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If You Love Me: Serving Christ and the Church in Spirit and Truth
“The lesson of love can never be taught simply by words . . . Rather, it is taught by truly giving yourself and communicating the love and longing for Christ to those you serve. . . . How awesome and dignified is Christian service! And how good is the trustworthy and loyal servant who can say along with Christ, ‘Learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart’ (Matt. 11:29).” (from the Introduction) This book is essential and inspiring reading for all who would devote their lives to the service of Christ and His Church.
164 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 21, 2018
43 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
About the author
Matthew the Poor
34 books33 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 30, 2023
This book holds some great content, yet it could probably be condensed quite a bit. My favorite attribute of the book was that it consistently paints a good picture of how to channel ambition into selfless service. Good devotional read. 3.5/5 stars.
January 28, 2021
Amazing book about service and submission to the love of God in service. Must read for every Christian, and non-Christian, servant.
February 26, 2024
As a newly ordained Deacon (servant), this was a perfectly fitting gift. In this short, but deep work, Matthew the Poor reminds the reader what it means to be a servant of Christ and His Church. It is certainly a book I will be returning to in the future and will gift to other servants.
August 23, 2023
Absolutely wonderful book for any church leaders to read. I will have to re-read this in the future. Another good one from Matthew the Poor.
January 15, 2020
This book is quite amazing. Not only does it allow you to delve deeper spiritually, it also changes your perspective on service. Fr. Matthew eloquently writes about how service within the walls of the church is futile unless the servant lives a life of service in general. This is only done if the person reflects on one's relationship with God and living a daily life of repentance. Once that is achieved, one is able to view service as God working through them, lightening the burden of serving others. I highly recommend this book to be read by clergy and laymen alike. I pray that every church incorporates this book into every "prepare to serve" course administered to those desiring to serve God in the best way possible.
December 18, 2019
A must read for every servant.
September 20, 2019
Excellent. I listened to the audio book, but would much rather have had a hard copy in hand to re-read and underline. Definitely one to return to.
May 1, 2019
Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ told His disciples, “Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him” (St. John 14:23). This promise is the foundation upon which Coptic Monk, Matthew the Poor, (Father Matta El Meskeen) reestablished the Monastery of Saint Macarius in Egypt. It is also the foundation upon which all he wrote, spoke and taught during his lifetime.
“If You Love Me: Serving Christ and the Church in Spirit and Truth” contains the writings of Matthew the Poor on serving Christ. Its’ target audience is monastic and pastoral leadership. It is a book rich in spiritual Truth and depth, yet it is said plainly and simply. However, much of what Abbah Matta says is applicable to any and all servants of Our Lord.
As Christian parents, it was important to my husband and me to raise our children with hearts tuned to virtue and the care of their neighbors and friends. Teaching them right from wrong, “warm repentance” and leading them “in paths of virtue and fear of God” was primary. Though community service was a requirement for high school graduation in our school district, service in general was a focus in our family. From toddlerhood to teenage years, serving in one fashion or another, whether it be in the home (cleaning their rooms or the dinner table), in the church (work days, camp clean up, kitchen clean up) and in the community (volunteering at a local senior residence). Our prayer was that though they had great knowledge of the Scriptures through Sunday School and other programs, their hearts would be ones of servanthood and love for others. Our children are adults now and they have hearts of love for others and service. To God be the glory!
The Preface, understandably, lays groundwork that this is a book that one “cannot breeze through.” Time and care, sometimes repeated reading, should be given as one is led through the book. This being the case, I was not entirely happy listening to the book, especially while driving in the car or doing another task. It was too easy to miss the many gems salted throughout the pages. The Narrator did a laudable job, reading at a very good pace, noting the footnotes and scripture references. If I had any suggestion to offer, it would be to find a way to avoid the natural inclination to hiss while pronouncing the letter “S”.
I highly recommend the Audible version of “If You Love Me: Serving Christ and the Church in Spirit and Truth” by Matthew the Poor to not just pastoral and lay leadership but to everyone who loves our Lord God and wishes to develop a heart of servanthood in themselves, in their children and in their family.
