Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost, Tone 3; Post-feast of the Transfiguration; Holy Martyrs Photius and Anicetas (284-305)
Dormition Fast.
Read
1 Corinthians 15:1-11; Matthew 19:16-26
I remember when I was young a colony of wasps took up residence underneath our front steps. It wasn’t until after I got stung while leaving the house one day that we decided to take care of them by putting out a trap. We left about an eighth of the pop of a
Apparently, the same type of trap works for a monkey with a jar. The monkey’s hand must be open to fit into the jar, but once it clenches around the prize (usually a piece of fruit), it’s too big to get back out and the money is stuck because it won’t drop the fruit!
Our gospel reading today shows that this trap also works for human beings. The Rich Young Man is faced with a choice between becoming a disciple by leaving his riches to follow Christ but leaves sad because he does not want to part with his riches. We might be tempted to point out that we ourselves are not rich, but as the Scotia Bank commercial says, “you’re richer than you think.” What are the things which you are fearful of parting with in order to more deeply serve the Lord? As we continue with our Dormition Fast, practice giving up what slows you down in following Jesus. You will find your heart lighter and more responsive to Christ’s invitation to love and life!