let us say in silence and with faith today: Lord Jesus, we thank you for your cross. We thank you for your love. Help us to carry our crosses and one day reach the glory of the resurrection. Amen.

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Holy Thursday of the Lord´s Supper Joh 13,1-15

Posted on 1. April 2026 by Peter Prochac

Dear brothers and sisters,
Today, we enter the holiest days in the Church’s calendar: the Easter Triduum. On Holy Thursday, we remember two of the most important events in our faith: the institution of the Eucharist and the institution of the priesthood. These two gifts are inseparable. One cannot exist without the other. Without priests, there would be no Eucharist; without the Eucharist, the priesthood would lose its deepest meaning.

During the Last Supper, Jesus took the bread, gave thanks, broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is given for you. “This is my body, which is given for you.” Then, he took the cup of wine and said, “This is the cup of my blood.” With these words, Jesus instituted the first Holy Mass. The Eucharistic life of the Church was born at this moment. We can say that the visible life of the Church also began here, because Christ entrusted the apostles — and after them, their successors — with the task, “Do this in memory of me.”. 

The Church says that the Eucharist is the source and summit of its life. All grace comes from it, and everything is directed towards it. When we celebrate Holy Mass, we are not merely reminiscing about the past. Jesus is truly present. He gives us his body and blood as nourishment for our journey to eternal life. Therefore, Christ does not leave us alone on our journey through life. Through the ministry of priests, he feeds us repeatedly with his most precious Body and Blood. How many times have we come to church feeling tired, sad or worried, only to leave with peace in our hearts after receiving the Eucharist? This is the power of Christ’s presence.

An elderly priest once told the story of a man who came to church every day and sat quietly in front of the tabernacle. Someone once asked him, ‘What are you doing here for so long?’ He replied: ‘I am looking at Him, and He is looking at me.’ This is the mystery of the Eucharist: the closeness of the living Jesus Christ.

Today is also an opportunity to thank God for the gift of the priesthood. As a priest, I would like to express my personal gratitude to God for my vocation. I thank you for the opportunity to celebrate Holy Mass, bring God’s forgiveness through the sacrament of reconciliation, and accompany you on your journey of faith. I also ask that you pray for priests to always remain faithful servants of Christ and his church.. 

Maundy Thursday also reminds us of our great responsibility. At a time when the world often forgets God, the Eucharist is a source of light and strength in our lives, and every Holy Mass is an opportunity to connect with Him. It also teaches us to love and serve others. At the Last Supper, Jesus instituted the Eucharist and washed the feet of his disciples to demonstrate that true greatness lies in humble service. So today, we ask ourselves: What place does the Eucharist have in my life? Is Holy Mass truly an encounter with the living Christ for me?

Lord Jesus Christ, we thank you for the gifts of the Eucharist and the priesthood. We thank you for all the priests who bring us your presence through the sacraments. Strengthen their fidelity and love for your Church, we pray. We also ask you to send new and holy priests to your Church, so that there will always be someone to break the bread of life for your people. Amen.

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The Son of Man is going away as it is written about him, but

Posted on 31. March 2026 by Peter Prochac

A well-known preacher was asked the following question: “Why did Jesus choose Judas to be one of his disciples?” He thought about it for a moment, but no answer came to mind. Instead, he replied that an even more mysterious question kept running through his mind: “And why did he choose me?” People have been asking themselves this question for centuries. When they truly realize their sin and are overwhelmed by guilt, they cry out to Jesus, asking for his mercy. Then, in joyful amazement, they experience the truth for themselves: God loves them, Jesus died for them, and all their sins are forgiven. It is incomprehensible! Anyone can ask themselves, “Why me?” I know that my life’s dark and sinful deeds came from an even more sinful heart, yet God loved me in spite of it. (cf. Rom. 5:8).). 

I didn’t deserve it. I was poor and helpless. Yet, he opened his arms and his heart to me. I could almost hear him whisper, “I love you more than you loved your sin.” It’s true! I loved my sin. I protected it. I denied that I was doing anything wrong. But God loved me so much that he forgave me and set me free. “Why me?” It’s beyond my comprehension. Still, I know that He loves me, you, and everyone! God doesn’t love us because of who we are; He loves us because of who He is.

