| Sat Mar 14 | am: 87, 90 pm: 136 | Gen 47:27-48:7 | 1 Cor 10:1-13 | Mark 7:1-23 |
THIRD SATURDAY OF LENT – St Theognostus, Metropolitanof Kyiv,1353
LITURGICALTHEME FOR THE DAY:The Churches of the Eastern Rites remember today St Theognostus, Metropolitan of Kiev. He was born in Greece and succeeded St Peter of Kyiv as Metropolitan of that city. Some of his enemies among his own flock denounced him to the Mongol ruler because of his dedication and inability to be swayed by politics. They said he had paid no tribute to obtain his position, as was often done by the clergy. Summoned before the Mongol prince and asked about this, he answered ‘Christ our God bought His Church from the unbelievers with His precious Blood. For what do we pay tribute to unbelievers? ‘ Returning home unharmed, he gave devout pastoral oversight to the Church for twenty -five more years and passed on this day in 1353.
BIBLICAL MEDITATION OF THE DAY: The apostle Paul looks back at Israel’s journey through the wilderness, reminding the Corinthian believers that “all these things happened to them as examples.” Their triumphs—crossing the sea, eating the manna, drinking the wine—were followed by repeated warnings, idolatry, sexual immorality, and ultimately, judgment. Yet Paul concludes with a striking promise: “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear, but with the temptation will also make a way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” (10:13). In this passage the Apostle Paul calls us to recognize our temptations as the “common” nature of temptation reminds us that our struggles are not unique; they are part of the human story. This should compel us to seek God’s grace in prayer, fasting, and sacramental confession, especially when the desert feels overwhelming.
PRAYER OF THE DAY:Lord, as we walk this desert road, help us see your past mercies, admit our present temptations, and rely on the way of escape you provide. Strengthen our resolve that we may emerge from this season renewed in the hope of resurrection.”Amen.
LENTEN DISCIPLINE–Forgive one who has betrayed you and ask forgiveness from one you have betrayed.
SONG OF THE HEART, SONG OF THE SEASON – You Belong by Wendall Kimbrough