Commemoration of the Miracle Performed at Colossus in Chone by the Archangel Michael; Holy Martyr Eudoxius and His Companions (284- 305); Our Venerable Father Archipus
Galatians 4:28-5:10; Mark 6:54-7:8
Read Mark 6:54-7:8
Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!
Jesus, by quoting from the prophecy of Isaiah, is telling us that God is looking for a genuine relationship with His children; a relationship from heart to heart.
Such relationship requires of us to observe God’s word carefully and faithfully. God’s word and commandments are not random and common.
Saint James, in his letter, reminds us that we should “humbly welcome the word that has been planted in us” (1:21).
Listening to the word of God and obeying His commandments brings about extraordinary rewards and blessings because the source of these is the eternal, loving God.
Therefore, when it comes to God and His saving word, we should not supersede God’s divine providence and perfection with various worldly traditions and rules.
First and foremost, we should recognize God for Who He is, along with the importance of God’s word, given to us for our salvation.
The temptations are always pressing on us to take the easy way out. Often, human traditions seem easier to accomplish, and before we know it, such traditions become the new normal, while God’s commandments become secondary or are ignored. Why dedicate a specific time for personal prayer, if you can pray while you are driving to work, for example.
Psalmist David reminds us about the greatness of God: “How great are your works, Lord! How profound your designs!” (Ps 92:5). Therefore, let us continually ask our good Lord to teach us His way, so that we may walk in His truth (Ps 86:11).