Our Venerable Fathers Paul of Thebes (312-37) and John the Hut-Dweller (465-74)
Ephesians 5:1-8; Luke 14:1-11
Read Luke 14:1-11
Christ is born! Glorify Him!
Good morning, my friend! With the feast of Theophany just finishing yesterday, we are returning to the usual daily rhythm of the Body of Christ! I do hope that you have dipped into the Blessed Waters of Theophany and tasted of the universal joy of the Lord!
Here’s a question for us to consider after hearing today’s Gospel: How do you live on the Lord’s Day, on Sundays? I know you go to Church and participate in the Liturgy (best as we can during this pandemic). I see your eyes above the mask. Yes, like you, I am awaiting for the end so we can behold the countenance of our Lord in others! But what of the rest of your Sunday? How is it?
I observe that many about us use it as a day of chores, of catching up from the week that just passed. Is that part of your Sunday? What of your family and friends? What of the members of the parish? Do you visit with any of them? I know that it is hard to do these days… what about a phone call? Or even a video call? I really do prefer them after learning how to do them.
Today’s Gospel kind of challenges me. I know that if someone called for help to get their car out of the ditch (from icy roads), I’d be there in an instant. They need help; I give help. But I have not really considered Sunday as being a day to reveal the Lord’s mercy to others. Firstly, I think sometimes that the Lord would never use me. Secondly, I never thought of those who were alone or sick… I’ve been too busy trying to fulfil my needs.
Here’s a little secret for you… I tried it. Yep. I tried to be merciful to someone I barely knew. I had heard that they were under the weather, and I called them. I asked if they had video and they did! So, we connected by video. Guess what? We chatted for nearly an hour! About all sorts of things! At the end, she was so grateful that I called. She smiled from ear to ear. As I hung up, I started to cry. I was happy, too.