Forefeast of the Entrance of the Most Holy Mother of God into the Temple; Blessed Josaphata Hordashevska, First Superior of the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate (+1919); Our Venerable Father Gregory of Decapolis (842); Our Holy Father Proclus, Archbishop of Constantinople (446)
Nativity Fast. Abstinence from meat and foods that contain meat.
Read
Galatians 2:16-20; Matthew 26:6-13
Today the Lord visits Simon, who is named leper, because at one time he was afflicted with this terrible disease, but was healed by Christ—for without healing Simon would not be accepted by the Jews. A woman inspired by this healing approaches the Lord with great faith and hope to receive the same—‘I believe what you have done for Simon you can do for my spiritual leprosy also.’ By offering precious ointment she glorifies and honours the Lord. This becomes a spiritual model for us who suffer from various spiritual ailments, particularly pharisaical leprosy of arrogance, which as the Lord taught cuts us off from the life of grace. We can find healing by continually inviting Christ into the home of our hearts where we are to honour him by anointing him with our virtue. For our Lord is pleased not only when we invite him, but when we crown him with our humble virtue offered for the Glory of God and love of neighbour.