The story of the infamous man named Judas. He went to the chief priests and asked them, “What will you give me if I betray him to you?” They agreed to thirty pieces of silver. Judas was with Jesus because of the purse. He was the treasurer. He parted ways with him because of money. Money blinds. Possessing them is sometimes so strong that it overpowers even the God in us. It is often a mystery how man can act, but it is certain how God acts, only as love.

One of the most popular tourist attractions in England is the huge rock pillars of Stonehenge. These massive pieces of granite are one enormous mystery. Every year people come to Stonehenge with questions such as “Why were these stones built?” or “Who was able to build this extraordinary architectural wonder?” Perhaps the most questions concern how it was done. However, the silent stones give visitors no answers. The mystery remains hidden. Heavenly Father, we may not understand all that you have done for us or how you did it. But we know that you love us and that you sent Jesus to die for us. The incarnation of Christ remains a mystery, but God’s love does not.

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American Christians Who Love Israel More Than Jews How Biblical Prophecies About the Jewish State Influence Today’s US Jews

Posted on 30. March 2026 by Peter Prochac

How Biblical Prophecies About the Jewish State Influence Today's US Politics
Ted Cruz. Photo: Rawpixel/US Gov.

The United States is a long-time ally of Israel, regardless of the color of the current American president’s tie. However, support for Israel is actually much higher among evangelicals than among most other groups.

“Evangelical Christians love Israel more than Jews living in the US,” Donald Trump declared in 2021. At first glance, it was typical Trumpian hyperbole, but the American president touched on an intriguing phenomenon with this statement.

On the one hand, it is surprising that American Jews have practically always voted for the Democratic Party (by more than a two-thirds majority), which has not changed even today, when Republicans are pursuing more pro-Israel policies than their opponents.

On the other hand, a Pew Research Center survey last year found that while Americans have increasingly negative views of Israel, support for the Jewish state remains overwhelmingly strong among two religious groups. Seven in 10 Jews and the same proportion of white evangelicals say they have a positive view of Israel (here, Jews in the religious sense, not the ethnic one).

Evangelicalism is a Protestant movement that has adherents across various denominations. It emphasizes personal conversion and evangelism and differs from older traditions in some theological aspects.

Several evangelical Christians are influential figures in American politics, where they often champion the Israeli cause with as much fervor as if it were Senatorntry.

Israel’s main supporter

When Ted Cruz, a Republican U.S. Senator, came to interview host Tucker Carlson three-quarters of a year ago, they kicked off the interview with the topic of regime change in Iran, as Cruz, a Senator supporting Israel. So they got to Israel, and the host questioned whether an alliance with it was even in America’s interest.

Tucker Carlson and Ted Cruz debate

‘Anyone who hates Israel hates us,’ said Cruz. He said that the Jewish state is America’s greatest ally in the Middle East and that America benefits from its support. ‘I came to Congress 13 years ago with the explicit intention of being Israel’s staunchest supporter.’
At this juncture, Carlson, who has recently expressed open criticism of the Jewish state, became agitated, transforming the previously amicable dialogue into a contentious debate. The moderator interpreted the senator’s statement as meaning that he was promoting the interests of another state as an American politician, which he strongly opposed.
Cruz, therefore, took it upon himself to explain why defending Israel is so important to the Book of Genesis.

‘Ever since I was young, I have been taught in Sunday school that those who bless Israel will be blessed, and those who curse it will be cursed. The Bible says so, and as a Christian, I believe it,’ he said. ‘My support for the State of Israel is primarily based on this biblical command.’

“Is the nation that God speaks of in the Book of Genesis the same as the country led by Benjamin Netanyahu today?” Carlson asked.

‘Yes, yes,’ the senator replied. He added that his motivation to stand up for Israel was personal, not political. He sees this as the aforementioned advantage of the US–Israeli alliance.

