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Words For Our Time The Spiritual Words of Matthew the Poor
The twentieth-century elder Abba Matta of Egypt, known in the West as Matthew the Poor, is widely regarded as the greatest Egyptian elder since St. Antony the Great. He produced a huge and varied body of work in Arabic, only a little of which has been translated into English. In addition, a great many of his informal talks to monks and visitors were recorded. This volume is the first appearance in English of a small selection of these talks.
Abba Matta had a marvelous ability to communicate the deepest spiritual truths in the simplest and most practical language, making them accessible to laypeople as well as monastics. He speaks to the heart rather than the head, gently exhorting the reader to pursue a deeper life in Christ. To read these talks is to sit at the feet of one of the greatest spiritual teachers of our age.
Abba Matta had a marvelous ability to communicate the deepest spiritual truths in the simplest and most practical language, making them accessible to laypeople as well as monastics. He speaks to the heart rather than the head, gently exhorting the reader to pursue a deeper life in Christ. To read these talks is to sit at the feet of one of the greatest spiritual teachers of our age.
167 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2013
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About the author
Matthew the Poor
34 books31 followers(Arabic: متى المسكين)
Father Matta El-Meskeen (Maskeen or Maskine ; translated as Matthew the Poor ), born Youssef Eskander (September 20, 1919 - June 8, 2006), was a Coptic Orthodox monk and spiritual father of 130 monks in the Monastery of St. Macarius the Great at Scetis in Wadi Natrun, Egypt. He is considered by many to be a renowned Orthodox theologian, and was an author of voluminous texts on numerous topics, including biblical exegesis, ecclesiastical rites, and other spiritual and theological matters (181 books, besides hundreds of journal articles).
Father Matta is celebrated by many Copts as a reformer and a prominent figure in recent Coptic history. Following the repose of Pope Kyrillos VI in 1971, Father Matta and two others (Bishops Samuel and Shenouda) were considered as candidates for the Patriarchal throne. Bishop Shenouda was chosen to be the Coptic Pope of Alexandria.
Father Matta and Pope Shenouda share some common history. Both participated in the Sunday school movement and Matta was Shenouda's confessor in the 1950s. Pope Shenouda acknowledges his debt to his teacher, Father Matta El-Meskeen, whom he calls 'my father monk' in the introduction to his book Intelaq Al-Rouh (The Release of the Spirit).(Father Matta was also the spiritual guide of the late Alexandrian priest Father Bishoy Kamel, a contemporary Coptic Orthodox saint.)
It is undocumentedly alleged that Father Matta was suspended twice, first by Pope Yousab II in 1955, and then again by Pope Kyrillos VI for nine years from 1960 to 1969[15] for administrative/"political" (e.g., his book about the 'Church and the State', in which he called for total separation of the two) rather than for any truly theological or core dogmatic issues. However this allegation is not true at all and undocumented. Some say undocumentedly that what is called the 1960s suspension was because of Father Matta's objection to the Coptic Church signing of the Catholic Declaration of the Innocence of the Jews from the Blood of Christ. But also this allegation is not true and undocumented. The saintly Pope Kyrillos VI later insisted that Father Matta absolve and forgive him in the presence of H.E. Metropolitan Mikhail of Assiut.
Father Matta El-Meskeen (Maskeen or Maskine ; translated as Matthew the Poor ), born Youssef Eskander (September 20, 1919 - June 8, 2006), was a Coptic Orthodox monk and spiritual father of 130 monks in the Monastery of St. Macarius the Great at Scetis in Wadi Natrun, Egypt. He is considered by many to be a renowned Orthodox theologian, and was an author of voluminous texts on numerous topics, including biblical exegesis, ecclesiastical rites, and other spiritual and theological matters (181 books, besides hundreds of journal articles).
Father Matta is celebrated by many Copts as a reformer and a prominent figure in recent Coptic history. Following the repose of Pope Kyrillos VI in 1971, Father Matta and two others (Bishops Samuel and Shenouda) were considered as candidates for the Patriarchal throne. Bishop Shenouda was chosen to be the Coptic Pope of Alexandria.
