Our Venerable Father Alexius, Man of God
Isaiah 11:10-12:2; Genesis 7:11-8:3; Proverbs 10:1-22
Great Fast Day 18. According to liturgical prescriptions, the Divine Liturgy is not celebrated today.
Read Proverbs 10:1-22
Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!
The author of Proverbs, King Solomon, begins a new section in the book reflecting on the outcome of human actions. He presents for us the outcome of a virtuous action as opposed to the outcome of a vice. He is simply and practically showing us the benefit of practicing virtue: it nurtures relationships, increases true profit, brings blessings, security, peace, reconciliation, increases wisdom, but most importantly it leads to life. Living a virtuous life is what we were created for. This is why the virtues carry blessings for us and those around us. Each virtue is like a flower blossoming forth and reflecting the infinite beauty and perfection of God. This is why we please the Lord when we strive to grow in virtue because we apply within ourselves the characteristics of the One who is the author and perfecter of all goodness. Cultivating virtues within us can be likened to that of working within a garden. As we cultivate these flowers we not only add to the beauty of life, but with the aid of the Gardener of life we participate in the restoration of paradise.