The Holy Great-Martyr Theodore the Recruit. Day 2 of the Great Fast.
Abstention from meat and foods that contain these ingredients. According to liturgical prescriptions, the Divine Liturgy is not celebrated today.
Sixth Hour – Isaiah 1:19-2:3; Vespers – Genesis 1:14-23; Proverbs 1:20-33.
Read Genesis 1:14-23
By His Word, God created the celestial bodies, the creatures of the sea, and the birds of the air. It’s amazing to contemplate the vastness of space and the countless stars and galaxies which surround us, known and unknown. We are so small! It’s also amazing to think about various animals and their natural instincts. Birds can build nests without being “taught;” spiders can spin webs and know exactly what to do with them. When St. Basil the Great contemplates on this scripture, he reflects on the amazing order found in nature. Certain breeds of fish know to stay in certain regions; other fish and birds will migrate according to the seasons or when it’s time to mate. God created all things wondrously and with order! We do not live in chaotic world; God established and ordered the universe.
Our lives can certainly feel chaotic at times. In those moments, it’s helpful to remember that God is with us. God is present and always the same. Jesus teaches us not to worry and about God’s complete care for us by telling us to consider the birds: “Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add one cubit to his span of life?” (Mt. 6:26-27). Elsewhere He tell us: “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows” (Lk. 12:6-7). Let us aways remember that God has created us and the world wondrously. He knows you and loves you, and He wants you to know Him and love Him.