Post-feast of the Ascension; the Holy Apostle Andronicus and those with him; Passing into Eternal Life (1952) of Blessed Ivan Ziatyk, Protohegumen of the Redemptorists and Martyr
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Acts 25:13-19; John 16:23-33
Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!
Let us be gracious to one another, as befits those who are the beloved of the Father. When we come to the Divine Liturgy let us remember that we belong to a large family. This sense of community-family must be continually fostered. Let us never forget to greet one another when we gather in church. Some people we may know very well, others only a little, while some not at all. But we are one community of God’s children! Let us make every effort to come to know the other members of our parish, and also to take interest in what might be their life challenges, joys and sorrows, so we might know what to ask of God and for what to thank Him.
The third commandment, “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy” (Ex 20:8), requires us to attend church at least on Sundays and major feast days. However, we know that many of our neighbors, family members, and acquaintances attend church only on the most important feasts. In order for them to attend more regularly, they must see themselves as part of a great Christian and parish family. It is important, therefore, that we show them how happy we are to see them praying together with us in the community of Christ’s beloved disciples. And if someone does not respond to our invitations or words of encouragement, let us not judge them, but let us pray for them to the Holy Spirit. He is the one who moves hearts, helps each one of us discover Christ and leads us to the Father.