Fore-feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Commemoration of the Consecration of the Holy Resurrection Patriarchal Sobor. Holy Martyr Eusignius (360-63).
Dormition Fast. A day when the faithful are highly encouraged to participate in the Divine Liturgy.
2 Corinthians 5:10-15. Mark 1:9-15.
Read 2 Corinthians 5:10-15
The wounded human heart is a fickle thing. It leads us to go this way and that, to follow this teaching or boast in that apparent wonder. It can get distracted by an infinite number of false realities and led astray by false teachers and prophets.
This is why the Apostle Paul is, in the face of so much distraction among the early Corinthian Church, so unwavering and constant in his insistence on the singular importance of Christ’s passion, death, and resurrection. That Paschal Mystery is what enlivens us, drives us, and sustains us, and nothing else. That Paschal Mystery is what we proclaim and boast in and not any man or human wisdom.
On a recent visit to the United States, I saw a sign on someone’s lawn that read ‘[Presidential Candidate’s Name] 2024: Save America!’. For our purposes right now, it doesn’t matter which name was on that sign, nor are the merits of the candidates relevant. What is important is that this sentiment reveals a certain misplaced trust in human power. If America, or any country, truly needs saving, which really requires a largescale conversion to Christ among her people, no political candidate or human power can bring this about. Trust in human wisdom for this effectively idolizes the person or his or her abilities. (And, by the way, this is a problem across political lines). Only Christ by the power of his death and resurrection can bring about a conversion of our hearts.
Look into your heart and ask the question: What gives me life? What do I live for? While there may be multiple good answers to those questions, Christ needs to be at the bottom of everything that we are and do, for his death has destroyed death and his Resurrection has shown us life.