The Holy Martyrs Eutropius and His Companions Cleonicus and Basiliscus (286-305)
Isaiah 2:11-21; Genesis 2:4-19; Proverbs 3:1-19
Great Fast Day 4. Abstention from meat and foods that contain meat. According to liturgical prescriptions, the Divine Liturgy is not celebrated today.
Read Proverbs 3:1-19
Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!
As we begin the first week of the Great Fast we hear from the Book of Proverbs today about the importance of keeping the commandments of the Lord. Keeping the Law of God is something of upmost priority. One of the most repeated reminders from God to His people is to keep His law. Even Jesus himself says to us, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” (John 14:15). Keeping the Law is first and foremost a matter of love for this is how we express our devotion to God.
When we think about our life we will notice that we are willing to submit and obey those who we love. St. Paul takes it one step further when he says, “submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” (Ephesians 5:21). In other words, out of love for Christ we give way to one another. Notice that following the Law of God out of Love also inspires us to submit to one another. This Lenten season is a time of humble renewal of our life in Christ. This will require us to lovingly submit to Him by keeping his commandments. Let us strive this Lent to renew ourselves in the Lord’s commandments by first reacquainting ourselves with them and striving to uphold them not begrudgingly, but out of love.