Scripture of the Day:
St Luke 1: 13-17 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%201:13-17)
Thought of the day:
Orthodox Christians observe a
season of lent in preparation for the great feast of the birth of our Lord. Why
do we fast during this time? What should we do in this season? To find some
insights it would be helpful to turn to the Holy Scriptures. We are reminded of
the arrival of the advent season on the Sunday of the Annunciation to Zachariah
(Luke 1). Here we see the angel Gabriel telling Zachariah of the birth of St
John the Baptist. Along with informing Zachariah that he will soon have a son,
the angel also tells him the mission of his son. In Verses 13-15 we read about
the identity of St John and in verses 16-17 we are told about the work that St
John will do. The work of St John centers around one word – Repentance. This
one simple message is the mood that we ought to have in the season of Advent.
The angel tells Zechariah that St
John “will turn many Israelites to the Lord their God” (v.16). St John turns
others to the Lord. In the Old Testament the word used for repentance is
“turn”. For example God spoke through
the prophet Ezekiel and said: "But if a wicked man turns from all his
sins which he has committed, keeps all My statutes, and does what is lawful and
right, he shall surely live; he shall not die" (Ezek 18:21).
The word turn implies a change in
direction from the present course. The Advent Lent is a time for us to examine
our present path and to see where we need to turn. It is an opportunity for us
to realign our spiritual compass. It reminds us of the “turning” that we all
did at the time of our baptism. We all faced West and rejected Satan and then
turned East (towards the altar) and accepted Christ. We have made a complete
180 degree change from the way of the world to the way of Christ. As we begin
the Advent Lent let us resolve to follow the advice of St John and turn to our
Lord.
Song of the Day:
Icon of the Day:
Quote of the day:
St John Chrysostom:
6. Do you wish that I shall speak of the ways of repentance?
They are many, and various, and different, and all lead to heaven. The first
way of repentance is condemnation of sins. “Declare thou first thy sins that
thou mayest be justified.” Wherefore also the prophet said “I said, I will
speak out, my transgression to the Lord, and thou remittedst the iniquity of my
heart.” Condemn thyself therefore for thy sins. This is enough for the Master
by way of self-defence. For he who condemns his sins, is slower to fall into
them again. Awake thy conscience, that inward accuser, in order that thou
mayest have no accuser at the judgment seat of the Lord. This is one way of
repentance, the best; and there is another not less than this, not to bear a
grudge against thine enemies to overcome anger, to forgive the sins of our
fellow-servants. For so will those which have been done against the master be
forgiven us. See the second expiation of sins: “For if ye forgive” saith he,
“your debtors, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you.” Dost thou wish to
learn a third way of repentance? Fervent and diligent prayer, and to do this
from the bottom of the heart. Hast thou not seen that widow, how she persuaded
the shameless judge? But thou hast a gentle Master, both tender, and kind. She
asked, against her adversaries, but thou dost not ask against thine
adversaries, but on behalf of thine own salvation. And if thou wouldest learn a
fourth way, I will say almsgiving. For this has a great power and unspeakable.
For Daniel saith to Nebuchadnezzar when he had come to all kinds of evil, and
had entered upon all impiety, “O King let my counsel be acceptable unto thee,
redeem thy sins by almsgiving and thine iniquities by compassion on the poor.”
What could be compared with this lovingkindness? After countless sins, after so
many transgressions, he is promised that he will be reconciled with him he has come
into conflict with if he will show kindness to his own fellow-servants. And
modesty, and humility, not less than all words spoken, exhaust the nature of
sins. And the publican is proof, being unable to declare his good deeds, in
sight of all, bringing forward his humility, and laying aside the heavy burden
of his sins. See we have shewn five ways of repentance: first the condemnation
of sins, next the forgiveness of our neighbours’ sins, thirdly that which comes
of prayer, fourth that which comes of almsgiving, fifth that which comes of
humility. Do not thou then be lazy; but walk in all these day by day.
(Three Homilies Concerning Power of Demons, Homily II: http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf109.x.iv.html
)
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