The Holy Martyr James of Persia (422); Our Venerable Father Palladius.
Nativity Fast.
1 Timothy 5:1-10; Luke 17:20-25.
Read Luke 17:20-25
Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!
We have numerous reminders in the Gospels that Jesus, the Son of Man, will return in glory.
This return will be much different from His first coming into the world, because this time He will return unexpectedly as the Just Judge of the whole world.
In the meantime, we need to be vigilant and nourish the soul.
While we stay vigilant for His second glorious return, we ought to also keep watch for Him in order to recognize Him when He also comes to us as a stranger in need or a friend in pain (Mt 25:40), or at any moment He may come into our hearts.
Such encounters and experiences may not necessarily seem as glorious as Jesus’ second coming, nevertheless, Jesus continually comes to us in ways great and small every day and in every season.
We just entered St. Phillip’s fast just over a week ago, a preparation season for the birth of the Messiah, when we will be reminded that God is with us – Emmanuel; that indeed the Kingdom of God is among us; that Jesus’ preaching and healing ministry continue to glorify God and bring people to the knowledge of truth.
Bible References