Great Monday; Our Holy Father Martin the Confessor, Pope of Rome; The Newly Revealed Martyrs Anthony, John, and Eustathius.
Matins – Matthew 21:18-43; Sixth Hour – Ezekiel 1:1-20; Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts – Exodus 1:1-20; Job 1:1-12; Matthew 24:3-35.
Read Exodus 1:1-20
The story of the Hebrews in Egypt is, in a sense, the story of us all. They were enslaved by Pharoah. Their treatment by the Egyptian rulers grew harsher and harsher. They were in need of someone to free them from their shackles. That saviour would come in the person of Moses.
We are also born into a state of slavery. As we come into the world, we have a master far more brutal and insidious than Pharoah or any earthly ruler can be—Satan. We are also in need of a saviour to free us from sin and death.
The week that we are now beginning tells the story of how the Saviour freed us from sin and death. We are walking with the Lord Jesus as he goes to His passion. We journey with him to the cross where he reveals His love for us and gives us the example of how to love others. We will encounter His death and behold His Resurrection.
Take note of this important spiritual lesson at this time: The evil one is always trying to knock us off our feet and his efforts are intensified at the holiest times and on the greatest feast days. Be watchful of your heart this week—take note when you are falling into sinful thoughts, anxiety, despair, or other troubling places. The enemy will feed off of those and do everything in his power to push you further down. Instead, read the scripture readings for each day, attend the services in your parish wherever possible (or visit another nearby parish), ask for forgiveness from those whom you have wronged.
Walk with the Lord this week to His Cross so that you may experience His Resurrection.