June 7, 2026

“Hate your father and mother…”

Today’s Gospel reading hits our ears strangely. The words of Jesus contain a very hard saying. Most of us are raised
in Christian families, and Jesus puzzles us by teaching that our commitment to him requires us to deny our families. When the Gospel of Luke shares this same material, Jesus says not only to deny our families, but to hate them (Luke 14:26). Why does Jesus say this?

To answer this question, we must understand a major difference between the ancient world and the modern one. Religion was not a private choice in antiquity, and religious diversity did not mean then what it means now. To be born in a city meant to worship the gods of that city. To be born into a family... show moreJune 7, 2026

“Hate your father and mother…”

Today’s Gospel reading hits our ears strangely. The words of Jesus contain a very hard saying. Most of us are raised
in Christian families, and Jesus puzzles us by teaching that our commitment to him requires us to deny our families. When the Gospel of Luke shares this same material, Jesus says not only to deny our families, but to hate them (Luke 14:26). Why does Jesus say this?

To answer this question, we must understand a major difference between the ancient world and the modern one. Religion was not a private choice in antiquity, and religious diversity did not mean then what it means now. To be born in a city meant to worship the gods of that city. To be born into a family meant to worship the gods of that family. The gods were understood to protect a city that was loyal to them. To abandon pagan gods for Christ, therefore, was to endanger the city. This was a serious crime. Socrates was killed for not properly honoring the gods of Athens, and early Christians were persecuted for not honoring the gods of Rome.

Some early martyrs were killed by their own families to avoid the disgrace of harboring a traitor. St. Paul recognized that some Christians would lose their spouses by being baptized into Christ (1 Cor 7:12-14). This highly-charged setting is the proper context for understanding Jesus’ hard words. Everything must be surrendered, even family harmony if necessary, to follow Christ. Modern converts to Orthodoxy might experience similar pressures.

Those who are already in Orthodox families, however, have a different task. We must ensure that our families are places where our children experience Christ, not ones where family dynamics require a denial of Christ’s teachings. Let us therefore build families of faith, hope and love.

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May 31, 2026

“…Out of his heart shall flow rivers of living water”

Today’s Gospel reading refers to the gift of the Spirit, which had not yet been given during Jesus’ ministry because Jesus had not yet risen from the dead. That gift was bestowed upon believers on the day of Pentecost, the great feast that we celebrate today. And the gift of the Spirit changes the disciples.

Only after Pentecost did the disciples fully understand the mission of Jesus and become fully empowered to share the Gospel throughout the world. Every Christian is given this same gift of the Spirit in our baptism. Like the disciples at Pentecost, we must ourselves come to understand more fully the mission of Jesus and we must share his Gospel in our... show moreMay 31, 2026

“…Out of his heart shall flow rivers of living water”

Today’s Gospel reading refers to the gift of the Spirit, which had not yet been given during Jesus’ ministry because Jesus had not yet risen from the dead. That gift was bestowed upon believers on the day of Pentecost, the great feast that we celebrate today. And the gift of the Spirit changes the disciples.

Only after Pentecost did the disciples fully understand the mission of Jesus and become fully empowered to share the Gospel throughout the world. Every Christian is given this same gift of the Spirit in our baptism. Like the disciples at Pentecost, we must ourselves come to understand more fully the mission of Jesus and we must share his Gospel in our own lives. And this requires effort.

We are given the Spirit at baptism, but we must receive it through our own decisions and actions. Church history is littered with Christians who did not make this effort. When St. Paul writes First Corinthians, he tells the Christians in Corinth that he cannot address them as people who have received this Spirit (1 Cor 3:1) but as infants in Christ and as people who do not understand their Christian identity. How do we avoid their immature fate? We can do three things. First, we must guard our words carefully.

If we watch what we say, we ensure that we say things that draw ourselves and others closer to God. Second, we must continue to live ascetical lives. By fasting and praying and giving generously to others, we arrest our own selfish wills and ensure that we subject our will to the will of God. Finally, we must study our faith so that we understand not only who God is, but what his purpose is for our lives.

