Weekly Devotional

Consolation

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

Saturday 26 March 2011 (17 Paremhat; 17 Baramhat):
Christina of Persia. Leander Bp. of Seville.

That, according as it is written, He that glorieth,
let him glory in the Lord.
(1 Cor. 1:31)

CONSIDER THIS:

Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not
thyself because of him who prospereth in his way,
because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.
(Psa. 37:7)

Jesus said to her, "Did I not say to you that if you would
believe you would see the glory of God?"
(John 11:40)

In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go
down while you are still angry.
(Ephes. 4:6)

Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.
(John 11:14)

Jesus answered and said to her. If you knew the gift
of God, and who it is who says to you, Give Me a drink,
you would have asked Him,and He would have given
you living water.
(John 4:10)

For the soul had lost its image, when it transgressed the commandment.
(St. Macarius)

In the book, The Principal Works in Church Literature
by Ibn El Assal, it is written, "Whoever arrives late to the
Church, after the Gospel is read, must not partake of
The Holy Communion."
(Divine Liturgy)

Now I ask you not to forsake me since you came to my help
before I ask you. When I was far away you tracked me down,
so that I may listen to your voice and come back to you.
(St. Augustine)

REFLECTION:

Let us not take inordinate pride in our successes. If good flour
issues from my mill, I must give all the glory to the Lord.
It is his hand that pours the water that makes the grindstone
turn and sets every machine in motion.

Lord of the Universe, make us ever aware that Your inspirations
cover the world and account for all human success.
Let us give You thanks for any achievements we may attain.
(Francis Xavier)

HOMILY:

Spiritual Consolation:

'He was transfigured before them"
(Matt. 17:2)

For a moment, our Lord allows His glory to shine out and flood His three
friends with joy.

We see why, if we consider the circumstances: The Final journey to Jerusalem.
Moses and Elias speak of His death there; Immediately afterwards He
foretells His Passion.

The Three disciples at the Transfiguration were the same as those at
Gethsemane. So the Transfiguration was to strengthen them for the dark days ahead.

So with our own 'Consolations' - the times when we feel happy with God. They
are sent by God so that we can look back on them in times or darkness or temptation.
Some fancy such consolations are essential, and think God is displeased with
them when 'Consolations' are absent. No, they are given simply to be remembered, so
that we may live according to our best times, not at the mercy of our moods.

Unfortunately, when the Passion came, the disciples did not look back to the
Transfiguration.

Peter: boasted, drew a sword, fled and then denied Christ. He repented
afterwards, but how much better if he had fixed his thoughts on what he had
seen on Mount Tabor, and so remained steady for Calvary. We have all had our
'Vision'. No need to tell it to any man: only be faithful to it.

Let us use this time of Self Denial to reflect on the Temptations of Christ,
His Transfiguration and the events leading up to His Passion. Let us all
carry out daily self-examination and lay our Transgressions before the Throne of Grace.

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

Today's Readings:

Morning: Psalm 142:5-7; Luke 16:19-31.
Liturgy: Phil. 4:4-9; James 3:13-4:6; Acts 24:24-25:12;
Psalm 61:1-5; Gospel: Matt. 21:33-46.

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