The holy prophet Hosea, who not only by his words but also by his manner of life showed the unfaithful people of Israel that the Lord was an ever-faithful Spouse, moved by limitless mercy. 

The holy venerable martyr Andrew of Crete was a priest who defended the cult of the holy icons with great vigor during the persecution under the emperor Copronymus. He attacked the emperor publicly in church saying, “You would do better, O King, to look to the work of the army and the governing people, than to the persecuting of Christ and his servants.” He was attacked and killed by a man with an ax in 767.

Troparion – Prophet

As we celebrate the memory of Your prophet Hosea, O Lord, we implore You to save our souls through his prayers. 

Troparion – Venerable

Trained in asceticism on the mountain, you were able to defeat the devil’s assaults by the power of the Cross, O all-blessed one. With great courage, you faced the battle and crushed the emperor Copronymus with the sword of faith. O glorious venerable martyr Andrew, God crowned you for your asceticism and your good fight. 

Kontakion – Prophet

With sure steps, you followed the commands of the Lord, and you were filled with the Holy Spirit, O prophet Hosea. You received the gift of prophecy and you spoke daringly to Israel, who sought a speedy coming of Christ. You converted those who strayed from the path of justice and set them on the road to the heavenly Jerusalem. Now you stand within that city and implore the Lord, praying without ceasing for us all.

Kontakion – Venerable-Martyr

Today Constantinople, Capital of the Byzantine Empire, celebrates the brightest feast of your light-bearing memory and calls all cities and countries to participate. It rejoices in that it holds a great treasure: your body which sustained so many struggles, O holy martyr Andrew, light of Orthodoxy!

Epistle

Philippians 1:27 – 2:4

Brothers and sisters: Conduct yourselves, then, in a way worthy of the gospel of Christ. If you do, whether I come and see you myself or hear about your behavior from a distance, it will be clear that you are standing firm in unity of spirit and exerting yourselves with one accord for the faith of the gospel. Do not be intimidated by your opponents in any situation. Their opposition foreshadows downfall for them, but salvation for you. All this is as God intends, for it is your special privilege to take Christ’s part-not only to believe in him but also to suffer for him. Yours is the same struggle as mine, the one in which you formerly saw me engaged and now hear that I am caught up.

In the name of the encouragement you owe me in Christ, in the name of the solace that love can give, of fellowship in spirit, compassion, and pity, I beg you: make my joy complete by your unanimity, possessing the one love, united in spirit and ideals. Never act out of rivalry or conceit; rather, let all parties think humbly of others as superior to themselves, each of you looking to others’ interests rather than to his own.

Gospel

Luke 9: 12-18

As sunset approached the Twelve came and said to Jesus, “Dismiss the crowd so that they can go into the villages and farms in the neighborhood and find themselves lodging and food, for this certainly is an out-of-the-way place.” Jesus answered them, “Why do you not give them something to eat yourselves?” They replied, “We have nothing but five loaves and two fish. Or shall we ourselves go and buy food for all these people?” (There were about five thousand men.) Jesus said to his disciples, “have them sit down in groups of fifty or so.” They followed his instructions and got them all seated. Then, taking the five loaves and the two fish, Jesus raised his eyes to heaven, pronounced a blessing over them, broke them, and gave them to his disciples for distribution to the crowd. They all ate until they had enough. What they had left, over and above, filled twelve baskets. Jesus went to pray in seclusion and his disciples were with him.

Icon courtesy of Jack Figel, Eastern Christian Publications – ecpubs.com

The holy martyr Longinus the Centurion, a Roman soldier, served in Judea under the command of the governor, Pontius Pilate. When our Savior Jesus Christ was crucified, it was the detachment of soldiers under the command of Longinus which stood watch on Golgotha, at the very foot of the holy Cross. Longinus and his soldiers were eyewitnesses of the final moments of the earthly life of the Lord, and of the great and awesome portents that appeared at His death. These events shook the centurion’s soul. Longinus believed in Christ and confessed before everyone, “Truly this was the Son of God” (Mt. 27:54). According to tradition, Longinus was the soldier who pierced the side of the Crucified Savior with a spear, and received healing from an eye affliction when blood and water poured forth from the wound. 

