by Fr. Dmitri, New Zealand

Burning Bushes

Saturday 14 November 2009 (5 Hathor; 5 Hatour)
SS.Cosmas & Damian

O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
(1 Cor.15:55)

Prayer rises to heaven, and immediately God's mercy descends upon the earth.
(S. Augustine)

Bless the Lord O my soul and all that is within me; bless His Holy Name.
(Psa.103:1)

Be down trodden, not aggressive.
(Isaac the Syrian)

On the same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the sea. And a great multitude were gathered together to Him.
(Matt.13:1)

O. holy and attractive love of Jesus; may your fire aflame in my heart; for my death in you is better than my life without You.
(Mystery of Godliness)

Let Israel hope in the Lord: for with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him is plenteous redemption.
(Psa.130:7)

Live then in peace, and you will be comforted and live in confidence and calm, in good health, both spiritually and physically.
(Pope Shenouda III)

The Kingdom of God is the knowledge of the Holy Trinity. It can extend as much as the mind is able, and is filled with a blessed everlasting life.
(St.John Climacus)

REFLECTION:

Human beings are by nature afraid of death; but there is a startling fact about this. Those who have put their faith in the Cross, despise even what is naturally fearful. For the sake of Christ, they are not afraid of death.

Lord Jesus, help us to put all our trust in You and face death without fear. Grant us the grace to remain faithful to You till death and to attain eternal life with You.
(S.Athanasius)

HOMILY:

BURNING BUSHES:

And Moses said, 'I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt.'
(Exodus 3:3)

What do bushes and especially burning bushes have to do with worship. Worship can take place anywhere, because God is everywhere. A burning bush could provide an opportunity for worship.

While caring for Jethro's Flock, Moses saw a bush that burnt without being consumed. What a sight that must have been.

On approaching it, God spoke to him, telling him to take off his shoes as he was on Holy Ground. What an experience, which changed the destiny of a nation. People today do not have that sort of experience. However like Moses one could say that everyone who does meet the Lord that requires a personal response, it could be likened to a 'burning bush.'

There are many who say than Angel of God spoke out of the burning bush to Moses, others say that it was Jesus Christ Himself. It is New Testament teaching the God reveals Himself to man through His Son. Moses was then communing with God through Christ. Jesus said: "Iam the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." (John 14:6).Apart from Jesus there are no burning bushes.

Why do I need Christ? Why can't I come to God in my own way?

Look at Romans 3:23; 5:6-21., this gives you the answer. It declares that we are all sinners and spiritually dead. It was because of His great love that God sent His Son into the world. Without the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, we would still be spiritually dead, but because of it, we become spiritually alive and our relationship with God is restored (Rom.5:11&18). This does not take place until we receive Christ as our personal saviour. It is confession of sin, obedience to God's Laws and Commandments, we maintain fellowship with God and keep the "Bushes Burning."

To Thee be glory,now and ever, unto ages of ages,
AMEN!

Today's Readings:

Evening: Psalm 45: 1&8; Gospel Mark 1:16-22.
Morning: Psalm 145: 1&5; Gospel Matt. 4:18-22.
Liturgy: Gal.1:1-12; James 1:1-12; Acts 15:13-21;
Psalms 77:5, 135:5; Gospel Mark 10:35-45.