The Holy Priest-Martyr Josaphat, Archbishop of Polotsk (1623); John the Merciful, Patriarch of Alexandria (619); Nil the Faster (430); Passing into Eternal Life (1950) of Blessed Hryhoriy (Gregory) Lakota, Auxiliary Bishop of Peremyshl and Confessor
Hebrews 4:14-5:10; John 10:9-16
All-Night Vigil Feast. A day when the faithful are highly encouraged to participate in the Divine Liturgy.
Read Hebrews 4:14-5:10
We have so great a high priest, that he can sympathize with our every weakness even unto death itself, since He Himself has experienced it all.
In our world, we are surrounded by pain and suffering of all kinds.
In the past several months, the pandemic has led to a remarkable increase in loneliness, depression, and anxiety and, with those, substance abuse and suicide. There is remarkable pain in the world, and Christ is in the trenches of that battle.
Our society has sexualized nearly every aspect of daily life. It is difficult for young people to develop strong friendships because it will be assumed that they are sexual. Young people think that they have some duty to abuse their bodies and be involved in sexual relationships that they deep down don’t desire. This leads to great shame. Christ is there too.
Millions upon millions of women and men have been involved with abortion. Many of them know deep down that they have unjustly taken another human life. Society tells them that it was perfectly good and fine choice to make, but their guilt screams in opposition. Christ stands beside them too.
People all over the world are suffering persecution, oppression, imprisonment, and torture because of their religious beliefs, ethnic origins, sexual preference, or political ideology. Christ is in their corner as well.
In our world, we are surrounded by pain and suffering of all kinds.
Our great High Priest, our Lord and God Jesus Christ, has been there. He has suffered on account of human depravity, experienced torture and death, and went down into the pits of hell.
In those pits of torment and despair, He brought eternal brightness and hope. He raised up those who hoped in Him. He took the hand of fallen man, lifted him up, and showed him the Way of Life.
Our Lord does this for those in shame, in guilt, in persecution. Our Lord does this for all of us.
As we are being healed, part of our job is to be that light for others, so Christ the Light can shine on them too.