Nine months later, the war with Iran was in full swing. As Cruz said on the Triggernometry podcast, he had spoken to Trump in the presidential limousine the day before the attacks began. ‘He kept asking me what he should do about Iran. ‘ Cruz replied that negotiations were pointless. The next day, US and Israeli missiles rained down on the Iranian regime.

The very theology with which Cruz explained his unwavering support for the Jewish state in the interview is one of the main reasons why evangelical Christians “love” Israel.

Ted Cruz’s discussion on Triggernometry

From Abraham to Bibi

Dispensationalism is a relatively recent development in the history of Protestant Christianity. Although similar ideas had appeared before, the term was coined by 19th-century evangelical theologian John Nelson Darby. Seven lecture tours across America and Canada also helped to spread his views.ofSensationalism

These were further popularised in the early 20th century by the extremely widespread Scofield Bible. Spiritualizing red text is the traditional King James Version, but theologian C. I. Scofield supplemented it with extensive notes and commentary drawing on Darby’s theology.

Darby favored a literal interpretation of the Bible. To this day, his followers reject “allegorical” or “spiritualizing” interpretations of Scripture.

Darby inferred from the Bible that salvation history comprises several distinct periods in each one, God dealt with the chosen people differently. For instance, there was a period of innocence before original sin and an era of law from Moses to the death of Christ.

God made certain promises to the Jews before Jesus, but after Christ’s resurrection, he promised the church something else (the dispensation of grace). According to this theory, God promised Abraham (and, by extension, all Jews) that he would make his son Isaac into a “great nation”. The Lord gave Abraham “the land of Canaan for an everlasting possession”, blessing those who blessed him and cursing those who cursed him. God promised the followers of Jesus that everyone who believed in him would have eternal life.

The traditional Christian interpretation essentially claims that the promises of the Old Testament have been fully realized in the Church, the heir and successor of the chosen people. According to this interpretation, contemporary rabbinic Judaism is merely the result of the Jews’ unwillingness to accept God’s plan.

In contrast, dispensationalism views the people of Israel, from Abraham to Netanyahu, as a distinct group with a unique covenant with God. Similarly, there is another distinct group: the Gentile church, which has a different covenant with God.

Secularization dominates, but Christianity is perhaps growing faster here than anywhere else
Iran and Religion: Secularization Dominates, but Christianity Is Perhaps Growing Faster Here Than Anywhere Else

We are currently in an intervening period, according to this new theology. The fulfillment of prophecies concerning Israel has been suspended while God devotes Himself to the church.

TD adherents mostly believe that the world is heading towards its miserable end, with catastrophe and tribulations coming right at the end, but Christians will escape it. God will then take them from the world to heaven (the so-called rapture ), while the earth will be struck with his wrath. During this period, God will redirect his focus to the Jews, fulfilling promises and prophecies, and restoring the state of Israel. Then will come the thousand-year reign of Christ from Jerusalem and finally the end of the ages and the completion of salvation history.

Therefore, the State of Israel is the fulfillment of God’s promise and a sign that the end times are near.

These last days are referenced several times in the Bible. For instance, in chapters 38 and 39, the prophet Ezekiel links them to Israel’s war with a hostile nation. However, God will ‘show his greatness and holiness’ and grant the Jews victory.

This battle will be preceded by a significant event (Ezekiel 38:8). ‘After many days, you will receive a command: In the years to come, you will invade a land rebuilt from ruins. Its inhabitants have been gathered from all nations to the highlands of Israel, which have long been desolate. The Israelites, brought out from among the nations, will live in safety”.

It is no wonder that, according to TD, this gathering of Jews from many nations back to their promised land began a hundred years ago, when modern Israel was being formed.

Trump’s Christian Zionists

From this perspective, every true Christian must support the Jewish state. It is God’s will and God’s plan. This geopolitical vision, based on theology, is called Christian Zionism .

It should be added that not every Christian who supports the existence of Israel is a Christian Zionist based on dispensational theology. They may believe that Israel has a right to exist for similar reasons as Kosovo, Ukraine, or the United States.