Father Matta and Pope Shenouda share some common history. Both participated in the Sunday school movement and Matta was Shenouda's confessor in the 1950s. Pope Shenouda acknowledges his debt to his teacher, Father Matta El-Meskeen, whom he calls 'my father monk' in the introduction to his book Intelaq Al-Rouh (The Release of the Spirit).(Father Matta was also the spiritual guide of the late Alexandrian priest Father Bishoy Kamel, a contemporary Coptic Orthodox saint.)
It is undocumentedly alleged that Father Matta was suspended twice, first by Pope Yousab II in 1955, and then again by Pope Kyrillos VI for nine years from 1960 to 1969[15] for administrative/"political" (e.g., his book about the 'Church and the State', in which he called for total separation of the two) rather than for any truly theological or core dogmatic issues. However this allegation is not true at all and undocumented. Some say undocumentedly that what is called the 1960s suspension was because of Father Matta's objection to the Coptic Church signing of the Catholic Declaration of the Innocence of the Jews from the Blood of Christ. But also this allegation is not true and undocumented. The saintly Pope Kyrillos VI later insisted that Father Matta absolve and forgive him in the presence of H.E. Metropolitan Mikhail of Assiut.
Early life
Father Matta El Meskeen was born in Benha, elKaliobia, Egypt, in 1919. (One source says he was born in Damanhour, Egypt.) In 1944, he graduated in Pharmacy from the University of Cairo. In 1948, after leading a successful life and establishing a wealthy lifestyle for himself--Eskander at the time was the owner of two pharmacies, two villas, and two cars--he renounced his material possessions, and entered the Monastery of St. Samuel the Confessor in Qualmun (roughly near Maghagha, Upper Egypt). In 1951, he was ordained a priest against his will.
Monastic life
After living for a few years in the Monastery of St. Samuel the Confessor, Matta decided to move out into Wadi El Rayan in the late 1950s. There, he lived as a recluse in the spirit of the ancient Desert Fathers for twelve years. By 1960, seven other monks joined him. The community expanded to twelve by 1964. These twelve monks were sent by Pope Kyrillos VI to Wadi El Natroun in 1969 to develop the monastery of St. Macarius the Great. At that time only six elderly, frail fathers lived near the road between Cairo and Alexandria. Matta and his twelve companions cared for them while reconstructing the monastery. The administrative, agricultural, institutional, and printing/publishing developments at the renewed Monastery of St. Macarius the Great were staggering. But the spiritual revolution was much greater. By 1981 Matta had over eighty monks in the monastery.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 23, 2018
“So, what is the simple eye? It is the eye, beloved, that does not desire. It is the eye that perceives without bringing the outside world inside.”
Fr. Matta el-Meskeen (Matthew the Poor) was a Coptic Orthodox monk who lived from 1919-2006. Before becoming a monk in 1948, he was an extremely wealthy and successful pharmacist. His decision to enter monastic life was not terribly well received by those who knew him in the world, but he was undeterred, and ultimately became a key--if occasionally controversial*--figure in the revival of Egyptian monasticism.
While he wrote extensively in Arabic, most of his work is not at this time readily available in English. He was not a fan of ‘sermonizing,’ so it is fortunate that some recordings of his talks exist. In Words for Our Time, James Helmy took up the task of translating some of these homilies (mostly from the 1970s) for English-speaking audiences.
James Helmy has done a very good job translating these talks for an Anglophone audience, using endnotes not only to clarify references, but also to make note of when Fr. Matthew switched languages in the recordings to obtain a stronger word or shade of meaning than was available in his native Arabic.
Fr. Matthew never seems like he’s lecturing. His words are, at times, quite strong--but they are never harsh. The conversational tone is perhaps unsurprising. Still, the informality makes the contents easily-digestible, when other approaches might be off-putting. He seems to have been a man filled with wonder, whose love for those around him permeates each word.
That he was speaking off-the-cuff is at times obvious, when he breaks off for the sake of his listeners (‘oh, but you are tired, and we will save that for another time.’). Still, each homily/chapter is remarkably cohesive, and I got a sense of sitting at the knee of one with more insight into the spiritual world than I am likely to gain in my lifetime.
