The Holy Priest-Martyr Dorotheus, Bishop of Tyre (361-63); the Holy Priest-Martyr Cosmas, Presbyter of Armenia (1707); Veneration of the Icon of the Mother of God, “Of Ihor,” so called because it belonged to Ihor Olhovych, Prince of Kiev (+1147)
Romans 3:19-26; Matthew 7:1-8
Apostles’ Fast.
Read Matthew 7:1-8
What good is a GPS in your car when your windshield is so dirty that you can’t make out where the turns are you are told to make? One of the preconditions of driving safely and arriving at your destination is ensuring that you can actually see out your car windows!
In our gospel message today, the Lord tells us that hypocritical judgement is both ineffectual and self-defeating. Unless we are willing to be honest with ourselves, recognize our own sinfulness, confess, and commit to living a holy life, we will not see the world or our neighbours as they truly are. In other words, repentance is a prerequisite to correct discernment.
Let us take our Apostle’s Fast as an opportunity to wash the windows of our souls and commit to what we pray in every Divine Liturgy: “that we may lead a life of peace and repentance.” Only then will we have the vision and credibility to help guide our brothers and sisters!