However, Christian Zionism, which stems from TD, is extremely widespread in America and influences local politics — not only in the case of Senator Cruz.
Mike Huckabee, aged 70, is the former governor of Arkansas. He has also served as a Baptist pastor. A blurry photo from 2008, featuring Huckabee accompanying the choir on bass during a church service, adorns his Wikipedia profile. Donald Trump has chosen him to be the United States ambassador to Israel in 2025.
Just a week before the US and Israel began attacking Iran this year, Tucker Carlson traveled to Israel to meet Huckabee. They discussed why and how the Jewish state has a right to exist. Carlson felt that Huckabee was defending the country too much, so he challenged him on this.

Tucker Carlson and Mike Huckabee debate

Like Cruz three-quarters of a year ago, the ambassador reinforced his arguments with another perspective, mentioning international and historical law.
“We’re talking about Christian Zionism. As a Christian, I believe in both the Old and New Testaments. We evangelical Christians are who we are because of our faithfulness to Scripture. I believe that the Jewish people have a very specific calling in it that began with Abraham.’
He added that God then gave the Jews a piece of land on which people related to that point in history have lived ever since.

Huckabee has long been a strong supporter of Israel. In 2017, he stood in Maal Adumim, one of the largest Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, and spoke in front of a banner that read “Build Israel Great Again.”

He refused to call the Palestinian territory the West Bank, preferring the biblical names Judea and Samaria. He also rejected the idea of ​​occupation, considering the territory to be Jewish property.

Mike Pence, Trump’s first vice president, is another influential Christian Zionist. He converted from Catholicism to evangelical Christianity in early adulthood. His stance on the Jewish state was summarized for The Times of Israel by Ron Kampeas.

‘We stand with Israel because your values are our values and your fight is our fight,’ Pence declared in a speech, immediately adding: ‘The Jewish people have held on to the promise written so long ago that even if they are driven to the far corners of the earth, he will gather them and bring them back to the land of their ancestors.’
As early as 2002, Pence stated that his support for Israel stemmed from his personal faith and referenced God’s promise to Abraham concerning a curse and a blessing.
As Vice President, Pence was a leading proponent of moving the US embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, a move that Trump made in 2018 when he recognized the city as the capital of the Jewish state. However, Jerusalem is claimed by both Jews and Palestinians, and most countries and organizations do not recognize it as the capital of either nation.

American Evangelicals and Their Views

Evangelical Christians are the largest religious group in the American population. Of the approximately 260 million adults, 23 percent, or about 60 million, identify as evangelical.

Not every American evangelical is a dispensationalist. It is difficult to determine an exact percentage, or even a rough estimate, of believers who agree with all points of this teaching. Fully orthodox dispensationalists are probably in the minority. However, these ideas extend beyond the confines of orthodoxy.

According to opinion polls, most evangelicals seem to hold to key points of doctrine, at least when it comes to Israel. For example, 70 percent of them believe that God permanently dedicated the land of Israel to the Jews. Ironically, only 32 percent of American Jews agree with this statement.

According to a 2017 survey, as many as 80 per cent of evangelical Christians believe that the re-establishment of the State of Israel is ‘a fulfillment of biblical prophecy that shows we are closer to the coming of Christ’. Their views on Israel are primarily influenced by the Bible (45 percent), followed by the media (15 percent).
Religious reasons dominate their motivation for supporting Israel. The most common reason (63 per cent) is that, according to Scripture, God gave the land to the Jews. Fifty percent also say that they support Israel because they see it as a fulfillment of biblical prophecy. However, only 12 percent chose fulfillment of prophecy as the strongest reason, while 33 percent chose God’s mandate for the territory.

Secular reasons were less represented: 60 percent chose the statement, “Israel is the historic homeland of the Jews,” 49 percent chose the right of every nation to exist, and 43 percent chose the view of Israel as a beneficial US ally in an unstable region. In the category of main motivation for supporting Israel, secular justification was even weaker – the right of every nation to exist was chosen by 16 percent, and a beneficial political alliance by seven percent.