At a chapter a day, this was a wonderful set of interludes in a chaotic world. I will certainly reread this in years to come.
---
*The controversy seems mostly to have been administrative or perhaps political.
Fr. Matta el-Meskeen (Matthew the Poor) was a Coptic Orthodox monk who lived from 1919-2006. Before becoming a monk in 1948, he was an extremely wealthy and successful pharmacist. His decision to enter monastic life was not terribly well received by those who knew him in the world, but he was undeterred, and ultimately became a key--if occasionally controversial*--figure in the revival of Egyptian monasticism.
While he wrote extensively in Arabic, most of his work is not at this time readily available in English. He was not a fan of ‘sermonizing,’ so it is fortunate that some recordings of his talks exist. In Words for Our Time, James Helmy took up the task of translating some of these homilies (mostly from the 1970s) for English-speaking audiences.
Part I: Spirituality
Repentance and Holiness (1987)
On the Faith of the Believer (1973)
Living in the Flesh versus Living in the Spirit (1976)
On Love (1975)
Part II: Christian Living
Called by Christ (1976)
Peace in the Christian Home (1975)
A Word to Married Couples (1975)
Part III: On Scripture
The Temptation of Our Lord (1973)
On the Canaanite Woman (1973)
On the Epistle to the Romans (1973)
Part IV: On Feasts and Fasts
Hail to You, O Cross! (1976)
The Nativity of Our Lord (1974)
“I AM” in the Eucharist (1974)
On the Resurrection (1979)
James Helmy has done a very good job translating these talks for an Anglophone audience, using endnotes not only to clarify references, but also to make note of when Fr. Matthew switched languages in the recordings to obtain a stronger word or shade of meaning than was available in his native Arabic.
Fr. Matthew never seems like he’s lecturing. His words are, at times, quite strong--but they are never harsh. The conversational tone is perhaps unsurprising. Still, the informality makes the contents easily-digestible, when other approaches might be off-putting. He seems to have been a man filled with wonder, whose love for those around him permeates each word.
That he was speaking off-the-cuff is at times obvious, when he breaks off for the sake of his listeners (‘oh, but you are tired, and we will save that for another time.’). Still, each homily/chapter is remarkably cohesive, and I got a sense of sitting at the knee of one with more insight into the spiritual world than I am likely to gain in my lifetime.
At a chapter a day, this was a wonderful set of interludes in a chaotic world. I will certainly reread this in years to come.
---
*The controversy seems mostly to have been administrative or perhaps political.
March 29, 2020
How do I even begin to put into words my thoughts on a book so steeped in Holy Wisdom that I should only hope to internalize even a fraction of it? This is a true spiritual treasure- a work meant to be contemplated over the course of a lifetime, such is its richness. Not only are the words of Father Matta "for our time", but they surpass time and apply to mankind universally. His message offers both joy and challenge for the believer.
This book is comprised of a collection of talks Father Matta delivered to his flock over the course of his ministry. "All I know how to do is to deliver to you what I have lived", and this he does indeed, with an astonishingly deep and intimate knowledge of Christ Himself in his reflections on faith, doctrine, scripture, and salvation. Although the book is divided into four parts (Spirituality, Christian Living, On Scripture, and On Feasts and Fasts), for father Matta there is no real division or compartmentalization of these topics. Every thought he expresses is steeped in both personal and divine wisdom. His stories are alive, animated, and Spirit-filled. his every word imbued with hope and encouragement, as well as strength and rebuke when necessary.
What struck me the most was Abba Matta's deep and thorough knowledge of scripture and how he so seamlessly wove it into his lessons. Clearly the Word of God was written in the elder's heart for such wisdom to come from his mouth. To study and explore his scriptural references alone could take the reader a lifetime, there is so much depth of study and contemplation. It is no wonder that Abba Matta is considered by many to have been the greatest desert elder of our time. I cannot recommend this work enough for anyone hoping to one day see Christ, be consumed by His light, and to be like Him, as was Father Matta's hope- the very reason this book is offered to the world today.
