Day 1 (Monday)

Philippians 3:12-21; 4:1-23

Last time St. Paul talked rejecting false teachings, and especially any pride in the flesh or in advancement in this life, and makes an example of himself, how his life in Christ has been a life of struggle and suffering with Christ, and how through this suffering he is being united with the Lord in death, so that he can attain the Resurrection from the dead with the Lord. He continues this week from that point, saying that he hasn’t yet reached that point, but that that is the path he is on.

Pressing toward the Goal

12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brethren, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but one thing I do, forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let those of us who are mature be thus minded; and if in anything you are otherwise minded, God will reveal that also to you. 16 Only let us hold true to what we have attained.

17 Brethren, join in imitating me, and mark those who so live as you have an example in us. 18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction, their god is the belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. 20 But our commonwealth is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will change our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power which enables him even to subject all things to himself.

4 Therefore, my brethren, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.

Exhortations

2 I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 And I ask you also, true yokefellow, help these women, for they have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 5 Let all men know your forbearance. The Lord is at hand. 6 Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, do; and the God of peace will be with you.

Acknowledgment of the Philippians’ Gift

10 I rejoice in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me; you were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I complain of want; for I have learned, in whatever state I am, to be content. 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound; in any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and want. 13 I can do all things in him who strengthens me.

14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. 15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving except you only; 16 for even in Thessalonica you sent me help once and again. 17 Not that I seek the gift; but I seek the fruit which increases to your credit. 18 I have received full payment, and more; I am filled, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Final Greetings and Benediction

21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you. 22 All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household. 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Discussion questions:

1) What did you notice in today’s reading? What surprised you or what was memorable to you? (Leader should focus on verses 17-21, and urge that the group consider what it might look like to glory in the flesh, to make one’s belly one’s god, to set the mind on earthly things. St. Paul is, in this letter, making very clear that the Christian understanding of life and its purpose and meaning is upside-down from what is thought normal in the world. Or rather, he is making the point that the way the world thinks about life is in fact upside down from what is the true reality of things, and urging the Faithful in Philippi to remember that and to live according to the truth that had been revealed to them by the Lord Jesus Christ through the preaching of St. Paul.)

2) Where do we see Christ in this text; what is He saying or doing here?

3) Do we see ourselves and the Church in this text; what does it say about us?

4) What do you find difficult about this reading? Is there anything confusing about it, or anything that you dislike? (This is an open question, as always. )

5) Does this reading make you think that you need to change anything in your life?

Day 2 (Wednesday)

Feast of the Koimisis – Hymn Selections

Last week we read a selection of the hymns that were sung during the celebration of the Feast of Transfiguration on August 6th. This week, we will read a similar selection of the hymns that are sung for the feast of the Koimisis of the Theotokos on August 15th. This is the final feast of the Church year, and celebrates the Falling Asleep (what Koimisis means) of the Virgin Mary, which is to say, it is the celebration of her death and funeral. Because her tomb was found to be empty when the Apostle Thomas arrived and wished to venerate her body, the Church understands and confesses that her body has been raised and that she has taken her place in the Divine Council of the Lord, and already tastes the fullness of the Resurrection. Therefore this is a true and complete celebration, not mixed with sadness in the face of her death, because Christ has triumphed over death, and that victory is already revealed to us in her.

Ist Hymn of the Kekragaria

Marvel at the wondrous paradox! * Now the fount of our life has been laid within a tomb; * her tomb has become a ladder to heaven above. * Gethsemane, holy place, * the Theotokos reposed in you. Celebrate! * Believers, together sing, * having the Archangel Gabriel leading us. * "We salute you, Lady full of grace: O rejoice! For the Lord * is with you and is granting to the world great mercy through you.

Doxastikon of the Kekragaria

By the command of God, the God-bearing Apostles everywhere were transported through the skies on clouds. And reaching your all-immaculate body, that origin of Life, they kissed it in grand veneration. The supreme Hosts of heaven arrived with their Master. Seized with awe, they ushered your inviolate body, which had hosted God. High above the earth, they went before you, and invisibly they shouted to the angelic orders above them, "Behold, the Queen of all, the Mother of God, has arrived. "Lift up the gates, and give a formal heavenly reception to the Mother of the everlasting Light. For the salvation of all humanity came through her. We are unable to gaze on her, and it is impossible to bestow worthy honor on her. For her excellence surpasses all understanding." Therefore, O immaculate Theotokos, as you now live forever with the life-bearing King who is your Son, intercede unceasingly, that He guard us, your children, and that He save us from every hostile assault, since we are under your protection. And to the ages with splendor we call you blessed.

