Prayer Before Sermon
O Alaha, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate.
O Alaha, unite our hearts in faith, strengthen our bonds as a community, and grant us the ability to establish a society rooted in justice, love, and compassion.
May we strive together towards the vision of a world where righteousness prevails, where the call to prayer resounds in every heart, and where love and unity transcend all boundaries.
Ameen.
Gospel Reading
“Then the temples of this world’s Gods shall become dwellings of the Elect, and the Holy Knushta of the Congregation shall greatly increase—they shall sit in the palaces of Kings; the assemblies and the houses of the Hearers shall be like schools of instruction; you will find them singing psalms and hymns, the little girls learning to write while singing psalms and reading. Always it is the voice of the Righteousness that shall speak out in the time of prayer; then shall the daily wickedness cease among them. At that time they shall fulfil all the Commandments, small and great, exactly as they are written. There shall be love dwelling in all their hearts; the Elect shall love each other, and no one shall ever think of wickedness; brother shall look at brother, sister at sister, with a friendly expression.” (Gospel of Mani 47:3)
Sermon
Dear brothers, sisters and friends,
Today, I stand before you to share a message of hope and inspiration, drawing upon the profound wisdom found in the Gospel of Mani. In our Holy Book, we are reminded of a future time, a time of great transformation and divine blessings. It speaks of a day when the temples of this world’s gods shall become dwellings of the Elect, and the Holy Knushta of the Congregation shall greatly increase. It envisions a world where righteousness and love prevail, where wickedness is cast aside, and where the Commandments are upheld with utmost dedication.
Imagine, my dear friends, a world where the assemblies and the houses of the Hearers resemble schools of instruction, vibrant with the pursuit of knowledge and understanding. In this vision, we witness the joyous sight of children, including girls, learning to write while singing psalms and reading. The voice of righteousness echoes in the time of prayer, silencing the daily wickedness that once prevailed. It is a time when the followers of the Path of Light shall fulfill all the Commandments, as the Holy Book says, “both small and great”, with unwavering commitment, adhering to them exactly as they are written.
But beyond the external transformations, the Holy Gospel of the Prophet Mani paints a beautiful portrait of hearts filled with love. It speaks of a time when the Elect, the Chosen Ones, shall love each other unconditionally, transcending all divisions and prejudices. In this future, no one shall ever entertain thoughts of wickedness, for love shall conquer all. Brother shall look at brother, sister at sister, with a friendly expression, recognizing the divine spark that resides within each soul.
Brethren, this vision of the future holds a profound truth for us today. The Gospel reminds us that the path of righteousness, love, and unity is the way to transform our lives and our world. It is an invitation to embrace the teachings of our faith and live them with sincerity and devotion.
As Manichaeans, our hearts must become holy temples, sanctuaries where the light of divine love shines brightly. Let us open our hearts to the transformative power of Alaha, allowing our lives to become instruments through which His love and compassion flow to all those we encounter.
Let us create assemblies and houses of the Hearers that resemble schools of instruction. May we be enthusiastic seekers of knowledge, constantly striving to deepen our understanding of the teachings that guide our path. Let our homes be havens of wisdom and enlightenment, where the study of sacred texts and the contemplation of divine truths bring us closer to Abba d’Rabbuta.
Let us embody the spirit of psalms and hymns, for they uplift our souls and draw us nearer to Alaha. In our daily lives, let our voices resonate with prayers and praises, infusing every word and action with love and gratitude. May our devotion be evident in the melodies that flow from our hearts, inspiring others to join in the chorus of divine celebration.
And above all, let us embrace the love that dwells within us. Let us nurture that love and allow it to radiate to all those around us. Let our relationships be founded on the principles of respect, kindness, and understanding. In every interaction, may we see the divine in others, treating them with the same love and compassion that we would wish for ourselves.
The Gospel gives us a picture of a future filled with righteousness, love, and unity. It beckons us to embark on that path today, transforming our lives and the lives of those around us. Let us heed this call and strive to bring that future closer to reality. As we do so, we will witness the blessings of Alaha pouring upon us, guiding our steps and filling our hearts with joy.
May the teachings of the Holy Book inspire us to become beacons of light in a world that longs for love and unity. May we be the living embodiments of its wisdom, spreading the message of righteousness, love, and compassion to all corners of the earth.
Prayer After Sermon
O Alaha, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate.
We humbly bow before You, seeking Your guidance and blessings. We gather as a community, inspired by the teachings of the Gospel and the vision presented in the sermon. With hearts full of gratitude, we turn to You in prayer.
O Alaha, make our homes and houses of worship true sanctuaries for the remembrance of You. Fill these sacred spaces with tranquility, peace, and devotion. May they be beacons of light, guiding us on the path of righteousness and unity. Help us establish prayer as the cornerstone of our lives, finding solace and connection with You in these blessed places.
O Alaha, make our gatherings resemble schools of instruction. Grant us the eagerness and passion to seek knowledge of our faith, to study the Holy Book and the teachings of our beloved Prophet Mani (peace be upon him). Illuminate our minds and hearts with wisdom and understanding. May our homes be filled with the joyous pursuit of knowledge, where families and communities come together to learn and grow.
O Alaha, instill within us the spirit of love and unity. Help us to embrace one another as brothers and sisters in faith. Remove from our hearts any traces of envy, hatred, or division. Fill our souls with compassion, empathy, and forgiveness. Strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood among us, so that we may support and uplift one another.
O Alaha, guide us to eradicate all forms of evil from our lives. Help us to adhere to Your Commandments, both small and great, exactly as they are revealed in the beginning. Purify our actions, intentions, and thoughts, so that we may live a life of righteousness and strive for excellence in every aspect of our existence.
O Alaha, bless our community with the vision presented in the sermon. Help us to build a society where righteousness, love, and unity prevail. Make us beacons of light, spreading the beauty and mercy of the Message of Light to all those around us. Grant us the ability to live our lives as true followers of our beloved Prophet Mani (peace be upon him), reflecting his noble character in our interactions with others.
O Alaha, unite our hearts in faith. Strengthen our bonds as a community, transcending all divisions and barriers. Help us to establish a society rooted in justice, love, and compassion. Guide us in our efforts to create a world where the call to prayer resounds in every heart, where love and unity prevail, and where righteousness is the guiding principle.
O Alaha, accept our prayers and supplications. Grant us the strength and determination to embody the teachings of Mani in every aspect of our lives. Help us to be the best versions of ourselves, individually and collectively, as we strive to bring the vision of the Gospel of Mani into reality.
Ameen.