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May 24, 2026

Reflections from today's reading - John 17:1-13

Today’s Gospel reading from John 17 is the concluding section of the long Farewell Discourse that Jesus delivers in John 13-17. Two things deserve attention from this discourse. First, Jesus bids farewell to his disciples in the same way that Old Testament patriarchs do prior to their deaths. Moses and others consoled their followers, offered commandments to live by, and reminded their followers of God’s plans.

Jesus follows this pattern closely. Second, the farewell of Jesus differs from other biblical farewells in that Jesus stresses his continuing presence even more than his departure. Even as he bids them farewell, he emphasizes that he is going nowhere. He... show more May 24, 2026

Reflections from today's reading - John 17:1-13

Today’s Gospel reading from John 17 is the concluding section of the long Farewell Discourse that Jesus delivers in John 13-17. Two things deserve attention from this discourse. First, Jesus bids farewell to his disciples in the same way that Old Testament patriarchs do prior to their deaths. Moses and others consoled their followers, offered commandments to live by, and reminded their followers of God’s plans.

Jesus follows this pattern closely. Second, the farewell of Jesus differs from other biblical farewells in that Jesus stresses his continuing presence even more than his departure. Even as he bids them farewell, he emphasizes that he is going nowhere. He washes the disciples’ feet, so they “have a part with him” (John 13). They are united to him like branches are to a vine (John 15:5). Even as they suffer and are hated by the world, their suffering unites them to Jesus, and they will be supported by the Holy Spirit as they suffer (John 15:20). All this recalls Jesus’ teaching that as long as we eat his flesh and drink his blood, we abide in him and he abides in us (John 6:54).

Even though he says that he is no longer in the world, he still promises to be with us until the end of the age (Matthew 28:20). But the continuing presence of Jesus is not confined to our life on earth. He tells his disciples in John 14:3, “I go and prepare a place for you; I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” Christ remains with us on earth, while also preparing us to dwell with him forever in heavenly joy. Let us strive ever more to live this heavenly life on earth.

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May 17, 2026

Reflections from today's reading - John 9:1-38

To know or not to know? That is the question in today’s Gospel reading. Several people in today’s passage claim to know things but are actually ignorant. The Pharisees are the loudest about what they know. They know that Jesus is a sinner, they know the blind man is a sinner, and they know that God spoke to Moses. But as for Jesus, they know nothing about him. The parents of the blind man know things, too. They know the blind man is their son, and they know that he was born blind. But as for how he was healed, they know nothing about it.

The opponents of Jesus know so many things…but only the wrong things. They are infected with a spiritual blindness, which is not... show moreMay 17, 2026

Reflections from today's reading - John 9:1-38

To know or not to know? That is the question in today’s Gospel reading. Several people in today’s passage claim to know things but are actually ignorant. The Pharisees are the loudest about what they know. They know that Jesus is a sinner, they know the blind man is a sinner, and they know that God spoke to Moses. But as for Jesus, they know nothing about him. The parents of the blind man know things, too. They know the blind man is their son, and they know that he was born blind. But as for how he was healed, they know nothing about it.

The opponents of Jesus know so many things…but only the wrong things. They are infected with a spiritual blindness, which is not like physical blindness. In physical blindness, nothing enters the eye. In spiritual blindness, everything enters our vision, but Fr. George Parsenios too many things and only the wrong things. When we allow ourselves to consume too much of what is false or tempting or dark, we become like the Pharisees. We cannot recognize God standing right in front of us.

We become like the parents of the blind man, who are alienated and disconnected from their child. We lose our close connection with our family. Let us strive, therefore, to close our eyes to dark influences that distract and confuse us and open them to that which uplifts and connects us to God, especially our Orthodox faith. And let us remember to be careful in our relationships, not only with our families, but with our friends and neighbors, and particularly with our fellow church parishioners.

Let us forgive and be patient and be kind, so that we might all proclaim together: Χριστός Ἀνέστη! Christ is Risen!