1st Kathisma of the Orthros

Prophet David, tell us please, what do we celebrate today? * "The Assumption of the one, whom in the Psalms I extolled * as daughter and Virgin and the Mother of God, * when Christ, who without seed was born of her, himself * transported her to heaven, to the mansions there. * And on this day especially mothers, * daughters, and brides of Christ salute her with joy, * 'Rejoice, O Lady! You were transported * to the royal courts on high!'

From the 1st Ode of the Canon

Trophies of victory over nature * did you, O virgin Maiden, raise in giving birth to God. * But in imitation now of your Creator and your Son, * you submit to nature's laws in a way transcending nature. * And thus, though you die, you resurrect, * and with your Son you live eternally

Discussion questions:

1) What did you notice in today’s reading? What surprised you or what was memorable to you? (Leader should note the basic themes. a) The Virgin Mary truly died. b) Her Death is not a sad occasion, but only a showcase of the power of God and the Resurrection from the dead. c) Not only has she been raised, but she has been elevated to a rank higher than the angels in the Lord’s Divine Council. d) In that place next to the throne of the Lord, she intercedes always for all of humankind. This feast, then, gives us a very clear understanding of what we are doing when we ask her and all the saints to pray for us.)

2) Where do we see Christ in this text; what is He saying or doing here?

3) Do we see ourselves and the Church in this text; what does it say about us?

4) What do you find difficult about this reading? Is there anything confusing about it, or anything that you dislike? (This is an open question, as always. )

5) Does this reading make you think that you need to change anything in your life?

Day 3 (Friday)

Luke 21:20-38

This is our final reading from the Gospel of Luke. This concludes the Lord’s prophecy of the judgment and destruction that are coming upon Jerusalem, and sets up very clearly the stark choice between the kingdoms of this world and the Kingdom of God.

The Destruction of Jerusalem Foretold

20 “When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near. 21 Then those in Judea must flee to the mountains, and those inside the city must leave it, and those out in the country must not enter it; 22 for these are days of vengeance, as a fulfillment of all that is written. 23 Woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing infants in those days! For there will be great distress on the earth and wrath against this people; 24 they will fall by the edge of the sword and be taken away as captives among all nations; and Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

The Coming of the Son of Man

25 “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. 26 People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, 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. 28 Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

The Lesson of the Fig Tree

29 Then he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees; 30 as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. 31 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

Exhortation to Watch

34 “Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day does not catch you unexpectedly, 35 like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. 36 Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

37 Every day he was teaching in the temple, and at night he would go out and spend the night on the Mount of Olives, as it was called. 38 And all the people would get up early in the morning to listen to him in the temple.

Discussion questions:

1) What did you notice in today’s reading? What surprised you or what was memorable to you? (Leader should note that this passage is where the Lord gives the clearest prophecy of the destruction of Jerusalem, and that here, as in other places, He speaks about the destruction of Jerusalem together with prophecies of His coming and the last judgment; the clear reason is that the temptations and errors that led to the destruction of the Temple, choosing to build and fight for a kingdom in this world, must always be rejected. Christians are called to follow Christ in the wilderness, in suffering, and to the point of death; and in that suffering, when everything is falling apart, our redemption is near to us, as we participate in the Lord’s Death with our eyes fixed on His Resurrection. In short, what St. Paul says in our Day 1 reading interprets and explains this passage. )

2) Where do we see Christ in this text; what is He saying or doing here?

3) Do we see ourselves and the Church in this text; what does it say about us?

4) What do you find difficult about this reading? Is there anything confusing about it, or anything that you dislike? (This is an open question, as always. )

5) Does this reading make you think that you need to change anything in your life?

Day 1 (Monday)

Philippians 2:12-30; 3:1-11

Last time we read the beginning of St. Paul’s letter to the Church at Philippi, and saw how he introduced himself, how he wrote to encourage them in the face of persecutions (both his own and theirs), and confirmed the essential divinity and humanity of the Lord as He preached Christ’s example of humility in lowering Himself and becoming human. This time he will urge them to continue to be faithful, and warn them especially against the false teachings that are currently present among them.

Shining as Lights in the World

12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for God is at work in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

14 Do all things without grumbling or questioning, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. 17 Even if I am to be poured as a libation upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18 Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.

Timothy and Epaphroditus

19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I may be cheered by news of you. 20 I have no one like him, who will be genuinely anxious for your welfare. 21 They all look after their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But Timothy’s worth you know, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel. 23 I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me; 24 and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself shall come also.

25 I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need, 26 for he has been longing for you all, and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. 29 So receive him in the Lord with all joy; and honor such men, 30 for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete your service to me.

Breaking with the Past

3 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is not irksome to me, and is safe for you.

