Post-feast of the Entrance of the Mother of God; The Holy Great-Martyr Catherine (310-13); the Holy Great-Martyr Mercurius (249-51).
Nativity Fast. Abstention from meat and foods that contain meat.
1 Timothy 4:4-8,16; Luke 16:15-18; 17:1-4.
Read Luke 16:15-18; 17:1-4
Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!
In the first part of the Gospel we hear Jesus speaking sternly to the Pharisees, who were men pleasers and lovers of money. He reminds them that God, unlike people, can see into our hearts. He also reminds them about the Lord’s standards: that which the world loves is contrary to that which God loves. In order to befriend the Lord we must uphold the things He loves and value that which He values. This first begins within our heart because the heart is where we meet the Lord and where He desires to reside within us. The Pharisees were externally part of the family of God, but in reality they were far from Him.
St. Cyril of Alexandria says: “He says that the kingdom of heaven is preached. The Baptist stood in the middle saying, “Prepare the way of the Lord.” He has also shown that he is already near and, as it were, within the doors, even the true Lamb of God who bears the sin of the world. Whoever hears and loves the sacred message takes it by force. This means that he uses all his eagerness and strength in his desire to enter within the hope. He says in another place,” The kingdom of heaven is taken by violence, and the violent seize upon it (Matt 11:12).” (Commentary on Luke, Homily 110.1)
Entering the Kingdom requires effort on our part, that’s why the Lord says, “and every one enters it violently.” In any relationship commitment, focus, eagerness and desire are required to cultivate love and unity. So too with our relationship with the Lord. Let us cultivate our hearts and ready them for the Lord.
Bible References