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May 10, 2026

Reflections from today’s reading - John 4 : 5 - 4 2

From Pascha until Pentecost, the Sunday Gospel readings refer repeatedly to water. Jesus heals the Paralytic in water at the pool of Bethesda. He sends the Blind Man to wash in water at the pool of Siloam. He speaks of the Holy Spirit rising up like a river from within believers. And in today’s Gospel passage, Jesus speaks about living water with the Samaritan Woman.

Water, water everywhere—but what does the water mean? A pilgrim named Egeria answered this question by describing what she saw in her travels to the Holy Land in the 4th century. She says that Pascha was a chief time for new believers to be baptized. The reason for this is obvious: Pascha celebrates... show moreMay 10, 2026

Reflections from today’s reading - John 4 : 5 - 4 2

From Pascha until Pentecost, the Sunday Gospel readings refer repeatedly to water. Jesus heals the Paralytic in water at the pool of Bethesda. He sends the Blind Man to wash in water at the pool of Siloam. He speaks of the Holy Spirit rising up like a river from within believers. And in today’s Gospel passage, Jesus speaks about living water with the Samaritan Woman.

Water, water everywhere—but what does the water mean? A pilgrim named Egeria answered this question by describing what she saw in her travels to the Holy Land in the 4th century. She says that Pascha was a chief time for new believers to be baptized. The reason for this is obvious: Pascha celebrates the gift of new life in Christ, and being baptized is our gateway
into this new life.

When our Sunday Gospel readings refer to water, they evoke the waters of baptism, following the longstanding tradition of people being baptized during this season. Notice as well that the Sunday Gospel readings are almost all taken from the Gospel according to John. This is because John describes the Resurrection more fully than the other Gospels.

Mark and Matthew tell us very little about Jesus after he rises from the dead, and Luke offers only a bit more information. But John provides two full chapters about the Resurrected Jesus. Interestingly, Egeria tells us that John’s Gospel was read during and after Pascha in the 4th century as well. As Egeria describes it, when the bishop would gather with the newly baptized Christians during the Paschal season, their Gospel readings were taken from John. Our worship in the 21st century, therefore, follows the pattern of Christians from the earliest centuries, and along with the Christians of every time and place we sing: Χριστός Ἀνέστη! Christ is Risen!

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May 3, 2026

“Rise, take up your pallet, and walk.”

The Paralytic who is healed in today’s Gospel reading is a puzzling figure. After he is healed, we are left wondering: does he become a disciple or will he be a traitor? When other people are healed by Jesus, they show their loyalty to him in obvious ways. But the Paralytic does not worship Jesus. He does not thank Jesus. He does not follow Jesus.

The only thing he does after being healed is to tell the leaders of the Jews that Jesus healed him on the Sabbath. In the very next line, these same leaders pursue Jesus with a violent intensity. Was the Paralytic, then, a disciple or an informant? We cannot be sure.

The matter is left ambiguous. Is our loyalty to Jesus equally... show more May 3, 2026

“Rise, take up your pallet, and walk.”

The Paralytic who is healed in today’s Gospel reading is a puzzling figure. After he is healed, we are left wondering: does he become a disciple or will he be a traitor? When other people are healed by Jesus, they show their loyalty to him in obvious ways. But the Paralytic does not worship Jesus. He does not thank Jesus. He does not follow Jesus.

The only thing he does after being healed is to tell the leaders of the Jews that Jesus healed him on the Sabbath. In the very next line, these same leaders pursue Jesus with a violent intensity. Was the Paralytic, then, a disciple or an informant? We cannot be sure.

The matter is left ambiguous. Is our loyalty to Jesus equally uncertain? We call ourselves Christians, but would the people who encounter us each day know that we are Christians? Would our Christian character be obvious? Or would it be ambiguous? Would the cashier at the grocery store consider us cruel and rude? Or kind and gracious?

How do we spend our money? A checkbook is a theological document. What does it say about our Christian commitment? And our homes and families—are they havens of kindness or places of anger and neglect? If we are honest, we will see in our Christian life vast gray areas where our Christian devotion is less than clear. We cannot be perfect. But we do need to show progress. As we move through this radiant period in the Church’s calendar, let us strive with ever greater commitment and focus to say not only in words but in actions: Χριστός Ἀνέστη! Christ is Risen ...show less

April 26, 2026

"He has risen, He is not here"

The crucifixion and burial of Jesus were humiliating events, and today’s Gospel reading emphasizes two features of this humiliation. For ancient Jews, the two most important features of a burial were (1) burial with one’s ancestors and (2) a parade of public mourners. Jesus received neither. Burial with one’s ancestors was especially important. When people died in the Old Testament, their burial was described with the phrase, “He slept and was gathered to his fathers” (Genesis 25:8).

