Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory to Him forever!
Saints of the Day
January 24 / February 6. St. Xenia of Rome and her two female slaves. St. Macedonius, hermit of Syria. Martyrs Babylas of Sicilyand his two disciples, Timothy and Agapius. Translation of the Relics of St. Anastasius the Persian. Martyrs Paul, Pausirius, andTheodotian, of Egypt. St. Philo, Bishop of Kalpa in Cyprus. St. Philippicus the presbyter. Martyr Barsimaeus of Syria and his two brothers. St. Zosimas, Bishop of Babylon in Egypt. St. Dionysius of Olympus and Platina (and Mt. Athos). Martyr John of Kazan. St. Gerasimus, Bishop of Perm. St. Xenia of Petersburg, fool-for-Christ [Gal 3:23-4:3; Matt 25:1-13]. St. Felician, Bishop of Foligno in Italy. (Greek Calendar: Martyrs Hermogenes and Mamas. St. Neophytecluse of Cyprus.) Repose of Abbess Sophia of Shamordina Convent (1888) and Bishop Nektary of Seattle (1983).
Photo of the Day
Our beloved Norwegian Forest Cat, Hammie, guarding the entrance to the enclosure. (click for enlargement)
Quote of the Day
“It is impossible for the mind to remain undisturbed by thoughts, but anyone serious about the matter can certainly permit them entry or drive them away, and although their origin does not lie entirely under our control we can choose to approve of them and to adopt them.”
St. John Cassian
Scripture Readings for the Day
1 Corinthians 10:23-28
All to the Glory of God
23 All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify. 24 Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being.
25 Eat whatever is sold in the meat market, asking no questions for conscience’ sake; 26 for “the earth is the LORD’s, and all its fullness.”
27 If any of those who do not believe invites you to dinner, and you desire to go, eat whatever is set before you, asking no question for conscience’ sake. 28 But if anyone says to you, “This was offered to idols,” do not eat it for the sake of the one who told you, and for conscience’ sake; for “the earth is the LORD’s, and all its fullness.”
Luke 21:8-9
, 25-27, 33-36
8 And He said: “Take heed that you not be deceived. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,‘ and, ‘The time has drawn near.’ Therefore do not go after them. 9 But when you hear of wars and commotions, do not be terrified; for these things must come to pass first, but the end will not come immediately.”
The Coming of the Son of Man
25 “And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; 26 men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.
The Importance of Watching
34 “But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. 35 For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.”