The Holy Priest-Martyr Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna (155-56)
Great Fast Day 9
Sixth Hour – Isaiah 5:7-16; Vespers – Genesis 4:8-15; Proverbs 5:1-15
According to liturgical prescriptions, the Divine Liturgy is not celebrated today
Read Isaiah 5:7-16
The theme of pride and humility is brought to our attention very early in our pre-Lenten preparation, on the first Sunday of the Triodion, known as the Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee. But by no means is this the last mention of these contradictory attitudes.
Humility is often erroneously thought of as thinking less of yourself. Devaluing one’s self-worth is not humility. Humility is thinking of yourself less and all of us need to be reminded of this every day. “I am Third” are the famous words of Catherine Doherty, the foundress of Madonna House, and I have witnessed these words prominently displayed in many homes or parish offices to remind those who live or work there of the necessity of thinking of yourself less.
During this time of the Great Fast, may we pray first for those with whom we may be at odds. In our fasting, may we remember and support those who depend on food banks for their daily bread. In our almsgiving, may we remember the lonely and isolated among us, offering our time to them with a phone call, email, or card.