This phrase literally means that the bones of the deceased were placed in a family tomb filled with the bones of one’s ancestors. People who betrayed the ancient Israelites were often threatened... show moreApril 26, 2026

"He has risen, He is not here"

The crucifixion and burial of Jesus were humiliating events, and today’s Gospel reading emphasizes two features of this humiliation. For ancient Jews, the two most important features of a burial were (1) burial with one’s ancestors and (2) a parade of public mourners. Jesus received neither. Burial with one’s ancestors was especially important. When people died in the Old Testament, their burial was described with the phrase, “He slept and was gathered to his fathers” (Genesis 25:8).

This phrase literally means that the bones of the deceased were placed in a family tomb filled with the bones of one’s ancestors. People who betrayed the ancient Israelites were often threatened with the possibility that they would not be given such a burial (1 Kings 13:21; Jer 22:18). Likewise, public mourning of the dead was an essential way to heal the wound of loss. We see parades of mourning when the Widow of Nain buries her son (Luke 7:12) or when the sisters of Lazarus mourn their brother (John 11). Such public mourning demonstrated a person’s importance.

The greater the parade of mourners, the greater a person’s fame. Jesus is not mourned at all. The women disciples in today’s Gospel find his tomb and go to anoint his body. But there is no parade of mourners. Jesus, therefore, is cut off from all the normal rituals of burial. And this is wholly as it should be.

The bones of Jesus were not mingled with the dead bones of his earthly ancestors, because his body would not be remaining in the tomb. And his death was not the cause for weeks of public mourning, because his body would not be remaining in the tomb. His executioners meant to see him buried in shame, but they paradoxically affirmed that his tomb was not the end.

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April 19, 2026

"Thomas, Doubt and Faith"

The doubt of St. Thomas provides a powerful lesson in discipleship, but not for the reasons that one might think. Thomas was not with the other disciples when they saw the risen Lord, and he insisted on seeing the wounds of Christ before he would believe that Jesus had been resurrected. Because he hesitated, Thomas is famously called “Doubting Thomas,” and his faith is considered weak. But is this the correct way to view him? St. Romanos the Melodist urges us to see something different in Thomas.

According to Romanos, if Thomas doubted what the disciples said, it was not because he failed, but because they did. His doubt was produced by their fragile and feeble witness. Although... show more April 19, 2026

"Thomas, Doubt and Faith"

The doubt of St. Thomas provides a powerful lesson in discipleship, but not for the reasons that one might think. Thomas was not with the other disciples when they saw the risen Lord, and he insisted on seeing the wounds of Christ before he would believe that Jesus had been resurrected. Because he hesitated, Thomas is famously called “Doubting Thomas,” and his faith is considered weak. But is this the correct way to view him? St. Romanos the Melodist urges us to see something different in Thomas.

According to Romanos, if Thomas doubted what the disciples said, it was not because he failed, but because they did. His doubt was produced by their fragile and feeble witness. Although they told him that Jesus was risen, they did not act like Jesus was risen. Instead of having a bold and confident faith, they were still cowering in the upper room. Instead of bravely proclaiming the message of new life, they were hiding under the fear of death. Why would Thomas believe anything they said?

The same is true for us. Think for a moment of the people who inspired you to take your faith seriously. They didn’t just talk about their faith. They lived it. In the same way that Thomas watched how the disciples behaved, our children are also watching us. If they see that we sacrifice for our faith, they will learn to do the same. If they see that we share our abundance with those who lack, they will imitate our kindness. If they see that we treasure the Sunday Divine Liturgy, they will treasure it as well and orient their week around it. Fortified with this knowledge, let us proclaim not only with our words, but with everything we do: Χριστὸς Ἀνέστη! Christ is Risen!

