| Thur Apr 3 | am: 69 pm: 73 | Jere 22:13-23 | Rom 8:12-27 | John 6:41-51 |
FOURTH THURSDAY OF St. Vulpian, Martyr, 304
LITURGICAL THEME FOR THE DAY: Today, we remember the Syrian martyr Vulpian, executed at Tyre, Lebanon, during the persecutions of Emperor Diocletian (n 284-305). Tradition has it that he was sewn into a leather sack with a snake and a dog and hurled into the sea.
MEDITATION OF THE DAY: All of us have had the experience of returning to our homes, neighborhoods, or old friends after having been away. Perhaps it was at university, or an internship, or just the journey of life. At times, it may have been challenging. People may ask what we are up to these days or perhaps want to discuss politics and religion, and before you know it, the fireworks have been launched. As we consider this Gospel today, that type of experience should not be far from our understanding as Jesus again encounters opposition to His teachings. Jesus had come back to include his neighbors, friends, and family offering to share of the great gift of salvation, but they could not see past how they knew him in previous days to recognize the gift he was offering.
Nonetheless, He states that everyone willing to learn will eventually come to Him and that person will believe and have everlasting life. As the saying goes, no one likes a showoff or a know it all, and certainly to those who were stiff necked, they certainly wanted to perceive Jesus this way. Sadly, even the best and the brightest of us have a limited perspective and ability to grasp the essential truth. It is not a question of being logical or insightful. Ultimately, it is about the willingness to be trustful and faithful.
PRAYER OF THE DAY: “O my God! Source of all mercy! I acknowledge Your Sovereign power. While recalling the wasted years that have passed, I believe that You, Lord, can in an instant turn this loss to gain. Miserable as I am, I firmly believe that You can do all things. Please restore to me the time lost, giving me Your grace, both now and in the future. Amen.
ANCIENT WISDOM/PRESENT GRACE: “The man who has come to know himself with the full awareness of his soul has sown in good ground. However, anyone who has not sown in this way cannot expect humility to flower within him.”. –St. John Climacus
Lenten Discipline – Who in our circle of friends and family needs to hear the words of Promise? Make a list and start to pray for them to be open three times a day Approach them at Easter and share that you have been praying for them.
SONG OF THE SEASON – Apolytikion of St. John Climacus-Ταῖς τῶν δακρύων σου