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by Fr. Dmitri, New Zealand
Saturday 17 October 2009 (7 Paapi; 7 Babah)
That ye be not slothful, but followers of
them who through faith and patience, inherit
the promises.
(Heb.6:12)
CONSIDER THIS:
The pure soul is like a feather, extremely delicate and smooth
in its nature, and able to fly. These qualities enable it to
elevate with prayer and spiritual meditation, high than the
lower matters.
(Heguman Pishoy Kamel)
Do not consider your riches as belonging to yourselves alone;
open wide your hand to those who are in need; assist those
who are in poverty and pain.
(S.Cyril of Alexandria)
The grace is always ready. It looks for and welcomes those who
receive it, and so when Our Lord sees a watchful loving soul,
He pours on it from His richness and floods it much more than
what it asked for.
(S.John Chrysostom)
Have mercy upon me, O Lord; for I am weak: O Lord, heal me:
for my bones are vexed.
(Psalm 6:2)
When He walked this earth, He gave help and health to those
who approached and asked for such favours.
(S.Macarius)
We acquire the purity that is free from pain by reading the holy books.
(S.John Saba)
If you are poor, He will fill you with His wealth. If you are sick, He will
give you the remedy for your incurable diseases.
(Mystery of Godliness)
But it is good for me to draw near to God. I have put my trust in
the Lord God, that I may declare all your works.
(Psalm 73:28)
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works,
and glorify your Father, who is in heaven.
(Matt.5:16)
REFLECTION:
If we are united inwardly with the Son of the living God, we also bear His likeness outwardly by our continual practice of heroic goodness. We do so especially by a patience re-inforced by courage that does not complain either secretly or publicly.
Long-suffering God, help us to practice patience in doing good.
No matter what may occur, let us face each day with quiet courage
and without complaint.
(John de Brebeuf)
HOMILY:
THE LORD, OUR JUDGE:
Judge not, that ye be not judged.
(Matt.7:1)
This applies to God's people in their relationship to others (outside the church), as well as towards those in the Church. Have you ever stood in the Back of a Church and heard the muted whispers that goes on about say; 'What Mrs. Jones did the other day and tutt tutting that it should not be allowed.'
Who are you to set yourself up in judgement over another person or to make snide remarks about another person who is a non church goer? God tells us not to judge our Brethren and to be aware of the profane. We should act toward others with the same grace that they would wish shown to themselves. The old maxim 'Do unto others as you would have them do unto you' rings loud and clear.
Be ye doers of the word and not deceivers. It is not only our own hearts and tongues we have to fear, but also the devices of the enemy and his agents. By their fruits ye shall know them. Also by your fruits they shall know you. Do not criticize others, look at their motives and not pass judgement on them.
'Judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the Hearts.' (1 Cor.4:5)
Darkness in the New Testament often refers to evil deeds (see John 3:19), only God can rightly assess motives.
Commendations from God is the only praise that matters and being from God the
award is final.
(see Matt.25:21; Rom.2:29)
Only the Lord's judgement can be complete and final (John 3:20). He is the sole arbiter of our fate and is the only one who can intercede for us on that Last Day. Do not be conformed to the world but be Transformed into an Angel of Light.
To Thee be glory and praise, now and ever, unto Ages of Ages.
AMEN!
Today's Readings:
Evening: Psalm 64:5-6; Gospel Matt.24:42-47.
Morning: Psalm 36:17-29; Gospel Mark 13:33-37.
Liturgy: 1 Cor. 3:4-23; 1 Peter 5:5-14; Acts 18:24-19:6;
Psalm 36:30-31; Gospel Luke 16:1-12.
Copyright DR
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