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April 12, 2026

“The Word Became Flesh…”

As we celebrate Christ’s Resurrection, today’s Gospel reading reminds us of his birth when it says, “The Word became flesh” (John 1:14). Easter and Christmas are the two great poles of the liturgical year. Most of the Autumn season leads to Christmas, and the entire Spring leads up to Easter. And, just like the separate poles of the globe, Christmas and Easter seem like opposites in many ways.

One focuses on birth, the other on rising from the dead. One is celebrated in the icy cold of Winter, the other in the warm sunlight of early Spring. The two feasts seem so very different, but they are actually closely connected. We observe, for instance, a 40-day fast before both Christmas... show moreApril 12, 2026

“The Word Became Flesh…”

As we celebrate Christ’s Resurrection, today’s Gospel reading reminds us of his birth when it says, “The Word became flesh” (John 1:14). Easter and Christmas are the two great poles of the liturgical year. Most of the Autumn season leads to Christmas, and the entire Spring leads up to Easter. And, just like the separate poles of the globe, Christmas and Easter seem like opposites in many ways.

One focuses on birth, the other on rising from the dead. One is celebrated in the icy cold of Winter, the other in the warm sunlight of early Spring. The two feasts seem so very different, but they are actually closely connected. We observe, for instance, a 40-day fast before both Christmas and Easter. In both feasts, we see God renewing and remaking his creation. Saint Paul says that those who are in Christ are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17), and the birth and resurrection of Christ are the beginning and the end of this new creation as the curse of Adam is reversed.

Adam was created directly by God with no earthly Father, and the world is recreated in the birth of Christ who also has no earthly Father. Adam’s curse of death is finally removed in the Resurrection. The world begins to be made anew in Christmas, and this work of renewal is brought to completion at Pascha. What remains for us now is to live like people made anew. When insulted, we must forgive. When tempted, we must resist. When filled with all good things, we must share with those in need.

In these ways, we proclaim the message of our Lord to a world waiting for Christ’s renewal, and we announce together with all creation:
Χριστὸς Ἀνέστη!
Christ is Risen!

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April 5, 2026

The Medicine of Immortality

Dining and death are closely connected in today’s Gospel reading. Death pervades the passage. We hear that Lazarus was raised from the dead. We then hear that Jesus is anointed for death. We hear, finally, that Lazarus is marked for murder, because the opponents of Jesus are jealous of his renown. And a meal in the house of Lazarus provides the background for this pervasive focus on death.

The ancients often joined dining and death because these things represent two poles of the human experience. To eat is to live. To eat is to push death back for one more day. Although it may sound macabre to us, ancient Roman dining rooms were often decorated with mosaics of skeletons, and the ancient Egyptians... show moreApril 5, 2026

The Medicine of Immortality

Dining and death are closely connected in today’s Gospel reading. Death pervades the passage. We hear that Lazarus was raised from the dead. We then hear that Jesus is anointed for death. We hear, finally, that Lazarus is marked for murder, because the opponents of Jesus are jealous of his renown. And a meal in the house of Lazarus provides the background for this pervasive focus on death.

The ancients often joined dining and death because these things represent two poles of the human experience. To eat is to live. To eat is to push death back for one more day. Although it may sound macabre to us, ancient Roman dining rooms were often decorated with mosaics of skeletons, and the ancient Egyptians are said to have propped a skeleton in a chair as though he were a guest at the meal. These unusual behaviors were meant as reminders to the diners that life is short, and that we should “eat, drink and be merry, because tomorrow we die” (1 Corinthians 15:32). People were trained to enjoy earthly pleasures as long as they could, and the dining table reminded them that life ends only in the grave.

Dining is different for Christians. When Christians share the sacred meal of Holy Communion, we are not reminded that our lives are limited by the grave, but that our lives are unlimited in the Resurrection of Christ. St. Ignatios of Antioch called Holy Communion the “medicine of immortality.”

To receive Holy Communion is to participate in the Resurrection of our Lord, and to announce his message of new life. Let us prepare for Holy Communion by living lives worthy of what we have received, and let us leave Church each week empowered with the new life we have been given.

