Worship

by Fr. Dmitri, New Zealand

Saturday 21 August 2010 (15 Mesori;15 Mesra)
Afterfeast of the Transfiguration; Dormition Fast.
Myron Abp. of Crete (350AD)

In whom we have redemption through His blood, the
forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.
(Eph.1:7)

The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that
fear Him, and delivereth them.
(Psa. 34:7)

The night is nearly over; the days is almost here. So let
us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.
(Rom. 13:12)

Reading the Scriptures is a great safeguard against sin.
(Abba Epiphanius of Cyprus)

This is my Beloved Son; Hear Him!
(Mark 9:7)

Incense is a burning sacrifice and an offering; like the
offering of fasting, the offering of the raising of hands
during prayer and the offering of praise.
(Liturgy)

Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near.
(Isa. 55:6)

If a Kingdom is divided against itself, that Kingdom cannot stand.
(Mark 3:24)

He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor punished us
according to our iniquities.
(Psa. 103:10)

He who died by his own freewill did not utter a word of
threat. So how can you be angry or threaten? You who
does not even know when you shall die?
(St. Augustine)

If you wish men to bear with you, you must bear with them.
(Imitation of Christ)

Let all those that seek Thee rejoice and be glad in Thee.
Let such as love Thy salvation say continually "Let God be Magnified."
(Psa. 70:4)

REFLECTION:

If only we would learn how great it is to possess divine
grace and how many riches it has within itself, how many
joys and delights. We would devote all our concern to
winning for ourselves pains and afflictions in order to
attain the unfathomable treasure of grace.

God is all goodness, keep ever in our minds the surpassing
riches of Your grace. Grant that we may devote all our efforts
to co-operating with that grace and growing in it day by day.
(Rose of Lima)

HOMILY:

Worship

1. The fidelity of God to His word.
2. The Power of the Word of God, revealed in the work of Creation.
3. Men should fear and stand in awe of Him.
4. Fulfilment of the words of the Lord and God's effectual rule over the world.

God the Judge:

God's choice is not restricted; it is made from all the sons of men. We now look at divine comprehensiveness. God looks from heaven to earth and scans every living being. He looks not on the outward appearance; He discerns the thoughts and intentions of the hearts which He himself has fashioned. This brings to mind once, on entering a Church, the first thing that struck me on the far wall above the Iconostasis a Big Eye. I was told that this was the all seeing eye of God. It watched your every movement.

If salvation is to be obtained, God must intervene. He elects the godly, the fundamental principle is simply the Lord's faithfulness; to all who Honor Him and rest or hope in His mercy and goodness. We look to His deliverance from death and sustenance in this life.

To Thee be Glory and Praise; now and ever, unto Ages of Ages.

AMEN!

Today's Readings:

Evening: Psalm 68:25-26; Matt.26:6-13.
Morning: Psalm 8: 2-3; John 4:15-24.
Liturgy: Ephes.5:8-21; 1 Peter 3:5-14; Acts 21:5-14;
Psalm 45:14-15; Gospel. Matt.25:1-13.