Daily Meditations Archives - Page 198 of 333

Saturday of Lazarus

03/31/2017

By Archpriest Alexander Schmemann The joy that permeates and enlightens the service of Lazarus Saturday stresses one major theme: the forthcoming victory of Christ over Hades. “Hades” is the Biblical term for Death and its universal power, for inescapable darkness that swallows all life and with its shadow poisons the whole world. But now — with Lazarus’ resurrection — “death begins to tremble.” A decisive duel between Life and Death begins giving us the key to

Thursday of the Fifth Week of Lent. The Greatest Example of Forgiveness!

03/30/2017

And when they came to the place which is called The Skull, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right and one on the left. And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:33-34 (From the Eighth Gospel of Holy Thursday Evening) In Matthew 18:23-35, Jesus tells us a parable about an unforgiving servant. A man owed his king more money than he could ever pay.

Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Lent. Even Christ Had Help Carrying His Cross

03/29/2017

As they went out, they came upon a man of Cyrene, Simon by name; this man they compelled to carry His cross. Matthew 27:32 (From the Sixth Gospel of Holy Thursday Evening) Many years ago, as we prepared to open up the Diakonia Center (the place we use for summer camp) in South Carolina, I was working with a group of people setting up the ropes course that we use. The camp was opening in

Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Lent. Stop Passing the Buck!

03/28/2017

So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves.” Matthew 27:24 (From the Fifth Gospel of Holy Thursday Evening) Pontius Pilate, depending on one’s perspective, is almost a “tragic” figure in the Passion of Christ. Because he wanted to do the right thing, he knew what

Monday of the Fifth Week of Lent. What is Truth?

03/27/2017

Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.” Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?” John 18:37-38 (From the Fourth Gospel on Holy Thursday Evening) Pontius Pilate questioned Jesus as to whether He was a king? Jesus answered Him that His purpose in coming into

March 25: Sermon on the Annunciation

03/25/2017

By Saint Proklos, Patriarch of Constantinople Our present gathering in honor of the Most Holy Virgin inspires me, brethren, to offer Her a word of praise, of benefit also for those who have come to this holy celebration. It is a praise of women, a glorification of their gender, which (glory) She brings to it, She Who is both Mother and Virgin at the same time. O desired and wondrous gathering! O nature, celebrate that

Friday of the Fourth Week of Lent. Leaning on God When You Are in Agony

03/24/2017

And going a little farther He fell on His face and prayed, ”My, Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as Thou wilt.” And there appeared to Him an angel from heaven, strengthening Him. Matthew 26:39; Luke 22:43 (From the Gospel of the Vesperal Liturgy on Holy Thursday Morning) Jesus went to a place that was very familiar to Him-The Garden of Gethsemane. He went

Thursday of the Fourth Week of Lent. The Importance of “Watching”

03/23/2017

Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to His Disciples, “Sit here, while I go yonder and pray.” And taking with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, He began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then He said to them, ”Aly soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with Me.” Matthew 26:36-38 (From the Gospel of the Vesperal Liturgy on Holy Thursday Morning) The

Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Lent. Will You Stay When It Counts?

03/22/2017

And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away because of Me this night; for it is written, ‘I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.” Peter declared to him, “Though they all fall away because of you, I will

Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Lent. Christ’s Hope for Us

03/21/2017

Jesus said to His Disciples, “I do not pray for these only, but also for those who believe in Me through their word, that they may all be one; even as thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me. The glory which Thou hast given Me I have given to them, that they may be one