The Seven Holy Youths of Ephesus; Holy Venerable-Martyr Eudocia (98-117)
Dormition Fast. Abstention from meat and foods that contain meat.
2 Corinthians 1:12-20; Matthew 22:23-33.
Read Matthew 22:23-33
Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!
The Sadducees were an interesting group who believed that there was no resurrection, no immortal soul and no angelic spirits. They lived their life oriented towards the things of this world. Most of them were well off and enjoyed prestige and the pleasures of this life. Jesus’ teaching made them uncomfortable because Jesus shifts our focus to first and foremost the love of God and the Kingdom. They lacked love for God because their love was oriented towards the things of this world. Their love of the world twisted their world view. No longer was their highest priority walking with their Creator, but rather creation itself. The Lord warns us to be careful about what we value: “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matt 6:21). What we value and love we will ultimately give our heart to also. If we value a relationship with the Eternal One and eternal life in the Kingdom then we will make this our highest priority to build up and protect. The daily decisions we make will always be oriented towards building up the Kingdom around me and within others. Today’s Gospel gives us a personal question for reflection: Does my life reflect the reality of the coming universal resurrection and the gift of eternal life that Jesus wants to gift me? How can I better embrace eternity and the values of the Kingdom?