Today, Archbishop Dr. Sami Fawzi, Archbishop of the Province of Alexandria of the Anglican Episcopal Church, presided over the Divine Liturgy for the Sudanese congregation at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church in Maadi. During the service, he celebrated the rite of Confirmation for new members of the Church, in the presence of the Rev. Emmanuel Sabana, pastor of the congregation.
In his sermon, the Archbishop said: “What is the use of God’s Word if it does not become a life that is lived? We often hear the Word of God with respect and seriousness, yet we stop at hearing without application, becoming hearers and not doers.” The Apostle James illustrates this truth through the image of a mirror, comparing the one who hears the Word without acting on it to a person who looks at his face in a mirror and then walks away, forgetting what he looks like. The Word of God is the true mirror that reveals our spiritual and moral reality—not so that we create an imagined image of ourselves, but so that we see ourselves as God sees us. From here arises our responsibility to examine ourselves in the light of the Word.
He continued: “The Word of God does not only reveal the outward appearance, but penetrates to the inner depths—to thoughts, motives, and desires. Superficial listening produces no change, but deep engagement with the Word leads to true spiritual blessing.” Therefore, the Apostle James urges us not to be content with a passing glance, but to remain before the Word and examine our lives daily in its light. Forgetting the Word leads to spiritual neglect, whereas a continual relationship with Holy Scripture keeps the heart alive and alert to God’s will.
He concluded: “The Apostle James also speaks of other images through which he reveals the path of the blessed life, pointing to the one who abides in the perfect law of God—the law of freedom—which is fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ. This law does not lead to bondage, but to true inner freedom, where a person not only sees himself, but discovers the heart of God and His will. Whoever abides in this Word and lives it by faith is blessed in his work, and the life of Christ is reflected in him, so that his very existence becomes a living testimony, reflecting the light of Christ to all around him.”
It is worth noting that the Confirmation service is a declaration of an individual’s joining the membership of the Episcopal Church, during which the new member commits, before the bishop, the pastor, and all those present, to deepen their study of the Word of God and to live a life of regular prayer.