Troparion

Your martyr Longinus, O Lord our God, in his struggle received an incorruptible crown from You. With Your strength, he brought down the tyrants and broke the cowardly valor of demons. Through his prayers, O Christ our God, save our souls. 

Kontakion

The Church greatly rejoices today in commemorating the courageous ever-memorable Longinus, and it cries out, “O Christ, You are my strength and my stronghold.”

Epistle

Philippians 1: 20a-27a

Brothers and sisters: I have full confidence that now as always Christ will be exalted through me, whether I live or die. For, to me, “life” means Christ; hence dying is so much gain. If, on the other hand, I am to go on living in the flesh, that means productive toil for me – and I do not know which I prefer. I am strongly attracted by both: I long to be freed from this life and to be with Christ, for that is the far better thing; yet it is more urgent that I remain alive for your sakes. This fills me with confidence that I will stay with you, and persevere with you all, for your joy and your progress in the faith. My being with you once again should make you even prouder of me in Christ. Conduct yourselves, then, in a way worthy of the gospel of Christ.

Gospel

Luke 9: 7-11

At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was happening and was perplexed, for some were saying, “John has been raised from the dead”; others said, “Elijah has appeared”; and still others said, “One of the prophets of old has risen.” But Herod said, “John I beheaded. Who is this man about whom I hear all these reports?” Herod was very curious to see Jesus.

The apostles on their return related to Jesus all they had accomplished. Taking the apostles with him, Jesus retired to a town call Bethsaida, but the crowds found this out and followed him. He received them and spoke to them of the reign of God, and he healed all who were in need of healing.

Icon courtesy of Jack Figel, Eastern Christian Publications – ecpubs.com

Our venerable father Euthymius the younger was born in Ancyra in 824 to Christian parents. He served in the army, married, and had one daughter. He lived for a long time in the monasteries of Plympus and then on the Holy Mountain. He entered into his rest on Mount Athos during the 9th century, and his wonder-working relics are preserved in the city of Salonica.

In his youth, the venerable martyr Lucian, priest of the great city of Antioch, was given a very wide education. After giving away his goods to the poor, he fed himself with the work of his hands. He is responsible for the correction of the Hebrew text of the Holy Scriptures. In the persecution of the emperor Maximian in 312, he was thrown into prison and died a martyr’s death. St. John Chrysostom praised him highly for his love of the poor and of the ascetic life. 

Troparion – Venerable

In you, O father, the divine image was strictly preserved; taking up your cross, you followed Christ. You taught us by example how to spurn the flesh, for it passes away, and how to care for the soul, which is immortal. Therefore, O venerable Euthymius, your soul rejoices with the angels.

Troparion – Lucian

You kept your self chaste by your fasting, O priest-martyr Lucian, O pride of Antioch, intercede with Christ God for us who keep your holy memory. 

Kontakion – Euthymius

You walked through storms without getting wet, and with the arrows of your tears you slew the bodiless enemy. You received the grace to work miracles, Father Euthymius, and you heal all our passions. Pray without ceasing for us all. 

Kontakion – Lucian

We honor you with hymns of glory, O Lucian, the most radiant star. You first became illustrious by your detachment from the things of the world, then were lifted up by your struggles. Do not cease to intercede for all of us.

Epistle

Philippians 1: 12-20a

Brothers and sisters, I want you to know that my situation has worked out to be furtherance of the gospel. My imprisonment in Christ’s cause has become well known throughout the praetorium here, and to others as well; most of my brothers in Christ, taking courage from my chains, have been further emboldened to speak the word of God fearlessly. It is true, some preach Christ from motives of envy and rivalry, but others so do out of good will. Some act from unaffected love, aware that my circumstances provide an opportunity to defend the gospel’s cause; others promote Christ, not from pure motives but as an intrigue against me, thinking that it will make my imprisonment even harsher. 

What of it? All that matters is that in any and every way, whether from specious motives or genuine ones, Christ is being proclaimed! That is what brings me joy. Indeed, I shall continue to rejoice, in the conviction that this will turn out to my salvation, thanks to your prayers and the support I receive from the Spirit of Jesus Christ. I firmly trust and anticipate that I shall never be put to shame for my hopes.

Gospel

Luke 8: 22-25

At that time Jesus got into a boat with his disciples and said to them, “Let us cross over to the far side of the lake.” So they set out, and as they sailed he slept. A windstorm descended on the lake, and they began to ship water and to be in danger. They came to awaken him, saying, “Master, master, we are lost!” He awoke and rebuked the wind and the tumultuous waves. The waves subsided and it grew calm. Then he asked them, “Where is your faith?” Filled with fear and admiration, they said to one another, “What sort of man can this be who commands even the winds and the sea and they obey him?”

Icon courtesy of Jack Figel, Eastern Christian Publications – ecpubs.com

The holy martyrs Nazarius, Gervase(Gervasius), Protasius(Protase), and Celsus: Nazarius was a fearless Christian who visited Gervase and Protasius in prison in Milan. The governor ordered Nazarius to be whipped and driven from the city. He eventually returned to Milan with his disciple Celsus. Gervase and Protasius were still in prison, and Nero the emperor ordered all four of them to die by beheading. St. Ambrose found the relics of Gervase and Protasius on this day and had them translated with solemn rites to a new basilica he built himself. 

Our venerable mother Paraskeva of Trnovo was of Serbian birth with devout Christian parents. She left her home and went first to Constantinople and then to Jerusalem, and then to the wilderness beyond the Jordan, where she lived to old age in asceticism. At the end of her life, she returned to her birthplace of Epibata and gave her spirit to God there, sometime in the 11th century. 

Troparion – Martyrs

This quartet of martyrs illumines the Church like a brilliant star in the sky. Through the martyrdom of Nazarius, and the faith of Gervasius, and with the confession of Celsus and Protasius, the Church has been made to sing: Glory to God, Who has given strength to the martyrs!

Troparion – Venerable

You followed closely in the steps of Christ, your Spouse, loving the silent, desert life. As a young woman you took up His yoke, and armed yourself against the enemy with the cross. By fasting and prayer, by tears and penance, you utterly quenched the fires of passion. Now you stand with the wise virgins in Christ’s presence, and pray for those who honor your memory, O Paraskeva. 

Kontakion – Martyrs

Let us celebrate the quadruple glory of the witnesses of Christ, O faithful! Let us sing of Nazarius and Protase! In our hymn, let us acclaim Celsus and Gervase! For they fought the good fight unto the point of being beheaded. Having received the crown of immortality, they intercede for our salvation. 

Kontakion – Venerable

Let us all sing of Paraskeva, holy intercessor of all who are in trouble. For she rejected the corruptible and accepted the incorruptible way of life forever. Therefore discover the glory, the grace of wonders, by the command of God. 

Epistle

Philippians 1: 8-14

Brothers and sisters: God himself can testify how much I long for each of you with the affection of Christ Jesus! My prayer is that your love may more and more abound, both in understanding and wealth of experience, so that with a clear conscience and blameless conduct you may learn to value the things that really matter, up to the very day of Christ. It is my wish that you may be found rich in the harvest of justice which Jesus Christ has ripened in you, to the glory and praise of God.

My brothers and sisters, I want you to know that my situation was worked out to the furtherance of the gospel. My imprisonment in Christ’s cause has become well known throughout the praetorium here, and to others as well; most of my brothers in Christ, taking courage from my chains, have been further emboldened to speak the word of God fearlessly.

Gospel

Luke 8: 1-3

At that time Jesus journeyed through towns and villages preaching and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve accompanied him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and maladies: Mary called the Magdalene, from whom the seven devils had gone out, Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, Susanna, and many others who were assisting them out of their means.

Icon courtesy of Jack Figel, Eastern Christian Publications – ecpubs.com

The Holy Martyrs Carpus, Papylus, and Agathonica: Carpus was the bishop of Thyatira; Papylus, a deacon; Agathonica, sister of the same Papylus. There were many others at Pergamum in Asia, who were crowned with martyrdom for their blessed confession of Christ in the year 250. 

