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by Fr. Dmitri, New Zealand
Saturday 14 March 2009 (5 Paremhat; 5 Baramhat)
But rejoice inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings;
that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with
exceeding joy.
(1 Peter 4:13)
If you do not strive you will not find; and if you do not knock
eagerly at the door and keep long vigil before it, you will not
receive an answer.
(Isaac of Syria)
God starts with us every good thing, continues with us
the path and ends it with us.
(Fr. Sheriman)
Blessed is the one who reaches the depths of this love,
and woe to the one who prefers something, no matter
what it may be, above Jesus' love.
(Mystery of Godliness)
Our soul waiteth for the Lord: He is our help and our shield.
(Psa. 33:20)
Prayer is the key to heaven, and with its power,
the human being can do everything.
(Heguman Pishoy Kamel)
The proud soul walks in the darkness and abuses the freedom
of choice and so it falls into sin which in turn destroys the life.
(St. Augustine)
Let us strive to face suffering with Christian courage. Then
all difficulties will vanish and pain itself will become
transformed into joy.
Jesus, Man of Sorrows, in every suffering keep our eyes
fixed on You. Let us keep ever before our mind the glory
to come and so face the suffering with true Christian Courage.
(Theresa of Avila)
Out of the Depths have I cried unto Thee: O Lord, Lord, hear my voice; let thine ears hear the voice of my prayer. (Psa.130:1-2)
The natural association of the Psalm is with the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) (Lev. 16).
It is a demonstration of the devout individual to public occasion of worship and sacrifice.
Read Psalms 116-118.
Attention should be paid to the forms of address used to God. There are three:
1. There is Lord, standing for Yahweh, the personal name of Israel's God; the name which holds together mercy and judgement.
2. Then there is the diminutive, Yah, appearing as Lord (v.3) holding the same significance.
3. Finally there is Adonai meaning 'Sovereign' 'Master', pointing to the exaltedness of God.
The Psalmist's awareness of exalted holiness make him realize the depths to which sin lowers a man and the problem involved in Forgiveness. Yet his awareness of Yahweh the redeemer encourages him to pray. Iniquities is the deepest and most inward of the Old Testament words for sin: it represents the corruption of the heart.
Sin's consequences are not only in the realm of conscience, but also in the realm of eternity, unfitting a man for God's presence. The only way out is seeking Forgiveness. But you must be aware of the greatness of your sin and seek the Lord in Prayer and ask His Pardon and Forgiveness.
Your atonement must be genuine. The Lord is faithful and just to forgive us our iniquities, as we should also be faithful and just to forgive those who do wrong against us. When we ponder on the Parable of the Unjust Steward, pray that you do not fall into the same condemnation. Also before you condemn others make sure that your own life is without blemish. A saying of St. Paul always comes to the forefront of my mind. "There but for the Grace of God go I."
AMEN COME LORD JESUS.
Morning: Psalm 129:1-2; Gospel: Mark 10:17-27.
Liturgy: 2 Cor.7:2-11; James 2:14-26; Acts 23:12-25;
Psalm 26:6-8; Gospel: Matt. 18:23-35.
Copyright DR
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