Lenten Meditations: Thursday 23 March
| Thu Mar 23 |
am: 42, 43 pm: 85, 86 |
Jere 10:11-24 | Rom 5:12-21 | John 8:21-32 |
THIRD THURSDAY OF LENT Gregory the Illuminator, Bishop and Missionary of Armenia, c.332
LITURGICAL THEME FOR THE DAY: On this day, we remember the first Bishop of Armenia, Gregory. The ancient kingdom of Armenia was the first country to become Christian, and it recognizes Gregory as its apostle. Armenia was a buffer state between the powerful empires of Rome and Parthia (Persia), and both sought to control it. Gregory was born about 257. When he was still an infant, his father assassinated the King of Parthia, and friends of the family carried Gregory away for protection to Caesarea in Cappadocia, where he was reared as a Christian. About 280 he returned to Armenia, where he was at first treated severely, but eventually by his preaching and example brought both King Tiridates and a majority of his people to the Christian faith.
MEDITATION OF THE DAY: Psalm 85 appointed for today is a prayer during crisis. That is certainly something we can all relate to as we all have been in crisis. This is even more pronounced because it is a faith community in crisis. The Hebrew community like us prayed for joy. They desired a joy that can come from God’s presence in the midst of the spirit filled community. However, that is not something that just instantaneously occurs the people of God must work at it diligently and not just be wistful of the good ole days
As this is for a post-exilic community, they are is struggling coming to terms with that fact that the times have changed. The Psalmist is quite correct when he suggests that faithfulness will spring up from the ground, and righteousness will come down from the heavens for God’s people but they must be focused on the things of God for that to occur
Perhaps we in the church who now find ourselves also in changing times can take a note from this Psalm. Being wistful for the old days and nostalgic is not salvific. The challenge to discern God moving in the midst of his church is however a call to renewed faithfulness. A call that will not go unanswered. Psalm 85 offers a model for the community of faith as a community of prayer both in a time of crisis and of celebration which should be rooted in our salvation; a salvation that can only come from the God who is sought by his people in faith.
PRAYER OF THE DAY: Almighty God, whose will it is to be glorified in your saints, and who raised up your servant Gregory the Illuminator to be a light in the world, and to preach the Gospel to the people of Armenia: Shine, we pray, in our hearts, that we also in our generation may show forth your praise, who called us out of darkness into your marvelous light; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
ANCIENT WISDOM/PRESENT GRACE: “Christianity is not a message which has to be believed, but an experience of faith that becomes a message. – Fr. Edward Schillebeeckx, O.P
Lenten Discipline – The Armenian Church has suffered mightily, yet as an ancient home of the faith it was known for sharing its resources. Go through your closet today and give away to those in need abroad at least five pieces of unused clothing Learn to live with less. Spruce up old clothing instead of buying new. Discuss what guides your clothes purchasing habits. Learn more at http://www.christianaid.org/Interactive_World/countryPages/Armenia.aspx
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