This book is comprised of a collection of talks Father Matta delivered to his flock over the course of his ministry. "All I know how to do is to deliver to you what I have lived", and this he does indeed, with an astonishingly deep and intimate knowledge of Christ Himself in his reflections on faith, doctrine, scripture, and salvation. Although the book is divided into four parts (Spirituality, Christian Living, On Scripture, and On Feasts and Fasts), for father Matta there is no real division or compartmentalization of these topics. Every thought he expresses is steeped in both personal and divine wisdom. His stories are alive, animated, and Spirit-filled. his every word imbued with hope and encouragement, as well as strength and rebuke when necessary.
What struck me the most was Abba Matta's deep and thorough knowledge of scripture and how he so seamlessly wove it into his lessons. Clearly the Word of God was written in the elder's heart for such wisdom to come from his mouth. To study and explore his scriptural references alone could take the reader a lifetime, there is so much depth of study and contemplation. It is no wonder that Abba Matta is considered by many to have been the greatest desert elder of our time. I cannot recommend this work enough for anyone hoping to one day see Christ, be consumed by His light, and to be like Him, as was Father Matta's hope- the very reason this book is offered to the world today.
July 29, 2019
There is a dearth of good audiobook devotional material for Orthodox Christians. This book helps fill the gap in a wonderful way! Abouna Matthew speaks with humility and authority about all types of topics: struggles with the passions, life in the world, theology, the feasts, and fasting. The writings are a collection of talks, transcribed and edited for the modern reader. I could sense the very real empathy Abouna had with the people. He was able to keep a bridge open between the world and the monastic way of life, so that those who went to him for guidance did not leave without practical help.
I appreciated the selection of writings included in the book as, 'ecumenical', meaning that a Western person of the Orthodox Church could find truth and help in Jesus Christ through Abouna's words. I will give this book as a gift to my Protestant parents knowing they will glean much goodness from it. I will revisit this audiobook again to listen during my commute time, a chapter or so at a stretch, to ponder and reflect.
I appreciated the selection of writings included in the book as, 'ecumenical', meaning that a Western person of the Orthodox Church could find truth and help in Jesus Christ through Abouna's words. I will give this book as a gift to my Protestant parents knowing they will glean much goodness from it. I will revisit this audiobook again to listen during my commute time, a chapter or so at a stretch, to ponder and reflect.
May 15, 2020
Truly feels like you're sitting with Fr. Matta while reading it
July 28, 2021
Fabulous. Need to read this if you want to be exposed to the Eastern Church tradition.
June 25, 2018
Favorite chapters I want to revisit:
On Love
Called by Christ
The Temptation of Our Lord
The Canaanite Woman
All the chapters in "on feasts and fasts"
On Love
Called by Christ
The Temptation of Our Lord
The Canaanite Woman
All the chapters in "on feasts and fasts"
June 17, 2020
Fr. Abba Matta of Egypt, (or Matthew the Poor), was a Coptic Orthodox Monk whose writings are unrivaled in making the complex nuances of the Christian faith simple, wonderful, and beautiful for the reader. I could not more strongly recommend this book for any Christian looking to refine elements of their faith with an author that executes with such pristine clarity, compassion, and dedication to both knowing and living out Christian scripture. As someone that did not know of Matthew the Poor prior to reading, I was surprised to hear both his background and wisdom was from only the past century – as it carries a tone of reverent knowledge that one might more commonly find in books of a much older variety. Divided into sections focusing on “Spirituality,” “Christian Living,” “On Scripture,” and “On Feasts and Fasts,” (as well as an introductory chapter that provides the historical and cultural background of Matthew the Poor), this book is educational, impactful, and at times surprisingly humorous. If you are looking for a Christian book that is both cleverly informative and highly practical, this is undoubtedly the book for you.
