The Holy Martyr Paramon (249-51), the Holy Martyr Philomenus (270-75); Our Father Acacius, of Whom Testimony is Found in the Ladder of Divine Ascent.
Nativity Fast. Abstention from meat and foods that contain meat.
1 Timothy 5:22-6:11; Luke 18:15-17, 26-30.
Read Luke 18:15-17, 26-30
Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!
Today’s gospel reading consists of two parts. In the first part (Lk. 18:15-17), Jesus told His disciples not to forbid little children from coming to Him and teaches them: “Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it” (Lk. 18:17). St. Cyril of Alexandria explains that little children in their ignorance are “justly acquitted of the charge of depravity and wickedness” (Commentary on the Gospel of Luke, Homily 121). As adults, we must imitate young children “by putting habits of wickedness entirely away from us, so we too may be regarded as men who do not even know the pathway leading to guile, but who, unconscious of malice and fraud, live in a simple and innocent manner, practicing gentleness and a priceless humility, and readily forbearing from wrath and spitefulness” (Ibid.). The kingdom of God must be received with the humility and faith of a small child.
As Christmas approaches, it is edifying for us to see children’s reactions to the wonderful things that happen this time of year – the colorful lights, the shiny decorations, the festive music on the radio, the gift-giving, and the increased almsgiving and acts of charity that take place in the world. They look upon the world with innocence, wonder, and trust. Although we were all once little children, as adults it is not so easy to remember how to be like them. Jesus is not asking for us to be like them in every possible respect. However, over time, we’ve likely picked up evil habits and lost our child-like faith and humility. In the scripture verses preceding today’s reading in the Gospel of Luke, we can read the Parable of the Publican and the Pharisee. The Pharisee stood and prayed in the temple, seeing himself as righteous in his own eyes, whereas the publican beat his breast saying, “God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ (Lk. 18:13). Through this parable, Jesus was teaching the importance of the humility of the publican, and this teaching was followed by Jesus further instructing us that the kingdom of God belongs to ones such as small children.
In the second part of today’s gospel reading (Lk. 18:26-30), Jesus assures His disciples: “Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or parents or brothers or wife or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who shall not receive many times more in this present time, and in the age to come eternal life” (Lk. 18:29-30). There is much required of us to be faithful disciples of Christ. Christianity is demanding. However, Jesus promises us that even if it happens that we lose our house and dearest family members for the sake of the kingdom of God, we will be abundantly blessed in this life and in the age to come.
Today, let us pray that we can have the humility of small children so that we may be worthy of entering the kingdom of God. Whatever we must sacrifice in our lives for the sake of the kingdom of God, let us have child-like trust in Christ’s promise that God will bless us.
Bible References
Luke 18:15-17, 26-30