Dec 17, 2015
Scripture of the Day:
Romans 10:9-18 ( https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+10%3A9-18)
Thought of the day: Hearing the Gospel
In the
past few days we have thought about the benefits (joy, casting out of fear)
that we gain from the gospel of Christ’s birth. We should know that all of
these benefits are only ancillary to the prime gift that we receive through
Christ’s birth – salvation. By the birth of the only begotten Son as a human
being, God gifted to us salvation. In order for us to receive this gift we
ought to believe the gospel. St Paul uses a few actions that faithful will do.
Confession with mouth and believing with heart are essential to receive the
gift of salvation. However the first step is hearing the good news.
“But how are they to call on one in
whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they
have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? And
how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, “How
beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” (Rom 10:14-15). Here St
Paul is emphasizing the urgency of the need to preach the gospel and for
recipients to hear the gospel.
It is in light of this command to
hear the gospel that we ought to think about how the gospel is preached in
church. One of the climactic points in every liturgy is the reading of the Holy
Scriptures. There is a progression in the order of the readings as well – first
from Pentateuch, then from major prophets, then general epistles, Pauline
epistles as penultimate and Gospel as the finale. In the light of these
readings the minister preaches the gospel of the day. The purpose of this act
of the reading from the Holy Scriptures and preaching on those scriptures is to
fulfill the need that St Paul points out – in order for someone to believe they
must first hear.
Sadly many Orthodox believers do
not come to church in time to hear the gospel. Is it any wonder then that many
do not have a zeal for the gospel? Without hearing how can they believe and
confess? It is further pitiful that young parents do not bring their children
to liturgy in time to hear the Holy Scriptures. A whole generation of young
people grow up in the church without ever hearing the good news about Jesus
Christ! What a shame! At the close of this year let us make a resolve to arrive
in church so that we can hear the gospel.
Song of the Day:
Icon of the Day:
Syrian
Orthodox and Kerala Christians did have traditional Christian art forms.
However these were discontinued and we began to experience a gradual influence
of western art in our churches. In the last generation there has been a
conscious effort by the various groups of St Thomas Christians of Kerala to
revive an authentic Indian Christian paintings. Here are a few examples:
1.
Syro-Malabar :
2.
Syro-Malankara:
Quote of the day:
“If the
poison of pride is swelling up in you, turn to the Eucharist; and that Bread,
Which is your God humbling and disguising Himself, will teach you humility. If
the fever of selfish greed rages in you, feed on this Bread; and you will learn
generosity. If the cold wind of coveting withers you, hasten to the Bread of
Angels; and charity will come to blossom in your heart. If you feel the itch of
intemperance, nourish yourself with the Flesh and Blood of Christ, Who
practiced heroic self-control during His earthly life; and you will become
temperate. If you are lazy and sluggish about spiritual things, strengthen
yourself with this heavenly Food; and you will grow fervent. Lastly, if you
feel scorched by the fever of impurity, go to the banquet of the Angels; and
the spotless Flesh of Christ will make you pure and chaste.”
+ St. Cyril of Alexandria
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