2 Look out for the dogs, look out for the evil-workers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. 3 For we are the true circumcision, who worship God in spirit, and glory in Christ Jesus, and put no confidence in the flesh. 4 Though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If any other man thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of Hebrews; as to the law a Pharisee, 6 as to zeal a persecutor of the church, as to righteousness under the law blameless.

7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as refuse, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own, based on law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith; 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that if possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

Discussion questions:

1) What did you notice in today’s reading? What surprised you or what was memorable to you? (Leader can note two points. a) The first paragraph is a good example of what the Church calls synergeia, how our salvation is a matter of our will and work in cooperation with God’s work and will in us. The point is that we cannot save ourselves from sin and death; it is God Who saves us, but we have to cooperate with Him. b) The final two paragraphs are an example of what Paul means. He lists all the things that he had done himself that he might have thought were his own works to save himself, and then shows how none of those actually saved him, and what He must do is to trust in the Lord, and be faithful to Him, and follow Him in suffering, even to the point of death, so that He may follow Him even to the resurrection from the dead. This is the point for all of us…the Christian life isn’t about completing a checklist, but is a matter of living a life of faithfulness, entrusting our entire lives to the Lord, and following Him through the many sufferings of this life into everlasting life.)

2) Where do we see Christ in this text; what is He saying or doing here?

3) Do we see ourselves and the Church in this text; what does it say about us?

4) What do you find difficult about this reading? Is there anything confusing about it, or anything that you dislike? (This is an open question, as always. )

5) Does this reading make you think that you need to change anything in your life?

Day 2 (Wednesday)

Feast of the Transfiguration – Hymn Selections

We have been reading, but have now completed the letter of St. Ignatios to the Church in Ephesus. Since we celebrated two great feasts of the Church earlier this month, we will take the final two weeks of this year to reflect on some elements of the services for the feast of Transfiguration (August 6th) and Koimisis (August 15th). For the Feast of Transfiguration, we should note that there are three readings from the Old Testament, all of which we read during this past year. Two of them are the encounters that Moses had with God on Mount Sinai, from the book of Exodus, and the third is the meeting that Elijah had with God on Mount Horeb, when God was not in the wind or the earthquake or the fire, but in the still small voice. These readings were selected because they showed us the previous times that Moses and Elijah had met the Lord on the mountain, and how those meetings were fulfilled when He was transfigured and revealed His glory to them and to His disciples on Mount Tabor.

Vespers Hymn from the Kekragaria

When You were transfigured on a high mountain, O Savior, having with You those paramounts of Your Disciples, You shone forth with glory. Your intention was to show that those who attain the height of virtue will also be counted worthy of divine glory. Moses and Elias conversed with Christ, to show that He is the Lord of the living and the dead, and that the One who spoke through the Law and the Prophets of old was God. It was to Him that the voice of the Father bore witness from the bright cloud saying, "Listen to Him." He is the One who despoiled Hades through the Cross, and who granted the dead eternal life.

1st Hymn of the Vespers Aposticha

He who of old conversed with Moses on Mount Sinai through symbols, saying, "I am that I am, the One who is," was transfigured on Mount Tabor today for His Disciples to see. And since He had assumed human nature in himself, He showed them the original beauty of the image. He presented Moses and Elias as witnesses of this grace, and He let them share in the great joy, prefiguring what would follow through the Cross, namely the glorious and saving Resurrection.

Hymn from the 3rd Ode of the Canon

You put on the whole Adam, O Christ, and changing the nature that was darkened in days of old You filled it with glory and make it divine by the change that came to pass in Your form.

Hymn from the 8th Ode of the Canon

When the infinite Light that knows no evening, the brightness of the Father Who gives splendor to creation, appeared ineffably in unapproachable glory on Mount Tabor, it made men divine as they sang: All works of the Lord, bless the Lord!

Second Hymn of the Ainoi

O God the Word, who exist before the ages, * who cover yourself with light as with a garment, O Lord, * with Your Disciples as witnesses You were transfigured, * O Logos, shining more brightly than the sun. * Moses and Elias stood by You betokening * that You are truly the Lord of both the dead and living; * and they gave glory to Your ineffable * plan of salvation by becoming man, * whereby You in Your mercy have saved the world, * in Your great condescension, * for it was perishing because of sin.

Discussion questions:

1) What did you notice in today’s reading? What surprised you or what was memorable to you? (Leader should note the basic themes. a) Christ is the same One Who appeared to Moses and Elijah. b) At the Transfiguration, His Divinity is revealed in the human nature He assumed. c) Being Incarnate with us, He changes us and saves us. d) In showing forth His Divinity, He shows also that He is the Master and Lord of sin and death, and prefigures His triumph over them.)

2) Where do we see Christ in this text; what is He saying or doing here?

