Tribulation, November 28, 2009, Weekly Devotional by Fr. Dmitri

Jesus answered, My Kingdom is not of this world; if My kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, so that I would not be delivered to the Jews: but My Kingdom is not here. (John 18:36)

Prayer is not an obligation, but it is the pouring of fragrant oil.
(Heguman Pishoy Kamel)

Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.
(Psa.37:8)

We commit major sins by being lax in the trivial matters.
(Dorotheos of Antioch)

He who is not merciful to himself will not deserve God's mercy, and he will not get his share of Holy Kindness in his prayers unless he is kind to the poor.
(Kepryanos)

Flee from all that will drive you to sin, be cautious lest you lose the grace.
(Mystery of Godliness)

And whoever does not bear his cross and come after me cannot be My disciple.
(Luke 14:27)

So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be my disciple.
(Luke 14:32)

Blessed is the one who looks at You within himself, for his heart is enlightened to see the mystic.
(The Elder John Sabba)

Never repeat what you hear, and you will have no regrets.
(Sirach 19:7)

Commit thy way unto the Lord: trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
(Psa.37:5)

REFLECTION:

Jesus is King because He governs souls and provides for their eternal salvation. He is King because He leads into His eternal Kingdom all who believe and hope in Him and live in His love.

Lord Jesus, we acknowledge You as the King of the universe and ask You to exercise upon us all Your rights. Help us to offer You all our actions to obtain that all hearts may acknowledge Your Sacred Kingship. (S.Augustine)

HOMILY:

TRIBULATION:

For there shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world, to this time, no, nor, ever shall be. (Matt.24:21)

Our Lord's eschatological teaching often repels modern critical students rather than attracts them or impresses them. They tend to think in the modern idiom:'she'll will be right jack it is way in the future.' But alas it is not way in the future, when we see that Bible Prophecy being fulfilled before our very eyes in this day and age. We are in the Last Days of this age.

God has not promised us an easy ride. Daniel 12:1 gives us a more graphic idea. "At that time shall Michael (Christ) stand up, the great prince who standeth for the children of thy people; and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation, even to that same time."

Some say it is a time of trouble for the Church or for the world at large. But it shows the instability and transitionoriness of all earthly things and the storm clouds leading to the imminence of Judgement.

Throughout, we must bear in mind that characteristics of Bible Prophecy; it is to warn and encourage people to walk in the right way, but also tells what will happen if you do not. We neglect Prophecy in this age at our peril. But also it exhibits a profound insight into the purposes of God. But it is not revealed to us the time and the seasons. But we are to be ever watchful, because we do not know the hour or the time of that Great Day of the Lord.

Battle lines are being drawn up. The Lord is visiting His wrath upon the sins of the Biblical Nations (ie UK; USA; Israel) using the ungodly to work His purposes as He did in the days of Ancient Israel, when they were led off into captivity by an ungodly nation and this can also be done today.

When Christ's mediation ceases and God's Spirit is withdrawn from man, then all the pent up powers of darkness descend with indescribable fury upon the world, there will be a scene of strife that no pen can picture. Satan through his demonic agents like the anti-Christ will visit his fury into one final attempt to destroy God's Church and God's very elect and it will be more terrible than that which was meted out on Jerusalem in AD 70.

For further reading see Rev.22:11.

ARE YOU IN THE LAMBS BOOK OF LIFE? WILL YOU BE READY WHEN THAT TIME OF TROUBLE COMES?

To Thee be glory and praise; now and ever, unto Ages of Ages.

AMEN!

Today's Readings:

Evening: Psalm 33:20-21; Gospel Matt.16:24-28.

Morning: Psalm 36:39-40; Gospel Mark 13:3-13.

Liturgy: 1 Cor.10:1-18; 1 Peter 4:1-11; Acts 12:25-13:2; Psalm 96:11-12; Gospel Luke 11:53-12:12.

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