Sometimes “high-church” can sound like “high-theory,” which is to say that it can sound like you need a dictionary on standby to understand it. This could not be further from the truth for Abba Matta, where it is easy to feel as if he is speaking directly to you or perhaps delivering a sermon. This “accessible orthodoxy” takes concepts that have been crushed by the weight of centuries of debate and gently reminds the reader of the core truth that reverberates through the scriptures. Oftentimes he speaks through different stories that have unfolded in his life, giving a personal touch without ever projecting himself or straying from scriptural purpose. For those of us in the West that have been off-put by the publishing focus of “Christian self-help” this book might be the solution that both encourages us to not merely know truths, but to also live truths in a fundamentally pragmatic way that connects us to our neighbors.
I listened to this book through Audible, and found the recording to be clear, well-paced, and easy to listen to. Whether you’re musing around the house, out on a drive, or simply sitting down to study the wisdom given to us for our time, each chapter offers insight on a unique concept under a larger section (approximately 3-4 concepts per section for a total of 15 chapters). Each chapter ranges at around 30 minutes each and is rich with a wealth of wisdom and knowledge on its respective subject. The narrator maintains a fair and steady pace that allows for the topic to not become too overwhelming for the reader – perfect for Christians of all walks.
My personal recommendation is that this book be used for the purpose of small group activity, because it seems uniquely written to aid Christians of all kinds to grow in their walk by posing provocative questions (and answers!) regarding core elements of the Christian faith. For example, early in chapter 2 (which focuses on Repentance and Holiness) it stresses the power of prayer that has been delegitimized in certain Christian circles by providing scripture, experience, and narration to support its significance. In fact, Fr. Abba Matta seems to touch upon almost every aspect of Christian social life, so there is certainly a “something for everyone” approach at work. Due to the density of topic material, it naturally makes sense for small groups to dive into the pool of each chapter as a means of discussing the applicatory nature of Matthew the Poor’s wisdom into their everyday lives. For certain chapters, a base-knowledge of Orthodox theology and practice might be helpful, but I think readers are all the more blessed for being exposed to it.
Even though it is a short read, it is an incredible pragmatic aid to any Christian walk – a must read for any modern-day Christian.
Sometimes “high-church” can sound like “high-theory,” which is to say that it can sound like you need a dictionary on standby to understand it. This could not be further from the truth for Abba Matta, where it is easy to feel as if he is speaking directly to you or perhaps delivering a sermon. This “accessible orthodoxy” takes concepts that have been crushed by the weight of centuries of debate and gently reminds the reader of the core truth that reverberates through the scriptures. Oftentimes he speaks through different stories that have unfolded in his life, giving a personal touch without ever projecting himself or straying from scriptural purpose. For those of us in the West that have been off-put by the publishing focus of “Christian self-help” this book might be the solution that both encourages us to not merely know truths, but to also live truths in a fundamentally pragmatic way that connects us to our neighbors.
I listened to this book through Audible, and found the recording to be clear, well-paced, and easy to listen to. Whether you’re musing around the house, out on a drive, or simply sitting down to study the wisdom given to us for our time, each chapter offers insight on a unique concept under a larger section (approximately 3-4 concepts per section for a total of 15 chapters). Each chapter ranges at around 30 minutes each and is rich with a wealth of wisdom and knowledge on its respective subject. The narrator maintains a fair and steady pace that allows for the topic to not become too overwhelming for the reader – perfect for Christians of all walks.
My personal recommendation is that this book be used for the purpose of small group activity, because it seems uniquely written to aid Christians of all kinds to grow in their walk by posing provocative questions (and answers!) regarding core elements of the Christian faith. For example, early in chapter 2 (which focuses on Repentance and Holiness) it stresses the power of prayer that has been delegitimized in certain Christian circles by providing scripture, experience, and narration to support its significance. In fact, Fr. Abba Matta seems to touch upon almost every aspect of Christian social life, so there is certainly a “something for everyone” approach at work. Due to the density of topic material, it naturally makes sense for small groups to dive into the pool of each chapter as a means of discussing the applicatory nature of Matthew the Poor’s wisdom into their everyday lives. For certain chapters, a base-knowledge of Orthodox theology and practice might be helpful, but I think readers are all the more blessed for being exposed to it.
Even though it is a short read, it is an incredible pragmatic aid to any Christian walk – a must read for any modern-day Christian.