3) Do we see ourselves and the Church in this text; what does it say about us?

4) What do you find difficult about this reading? Is there anything confusing about it, or anything that you dislike? (This is an open question, as always. )

5) Does this reading make you think that you need to change anything in your life?

Day 3 (Friday)

Luke 21:1-19

Last time Jesus spoke to the Sadducees and to the scribes (the Pharisees), and put both groups to shame, affirming the Resurrection to the Sadducees, and condemning the scribes as hypocrites. This time He will give an example of what true faithfulness looks like, and warn the people explicitly about the destruction that is coming to the temple.

The Widow’s Offering

21 He looked up and saw rich people putting their gifts into the treasury; 2 he also saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. 3 He said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them; 4 for all of them have contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on.”

The Destruction of the Temple Foretold

5 When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, he said, 6 “As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down.”

Signs and Persecutions

7 They asked him, “Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?” 8 And he said, “Beware that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name and say, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘The time is near!’ Do not go after them.

9 “When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately.” 10 Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; 11 there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues; and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven.

12 “But before all this occurs, they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. 13 This will give you an opportunity to testify. 14 So make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance; 15 for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, by relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. 17 You will be hated by all because of my name. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 By your endurance you will gain your souls.

Discussion questions:

1) What did you notice in today’s reading? What surprised you or what was memorable to you? (Leader should note that Jesus warns them that the Temple will be destroyed, not so that they can prevent its destruction, or even so that they can escape it, but so that they don’t follow after earthly rulers and false messiahs. He tells them what the end of their lives will be; not in a rebellion against the Romans, but in persecutions for the sake of His name and the Gospel, that everyone will hate them, but that He will be faithful to them even to the end, and they will win everlasting life by following Him to the end. In short, He is telling them that the Kingdom of God is not to be found in this present life, but in the Resurrection, and urging them to endure to the end in faithfulness, laying aside the good things of this life in order to receive an inheritance with all the Saints in the Kingdom of God.)

2) Where do we see Christ in this text; what is He saying or doing here?

3) Do we see ourselves and the Church in this text; what does it say about us?

4) What do you find difficult about this reading? Is there anything confusing about it, or anything that you dislike? (This is an open question, as always. )

5) Does this reading make you think that you need to change anything in your life?

Day 1 (Monday)

Philippians 1:1-30; 2:1-11

Up to this point, for our Day 1 readings we have been reading from the Old Testament, covering the narrative from the Creation through the call of Israel, the problems once they entered the Promised Land, the evil kings and the prophets God sent to call the people to repentance, and finally the exile, which was where we found Tobit and his family, living in Ninevah after the fall of the nation of Israel. We’ve spent the Day 3 readings on the Gospel of Luke, and have seen what Jesus said and did during his ministry, as the fulfillment of the expectation of the Faithful of the Old Testament. For the last few weeks of this first year, then, we’ll use the Day 1 readings to see what happened after Jesus ascended into heaven, and get a glimpse of the life of the early Church through one of the letters of St. Paul. We should note that St. Paul began his life as a Pharisee, and an opponent of Jesus and His teachings. He was converted while in the act of persecuting the early Christians, and ended up establishing churches throughout the world, especially in the Greek world. For the final weeks of August, we will read his (short) letter to the Church in the city of Philippi, located near Thessaloniki in Greece. The Church there was the first Christian community established in Greece. At the time St. Paul wrote this, he was a prisoner under house arrest in Rome, writing to express pastoral care and concern for the churches he had founded.

Salutation

1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,
To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul’s Prayer for the Philippians

3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, 5 thankful for your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 And I am sure that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

7 It is right for me to feel thus about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. 8 For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. 9 And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve what is excellent, and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruits of righteousness which come through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

Paul’s Present Circumstances

12 I want you to know, brethren, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ; 14 and most of the brethren have been made confident in the Lord because of my imprisonment, and are much more bold to speak the word of God without fear.

15 Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. 16 The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel; 17 the former proclaim Christ out of partisanship, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in that I rejoice.

19 Yes, and I shall rejoice. For I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, 20 as it is my eager expectation and hope that I shall not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 If it is to be life in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. 24 But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.

27 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you stand firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, 28 and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear omen to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. 29 For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, 30 engaged in the same conflict which you saw and now hear to be mine.