“If You Love Me: Serving Christ and the Church in Spirit and Truth” contains the writings of Matthew the Poor on serving Christ. Its’ target audience is monastic and pastoral leadership. It is a book rich in spiritual Truth and depth, yet it is said plainly and simply. However, much of what Abbah Matta says is applicable to any and all servants of Our Lord.
As Christian parents, it was important to my husband and me to raise our children with hearts tuned to virtue and the care of their neighbors and friends. Teaching them right from wrong, “warm repentance” and leading them “in paths of virtue and fear of God” was primary. Though community service was a requirement for high school graduation in our school district, service in general was a focus in our family. From toddlerhood to teenage years, serving in one fashion or another, whether it be in the home (cleaning their rooms or the dinner table), in the church (work days, camp clean up, kitchen clean up) and in the community (volunteering at a local senior residence). Our prayer was that though they had great knowledge of the Scriptures through Sunday School and other programs, their hearts would be ones of servanthood and love for others. Our children are adults now and they have hearts of love for others and service. To God be the glory!
The Preface, understandably, lays groundwork that this is a book that one “cannot breeze through.” Time and care, sometimes repeated reading, should be given as one is led through the book. This being the case, I was not entirely happy listening to the book, especially while driving in the car or doing another task. It was too easy to miss the many gems salted throughout the pages. The Narrator did a laudable job, reading at a very good pace, noting the footnotes and scripture references. If I had any suggestion to offer, it would be to find a way to avoid the natural inclination to hiss while pronouncing the letter “S”.
I highly recommend the Audible version of “If You Love Me: Serving Christ and the Church in Spirit and Truth” by Matthew the Poor to not just pastoral and lay leadership but to everyone who loves our Lord God and wishes to develop a heart of servanthood in themselves, in their children and in their family.
June 5, 2018
What is the difference between Christian knowledge and Christian service? It seems like a question that doesn't need answering, but in modern times, that couldn't be further from the truth. Knowledge focuses on edifying the mind and in doing so, potentially gaining pride in the wisdom you have gained. In other words, "Look at me. I'm so smart!" Service, on the other hand, focuses on self-abandonment, mastering your desires, and surrendering to God so that you may serve Him by serving others. Matthew the Poor wrote on this subject, and Ancient Faith Publishing recently published some of these essays under the book title If You Love Me.
The book begins by telling us about love being THE criterion for Christian service. This must be a love for God, His Church, and those we are called to serve. Next, we are given the qualities of a Christian servant. Matthew the Poor lists ten such qualities, some of which are a spirit of discipleship, a battle of inner selfishness, honesty, and impartiality. Other chapters include information about the people we are called to serve, spiritual diseases they will have, stumbling blocks and joys you will encounter on your path of service. The book then ends with ways to enhance our credentials for serving the younger generation. This includes prayer, fasting, the Sacraments, and a true devotion to Christ.
If You Love Me is a beautiful and eye-opening book that every Christian should take the time to read. So many books recently published focus on the individual reading the book and how they can better or edify themselves, which is something we should strive for. And while this book touches on that, it isn't the main focus. Instead, we are invited to look at those around us and see how we can better serve them. This service will not only be physically edifying for those being served, but spiritually edifying as well, with the ultimate goal of leading them to Heaven. If you are looking for a book that causes you to shift your focus outward and look at your fellow man and not just yourself, then this is the book for you. Highly recommended for all Christians, especially pastors and spiritual leaders.
The book begins by telling us about love being THE criterion for Christian service. This must be a love for God, His Church, and those we are called to serve. Next, we are given the qualities of a Christian servant. Matthew the Poor lists ten such qualities, some of which are a spirit of discipleship, a battle of inner selfishness, honesty, and impartiality. Other chapters include information about the people we are called to serve, spiritual diseases they will have, stumbling blocks and joys you will encounter on your path of service. The book then ends with ways to enhance our credentials for serving the younger generation. This includes prayer, fasting, the Sacraments, and a true devotion to Christ.
If You Love Me is a beautiful and eye-opening book that every Christian should take the time to read. So many books recently published focus on the individual reading the book and how they can better or edify themselves, which is something we should strive for. And while this book touches on that, it isn't the main focus. Instead, we are invited to look at those around us and see how we can better serve them. This service will not only be physically edifying for those being served, but spiritually edifying as well, with the ultimate goal of leading them to Heaven. If you are looking for a book that causes you to shift your focus outward and look at your fellow man and not just yourself, then this is the book for you. Highly recommended for all Christians, especially pastors and spiritual leaders.
