Our Holy Father Porphyrius, Bishop of Gaza; Blessed Edigna.
According to liturgical prescriptions, the Divine Liturgy is not celebrated today.
Joel 2:12-26; Joel 4:12-21.
Read Joel 2:12-26
The week before Great Lent, our tradition gives us two aliturgical days to prepare us for the coming fasting season. During the weekdays of the Great Fast, we not only fast from food but also from the festal and joyful celebration of the Divine Liturgy. Instead, during the week, we are given the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts. Instead of New Testament readings, during the week, we return to the basics in the Old Testament.
In today’s reading, Joel prophesies the vision of God’s restoration and renewal: “And in that day the mountains shall drip sweet wine, and the hills shall flow with milk, and all the stream beds of Judah shall flow with water; and a fountain shall come forth from the house of the Lord and water the valley of Shittim” (Joel 4:18).
This imagery of abundance signifies not only physical restoration but the deeper renewal of the soul through God’s grace. The flowing waters represent the Holy Spirit’s sanctifying presence, which cleanses and transforms hearts, leading them into communion with God.
Saint Augustine reflects on this renewal: “For as water cleanses the body, so does the Holy Spirit cleanse the heart” (Tractates on the Gospel of John, 15.4). Grace is not merely forgiveness but a transformative force that turns barrenness into fruitfulness. The prophecy’s mention of wine and milk symbolizes the joy and nourishment that come from divine life.
St. Cyril of Jerusalem also speaks of this renewal: “The Spirit comes gently and makes Himself known by His fragrance. He is not felt as a burden, for He is light, very light… Streams of grace flow from Him” (Catechetical Lectures, 16.1).
Through Christ, the fountain of life, our hearts are softened, our spirits refreshed, and we are led to the fullness of God’s kingdom. May this coming Great Fast be a time of great spiritual renewal and growth in God’s grace.