The Holy Apostle Philip, One of the Seven Deacons; Our Venerable Father Theophanes the Branded, Composer of Canons (845).
Philippians 2:24-30; Luke 6:46-7:1.
Read Luke 6:46-7:1
Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!
Acknowledging the fact that Jesus is Lord is not enough. When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness by the devil, twice the devil acknowledged that Jesus is the “Son of God” (Lk. 4:3, 9). When Jesus met the two Gerasene demoniacs, they cried out, “What have we to do with You, Jesus, You Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?” (Mt. 8:29). Even the demons recognize Jesus’ lordship. Jesus also teaches: “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’” (Mt. 7:21-23).
In today’s reading, Jesus questions the multitude: “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?” (Lk. 6:46). Using a parable, Jesus illustrates that one who hears His sayings and does them “is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock” (Lk. 6:48). Accordingly, one who hears Jesus’ words but does nothing is like one who builds a house without a foundation. When flood waters come, the house is ruined. Let us remember how important it is to love people via our actions. It is one thing to say “I love you” or “Lord, Lord” with our mouths, but it is quite another thing to feed those who are hungry, give drink to those who are thirsty, offer shelter or clothing to those who need it, visit the sick or imprisoned, or bury the dead. Let us demonstrate our faith and our love by our actions; profess your belief in Christ with not only your lips but also your hands and your feet.
Bible References