November 15, 2019
If You Love Me: Serving Christ and the Church in Spirit and Truth by Matthew the Poor
I've read two other books by Matthew the Poor- (Words for our Lives and Words for our Time) and this one is a little different than the others. It is a set of essays, rather than transcribed talks. What is lost of the intimacy from the talks is more than made up for in the robustness and thoroughness in the essays presented here.
The focus in this book is on being a Servant of Christ and His Church. And to be a christian servant, the focus is on service in love, as love. And it's hard.
This book is a challenge- it challenges those of us who like to read books and fill our heads with Christian ideas, but filling your heads with Christian intellectual knowledge is not the same as filling your heart with Christian service. He challenges us to pray, fast, read the scriptures and the patristic fathers, and to put God and others before ourselves.
There are long sections on various stumbling blocks of the Christian life, and these are written with the wisdom that comes from having witnessed them - Abba Matthew has seen people go astray, even when they think they are serving the church, and his warnings are worth heeding.
I'll come back to this book again, in a couple of months. It is full of hard and practical advise, and after I've lived with it a few months it will be good to re-explore.
I've read two other books by Matthew the Poor- (Words for our Lives and Words for our Time) and this one is a little different than the others. It is a set of essays, rather than transcribed talks. What is lost of the intimacy from the talks is more than made up for in the robustness and thoroughness in the essays presented here.
The focus in this book is on being a Servant of Christ and His Church. And to be a christian servant, the focus is on service in love, as love. And it's hard.
This book is a challenge- it challenges those of us who like to read books and fill our heads with Christian ideas, but filling your heads with Christian intellectual knowledge is not the same as filling your heart with Christian service. He challenges us to pray, fast, read the scriptures and the patristic fathers, and to put God and others before ourselves.
There are long sections on various stumbling blocks of the Christian life, and these are written with the wisdom that comes from having witnessed them - Abba Matthew has seen people go astray, even when they think they are serving the church, and his warnings are worth heeding.
I'll come back to this book again, in a couple of months. It is full of hard and practical advise, and after I've lived with it a few months it will be good to re-explore.
September 19, 2020
WOW!!! Now this is a great work on spiritual advice, perspective and tradition in Christendom. Many of the statements can be read over and over again for the sheer wisdom of Matthew the Poor (Matta El Meskeen) who passed in 2007. He was Coptic Christian monk and abbot who is know to have revitalized Egyptian monasticism.
I do not recommend this book for people new to the Faith.
I recommend it for those mature, for those seeking to be spiritual elders, for those in and wishing to be in active ordained ministry.
I do not recommend this book for people new to the Faith.
I recommend it for those mature, for those seeking to be spiritual elders, for those in and wishing to be in active ordained ministry.
December 19, 2022
I didn't know exactly what to expect from this book, but what I found was a delightful look at what it means to serve as Christ serves, and how that forms your own soul. Most things I've read on service from a Christian perspective are all about the outward results, which are certainly important, but this really balanced that with a look at how the servant is helped by helping others, and that this is how Christ intended all of this to work.
April 7, 2019
Essential book for every Christian serving the Body of Christ. Although written by a monk from the monastery of St Macarius in the Egyptian desert, who lived away from the world, the book is still very relevant to the struggles faced by servants of city based Church’s of this time. It is deep in spirituality & theology and combines a very practical approach to service.
August 24, 2019
As challenging as it is edifying, this short book really delves deep into Christian Servanthood. Not just for clergy, the layperson can find much to ponder. This book is not a simple step by step guide but should be read humbly, with a willingness to take an honest look at yourself and what it means to serve Christ through serving others. Highly recommended.
June 25, 2018
The greatest book ever written on the nature of Christian service. Reading it for a second time to soak it all in. Highly recommended for anyone that wants to be a Christian in nature and not in name alone.
May 8, 2024
A beautiful but confronting read. Highly Recommend. I also just love his poetic style of writing.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews