Our venerable father David of Thessalonica pursued asceticism at the monastery of the Holy Martyrs Theodore and Mercurius. Inspired by the example of the holy stylites, he lived in an almond tree in constant prayer, keeping strict fast, and enduring heat and cold. He remained there for three years until an angel told him to come down. St. David received from God the gift of wonderworking, and he healed many from sickness. The holy ascetic gave spiritual counsel to all who came to him. Having attained passionlessness, he was like an angel in the flesh, and he was able to take hot coals into his hands without harm. He died in the year 540.
Drowning out the noises of the world with hymns, you took up your abode in a tree in the midst of an orchard, O father. In your heart you left the world, and you ascended into heaven by your good works. There you have taken up your abode with the angels. O David, look down on us who keep your memory.
You were like a perpetually blossoming orchard, continually bearing fruit of the good works. You were like a bird with a beautiful song, O David. Within your heart, you found the tree of life in the Lord, even more surely than on the fields of paradise. You tended it carefully and nourished it with grace. Always pray for us, O blessed David.
Romans 12: 4-5, 15-21
Brothers and sisters: Just as each of us has one body with many members, and not all the members have the same function, so too we, though many, are one body in Christ and individually one of another.
Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Have the same attitude toward all. Put away ambitious thoughts and associate with those who are lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Never repay injury with injury. See that your conduct is honorable in the eyes of all. If possible, live peacefully with everyone. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves; leave that to God’s wrath, for it is written: “‘Vengeance is mine; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” But “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; by doing this you will heap burning coals upon his head.” Do not be conquered by evil but conquer evil with good.
Matthew 12: 9-13
At that time Jesus went into their synagogue. A man with a shriveled hand happened to be there, and they put this request to Jesus, hoping to bring an accusation against him: “Is it lawful to work a cure on the sabbath?” Jesus said in response: “Suppose one you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the sabbath. Will he not take hold of it and pull it out? Well, think how much more precious a human being is than a sheep. Clearly, good deeds may be performed on the sabbath.” To the man he said: “Stretch out your hand.” The man did so, and the hand was perfectly restored; it became as sound as the other.
Icon courtesy of Jack Figel, Eastern Christian Publications – ecpubs.com
Sunday, June 25 –
