The holy prophet Haggai was the 10th of the 12 minor prophets. He was of the Tribe of Levi and he prophesied during the times of the Persian emperor Darius Hystaspis (prior to 500 B.C.). Upon the return of the Jews from the Babylonian Captivity, he persuaded the people to build the Second Temple at Jerusalem, and he proclaimed that the Messiah would appear in this Temple in the last times. It is believed that Haggai was buried with the priests at Jerusalem, since he was descended from Aaron.
Your eyes were opened to pure spiritual reality that is all from God which you prophesied and understood, O all-praised prophet, guide of peaceful repentance. Therefore we celebrate your holy memory, and we pray you, to intercede especially for prayers to God, O Haggai.
Your mind was enlightened with the fire of the Spirit; you proclaimed the mysteries of God, O prophet. You revealed what was to come, pointing to the mysteries of what was to happen. Pray Christ God to have mercy on us.
2 Timothy 3:16 – 4:4
Timothy, my son: All Scripture is inspired of God and is useful for teaching – for reproof, correction, and training in holiness so that the man of God may be fully competent and equipped for every good work.
In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is coming to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingly power. I charge you to preach the word, to stay with this task whether convenient or inconvenient-correcting, reproving, appealing–constantly teaching and never losing patience. For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine, but, following their own desires, will surround themselves with teachers who tickle their ears. They will stop listening to the truth and will wander off to fables.
Mark 8:22-26
At that time when Jesus arrived in Bethsaida, some people brought him a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. Jesus took the blind man’s hand and led him outside the village. Putting spittle in the man’s eyes Jesus laid his hands on the man and asked, “Can you see anything?” The man opened his eyes and said, “I can see people but they look like walking trees!” Then a second time Jesus laid hands on the man’s eyes, and he saw perfectly; his sight was restored and he could see everything clearly. Jesus sent him home with the admonition, “Do not even go into the village.”
Icon courtesy of Jack Figel, Eastern Christian Publications – ecpubs.com
Monday, December 15 –
