Weekly Devotional

Prayerfulness

by Fr. Dr. Derrence Ross Dmitri Th D, New Zealand

Saturday 19 March 2011 (10 Paremhat;10 Baramhat):
42 Martyrs of Ammoria; Finding of the Holy Cross, Eve of Gregory Palamas.

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)

CONSIDER THIS:

Our soul waiteth for the Lord: He is our help and our shield.
(Psa 33:20)

Preserve your tongue from all manner of evil, and may
your lips that were created for praise, not pronounce words of blasphemy.
(Ephrem the Syrian)

But when He the Spirit of Truth, comes, He will guide you into all Truth.
(John 16:13)

My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.
(John 10:27)

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness;
but unto us which are saved, it is the power of God.
(1 Cor.1:18)

Prayer is the key to heaven, and with its power,
the human being can do everything.
(Heguman Pishoy Kamel)

Now Hannah spoke in her heart' only her lips moved,
but her voice was not heard.
(1 Sam.1:13)

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)

REFLECTION:

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)

HOMILY:

Prayerfulness:

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 demonstration of the devout individual to public occassion 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.'

To Thee be glory and praise, now and ever, unto ages of ages, AMEN!

AMEN, COME LORD JESUS. Maranatha.

Today's Readings:

Evening: Psalm 4:6-8; John 8:28-42.
Morning: Psalm 60:4-5; John 12:26-36.
Liturgy: 1 Cor.1:17-31; 1 Peter 2:11-25; Acts 10:34-43;
Psalm 65:1-2; Gospel: John 10:22-38.

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