by Fr. Dmitri, New Zealand

Worship

Saturday 22 August 2009 (16 Mesori; 16 Mesra)
Holy Apostle Matthias; Dormition Fast
Afterfeast of the Transfiguration.

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)

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

The Spiritual person is an upright person, gives everyone his right without injustice or partiality.
(Pope Shenouda III)

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)

This is My beloved Son, Hear Him.
(Mark 9:7)

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

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)

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:

Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright.
(Psa.33:1)

This Psalm, which has no title, picks up of the concluding sentence of the previous psalm, but,
unlike it, is not a personal record of experience. It is a corporate
expression of praise and worship marked by balance of thought and symmetrical structure.

The introduction verses 1-3 and the conclusion verses 20-22 are clearly
distinguished from the main body of the Psalm. 1-3 describes the
enthusiastic singing of a choir accompanied by music.

20-22 describes the fervent faith of the worshippers who are surrounded by
the protection and mercy of the Lord. The symmetry and sequence of these ideas are significant.
The anthem of praise becomes the prayer of faith.

The change is also from the externals of worship to the inward experiences
of trust and hope.

In the body of the Psalm are two sections verses 4-12 and verses 13-19. The
first deals with God the Ruler, and the second with God the Judge.

Under God the Ruler we have the following:-
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. Fulfillment 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 was 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 86:3,5&7; Gospel Luke 10:38-42.
Morning: Psalm 47:1,2 & 9; Gospel Matt.12:35-50.
Liturgy: Heb.9:1-12; 2 John 1:1-13; Acts 1:1-14;
Psalm 44:15-16; Gospel Luke 1:39-56.