Troparion

Your martyrs, O Lord our God, in their struggles received incorruptible crowns from You. With Your strength, they brought down the tyrants and broke the cowardly valor of demons. Through their prayers, O  Christ our God, save our souls.

Kontakion

To those who live on earth, God has granted your bodies as a precious treasure, a stream from which healing flows, dispelling all manner of sickness and pouring out divine grace. Therefore, O divine martyrs Carpus, Papylus, and Agathonica, we celebrate your memory today with love. 

Epistle

Philippians 1: 1-7

Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the holy ones at Philippi, with their bishops and deacons in Christ Jesus. Grace and peace be yours from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ!

I give thanks to my God every time I think of you–which is constantly, in every prayer I utter–rejoicing, as I plead on your behalf, at the way you have all continually helped promote the gospel from the very first day.

I am sure of this much: that he who has begun the good work in you will carry it through to completion, right up to the day of Christ Jesus. It is only right that I should entertain such expectations in your regard since I hold all of you dear–you who, to a man, are sharers of my gracious lot when I lie in prison or am summoned to defend the solid grounds on which the gospel rests.

Gospel

Luke 7: 36-50

At that time there was a certain Pharisee who invited Jesus to dine with him. Jesus went to the Pharisee’s home and reclined to eat. A woman known in the town to be a sinner learned that he was dining in the Pharisee’s home. She brought in a vase of perfumed oil and stood behind him at his feet, weeping so that her tears fell upon his feet. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissing them and perfuming them with the oil. When his host, the Pharisee, saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet he would know who and what sort of woman this is that touched him–that she is a sinner.” In answer to his thoughts, Jesus said to him, “Simon, I have something to propose to you.” “Teacher,” he said, “speak.”

Jesus said, “Two men owed money to a certain money-lender; one owed a total of five hundred coins, the other fifty. Since neither was able to repay, he wrote off both debts. Which of them was more grateful to him?” Simon answered, “He, I presume, to whom he remitted the larger sum.” Jesus said to him, “You are right.”

Turning then to the woman, Jesus said to Simon: “You see this woman? I came to your home and you provided me with no water for my feet. She has washed my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You gave me no kiss, but she has not ceased kissing my feet since I entered. You did not anoint my feet with perfume. I tell you, that is why her many sins are forgiven–because of her great love. Little is forgiven the one whose love is small.”

Jesus said to her then, “Your sins are forgiven”; at which his fellow guests began to ask among themselves, “Who is this that he even forgives sins?” Meanwhile Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has been your salvation. Now go in peace.”

Icon courtesy of Jack Figel, Eastern Christian Publications – ecpubs.com

The holy martyrs Probus, Tarachus, and Andronicus were persecuted under the emperor Diocletian, and gave their lives confessing for Christ at Anazarbus in Cilicia in the year 292.

Our venerable father Cosmas, bishop of Maiuma, the hymnographer, was born in Jerusalem. He was a friend to St. John Damascene, whose parents took him in as an orphan and educated him. He helped St. John to compile the Ochtoechos, and he composed many canons to the saints. The canons of Christmas, Lazarus Saturday, Palm Sunday, and the Sunday of the Last Judgment are ascribed to him. He became bishop of the town of Maiuma, near Gaza, in Palestine and died in great old age in the 8th century. 

Troparion – Martyrs

The angelic powers of heaven were rapt in amazement at the successful accomplishments of these holy martyrs: for even in their mortal bodies, they vanquished the bodiless enemy by the power of the holy Cross, and they obtained a spiritual victory. Wherefore, they now intercede with the Lord that He may have mercy on our souls. 

Troparion – Cosmas

You were an eloquent orator in the church, and a divinely inspired musician. You were an image of life and a font of theology, for you soothed all who heard you, our Father Cosmas by your inspired words and beautiful music. 