Imitating Christ’s Humility

2 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any incentive of love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfishness or conceit, but in humility count others better than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

5 Have this mind among yourselves, which was in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Discussion questions:

1) What did you notice in today’s reading? What surprised you or what was memorable to you? (Leader can note a few things. First, Paul considers his imprisonment an advantage; he is using it to preach Christ to the soldiers guarding him, and even to the household of the emperor. Second, in verse 19 he talks about how his deliverance, but we need to understand that he isn’t talking about freedom from imprisonment, but that he complete his life faithfully. He sounds a lot like St. Ignatius talking about his death. Third, what he urges them to do is also similar: he wants them to be faithful, he wants them to maintain their unity with one another, and he wants them to imitate Christ, most especially in humility and suffering, understanding that victory for Christ was won by means of the Cross, by humiliation and suffering.)

2) Where do we see Christ in this text; what is He saying or doing here?

3) Do we see ourselves and the Church in this text; what does it say about us?

4) What do you find difficult about this reading? Is there anything confusing about it, or anything that you dislike? (This is an open question, as always. )

5) Does this reading make you think that you need to change anything in your life?

Day 2 (Wednesday)

Letter of St. Ignatius to the Ephesians – 10

Last time, Ignatius summed up the Gospel, pointing out how God acts in the world in plain sight of all, but also in silence and humility, so that those who oppose Him always miss what is revealed plainly to those who are willing to see. This was his final point; he now moves to conclude the letter with a summary of the most important points.

Promise of a Second Letter

If Jesus Christ, in response to your prayer, should reckon me worthy, and if it is his will, in a second letter that I intend to write to you I will further explain to you the subject about which I have begun to speak, namely, the divine plan with respect to the new man Jesus Christ, involving faith in him and love for him, his suffering and resurrection, especially if the Lord revels anything to me. All of you, individually and collectively, gather together in grace, by name, in one faith and one Jesus Christ, who physically was a descendant of David, who is Son of Man and Son of God, in order that you may obey the bishop and the council of presbyters with an up disturbed mind, breaking one bread, which is the medicine of immortality, the antidote we take in order not to die but to live forever in Jesus Christ.

Personal Greetings and Parting Requests

I am devoted to you and to those whom for the honor of God you sent to Smyrna, from where I am writing to you, with thanksgiving to the Lord and love for Polycarp as well as for you. Remember me, as Jesus Christ remembers you. Pray for the church in Syria, from where I am being led to Rome in chains, as I – the very least of the faithful there – have been judged worthy of serving the glory of God. Farewell in God the Father and in Jesus Christ, our shared hope.

Discussion questions:

1) What did you notice in today’s reading? What surprised you or what was memorable to you? (Leader should note that Ignatius is leaving them with what is most important, in case he never speaks to them again. He tells them to imitate Christ, to follow Him in humility and suffering, and in obedience to remain always in communion with the bishop and the presbyters and all the Faithful, celebrating the Eucharist for as long as they remain in this life, looking always to the life of the age to come. These points are indeed the core of what it means, practically, for all of us to follow Christ. We have to imitate Christ, and we need to be faithful to the Christian life within the communion of the Church.)

2) Where do we see Christ in this text; what is He saying or doing here?

3) Do we see ourselves and the Church in this text; what does it say about us?

4) What do you find difficult about this reading? Is there anything confusing about it, or anything that you dislike? (This is an open question, as always. )

5) Does this reading make you think that you need to change anything in your life?

Day 3 (Friday)

Luke 20:27-47

We saw Jesus begin to preach in the Temple last time, and how He answered the chief priests and the scribes, and condemned them for their faithless stewardship of the people entrusted to their care in the parable of the wicked tenants. This time we will see Him address the Sadducees in their turn, and further denounce those who have been in religious authority over the people.

The Question about the Resurrection

27 Some Sadducees, those who say there is no resurrection, came to him 28 and asked him a question, “Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies, leaving a wife but no children, the man[b] shall marry the widow and raise up children for his brother. 29 Now there were seven brothers; the first married, and died childless; 30 then the second 31 and the third married her, and so in the same way all seven died childless. 32 Finally the woman also died. 33 In the resurrection, therefore, whose wife will the woman be? For the seven had married her.”

34 Jesus said to them, “Those who belong to this age marry and are given in marriage; 35 but those who are considered worthy of a place in that age and in the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage. 36 Indeed they cannot die anymore, because they are like angels and are children of God, being children of the resurrection. 37 And the fact that the dead are raised Moses himself showed, in the story about the bush, where he speaks of the Lord as the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. 38 Now he is God not of the dead, but of the living; for to him all of them are alive.” 39 Then some of the scribes answered, “Teacher, you have spoken well.” 40 For they no longer dared to ask him another question.

The Question about David’s Son

41 Then he said to them, “How can they say that the Messiah is David’s son? 42 For David himself says in the book of Psalms,

‘The Lord said to my Lord,
“Sit at my right hand,
43 until I make your enemies your footstool.”’