The vast majority of evangelicals support the Republicans. In 1994, it was 65 percent, and since then, the curve has only risen to today’s 85 percent. Most of them think that America should directly support the Jewish state. According to a 2024 survey, 60 percent of evangelicals are against the US limiting military aid to Israel.

Religious research was supposed to show that faith belongs to the past. Today it admits the opposite

Secularization, Social Anthropology, and Christianity Religious research was supposed to show that faith belongs to the past. Today it admits the opposite. 

There are also pro-Israel Christian organizations. The largest of these is Christians United for Israel (CUFI), which unites ‘an army of millions of dedicated Christian Zionists’ (they claim to have over 10 million members). The organization’s stated aims are to ‘strongly oppose anti-Semitism and express solidarity with the Jewish people.’
‘In Israel, we see a democracy that aligns with Western values and guarantees stability in the Middle East. While supporting Israel is a biblical commandment, it is also a moral obligation and in the interest of US national security,’ said Pastor John Hagee, founder of CUFI.

Many churches organize a Night to Honor Israel, raising millions of dollars each year to support the Jewish state and its charities. One church states on its website that it is raising money to purchase ambulances for Israel. Above a photo of the vehicles is a quote from the Book of Genesis: ‘I will bless those who bless you.’”

Critics

Some podcasters and influencers even see a Jewish conspiracy behind the spread of TD. For example, popular influencer Ian Carroll, who is dedicated to a range of alternative theories, spoke in one of his shows about the aforementioned Scofield Bible, which helped popularize dispensationalism.

Carroll claims that it was financed and distributed by the Rothschilds, a wealthy Jewish family, to “Judaize Christianity.” Although this meme has gained popularity, according to available sources (for example, here ), Jews had little to do with this edition of the Bible. Scofield’s fellow believers, Christians, provided the money for its production and the means for its distribution.

Other critics see a difference in the rhetoric and actions of Democrats and Republicans, especially in the Trump era, when the influence of evangelicals in politics has increased. Both parties have long supported Israel and have long advocated a two-state solution in the conflict with the Palestinians, but the aforementioned Ambassador Huckabee unreservedly supports Israel’s full ownership of all (biblical) land, including the Palestinian territories.

Under Trump’s leadership, the US has taken several accommodating steps towards Israel: moving the embassy to Jerusalem, recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, brokering the Abraham Accords that normalized relations between Jews and several Arab states in the region, de facto recognizing settlements in the West Bank, and most recently, jointly fighting Iran, whose leaders have referred to Israel and the US as the Lesser and Greater Satan.

How American supporters of war in Iran think about it
Inside the Neocons’ Heads: How American Supporters Think About the Iran War

The limited influence of theology

However, we cannot solely attribute American and particularly Republican friendship for Israel to the influence of “religious fundamentalism.” There are too many variables and ambiguities in the whole equation to say that the specific Republican fervor for the Israeli cause is a direct result of 19th-century theological theory.

The role of dispensational theology in American politics cannot be overstated. The United States is a long-time ally of Israel, regardless of the color of the current American president’s tie. Both countries benefit from this relationship.

Evangelical politicians also justify their support for Israel primarily based on shared interests and values. It is often said, albeit with an anti-American tone, that if Israel did not exist, the United States would have to establish it to advance its interests in the Middle East. Pastors usually emphasize God’s choice of Israel, but they always emphasize that this state is a beneficial political ally.

Moreover, evangelicals represent only a portion (albeit a critical portion) of the Republican electorate. Evangelicals do not have a homogeneous view of the role of modern Israel in God’s plan because they span multiple denominations, and dispensationalism varies across different churches.

Furthermore, the stereotype of the hyper-conservative white evangelical familiar from mainstream culture, who sees the world exclusively through a literal interpretation of the Bible, is not entirely accurate. Cultural researcher George Barna writes that “most evangelicals do not have a biblical worldview—only about a third do. In fact, the data clearly indicates that the surrounding culture shapes evangelicals, rather than the other way around.