Kontakion – Martyrs

The soldiers of Christ, the holy martyrs Probus, Tarachus, and Andronicus have shown us the glory of the Holy Trinity by refuting the error of their persecutors and fighting courageously for the faith. 

Kontakion – Cosmas

You were adorned with virtue, blessed Cosmas, and you adorned the Church of Christ with wonderful music. Pray to the Lord for our deliverance from all the snares of enemies, for we appeal to you, O Father, truly rich. 

Epistle

2 Corinthians 9: 6-11

Brothers and sisters: Let me say this much: He who sows sparingly will reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will reap bountifully. Everyone must give according to what he has inwardly decided; not sadly, not grudgingly, for God loves a cheerful giver. God can multiply  his favors among you so that you may always have enough of everything and even a surplus for good works, as it is written: “He scattered abroad and gave to the poor, his justice endures forever.” He who supplies seed for the sower and bread for the eater will provide in abundance; he will multiply the seed you sow and increase your generous yield. In every way your liberality is enriched; through us it results in thanks offered to God.

Gospel

Luke 7: 11-16

At that time Jesus went to a town called Naim, and his disciples and a large crowd accompanied him. As he approached the gate of the town a dead man was being carried out, the only son of a widowed mother. A considerable crowd of townsfolk were with her. The Lord was moved with pity upon seeing her and said to her, “Do not cry.” Then he stepped forward and touched the litter; at this, the bearers halted. Jesus said, “Young man, I bid you get up.” The dead man sat up and began to speak. Then Jesus gave him back to his mother. Fear seized them all and they began to praise God. “A great prophet has risen among us,” they said; and, “God has visited his people.”

Icon courtesy of Jack Figel, Eastern Christian Publications – ecpubs.com

The holy apostle Philip was one of seven deacons chosen by the Apostles. He converted Samaria to the faith of Christ, baptized the eunuch of Candace the queen of the Ethiopians, and passed through cities evangelizing them all until he came to Caesarea, where it is said he rested. 

Our venerable father Theophane, the artist and hymnographer, was bishop of Nicea in the 9th century. He and his brother Theodore joined the monastery of St. Sabbas the Sanctified. They were sent by the Patriarch of Jerusalem to emperor Leo the Armenian, to explain the orthodox teaching about holy icons. He tortured them and his successor, Theophilus, had derisory words branded onto their faces. After the Iconoclastic controversy was ended, Theophane was made bishop in Nicea. 

Troparion – Philip

O Philip, you won apostolic favor and you astonished all Samaria. Your divinely inspired words gave the eunuch understanding so that he was baptized and gave glory to God when he comprehended the Incomprehensible. O holy apostle, obtain grace and great mercy for us from God. 

Troparion – Theophane

Guide to Orthodoxy, teacher of piety and holiness, luminary for the world, inspired adornment of bishops, O wise Theophane, harp of the Spirit, you enlightened all by your teachings; intercede with Christ our God to save our souls. 

Kontakion – Philip

Philip conversed with apostles and fished for people. He was one of the first chosen by the apostles. Today he gives a wealth of cures to the world and protects from calamity those who honor him. Therefore we sing out to him: O apostle, save all of us through your prayers. 

Kontakion – Theophane

You proclaimed the divine Incarnation of Christ, and you exposed the bodiless enemies, O wonderful Theophane. Because of this we perseveringly and piously call to you: Pray unceasingly for all of us. 

Epistle

1 Corinthians 15: 39-45

Brothers and sisters: Not all bodily nature is the same. Men have one kind of body, animals another. Birds are of their kind, fish are of theirs. There are heavenly bodies and there are earthly bodies. The splendor of heavenly bodies is one thing, that of the earthly another. The sun has a splendor of its own, so has the moon, and the stars have theirs. Even among the stars, one differs from another in brightness. So is it with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown in the earth is subject to decay, what rises is incorruptible. What is sown is ignoble, what rises is glorious. Weakness is sown, strength rises up. A natural body is put down and a spiritual body comes up. If there is a natural body, be sure there is also a spiritual body. Scripture has it that Adam, the first man, became a living soul; the last Adam has become a life-giving spirit.