44 David thus calls him Lord; so how can he be his son?”

Jesus Denounces the Scribes

45 In the hearing of all the people he said to the disciples, 46 “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets. 47 They devour widows’ houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.”

Discussion questions:

1) What did you notice in today’s reading? What surprised you or what was memorable to you? (Leader should note that the Lord’s answer to the Sadducees is concerned with two things. First, He is showing to them the foolishness of their thinking, believing that there is no resurrection from the dead, which is the point they are trying to prove with their little story. Second, He is telling them that what they consider marriage is a temporary and earthly and deeply selfish thing, made unnecessary by the reality of the Resurrection. For the Sadducees, the point of marriage was for a man to possess a woman as the means of gaining a sort of immortality, in having children to carry his name to the next generation. This is the sort of marriage that Jesus says will not exist in the Kingdom of God. In the Church, marriage, and life itself, is not about saving our life, but about giving up our life in love for the Lord and for those around us. This is why, in the Church, the husband and wife are equals, fellow travelers on the path of salvation, why women have a place of honor in the Church even if they have no children, and why monasticism is considered a good and a blessed way of life; because our hope is not in leaving behind a legacy for ourselves, but in becoming partakers of the Kingdom of God. For all of these things, there is no better and clearer example than Panagia herself, glorified even in her death, as we have just celebrated on the 15th of August.)

2) Where do we see Christ in this text; what is He saying or doing here?

3) Do we see ourselves and the Church in this text; what does it say about us?

4) What do you find difficult about this reading? Is there anything confusing about it, or anything that you dislike? (This is an open question, as always. )

5) Does this reading make you think that you need to change anything in your life?

Day 1 (Monday)

Tobit 14:2-15

Last time we read the prayer Tobit prayed in thanksgiving and glory to God after the departure of the Archangel Raphael, how he urged the people in exile to repent and be faithful, how he assured them of God’s mercy, how he foretold the destruction and restoration of Jerusalem, and even prophesied about the entrance of the Gentiles into the covenant and the presence of God on earth in the heavenly Jerusalem. This time we will finish the book of Tobit, with an epilogue that tells how the story ends.

Tobit's Final Words

2 Tobit was fifty-eight years old when he lost his sight, and eight years later he regained it. Tobit did almsgiving, and continued to fear the Lord God, and gave thanks to Him. 3 He grew very old, and called his son and his son's sons, and said, “My son, take your sons. Behold, I have grown old, and I am departing from this life. 4 Depart to Media, my son, for I trust all the words Jonah the prophet spoke concerning Nineveh, that it will be overthrown. But in Media there will be more peace for a time. For our brethren in the land will be dispersed in the earth from the good land. Jerusalem shall be desolate, and the house of God therein will be burned up. It shall be desolate for a time.

5 “But God will again have mercy on them, and He will return them to the land. They will build the house, but not as it was before, until the times of the age are fulfilled. After this, they will return from the captivity and build Jerusalem honorably. The house of God within her will be built as a glorious building for every generation forever, as the prophets said concerning her. 6 All the Gentiles shall return to truly fear the Lord God. They shall bury their idols in the earth, and all the Gentiles will bless the Lord. 7 His people will offer thanks to God, and the Lord will exalt His people. All who love the Lord God in truth and righteousness will rejoice. They will show mercy to our brethren.

8 “So now, my son, depart from Nineveh, since what the prophet Jonah said will doubtless come to pass. 9 But keep the law and the ordinances. Be merciful and righteous, that it may be well with you. Bury me decently and your mother with me, but lodge no longer in Nineveh. 10 My son, observe what Aman did to Ahikar who reared him, how he led him from light into darkness, and how greatly he repaid him. Indeed Ahikar was saved, but as for that man, he was repaid with retribution and descended into the darkness. Manasseh did almsgiving and was saved from the trap of death that was set for him. But Aman fell into the trap and perished.

11 Now then, my children, observe what almsgiving does, and how righteousness delivers us.” After he said these things, his soul departed as he lay on his bed. He was one hundred and fifty-eight years old, and Tobias buried him gloriously. 12 When Anna died, he buried her with his father. Then Tobias departed with his wife and his children to Ecbatana, to Raguel his father-in-law.

13 He grew old honorably and buried the parents of his wife most respectfully. They inherited their estate and that of Tobit his father. 14 Tobias died at Ecbatana of Media when he was one hundred and twenty-seven years old. 15 Before he died, he heard of the destruction of Nineveh, taken by Nebuchadnezzar and Ahasuerus. Thus before his death he rejoiced over Nineveh.

