Meditations: Monday in Holy Week

Apr 10, 2017 by Jill

MONDAY IN HOLY WEEK

LITURGICAL THEME FOR THE DAY: On this day, Jesus Christ reveals to us His power over all creation. On the way from Bethany to the temple, the Lord Jesus Christ cursed a fig tree that was full of leaves but bore no fruit. This was an example of those who called themselves believers who had a good exterior, but were not fruitful. When the Lord entered the temple, He drove out those who were buying and selling in it to keep it undefiled. This day, the Lord tells us that as Creator, He has the power and the right over all creation. Each creation is intended for specific purpose. Man and tree alike are intended to bear fruit. When they do not bear fruit, and appear to the world as fruitful, it greatly displeases the Lord, and as creator He also has power to destroy those, which do not bear the fruit rightfully.

MEDITATION OF THE DAY: While the lesson from Philippians is very powerful it is also difficult because the way Paul frames being a Christian is to make a write off and deduct all as “LOSS”. It seems this should help us face the realities of this week and this life and how to prepare to suffer?

For some, suffering is simply  nothing more than the taking away of bad things or good things that the world offers for our enjoyment—reputation, esteem among peers, job, money, spouse, sexual life, children, friends, health, strength, sight, hearing, success, etc. As we have had to learn in this economy of the last few years, there are moments when things are taken away that we feel the sting of suffering. Paul is reminding us this week to enter into full life with Christ and the full mystery of these days we have already counted the losses because we possess the value of gaining Christ.

As this week reminds us that the pain and the sorrow may be great but we must know that the value of Christ surpasses all the things the world can offer and that in losing them we gain more of Christ. The other section that garners attention is when Paul says that he wants to know more than anything else Christ and the power of His resurrection. That pretty much sets the tone for Holy Week!

PRAYER OF THE DAY:  Grant, we pray, almighty God, that, though in our weakness we fail,we may be revived through the Passion of your Only Begotten Son,who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

ANCIENT WISDOM/PRESENT GRACE:  ““Christ, like a skillful physician, understands the weakness of humanity. He loves to teach the ignorant and the erring he turns again to his own true way. He is easily found by those who live by faith and to those of pure eye and holy heart, who desire to knock at the door, he opens immediately.” -St. Hyppolytus.

HOLY WEEK DISCIPLINE – Spring housecleaning is an ancient tradition, going back to the customs of the Jewish families in preparation for the Pascha. Let be a day where you clean the place you avoid the most and use that time for cleaning to consider what in life reflects the hidden debris of your soul.

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