April 18, 2020
Note: I was given a free copy in exchange for a review
Words for our Time: The Spiritual Words of Matthew the Poor is a great introduction to the life and teachings of Matthew the Poor. While the focus of the book is on the latter the book begins with a nice overview of his life which is helpful for context. Since this book, the first of two volumes, is the first translation from Arabic of the works of Matthew the Poor I will make a few comments on the structure and layout before going into the content.
The book is divided into four parts - spirituality, Christian living, on scripture, and on feasts and fasts - with 3-4 talks per section. While I read the book straight through this layout allows for readers to easily jump around to the parts that speak the most to them. The book has substantial foot notes to help clarify translation issues or ideas of Abba Mathew which is helpful. There were a few times he would refer to other speeches or events in his life that didn’t have footnotes and it would have been nice to have them but overall it was easily understandable.
Moving on to the content itself I have to say that I have not read anything this moving or spiritually challenging in a long while. Abba Mathew is able to take large theological concepts and break them down into relatable and easily accessible chunks. Even though he was a monastic he mostly talked and taught lay people do he has a very engaging and down to earth style that allows for understanding the deep theological truths he wishes to impart. No matter who you are I think you can find something in this book that will teach you something new or help you see things in a different way.
Words for our Time: The Spiritual Words of Matthew the Poor is a great introduction to the life and teachings of Matthew the Poor. While the focus of the book is on the latter the book begins with a nice overview of his life which is helpful for context. Since this book, the first of two volumes, is the first translation from Arabic of the works of Matthew the Poor I will make a few comments on the structure and layout before going into the content.
The book is divided into four parts - spirituality, Christian living, on scripture, and on feasts and fasts - with 3-4 talks per section. While I read the book straight through this layout allows for readers to easily jump around to the parts that speak the most to them. The book has substantial foot notes to help clarify translation issues or ideas of Abba Mathew which is helpful. There were a few times he would refer to other speeches or events in his life that didn’t have footnotes and it would have been nice to have them but overall it was easily understandable.
Moving on to the content itself I have to say that I have not read anything this moving or spiritually challenging in a long while. Abba Mathew is able to take large theological concepts and break them down into relatable and easily accessible chunks. Even though he was a monastic he mostly talked and taught lay people do he has a very engaging and down to earth style that allows for understanding the deep theological truths he wishes to impart. No matter who you are I think you can find something in this book that will teach you something new or help you see things in a different way.
May 5, 2020
I was mesmerized by the simple yet profound conversational teachings of this renowned 20th century Egyptian monk and spiritual teacher.
Words for Our Time contains a selection of Matthew the Poor’s informal talks arranged in four sections: Spirituality, Christian Living, On Scripture, and On Feasts and Fasts. Its intimate tone made me feel as if I was sitting in a cozy pilgrim’s gathering, leaning forward, eager to absorb the richness and depth of each spoken word. The audiobook format is perfect for this volume. I appreciated the narrator’s moderate pace, which allowed just enough time for the words to penetrate without feeling ponderous.
Many quotes ended up transcribed into my notebook, but I will mention just one here. Abba Matta explains that Jesus’ admonition, “Take up the cross, and follow me” means “to be always ready to abandon the self for the sake of others.” This is a perspective I had never considered – I thought my cross was about my own struggles and burdens. How much harder it is to bear a cross for others, knowing my own self-interested heart and selfish tendencies. This is now a point of prayer and repentance.
I recommend this book to anyone hungry to grow spiritually, to deepen her relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I’m grateful that Ancient Faith Publishing offered me the chance to listen to this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. Because this first volume of The Spiritual Words of Matthew the Poor was so meaningful to me, the second volume, Words for Our Lives, is now on my short list of must reads (or must listens).
Words for Our Time contains a selection of Matthew the Poor’s informal talks arranged in four sections: Spirituality, Christian Living, On Scripture, and On Feasts and Fasts. Its intimate tone made me feel as if I was sitting in a cozy pilgrim’s gathering, leaning forward, eager to absorb the richness and depth of each spoken word. The audiobook format is perfect for this volume. I appreciated the narrator’s moderate pace, which allowed just enough time for the words to penetrate without feeling ponderous.
