The Holy Priest-Martyr Theodotus, Bishop of Cyrenia (c. 321)
Isaiah 2:3-11; Genesis 1:24-2:3; Proverbs 2:1-22
Great Fast Day 3. Abstention from meat and foods that contain meat. According to liturgical prescriptions, the Divine Liturgy is not celebrated today.
Pope Francis has asked the world to pray and fast today for Ukraine.
Read Proverbs 2:1-22
Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!
My son, if you receive the words of my commandment
And hide them within yourself,
Your ear will be obedient to wisdom,
And you will incline your heart to understanding;
You will entrust it to your son as an admonition.
As I get older, I am finding that my hearing is starting to be impaired. I’ve had to get hearing aids before the age of 55. It’s a genetic inheritance, apparently. I don’t always like to wear the hearing aids as they can be uncomfortable at times. If I watch a movie without them, I turn on the English subtitles. Why? Because I don’t want to miss a word. Every word is important and I don’t want to miss one single word that may be the axis for a plot turn!
I wish I could say the say the same when hearing the Scriptures in church on Sunday or the homily. I often have my head filled with the things of my daily life: family, work, chores, etc. I know that I should pay more attention, but… I can find a thousand excuses.
As I age, I hope to gain some insight into life, you know, some wisdom. Alas, it is slow going and not very fruitful. Today’s selection from Proverbs, however, challenges me. I discovered that I’ve been trying to get my own wisdom, my own insight, rather than that of the Lord. Letting His Word penetrate my heart and find its home there is what will bring about the real wisdom that I seek.
Well, I’ve tried this and it, too, is slow going. However, it is producing some fruit. The curmudgeon is decreasing, and I find a peace burgeoning within. I have found that sitting in silence before and after reading helps. Hearing every word is important!
Here’s to your third day on the walk! May it be joyful!