Lenten Meditations: Saturday 6 March
| Sat Mar 6 |
am: 75, 76 pm: 23, 27 |
Jere 5:20-31 | Rom 3:19-31 | John 7:1-13 |
SATURDAY OF LENT II – 42 Martyrs of Amorion in Phrygia ( 845)
LITURGICAL THEME FOR THE DAY: They were taken captive when Amorion in Phrygia fell to the Muslims in 838, during the reign of Emperor Theophilus. Many of them were officers, and because of their status and reputation, their captors, rather than kill them, attempted to convert them to Islam. The forty-two were kept in a miserable dungeon in Syria, where they were alternately promised the highest honors and privileges if they would convert and threatened with the most horrible consequences if they refused. This continued for seven full years, but none would deny his faith in Christ. Finally, unable to shake their faith, their captors beheaded them all in 845.
MEDITATION OF THE DAY: Psalm 23 is perhaps one of the most familiar and treasured Psalms of all time. We know it well, but do we appreciate its significance. The rod and staff of the Shepherd was designed for both protection and correction for the flock. We all need a little prodding, leading and urging, if we try to go it alone without a shepherd, we will lose our way at least and at worst meander into danger in the field of life
The good news is that God is there, is a good shepherd, to help us. Each day we are invited to journey with the Shepherd . That requires of us willingness and trust knowing that there is a promise of hope, and peace, and healing in the midst of the suffering from a global pandemic. Each day we are invited to journey through the valley, and we can do so protected or unprotected with or without the conviction that “you are with me”. If we can make that act of trust that we will find that “surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life.” . Amen.
PRAYER OF THE DAY: O Lord we recall thy martyrs this day who in their courageous contest for Thee received as the prize the crowns of incorruption and life from Thee, our immortal God. For since they possessed Thy strength, they cast down the tyrants and wholly destroyed the demons’ strength less presumption. O Christ God, by their prayers, save our souls, since Thou art merciful. Amen
Lenten Discipline – Take time today to become familiar with the modern-day martyrs. Consider how they had the Lord as their shepherd and the trials they faced and seek the courage to journey through that valley. Think about it!
ANCIENT WISDOM/PRESENT GRACE: “The early church was married to poverty, prisons and persecutions. Today, the church is married to prosperity, personality, and popularity. –Leonard Ravenhill
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