Holy Priest-Martyr Phocas, Bishop of Sinope (98-117); Holy Prophet Jonah (786-46 BC); Venerable Jonah the Presbyter, Father of Theophanes, Composer of Canons, and Theodore the Branded.
Abstention from meat and foods that contain meat.
Ephesians 4:17-25; Mark 12:1-12.
Read Mark 12:1-12
Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!
The parables of Christ are very profound and speak to us on many different levels. In today’s parable, Jesus is directing a message of judgment towards the Jewish leadership who had contempt and malice for their Master. What makes Jesus’ parables and teachings so profound is that we can always find something personally for us even though initially it was directed toward the Pharisees and Sadducees.
It is easy to point to the historical events of the nation of Israel— that this parable alludes to—and the lack of love for God that existed in many of the Jewish people, but this parable has something for me today. It should remind me that I am but a steward on this earth. God created me, invested in me and gives me opportunities, responsibilities and the joy of this life—everything I am and have comes from God. The Lord’s generosity is an overabundant and sustained outpouring of love on each of us. The Lord, like parents who invest in their children, is not interested in reaping their material benefit, but rather is looking for a personal response of gratitude and love—the fruit of a mutual relationship. The question for us is if we act like the ungrateful Jews who refused to even accept the reminders sent to them by the owner of the vineyard or do we embrace the daily opportunities to engage in a personal response to the Lord? Do we live as responsible stewards who respect and revere the owner of all they are privileged to take care of and make use of? Take a moment today and reflect on these questions. Ask yourself: Do I offer the Lord, who is the owner of everything, the fruit of gratitude and love, which is due to Him?
Bible References