Discussion questions:

1) What did you notice in today’s reading? What surprised you or what was memorable to you? (Leader should point out that Tobias foretells clearly here what he mentioned in his prayer, with the destruction of Jerusalem, its restoration, and the establishment in Jerusalem of a “house of God” that would last forever and be for all nations and all generations; what we have seen in the New Testament is that this refers not to the temple building itself, but to our Lord Jesus Christ, Who is Himself God, making His Dwelling with humankind forever. This is why Jesus said: “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up again.” Regarding the reference to Aman and Ahikar, Ahikar is Tobit’s nephew who works for the king of Assyria, mentioned at the beginning of the book, and again as attending the celebration of Tobias & Sarah’s wedding. Aman was a student and heir of his who betrayed his master and tried to have him killed, but even the executioner refused to kill Ahikar because of his righteousness, and Aman ended up suffering execution himself. The point being made is that righteousness and almsgiving are always vindicated in the end.)

2) Where do we see Christ in this text; what is He saying or doing here?

3) Do we see ourselves and the Church in this text; what does it say about us?

4) What do you find difficult about this reading? Is there anything confusing about it, or anything that you dislike? (This is an open question, as always. )

5) Does this reading make you think that you need to change anything in your life?

Day 2 (Wednesday)

Letter of St. Ignatius to the Ephesians – 9

Last time, Ignatius warned the Christians in Ephesus against false teaching, and especially against the teaching of secret knowledge contrary to what had been already revealed to them. This time he explains to them that the great secrets of Christianity are mysteries indeed, but have been revealed for all who are willing to see. In this passage he develops further the idea he began a few weeks ago, talking about the silence of God, and how the Lord goes about preparing the salvation of the world.

The Mystery of Jesus’ Death

My spirit is a humble sacrifice for the cross, which is a stumbling block to unbelievers but salvation and eternal life to us. Where is the wise? Where is the debater? Where is the boasting of those who are thought to be intelligent? For our God, Jesus the Christ, was conceived by Mary according to God’s plan, both from the seed of David and of the Holy Spirit. He was born and was baptized in order that by his suffering he might cleanse the water.

Now the virginity of Mary and her giving birth were hidden from the ruler of this age, as was also the death of the Lord – three mysteries to be loudly proclaimed, yet which were accomplished in the silence of God. How, then, were they revealed to the ages? A star shone forth in heaven brighter than all the stars; its light was indescribable and its strangeness caused amazement. All the rest of the constellations, together with the sun and moon, formed a chorus around the star, yet the star itself far outshone them all, and there was perplexity about the origin of this strange phenomenon, which was so unlike the others. Consequently all magic and every kind of spell were dissolved, the ignorance so characteristic of wickedness vanished, and the ancient kingdom was abolished when God appeared in human form to bring the newness of eternal life; and what had been prepared by God began to take effect. As a result, all things were thrown into ferment, because the abolition of death was being carried out.

Discussion questions:

1) What did you notice in today’s reading? What surprised you or what was memorable to you? (Leader should note that Ignatius begins this passage with a clear reference to the 1st Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians, where he says that “The message of the Cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the very power of God.” The idea developed here is that God is working salvation for the world in plain sight, for everyone to see, but those who are opposed to God can’t see what He is doing, because they don’t understand how God works, and what He values. God’s weakness, and suffering, accomplish the very destruction of death and the abolition of the dominion of demonic powers over humankind…but it happens both secretly, and in plain sight.)

2) Where do we see Christ in this text; what is He saying or doing here?

3) Do we see ourselves and the Church in this text; what does it say about us?

4) What do you find difficult about this reading? Is there anything confusing about it, or anything that you dislike? (This is an open question, as always. )

5) Does this reading make you think that you need to change anything in your life?

Day 3 (Friday)

Luke 20:1-26

Last time we read the first half of Luke 19, about what Jesus did and said in Jericho, at the house of Zacchaeus, right before he completed His journey to Jerusalem. In the second half of Luke 19, the story of the Lord’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday is given. Since we read that just before Holy Week, we’ll continue today with Luke 20, showing Jesus teaching in the Temple after Palm Sunday, in the final days before His betrayal and crucifixion.

The Authority of Jesus Questioned

20 One day, as he was teaching the people in the temple and telling the good news, the chief priests and the scribes came with the elders 2 and said to him, “Tell us, by what authority are you doing these things? Who is it who gave you this authority?” 3 He answered them, “I will also ask you a question, and you tell me: 4 Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?” 5 They discussed it with one another, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Why did you not believe him?’ 6 But if we say, ‘Of human origin,’ all the people will stone us; for they are convinced that John was a prophet.” 7 So they answered that they did not know where it came from. 8 Then Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.”

