Spiritual Consolation

by Fr. Dmitri, New Zealand

Saturday 28 March 2009 (19 Paremhat;19 Baramhat)

That, according as it is written, He that glorieth,
let him glory in the Lord.
(1 Cor.1:31)

Preserve your tongue from all manner of evil, and may
your lips that were created for praise, not pronounce words
of Blasphemy.
(Ephraim the Syrian)

Let your prayer be completely simple, for both the Publican
and the Prodigal Son were reconciled to God with a simple
phrase.
(John of the Ladder)

When you pray to God in time of temptation do not say,
'take this or that away from me', but pray like this: 'O
Jesus Christ, sovereign Master, help me and do not let
me sin against Thee.'
(Abba Isaiah the Solitary)

Being perfected in a short time, they fulfilled long years.
(Wisdom 4:13)

Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not
thyself because of him who prospereth in his way,
because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.
(Psa.37:7)

In the book, The Principal Works in Church Literature
by Ibn El Assal, it is written, "Whoever arrives late to the
Church, after the Gospel is read, must not partake of
The Holy Communion.
(Divine Liturgy)

Now I ask you not to forsake me since you came to my help
before I ask you. When I was far away you tracked me down,
so that I may listen to your voice and come back to you.
(St. Augustine)

REFLECTION:

Let us not take inordinate pride in our successes. If good flour
issues from my mill, I must give all the glory to the Lord.
It is his hand that pours the water that makes the grindstone
turn and sets every machine in motion.

Lord of the Universe, make us ever aware that Your inspirations
cover the world and account for all human success.
Let us give You thanks for any achievements we may attain.
(Francis Xavier)

HOMILY:

SPIRITUAL CONSOLATION

'He was transfigured before them"
(Matt.17:2)

For a moment Our Lord allows His glory to shine out and flood His three friends with joy.
We see why, if we consider the circumstances: The Final journey to Jerusalem.
Mose and Elias speak of His death there; Immediately afterwards He foretells His Passion.

The Three disciples at the Transfiguration were the same as those at
Gethsemane. So the Transfiguration was to strengthen them for the dark days ahead.

So with our own 'Consolations' - the times when we feel happy with God. They
are sent by God so that we can look back on them in times or darkness or temptation.
Some fancy such consolations are essential, and think God is displeased with
them when 'Consolations' are absent. No, they are given simply to be remembered, so
that we may live according to our best times, not at the mercy of our moods.

Unfortunately, when the Passion came the disciples did not look back to the
Transfiguration.

Peter: boasted, drew a sword, fled and then denied Christ. He repented
afterwards, but how much better if he had fixed his thoughts on what he had
seen on Tabor, and so remained steady for Calvary. We have all had our
'Vision' no need to tell it to any man: only be faithful to it.

Let us use this time of Self Denial to reflect on the Temptations of Christ,
His Transfiguration and the events leading up to His Passion. Let us all
carry out daily self-examination and lay our
Transgressions before the Throne of Grace.
To Thee be glory and Praise, now and ever, unto Ages of Ages.

AMEN!

Today's Readings:

Morning: Psalm 64:3-4; Gospel Luke 15:3-10.
Liturgy: Gal.5:16-6:2; James 5:7-11; Acts 26:1-18;
Psalm 142:1-2; Gospel Matt.23:13-39.