Our Holy Mother Matrona of Thessalonica.
Day 25 of the Great Fast.
Sixth Hour – Isaiah 28:14-22; Vespers – Genesis 10:32-11:9; Proverbs 13:19-14:6.
Read Proverbs 13:19-14:6
In today’s reading from the Book of Proverbs, there are several lines about receiving knowledge and instruction: “Instruction removes poverty and dishonor, and he who gives heed to rebukes will be glorified” (Pr. 13:20). “The desires of the godly gladden the soul, but the works of the ungodly are far from knowledge” (Pr. 13:21). “He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him instructs with care” (Pr. 13:26). “You will seek wisdom in the company of evil men, and you will not find it; but perception is easily found with the discerning” (Pr. 14:6).
We need to be willing to receive knowledge and instruction, even when this also means we need to accept rebuke or punishment. This coming Sunday, the fourth Sunday of the Great Fast, we will remember St. John Climacus who wrote a guide for monks titled “The Ladder of Divine Ascent.” John emphasizes the importance of fighting against vainglory and pride in our lives. In Step 22 of this text, John teaches: “The beginning of the conquest of vainglory is the custody of the mouth and love of being dishonored; the middle stage is a beating back of all known acts of vainglory; and the end (if there is an end to an abyss) consists in trying to behave in the presence of others so that we are humbled without feeling it” (§39). We must always strive towards greater humility, and in so doing we may be open to receive further knowledge and instruction. If we are prideful and close our ears to correction, we will end up ignorant.