Gospel

Luke 5: 27-32

At that time Jesus went out and saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at his customs post. Jesus said to him, “Follow me.” Leaving everything behind, Levi stood up and became his follower. After that Levi gave a great reception for Jesus in his house, in which he was joined by a large crowd of tax collectors and others at dinner. The Pharisees and the scribes of their party said to his disciples, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and non-observers of the law?” Jesus said to them, “The healthy do not need a doctor; sick people do. I have not come to invite the self-righteous to a change of heart, but sinners.”

Icon courtesy of Jack Figel, Eastern Christian Publications – ecpubs.com

The holy martyrs Eulampius and Eulampia were brother and sister. They lived at the beginning of the 4th century in the city of Nicomedia. Eulampius became upset after reading the decree of the emperor Maximian (284-305) sentencing all Christians to execution. Eulampius was horrified that the emperor was taking up arms against his own subjects rather than fighting the enemies of his country. The youth was brought to trial and commanded to renounce the Christian Faith. His sister, Eulampia, appeared before the judges and declared that she also was a Christian. The martyrs were tortured and thrown into a red-hot furnace, but the Lord protected them from the fire. Finally, they beheaded Eulampius, but Eulampia died from her torments before she could be beheaded. 

Troparion

Your martyrs, O Lord our God, in their struggles received an incorruptible crown from You. With your strength, they brought down the tyrants and broke the cowardly valor of demons. Through their prayers, O Christ our God, save our souls.

Kontakion

Let us honor the wise Eulampius and Eulampia, fearless martyrs. They were brother and sister in the flesh. Through the power of the crucified Christ, they put to shame their persecutors guile, and they together became the glory and praise of martyrs. 

Epistle

Ephesians 6: 18-24

Brothers and sisters: At every opportunity pray in the Spirit, using prayers and petition of every sort. Pray constantly and attentively for all in the holy company. Pray for me that God may put his words on my lips, that I may courageously make known the mystery of the gospel–that mystery for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may have courage to proclaim it as I ought. 

Tychicus, my dear brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will keep you informed as to how I am and what I am doing. I have sent him to you for the very purpose of giving you news about me for your hearts’ consolation.

May God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ grant the brothers peace and love and faith. Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with unfailing love. 

Gospel

Luke 7: 31-35

The Lord said, “What comparison can I use for the men of today? What are they like? They are like children squatting in the city squares and calling to their playmates, ‘We piped you a tune but you did not dance, we sang you a dirge but you did not wail.’

“I mean that John the Baptizer came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He is mad!’ The Son of Man came and he both ate and drank, and you say, “Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ God’s wisdom is vindicated by all who accept it.”

Icon courtesy of Jack Figel, Eastern Christian Publications – ecpubs.com

The holy apostle James Alpheus was one of the Twelve, a witness of the true words and miracles of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, a witness to his passion, resurrection, and ascension. After the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, it fell to James to preach the gospel in Eleutheropolis and the surrounding area. He suffered in Egypt in the town of Ostracina, being crucified by pagans. 

Our venerable father Andronicus and his wife Athanasia: Andronicus was a goldsmith in Antioch during the reign of emperor Theodosius the Great. Both he and his wife were very devout, and gave a third of all they earned to the poor. They had two children and lost both of them on the same day to death. After this, they took the monastic habit in Egypt. After many years of the monastic life, they died eight days apart; Athanasia first, and then Andronicus (4th century)

Troparion – Apostle

O holy Apostle James, intercede with the merciful God that he may grant our souls forgiveness of sins.

Troparion – Venerables

O Andronicus, our God-bearing father, you were shown to be a citizen of the desert, an angel in bodily form, and a worker of miracles. Through fasting, prayers and vigils you received heavenly gifts to heal the sick and the souls of those who, with faith, run to you. Glory to Him who gives you strength. Glory to Him who crowned you. Glory to Him who works healing for all through you.

Kontakion – Apostle

Let us extol James with praises as a herald of God, for he implanted wise doctrines deeply in the souls of all. Now he stands before the throne of the Master and rejoices in the company of angels, praying for all of us unceasingly. 

