Weekly Devotional

Powers That Be

by Fr. Dmitri, New Zealand

Saturday 21 February 2009 (14 Mechir; 14 Amsheer)
Macarius of Paphos.

There is a time and a judgement for everything.
(Eccles.8:6)

CONSIDER THIS:

Do not be always wanting everything to turn out as
you think it should, but rather as God pleases, then
you will be undisturbed and thankful in your prayer.
(Abba Nilus)

The Christian must not aspire to honors, or claim the
first places. Everyone should esteem others more than himself.
(Basil the Great)

All that the Father giveth me shall come to me;
and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
(John 6:37)

Behold the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear Him,
upon them that hope in His mercy.
(Psa. 33:18)

O. my heart, why are you striving for happiness in this
world, when you know that there is no peace or joy in it?
(Mystery of Godliness)

Prayer is the trans formation of dead time to an
eternal Divine work....as the hour is replaced with
the motion of the Spirit.
(Hegumen Pishoy Kamel)

One lantern I only see and its light guides me. And now
I am in spiritual joy, for the spring of life is inside me.
Which is the goal of the unseen world.
(The Spiritual Elder)

Make haste O God, to deliver me! Make haste to help me,
O Lord! Let them be ashamed and confounded who seek my life.
(Psa. 70:1-2)

REFLECTION:

Help one another with the generosity of the Lord,
and despise no one. When you have an opportunity
to do good, do not let it go by.

God of goodness, let us never allow an opportunity
for good be wasted. Help us take advantage of
every moment at our disposal to do good.
(St.Polycarp)

HOMILY:

POWERS THAT BE

There is a time and a judgement for everything.
(Eccl.8:6)

The logical inference from the universality of human corruption would be
anarchy. (Jack's as good as his master). But political wisdom is not a
logical science, it is a psychological art. It is guided not by what is
logically sound and consistent but by what is opportune.

The idea of reform was no doubt strange to the writer, who construes
criticism of authority as simple insurrection. But his reflections are no less applicable to it.
The inability to see the outcome of any proposed change places the onus on
those who advocate or instigate it.

Reforms which are designed to remove one evil often put others in its place;
and long term policies are called into question. The real problem of life is
urgent and cannot be postponed; for the time is limited. 'Now is' the day, and 'Now is' the excepted time
for the Time of Judgement has come.

To Thee be glory and Praise, now and ever, unto Ages of Ages, AMEN!

Today's Readings:

Evening: Psalm 16:1-2; Gospel Luke 17:3-6.
Morning: Psalm 118:49 & 52; Gospel Mark 13:33-36.
Liturgy: 2 Cor.6:14-&:16; 1 Peter 1:1-12; Acts 21:1-14;
Psalm 94:1-2; Gospel Luke 13:1-5.

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