Many quotes ended up transcribed into my notebook, but I will mention just one here. Abba Matta explains that Jesus’ admonition, “Take up the cross, and follow me” means “to be always ready to abandon the self for the sake of others.” This is a perspective I had never considered – I thought my cross was about my own struggles and burdens. How much harder it is to bear a cross for others, knowing my own self-interested heart and selfish tendencies. This is now a point of prayer and repentance.
I recommend this book to anyone hungry to grow spiritually, to deepen her relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I’m grateful that Ancient Faith Publishing offered me the chance to listen to this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. Because this first volume of The Spiritual Words of Matthew the Poor was so meaningful to me, the second volume, Words for Our Lives, is now on my short list of must reads (or must listens).
October 10, 2022
What a delightful read and labor of love! I greatly enjoyed this book and found my faith and relationship with Christ enriched by it.
This is a translated collection of "talks" given by the late Coptic monk, Matthew the Poor. It includes a brief biography written by the translator and helpful notes on interpreting different cultural elements so that readers from all cultures will find it helpful. The talks range from Christian living to expositions on different Scripture readings to discussions of various Orthodox feast days. They're short and could easily be read as a "daily devotional".
I love the gentle and humble way this man addresses his audience. He speaks on deep truths in such a refreshing and accessible way. Nothing is overly technical or verbose, and he focuses on how to encourage his listeners to grow in love toward God in a way that warms the heart. I can totally see how he became so well-loved in his country, and I'm indebted to those who decided his teachings needed to reach a wider audience. Thank you for your work!
I heartily recommend this book to any Orthodox-minded Christian. It's easy to read, enlightening, and full of joy, peace, and encouragement for the journey toward knowing Christ better. I think non-Orthodox Christians would enjoy it too, but some might find the terms/theology strange if they weren't familiar with Orthodoxy. But it might be worth the read anyway. :) I look forward to reading the second book of his teachings and continuing to be edified by this dear soul.
This is a translated collection of "talks" given by the late Coptic monk, Matthew the Poor. It includes a brief biography written by the translator and helpful notes on interpreting different cultural elements so that readers from all cultures will find it helpful. The talks range from Christian living to expositions on different Scripture readings to discussions of various Orthodox feast days. They're short and could easily be read as a "daily devotional".
I love the gentle and humble way this man addresses his audience. He speaks on deep truths in such a refreshing and accessible way. Nothing is overly technical or verbose, and he focuses on how to encourage his listeners to grow in love toward God in a way that warms the heart. I can totally see how he became so well-loved in his country, and I'm indebted to those who decided his teachings needed to reach a wider audience. Thank you for your work!
I heartily recommend this book to any Orthodox-minded Christian. It's easy to read, enlightening, and full of joy, peace, and encouragement for the journey toward knowing Christ better. I think non-Orthodox Christians would enjoy it too, but some might find the terms/theology strange if they weren't familiar with Orthodoxy. But it might be worth the read anyway. :) I look forward to reading the second book of his teachings and continuing to be edified by this dear soul.
September 30, 2019
This book/audiobook is an amazing example of the wisdom of our Orthodox forefathers. Never has a book affected me as this book has. It is a deep yet simple understanding of how keeping your eyes on Christ is essential to finding the peace beyond understanding in our christian walk. I encourage you to give this book a read and allow its words to guide you on your own journey to peace.
July 1, 2021
This book is a treasure. Challenging exhortations, but not harsh. Takes you deeper . . .
March 8, 2023
Wise preaching from Egypt’s very Holy Man
Saint Mathew the Poor
Read this!!
Saint Mathew the Poor
Read this!!
August 13, 2023
Awesome book. The spiritual wisdom is amazing. My favorite quality of the text is that it inspires you to go back and read the Scriptures more intently.
December 20, 2013
This is a very simply and easy to read book regarding a number of subjects which can often seem overly complicated. The book is divided into four sections: Spirituality, Christian Living, On Scripture, and On Feasts And Fasts. In each of these sections are a selection of talks given by Matthew the Poor.