Readings for the Apostle

Epistle

1 Corinthians 4: 9-16

  Brothers and sisters: As I see it, God has put us apostles at the end of the line, like men doomed to die in the arena. We have become like a spectacle to the universe, to angels and men alike. We are fools on Christ’s account. Ah, but in Christ you are wise! We are the weak ones, you the strong! They honor you, while they sneer at us! Up to this very hour we go hungry and thirsty, poorly clad, roughly treated, wandering about homeless. We work hard at manual labor. When we are insulted we respond with a blessing. Persecution comes our way; we bear it patiently. We are slandered, and we try conciliation. We have become the world’s refuse, the scum of all; that is the present state of affairs. 

I am writing you this way not to shame you but to admonish you as my beloved children. Granted you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you have only one father. It was I who begot you in Christ Jesus through my preachings of the gospel. I beg you, be imitators of me. 

Gospel

Luke 10: 16-22a

The Lord said to his disciples: “He who hears you, hears me. He who rejects you, rejects me. And he who rejects me, rejects him who sent me.”

The seventy-two disciples returned in jubilation saying, “Master, even the demons are subject to us in your name.” Jesus said in reply: “I watched Satan fall from the sky like lightning. See what I have done; I have given you power to tread on snakes and scorpions and all the forces of the enemy, and nothing shall ever injure you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice so much in the fact that the devils are subject to you as that your names are inscribed in heaven.”

At that moment Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said: “I offer you praise, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because what you have hidden from the learned and the clever you have revealed to the merest children. Yes, Father, you have graciously willed it so.”

Readings for the day

Epistle 

Ephesians 5:33 – 6:9

Brothers and sisters: Each one should love his wife as he loved himself, the wife for her part showing respect for her husband. Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for that is what is expected of you. “Honor your father and mother” is the first commandment to carry a promise with it–”that it may go well with you, and that you may have long life on the earth.” Fathers, do not anger your children. Bring them up with the training and instruction befitting the Lord. 

Slaves, obey your human masters with reverence, the awe, and sincerity you owe to Christ. Do not render service for appearance only and to please men, but do God’s will with your whole heart as slaves of Christ. Give your service willingly, doing it for the Lord rather than men. You know that each one, whether slave or free, will be repaid by the Lord for whatever good he does. 

Masters, act in a similar way toward your slaves. Stop threatening them. Remember that you and they have a Master in heaven who plays no favorites. 

Gospel

Luke 7: 17-30

At that time the report of Jesus being a great prophet spread throughout Judea and the surrounding country. The disciples of John brought their teacher word of all these happenings. Summoning two of them, John sent them to ask the Lord, “Are you ‘He who is to come’ or are we to expect someone else?” When the men came to Jesus they said, “John the Baptizer sends us to you with this question: ‘Are you “He who us to come” or do we look for someone else?’” (At that time he was curing many of their diseases, afflictions, and evil spirits; he also restored sight to many who were blind.) Jesus gave this response: “Go and report to John what you have seen and heard. The blind recover their sight, cripples walk, lepers are cured, the deaf hear, dead men are raised to life, and the poor have the good news preached to them. Blest is the man who finds no stumbling block in me.”

When the messengers of John had set off, Jesus began to speak about John to the crowds. “What did you go out to see in the desert–a reed swayed by the wind? What, really, did you go out to see–someone dressed luxuriously? Remember, those who dress in luxury and eat in splendor are to be found in royal palaces. Then what did you go out to see–a prophet? He is that, I assure you, and something more. This is the man of whom Scripture says, ‘I send my messenger ahead of you to prepare your way before you.’ I assure you, there is no man born of woman greater than John. Yet the least born into the kingdom of God is greater than he.”

The entire populace that had heard Jesus, even the tax collectors, gave praise to God, for they had received from John the baptismal bath he administered. The Pharisees and the lawyers, on the other hand, by failing to receive his baptism defeated God’s plan in their regard.

Icon courtesy of Jack Figel, Eastern Christian Publications – ecpubs.com