Fore-feast of the Annunciation of the Mother of God; Our Venerable Father Zachary; Our Holy Father Artemon, Bishop of Seleucia in Pisidia
Great Fast Day 30. According to liturgical prescriptions, the Divine Liturgy is not celebrated today.
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Proverbs 15:7-19
Today’s reading from Proverbs addresses a very pertinent topic in our modern context: correction for those who err. In a society where relativism reigns supreme, reproof, admonishment, or correction are greatly despised. Truth is one’s own creation and there is almost nothing that can be deemed wrong in this world. This is even more true when discussing Christianity; everyone is an expert in Jesus’ teachings to the extent that one’s own construction of who Jesus was and what He would do, say, or think in our era is self-determining and must be accepted as the Gospel truth.
In today’s reading, we are reminded of two things concerning reproof, admonishment or correction. First, that he who hates reproof shall die. This person will perish in their own sins because they cannot bear correction in the moments that require it. Second, those who scoff at Christ and His Gospel detest any discussion about their belief in Christ lest someone more knowledgeable show them the right path.
Brothers and sisters, the Holy Mystery of Confession has been given to us so that our sins can be forgiven and our life be corrected through repentance and forgiveness. The Holy Scriptures have been given to us so that we would inscribe them in our minds and on our hearts. Our reading of them must be done prayerfully through the lens of the Church and its centuries of teachings and writings.
May we never fear correction for the sake of our spiritual life!