The Placing of the Precious Sash of Our Most Holy Lady the Mother of God in Calcoprateia (942)
Hebrews 9:1-7; Luke 10:38-42; 11:27-28
Polyeleos Feast
Read Luke 10:38-42; 11:27-28
Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!
Today is the last day of the liturgical year, and we celebrate the placing of the Mother of God’s sash at a shrine in Calcoprateia. Since it is a feast of the Mother of God, accordingly we read the usual Marian gospel from the lectionary.
We hear the account of Martha and Mary, the sisters of Lazarus. Martha was busy serving her guests while her sister Mary sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what He was saying. Martha was upset that Mary was not helping her and asked Jesus to intervene. Jesus did not tell Mary to help Martha but rather told Martha, “you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing” (Lk. 10:41-42).
Sometimes we can get carried away with work and the responsibilities that fall on our shoulders. We face a lot of expectations from others about how we are to act. Although it is true there is much we can worry about, we must never forget that the essential thing is to simply be with Christ. Martha’s sister was not wrong for simply needing to rest and listen at the feet of our Lord.
Before a man is ordained to any order, it is expected that he first take a spiritual retreat. Often, clergy of an eparchy will come together and go on a retreat together, providing an opportunity for them to engage in deeper prayer and reflection, enjoy a change in scenery, bask in some quiet, and find some time to recharge. While we all live busy lives filled with numerous responsibilities, let us not forget that it is ok to be like Mary and seek rest and company at the feet of our Lord.