Only heavenly things are of an eternal nature
In our fallen nature we naturally seek things that lead to earthly happiness. The Devil leads us in false directions, and allures us through things that are transitory in nature, such as riches, honors, and earthly amusements. Because he is the father of lies, the devil leads us to attach ourselves to earthly goods, and nails our sensual heart to them. But, we must remember that everything that is earthly is nothing, for only heavenly things are of an eternal nature. We must avoid seeking out pleasure and recognition that is of this world, for none of this is pleasing to God.
The elder, Abbot Joseph the Thebite, said, “Three things are especially pleasing to God: Illness endured with patience; work done without recognition, solely for love of Him; and obedience rendered to a spiritual father, with total self denial. This last feat is most splendidly crowned.”
With love in Christ,
Abbot Tryphon
Wednesday April 29, 2015 / April 16, 2015
Third Week of Pascha. Tone two.
Fast. Fish Allowed
Virgin-martyrs Agape, Irene, and Chionia in Illyria (304).
Martyrs Leonidas, Chariessa, Nice, Galina, Callista (Calisa), Nunechia, Basilissa, Theodora, and Irene of Corinth (250).
The Weeping Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “Ilyin Chernigov” (1658) and “Tambov” Icon (1692).
Venerable Theodora-Bassa, princess of Novgorod (1378).
Martyr Irene of Greece.
New Martyr Michael of Smyrna (1772).
Martyrs Felix the bishop, Januarius the priest, Fortunatus and Septimus of Lycaonia (304).
St. John, blessed fool-for-Christ’s sake of Verkhoturye (1701).
St. Fructuosis of Braga in Iberia.
Monk-martyr Christopher of Dionysiou, Mt. Athos, who suffered at Adrianople (1818).
Scripture Readings
Acts 8:18-25
18 And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, 19 saying, “Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”
20 But Peter said to him, “Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money! 21 You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God. 22 Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. 23 For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity.”
24 Then Simon answered and said, “Pray to the Lord for me, that none of the things which you have spoken may come upon me.”
25 So when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.
John 6:35-39
35 And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. 36 But I said to you that you have seen Me and yet do not believe. 37 All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out. 38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. 39 This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day.
Christ is Risen!
Dear Father,
I have been reading the Morning Offering since mid lent. It is an essential part of my day. I am grateful for it. This morning I did not see a post. I pray that all is well with you. Please pray for myself and my husband (Christopher)and children (Anastasia 10y & Stavro 7y). We are in the middle of searching for a new home. Finances will force us to leave our neighborhood and move our children out of their current publuc school and to a community that is unfamiliar to us. I know that we are blessed that we have our health and love and that there are so many tragedies in the world.This is putting a strain on all of us. I pray for a miracle from my Lord and Saviour and intercession from His Most Holy Mother to find a way that we can afford to stay where we are or to find a home in our current area. I also know that in the end it is His will. So also I pray for acceptance of His will.
You will all be in my prayers. Difficult times like this are always hard to go through, especially for children, but God is with you. My love and blessings to you and your family.
I just checked it out, and the blog article for today IS there!