Lenten Meditations: Tuesday 23 March
| Tue Mar 23 |
am: 121, 122, 123 pm: 124, 125, 126 |
Jere 25:8-17 | Rom 10:1-13 | John 9:18-41 |
FIFTH TUESDAY OF LENT: St. 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 121 sets an excellent tone for us as we are reminded on this journey that God is with and for His people. These are important words for us because in this 2021 because may of have lost our way tired by the changes and chances of life. It is in these times that we must consider something beyond the words of government or the promise of science. Psalm 121 is a particularly timely reflection on God’s presence in our COVID ravaged lives. In these days of pandemic, it may well feel to us that God is absent, but often it simply takes lifting our eyes beyond the circumstances that we are immersed in and looking beyond to see the hope and promise of God. To do so is an act of trust, an act of faith and an act of hope. Such acts are courageous in a world seeking inspiration. Such acts are life giving in a world that has lost many lives. Such acts are redemptive for a people who need redemption.
PRAYER OF THE DAY: Almighty God, who holds all things in your loving care embolden within me a realization of the manifold ways in which you constantly hold my life in your care and keep me conscious of your desire for me. Create in me a thankful heart – for your presence and sustenance in every moment of my day this day. Amen
ANCIENT WISDOM/PRESENT GRACE: “He who trusts in himself is lost. He who trusts in God can do all things. “What does it cost us to say, ‘My God help me! Have mercy on me!’ Is there anything easier than this? And this little will suffice to save us if we be diligent in doing it.” – St. Alphonsus Liguori.”
Lenten Discipline – In the Spirit of St. Gregory, spend some time learning about another expression of the ancient faith, in the Armenian Church, one of the oldest expressions of Christianity you will see all is not https://www.persecution.org/2020/12/16/beheaded-armenian-christians-identified ).
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