The first talk on Repentance and Holiness quickly tells you this is no ordinary book on Orthodox Spirituality. It is very practical. Matthew the Poor relates the story of an Egyptian woman who complained to him that her daughter was running wild. His reply speaks volumes: "Are you ready to repent?" He then helps her understand faith, and tells her to go home, to stay in her room, to take hold of her bible and pray. And when her daughter comes to her asking questions, to tell her to go away and repent on her own.
He then notes the following: "The mother repents, the daughter repents. The father repents, the whole family repents. The priest lives a good life, the entire church lives a life of repentance. That is how it goes. The king of Nineveh repented, then the whole city repented --- and God had mercy on Nineveh, a city that has become an example to the world for all generations."
Another telling talk is On the Epistle to the Romans, where Matthew the Poor teaches his hearers how to read the scriptures. He sums up: "I read a verse and meditated, then joined it to the following verse to produce a deeper understanding; and after every reading followed a prayer." Simple enough, until you read the prayers of Matthew the Poor, from which I conclude that I know not how to pray.
The first talk on Repentance and Holiness quickly tells you this is no ordinary book on Orthodox Spirituality. It is very practical. Matthew the Poor relates the story of an Egyptian woman who complained to him that her daughter was running wild. His reply speaks volumes: "Are you ready to repent?" He then helps her understand faith, and tells her to go home, to stay in her room, to take hold of her bible and pray. And when her daughter comes to her asking questions, to tell her to go away and repent on her own.
He then notes the following: "The mother repents, the daughter repents. The father repents, the whole family repents. The priest lives a good life, the entire church lives a life of repentance. That is how it goes. The king of Nineveh repented, then the whole city repented --- and God had mercy on Nineveh, a city that has become an example to the world for all generations."
Another telling talk is On the Epistle to the Romans, where Matthew the Poor teaches his hearers how to read the scriptures. He sums up: "I read a verse and meditated, then joined it to the following verse to produce a deeper understanding; and after every reading followed a prayer." Simple enough, until you read the prayers of Matthew the Poor, from which I conclude that I know not how to pray.
August 12, 2013
Abba Matta el Meskeen (Matthew the Poor) is a treasure for the Christian world. This book is one of the few samples of his teaching available in English. Like the earlier Communion of Love it is a collection of transcripts of talks to fellow Egyptian monks and lay people, and the translation conveys a sense of immediacy/spontaneity in an enjoyable way.
I especially appreciated two talks on family life: "Peace in the Christian Home" and "A Word to Married Couples." In the latter, Abba Matta emphasizes that marriage is a Christian mystery (sacrament), and "like all the mysteries, is full of power" — couples seeking to heal or strengthen their marriages should draw daily on the spiritual power of the sacrament of which they are part. This isn't advice that's often heard; more often, Christian marriage teaching is little more than secular counseling dressed up in a Christian hat.
His talk "On the Epistle to the Romans" is filled with the same reverence for Scripture as in his "How to Read the Bible" (in Communion of Love). Discussing only a few lines from St. Paul's epistle, he teaches us that we must read every single line as a special, personal message to us.
If I had to recommend a single book to someone unfamiliar with Abba Matta's wonderful writings, I would choose The Communion of Love. But this collection is another good choice for anyone who wants to benefit from the words of this true ascetic and Christian Father.
I especially appreciated two talks on family life: "Peace in the Christian Home" and "A Word to Married Couples." In the latter, Abba Matta emphasizes that marriage is a Christian mystery (sacrament), and "like all the mysteries, is full of power" — couples seeking to heal or strengthen their marriages should draw daily on the spiritual power of the sacrament of which they are part. This isn't advice that's often heard; more often, Christian marriage teaching is little more than secular counseling dressed up in a Christian hat.
His talk "On the Epistle to the Romans" is filled with the same reverence for Scripture as in his "How to Read the Bible" (in Communion of Love). Discussing only a few lines from St. Paul's epistle, he teaches us that we must read every single line as a special, personal message to us.
If I had to recommend a single book to someone unfamiliar with Abba Matta's wonderful writings, I would choose The Communion of Love. But this collection is another good choice for anyone who wants to benefit from the words of this true ascetic and Christian Father.
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