by Fr. Dmitri, New Zealand

The Feast of Tabernacles

Saturday 10 October 2009 (30 Thout; 30 Tute)
Sigebert King of East Angles (635)

Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm; for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave; the coals are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame.
(Song of Solomon 8:6)

The nearer a man draws to God, the more he sees himself a sinner.
(Abba Poemen)

Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it.
(Psalm 127:1)

Fasting is to rejoice when you see others finding food.
(S.Augustine)

Stillness of the body is the accurate knowledge and management of one's feelings and perception.
(John Climacus)

All the heavenly multitudes declare your blessedness, for you are the Second Heaven upon earth.
(Holy Psalmody)

All those who go down to the dust, shall bow before Him, even he who cannot keep himself alive.
(Psalm 22:29)

In that day shall there be an Altar to the Lord in the midst of the Land of Egypt.
(Isa.19:19)

REFLECTION:

Love can supply for a life that is cut short. God does not look at time, for He is eternal. He looks only at love.

Father, let us have the true love that You intend for us, Grant that because of the great love we have for You, we may then gain eternity with You.
(St.Theresa)

HOMILY:

THE FEAST OF TABERNACLES (SUKKOT)
3-9 October this year.

Speak to the children of Israel, saying: "The fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the Feast of Tabernacles for seven days to the Lord.'
(Lev. 23:34)

This feast occurs five days after the Day of Atonement and is the last of the Fall Feasts. This feast presents a beautiful picture of how God provided for His people in the past, the present and will do so in the future.

It is one week out of 52 where we should remember God's faithfulness to provide for His people and to give Him the honor He deserves.

He has been the unseen provider. Paul tells us: 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.' (Heb.13:5)

Sukkot of the Future:

In the future, the Feast of Tabernacles will be an international holiday. According to the prophet Zechariah, in the last days this feast will be a global holiday.

'It shall come to pass that everyone who is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall go up from year to year to worship the King, the Lord of Hosts, and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles.' (Zech.14:16)

During the millennial reign, when the Messiah King of Israel is enthroned in Jerusalem, the institution of Sukkot will be more than a metaphor. It will be an annual reality. In fact, it will be so important that a grave warning is given to the nations who do not keep the Feast of Tabernacles. See Zech.14:17-18.

At the Feast of Tabernacles in the last days, the whole world will celebrate what was hidden in the Messiah in the days prior to his death and resurrection. God will live among us in the person of Jesus Christ. He will be honored not just by the people of Israel but by all the world as the Provider who has given us life so that we could know Him.

As God lives among His people, all the world will make its way to Jerusalem to worship the Lamb of God, who will be revealed as the Lion of the House of Judah.

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

AMEN!

Today's Readings:

Evening: Psalm 131:9-10; 17-18. Gospel Matt.4:23-5:16.
Morning: Psalm 109:4-7; Gospel Luke 6:17-23.
Liturgy: 2 Tim. 3:10-4:22; 1 Peter 5 :1-14; Acts 20:17-38;
Psalm 72:23-28; Gospel John 10:1-16.