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March 29, 2026

A King Enthroned on the Cross

The disciples are confused in today’s Gospel reading about the purpose of Jesus’ ministry. They believe that he has come to establish an earthly kingdom, by driving the Romans from Jerusalem. Even after he is risen from the dead, they still think he has come to establish an earthly kingdom (Acts 1:6).

This explains the odd question from James and John, who ask Jesus to grant them seats at his left and right hand when he rules. But Jesus did not go to Jerusalem to be enthroned in a luxurious palace as an earthly king, nor did he come to defeat a mere earthly enemy like the Romans. His throne is the cross, and his enemies are our spiritual adversaries, sin and death. Therefore, whoever... show moreMarch 29, 2026

A King Enthroned on the Cross

The disciples are confused in today’s Gospel reading about the purpose of Jesus’ ministry. They believe that he has come to establish an earthly kingdom, by driving the Romans from Jerusalem. Even after he is risen from the dead, they still think he has come to establish an earthly kingdom (Acts 1:6).

This explains the odd question from James and John, who ask Jesus to grant them seats at his left and right hand when he rules. But Jesus did not go to Jerusalem to be enthroned in a luxurious palace as an earthly king, nor did he come to defeat a mere earthly enemy like the Romans. His throne is the cross, and his enemies are our spiritual adversaries, sin and death. Therefore, whoever sits at his left and right will not be crowned with gold and arrayed with soft robes.

James and John are correct to imagine that their fate is tied to the fate of Jesus, but they misunderstand what this means. They will not rule with him. They will be crucified with him. In today’s Gospel reading we are told that we, too, must pick up our cross and follow Christ. Focusing on the cross reminds us that our faith requires us to look beyond earthly wealth and comfort.

We pray for an abundance of the fruits of the earth, and we pray for peace on earth. But the purpose of our faith is not to establish for ourselves worldly riches or power or glory or fulfillment. The purpose of our faith is to lead us beyond the things of this earth to the things of heaven. The season of Great Lent reminds us that the Kingdom of God is not of this world, and that we must look beyond earthly comforts to find it.

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March 22, 2026

How long has he had this?

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus asks the father of a sick child, “How long has he had this?” The father explains that the boy has been sick from his youth, indicating that illness is a chronic condition of the boy’s being. Several people healed by Jesus endured illness for just as many years or longer. The blind man in John 9 was blind from birth, while the man healed at the Pool of Bethesda in John 5 carried his pain for 38 years. No human help could make these people whole. God alone could bring them new life. Their extreme states of physical affliction illustrate the spiritual sicknesses that characterize all of humanity.

The season of Great Lent is a hospital for diseases of body... show moreMarch 22, 2026

How long has he had this?

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus asks the father of a sick child, “How long has he had this?” The father explains that the boy has been sick from his youth, indicating that illness is a chronic condition of the boy’s being. Several people healed by Jesus endured illness for just as many years or longer. The blind man in John 9 was blind from birth, while the man healed at the Pool of Bethesda in John 5 carried his pain for 38 years. No human help could make these people whole. God alone could bring them new life. Their extreme states of physical affliction illustrate the spiritual sicknesses that characterize all of humanity.

The season of Great Lent is a hospital for diseases of body and soul. Everyone recognizes that following certain diets and engaging in various exercises will make our bodies stronger. In the same way, Great Lent offers us a special diet and a catalog of spiritual exercises to make us spiritually stronger. We struggle to embrace these disciplines, though. The problem lies in our will to be healed. Effort is needed, and we are often slow to seek spiritual healing. Let us, then, interrogate ourselves like Jesus did the father in today’s Gospel reading. Let us ask ourselves regarding the troubles we have in our relationships, “How long have I had this?” Then let us to turn to God and seek change. Let us also interrogate ourselves about the bad habits that cling so closely to us and ask, “How long have I had this?” Then let us turn to God and seek change in our lives, so that we are defined not by our weakness or our errors but by the new life that Christ has come to give us.

Fr. George Parsenios is Professor of New Testament at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. www.hchc.edu

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