Post-feast of the Nativity of the Mother of God; Holy Martyrs Menodora, Metrodora, Nymphodora (303-11)
Read
2 Corinthians 12:20-13:2; Mark 4:24-34
During the Divine Services, especially during the reading of the Scriptures or during the homily, it is easy for any of us to get distracted by the bulletin, the child in the pew in front of us, or by the latecomer to Church. This momentary distraction takes our attention away from what we are hearing at the services and its meaning for our faith and lives as Christians.
Our Lord speaks to us in diverse ways and while we may hear what is said at the Divine Services, it is important for us to listen to what we hear in order that it may be implanted in us so that we can, in turn, share it and spread it to those around us.
If we neglect to hear and listen to that which is given to us, then Jesus reminds us in today’s Gospel that even that will be taken away from us. Our discipleship demands active listening, embodying, and sharing in order for it to be fruitful. Anything less than this is a waste.