Great Wednesday; The Holy Virgins and Martyrs Agapia, Irene, and Chionia.
Matins – John 12:17-50; Sixth Hour – Ezekiel 2:3-3:3; Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts – Exodus 2:11-22; Job 2:1-10; Matthew 26:6-16.
Read Exodus 2:11-22
Moses is moved by the injustice inflicted upon his fellow Hebrew. While Moses’ impulse stems from righteous indignation, his reaction reveals the struggle to balance justice and restraint. The passage reminds us that zeal for justice, if unchecked, can lead to rash decisions.
This account also highlights how injustice often stirs deep emotions, but responding wisely requires control—not just over our actions but also over our words. The Fathers of the Church frequently warn against the dangers of the unguarded tongue. St. John Chrysostom counsels, “The tongue is a wild beast; if you set it at liberty, it wounds everything.” Our speech aught to serve truth and love, not anger or impulsiveness. Similarly, St. Ambrose warns, “Let your speech be sparing, lest you pour out what should be kept in.” He suggests that silence, at times, is the greater wisdom.
Moses’ story reminds us that being moved by injustice is not wrong—it is often a sign of a just heart. But how we respond, especially in speech and action, matters greatly. We are called to a deeper discernment: to pursue justice, yes, but always with a tongue and heart governed by the Holy Spirit and the virtues of patience, humility, and wisdom. Only then can we be instruments of true peace and righteousness for the glory of God.