The Holy Priest-Martyr Theodotus, Bishop of Cyrenia (c. 321)
Great Fast Day 8. Abstention from meat and foods that contain meat.
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Proverbs 3:34-4:22
As we reflect on the wise counsel of the Book of Proverbs, let us come with the disposition of children. Let all prejudices be laid aside, and the mind be as white paper. Let us be dutiful, tractable, and humble, and take the word as the word of a father, which comes both with authority and with affection. We must see it coming from God as our Father in heaven, to whom we pray, from whom we expect blessings, the Father of our spirits, to whom we ought to be in subjection, that we may live. We must look upon our teachers as our fathers, who love us and seek our welfare; and therefore though the instruction carries in it reproof and correction, for so the word signifies, yet we must bid it welcome.
Obedient thinking, firmly planted in the heart, guards and does not forget, disregard, or forsake the commandments of Wisdom. Such thinking also loves, secures, and honours His commandments. When this is the case, Wisdom, in turn, cleaves to, keeps, exalts and embraces His children. In so doing, He puts a crown of graces and delight on their heads.