Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee, Tone 1; Our Venerable Mother Xenia the Roman
2 Timothy 3:10-15; Luke 18:10-14
Read 2 Timothy 3:10-15
Christ is born! Glorify Him!
St. Paul, writing to Timothy in his letter today reassured him that he is on the right track in ministry by appealing to what we would least expect: struggle! If we could have backed up a couple of verses, we would have seen that Paul is contrasting men of the world with true disciples. If we are truly to follow Christ, we must prepare for struggle, suffering and persecution. St. John Chrysostom reminds us “war against us means we are making war.”
This Sunday marks the second Sunday of preparation for the Great Fast. In a few short weeks, we will engage in an increase of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. It is important to remember at this time that the disciplines and struggles of the Fast are seen not as defensive measures, but offensive initiatives. The desert was often seen as the devil’s territory- hostile to life, mysterious, monotonous etc. By going into the desert to pray and fast the monks were taking the fight to the evil one himself- doing battle in the Devil’s own territory. This Lent, remember that we are making progress for the kingdom through our repentance and restoration.
What is one essential tool in this struggle? St. Paul reminds Timothy of the great gift he was given in his knowledge of the Scriptures. At this time that meant the Old Testament, but how much more blessed are we, brothers and sisters, in that we have added to those this very letter to Timothy, the gospels, and all the other writings of the New Testament?! Truly, in the thick of the struggle of discipleship, the Holy Scriptures are what feed, strengthen and support us. Starting now, and continuing through the Great Fast, make it a commitment to read and meditate over the scriptures in a deeper way. Tackle some of the books you haven’t read with the help a good commentary and rejoice in the story of our salvation!