In a video essay, columnist Ken LaCorte examined the reasons why conservatives love Israel, identifying terrorism as another important motivation besides theology. Older generations were particularly struck by the fact that, while their fellow citizens would rather jump from the collapsing Twin Towers than burn to death inside them, Palestinians rejoiced in the attack. For conservatives, particularly evangelical Christians, Israel remains a symbol of civilization in a region that fosters barbarism.

However, it is clear that support for Israel is most prevalent among conservative evangelicals, largely for theological reasons. It is also clear that American foreign policy is influenced by several prominent leaders who have been shaped by this environment.

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Anointing with oil: Joh 12.1-11

Posted on 29. March 2026 by Peter Prochac

innerPharaohs

Anointing with oil for burial
The Greek text here may not be entirely accurate. Some exegetes believe that Jesus did not say he was to be anointed for a future burial here, but rather that he wanted the rest of the oil to be kept for his burial. However, this difference in interpretation is not relevant. What is important is why dead bodies were embalmed. The Egyptians were experts at the inonor process. We can still see the mummified remains of the pharaohs. In their case, it was a foolish attempt at achieving immortality. After being given divine honor, were the pharaohs then suddenly supposed to disintegrate? Needless to say, the embalming and burial process was costly. Ordinary people were content to use fragrant ointments to mask the smell of death when saying goodbye to the deceased. This evidence all reveals how deeply rooted the desire for immortality is in us. After all, according to the Bible, death is unnatural, even though it seems natural in the cycle of life. As a person and the image of God, man is created knowing that he cannot be included in it recklessly.

Precious oil is a symbol of holiness. The anointing of Christ’s body in Bethany and at his burial was an expression of piety and respect. His immortality became a reality. For mystical authors, anointing with fragrant oils became a symbol of how we should prepare for death and resurrection together with Christ. They speak of the ‘fragrance of holiness’. In the tradition of the Eastern Church, a prerequisite for canonisation was that the body of the candidate for sainthood had not decayed, was preserved, and often gave off a fragrance. We find an allusion to this tradition in Dostoevsky’s novel The Brothers Karamazov, in which Alyosha experiences a mental crisis when the corpse of his spiritual father, the ‘old canonization, whom he considered a saint, starts to smell. We should not expect such an obvious, physical connection. But the underlying idea is true. If sin is the cause of death, then pursuing holiness prepares one for immortality. As the mother of God was without sin, her body became immortal and was taken up to Heaven.

Fragrant oils his virtues. Holiness is, above all, a gift of grace from the Holy Spirit. This grace is granted through anointing with holy oils during the sacraments. Virtues correspond to this grace through human cooperation. Here, too, we speak mystically of the ‘fragrance of virtues.’ Origen proves their identity with Christ. He is truth, justice, and love. We are not truth, symbols, or love. However, we can train ourselves in these virtues and acquire the necessary skills. Then we have truth, justice, and love. Since they are Christ, we therefore have Him. This is indeed our spiritual anointing, by which we prepare for death and eternal life. Moreover, a virtuous person is pleasant to look at and pleasant to touch, as if they were spreading a spiritual fragrance around them. Some saints also experienced this premonition of a heavenly banquet through their senses.

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The Gospel is not an instrument of power, but its critical measure.

Posted on 27. March 2026 by Peter Prochac
The Christian tradition has long involved praying for rulers and for those who defend the country. It is common to pray for politicians, peace, the homeland, or soldiers.
However, Christian prayer should not be used to create the impression that a particular president, political relativism, or military strategy automatically has God’s approval. The Gospel is not an instrument of power. On the contrary, it is the measure by which all power is judged. It relativizes all political power because God is the one true Lord of history. It is used to create the impression that a particular president, political project, or military strategy automatically has God’s approval. The Gospel is not an instrument of power. On the contrary, it is its critical measure. It relativizes all political power, because the only Lord of history is God.

