The holy prophet Zephaniah announced the destruction of the ungodly on the day of the wrath of the Lord and strengthened the host of poor and needy people in the hope of salvation. He was a native of Mount Sarabatha, from the tribe of Simeon. He lived and prophesied in the 7th century before Christ, at the time of Josiah the pious king of Judah. Zephaniah was a contemporary of the prophet Jeremiah. Having great humility and a pure mind raised in God, he was found worthy of discerning the future. He prophesied the day of the wrath of God and the punishment of Gaza, Ashkalon, Ashod, Ekron, Nineveh, Jerusalem, and Egypt. Foreseeing the advent of the Messiah, he enthusiastically exclaimed: “Sing. O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel; be glad and rejoice with all thy heart, O daughter Jerusalem” (Zephaniah 3 14). This seer of mysteries entered into rest at his birthplace to await the General Resurrection and his reward from God.
As we celebrate the memory of your prophet Zephaniah, O Lord, we implore You to save our souls through his prayers.
The Divine Spirit revealed you as shining brightly, O prophet Zephaniah, for you proclaimed the coming of God. Rejoice, therefore, O Daughter of Zion. Profess Him, O Jerusalem. Behold, your King, bearing salvation.
Ephesians 6: 10-17
Brothers and sisters: Draw your strength from the Lord and His mighty power. Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against tactics of the devil. Our battle is not against human forces but against the principalities and powers, the rulers of this world of darkness, the evil spirits in regions above. You must put on the armor of God if you are to resist on the evil day; do all that your duty requires, and hold your ground. Stand fast, with the truth as the belt around your waist, justice as your breastplate, and zeal to propagate the gospel of peace as your footgear. In all circumstances hold faith up before you as your shield; it will help you extinguish the fiery darts of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit, the word of God.
Luke 18: 18-27
At that time one of the ruling class asked Jesus, “Good teacher, what must I do to share in everlasting life?” Jesus said to him, “Why call me ‘good’? None is good but God alone. You know the commandments: ‘You shall not commit adultery. You shall not kill. You shall not steal. You shall not bear dishonest witness. Honor your father and mother.”
The man replied, “I have kept all these since I was a boy.” When Jesus heard this he said to the man: “There is one thing further you must do. Sell all you have and give to the poor. You will have treasure in heaven. Then come and follow me.” On hearing this the man grew melancholy, for he was a very rich man. When Jesus observed this he said: “How hard it will be for the rich to go into the kingdom of God! Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.” His listeners asked him, “Who, then, can be saved?” To which Jesus replied, “Things that are impossible for men are possible for God.”
Icon courtesy of Jack Figel, Eastern Christian Publications – ecpubs.com
Saturday, December 2 –
