Weekly Devotional

The Lord, Our Judge

by Fr. Dmitri, New Zealand

Saturday 23 October 2010 (13 Paapi;13 Babah):
St.Paulinus of York & Kent.
Holy Optina Elders.

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)

The one who swears many oaths is full of iniquity,
and the scourge will not leave his house.
(Sirach 23:11)

Physical Exercise is good for the health. But no only that:
while it stimulates the desire to care for bodily vigor, it
stimulates the same desire for vigor of soul.
(Clement 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)

When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees saying
"Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!"
(Luke 5:18)

He will bless those who fear the Lord, both small & great.
(Psa.115:13)

We acquire the purity that is free from pain by reading the holy books.
(St. John Saba)

The Cross could carry agony.Resurrection brings the joy of hope.
(Pope Shenouda III)

But You, O God the Lord, Deal with me for Your name's sake;
Because your mercy is good, deliver me.
(Psa.109:21)

Michael the head of the heavenly host, he is the first,
among the angelic hosts, serving before the Lord.
(Doxology of Archangel Michael)

Let you 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 reinforced 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 65:4-5; Matt.24:42-47.
Morning: Psalm 37:17-18 & 29; Mark 13:33-37.
Liturgy: 1 Cor.3:4-23; 1 Peter 5:5-14; Acts 18:24-19:6;
Psalm 37:30-31; Gospel Luke 16:1-12.

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