The Holy Priest-Martyr Basil, Presbyter of Ancyra (363); Passing into eternal life (1924) of Fr. Isidore Dolnytsky, hymnographer, professor and spiritual father of Lviv and the Greek College in Rome
Isaiah 25:1-9; Genesis 9:8-17; Proverbs 12:8-22
Great Fast Day 23. According to liturgical prescriptions, the Divine Liturgy is not celebrated today. Polyeleos Feast.
Read Proverbs 12:8-22
Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!
“Those who till their land will have plenty of food, but those who follow worthless pursuits have no sense” (Pr. 12:11). Most of us probably don’t own property where we have to “till” the land to grow our own crops. However, the lesson in this verse still applies to us. When people till the ground, they are preparing the land to eventually reap a harvest. When the harvest comes, they will be well-fed and can enjoy the fruits of their labor. As if we were preparing to cultivate a harvest, we need to be focused not on pursuits of immediate gratification but rather on the gratification which comes after setting long-term goals and being disciplined enough to reach them. We have to direct ourselves towards worthwhile pursuits and not the meaningless vanities of this world.
Every time we pray Vespers or the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, we ask God to: “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips” (Ps. 140(141):3). Verse 13 onwards in today’s reading comments about the use of lips. “The transgression of their lips” (v. 13) ensnares evil people, but also “from the fruit of the mouth one is filled with good things” (v. 14). Our words have the power to trap us or bring us much happiness. “Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to advice” (v. 15). Sometimes the wisest use of our lips is to keep them shut and open up our ears to hear advice being given to us. “Fools show their anger at once, but the prudent ignore an insult” (v. 16). We must not be controlled by our passions and emotions; we need to restrain them. If we feel anger, that does not mean that we must open our mouths and speak. We can ignore insults being thrown at us, just like our Lord did when He was imprisoned, brought to trial, and crucified. Let us always seek to follow the example of our Lord. We can curse with our lips or bless with our lips; let us pray that we use our lips for good for the glory of God.