The Gospel account of Jesus before Pilate vividly illustrates this truth. Pilate tells Jesus he has power, and Jesus replies, “You would have no power over me if it hadn’t been given to you from above.” 

On the one hand, Jesus affirms that every human community needs an authority to govern it. God wills it, and it is necessary for man. It is necessary for the unity of civil society. Its task is to ensure the common good (cf. CCC 1898).

However, this is not a legitimization of arbitrariness but a reminder of responsibility. Political power is never absolute. It is always brought before the court of truth, justice, and God himself.

Criticizing a politician does not mean recommending his political opponent. By voting, we responsibly power Bullsh**tsShow’s predF-16 responsibility. We hand it over to specific politicians in elections when we vote for them. But we also have the right and duty to criticize them, especially those we elect. 

According to Pope Francis, the current political world tends to divide into two camps (worldviews): liberal and populist. 

While the former tends to emphasize individual rights and thus create a fragmented society without a common project, the latter exploits the frustration of this disintegrating society and uses it to achieve its own goals and to engage in dialogue with various interest groups. 

Both camps proclaim the other as the evil from which they offer to be the saviors. Only critical discernment, patient dialogue, respect for every person, especially the most vulnerable, attention to the common good, and the search for what creates belonging can lead us out of this crisis. Otherwise, aggression, hostility, and abuse of power will grow. 

Even Christians, who often feel defensive against the secular world, must be careful not to succumb to political proposals that do not always align with Christian values. 

Holding a Bible or surrounding oneself with clergy does not guarantee an evangelical attitude. The Gospel provides clear criteria for discernment: truth, justice, humility, service, protection of human dignity, solidarity with the weak, and the ability to self-criticize. 

When religious language is used to reinforce political identity, mobilize emotions, or create the impression that a certain leader has a special mandate from God, Christianity begins to turn into an ideology.

We have historical experience with such temptations. I recall Gnosticism, that is, spiritual and political tendencies that promise salvation in history through a certain project, movement, or leader. 

Such messianisms have repeatedly returned in modern history. Their common feature is that instead of human conversion, service to truth and eternal salvation outside of history, they offer earthly salvation in historical moments through political power.

Trump’s religious background

Donald Trump does not profess Christianity in its traditional sense today. His religious background is rooted in Presbyterianism, but more important to him than his church affiliation was the influence of Reverend Norman Vincent Peale, author of the famous book The Power of Positive Thinking.

Peale was a significant mentor to Trump. He taught him to focus on positive thoughts, reject negativity, and maintain faith in himself. Trump himself has repeatedly called this philosophy key to overcoming business failures. However, in his case, it is not a classic Christian spirituality, but rather a psychological philosophy of success.

That is a fundamental difference. Christian spirituality is not based on faith in oneself but on faith in Jesus Christ, on following him, on conversion, self-denial, repentance, and humility. 

Peale’s “positive thinking” emphasizes the self rather than God or Christ. Its entire logic rests on the belief that the way a person thinks determines the way he lives and that a positive self-belief is a condition for success. This, in turn, results in an inability to tolerate criticism or to be self-critical. 

If a person constantly cultivates an image of their infallibility and success, not only can any negative remark be extremely irritating to them, but their actions can also be downright dangerous, especially when it comes to a person running one of the most powerful countries in the world.

The Prosperity Gospel as Pseudo-Christianity

Another prominent strand in Trump’s religious background is the so-called “prosperity gospel.” This stream, often called the health and wealth gospel, teaches that God wants believers to be successful, healthy, wealthy, and influential. 

Prosperity in a purely earthly sense is understood here as a sign of God’s blessing. If you believe, if you “prove faith” enough, if you give financial gifts, God will fulfill your wishes according to this logic. Eternal salvation is not spoken of here; it is spoken of earthly prosperity.

But this doctrine is a false gospel. It reduces faith to a tool for earthly personal success. It almost completely omits the reality of sacrifice, suffering, sin, repentance, forgiveness, the cross, and eternal salvation. It does not emphasize conversion or the inner transformation of man. Instead, it teaches that God is to fulfill our ideas and desires.

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