The Parable of the Wicked Tenants

9 He began to tell the people this parable: “A man planted a vineyard, and leased it to tenants, and went to another country for a long time. 10 When the season came, he sent a slave to the tenants in order that they might give him his share of the produce of the vineyard; but the tenants beat him and sent him away empty-handed. 11 Next he sent another slave; that one also they beat and insulted and sent away empty-handed. 12 And he sent still a third; this one also they wounded and threw out. 13 Then the owner of the vineyard said, ‘What shall I do? I will send my beloved son; perhaps they will respect him.’ 14 But when the tenants saw him, they discussed it among themselves and said, ‘This is the heir; let us kill him so that the inheritance may be ours.’ 15 So they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them? 16 He will come and destroy those tenants and give the vineyard to others.” When they heard this, they said, “Heaven forbid!” 17 But he looked at them and said, “What then does this text mean:

‘The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone’?

18 Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces; and it will crush anyone on whom it falls.” 19 When the scribes and chief priests realized that he had told this parable against them, they wanted to lay hands on him at that very hour, but they feared the people.

The Question about Paying Taxes

20 So they watched him and sent spies who pretended to be honest, in order to trap him by what he said, so as to hand him over to the jurisdiction and authority of the governor. 21 So they asked him, “Teacher, we know that you are right in what you say and teach, and you show deference to no one, but teach the way of God in accordance with truth. 22 Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?” 23 But he perceived their craftiness and said to them, 24 “Show me a denarius. Whose head and whose title does it bear?” They said, “The emperor’s.” 25 He said to them, “Then give to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” 26 And they were not able in the presence of the people to trap him by what he said; and being amazed by his answer, they became silent.

Discussion questions:

1) What did you notice in today’s reading? What surprised you or what was memorable to you? (Leader should note that Jesus has basically taken over the Temple; after He entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, He went straight to the Temple and drove out the money-changers, purifying the House of God and making it His own. This is, in fact, exactly what Tobit foretold in our Day 1 reading this week; God is dwelling once more in the Temple, teaching and ministering to the people and calling them and all nations to follow Him. All three of the stories contained in today’s reading make this same point; in a barely veiled way, Jesus is telling anyone who will listen Who He is. He is the One Who Came from Heaven and had sent John, He is the Heir of the Master of the vineyard, come to claim back His inheritance from the evil tenants, and He is Himself prototype of humanity, the One in Whose image we are made, and therefore, if the coin, bearing Caesar’s image, belongs to Caesar, then all humanity, bearing Christ’s image, belongs to Him.)

2) Where do we see Christ in this text; what is He saying or doing here?

3) Do we see ourselves and the Church in this text; what does it say about us?

4) What do you find difficult about this reading? Is there anything confusing about it, or anything that you dislike? (This is an open question, as always. )

5) Does this reading make you think that you need to change anything in your life?

Day 1 (Monday)

Tobit 13:1-18

Last time we saw Tobias & Sarah, together with the Archangel Raphael, return to Ninevah, where Tobit’s blindness was healed, and Raphael revealed himself to be an archangel sent by the Lord. He urged them to remain faithful, to be diligent in almsgiving and all righteousness, to always give glory to God, and disappeared from their sight, having directed them to write down everything that had happened in a book. We are now coming to the end of the book of Tobit, with Tobit’s prayer of thanksgiving this week, and next week, an epilogue explaining what happened to everyone.

Tobit Exalts the Lord

1 Then Tobit with exceeding joy wrote a prayer, saying:
2 “Blessed is God Who lives unto the ages,
And blessed is His kingdom, for He scourges, and is merciful; He brings down into Hades, and leads up.
There is no one who will escape His hand.

3 Give thanks to Him before the nations, O children of Israel, for He scattered us among them.
4 Make known His greatness there; exalt Him in the presence of all the living, for He is our Lord and God; He is our Father unto all the ages.
5 He will scourge us for our wrongdoings, but He will again have mercy and gather us from all the nations, wherever you were dispersed among them.
6 If you return to Him with all your heart and with all your soul, to do the truth before Him, then He will turn to you and not hide His presence from you.

7 Behold for yourself what He will do for you, and give thanks to Him fully with the organ of speech.
Bless the Lord of righteousness, and exalt the King of the ages.
8 In the land of my captivity, I give thanks to Him, and make known His might and majesty to a nation of sinners.
Be converted, you sinners, and do righteousness before Him.
Who knows if He will desire you and have mercy on you?

9 I exalt my God, and my soul exalts the King of heaven and will rejoice exceedingly in His majesty.
10 Let all speak of His majesty and give thanks to Him in Jerusalem.
O Jerusalem, the holy city, He will scourge you for the deeds of your sons, but He will again show mercy to the sons of the righteous.
11 Give thanks to the Lord with goodness and bless the King of the ages, that His tabernacle may be restored again to you in joy.
12 May He rejoice in you, the captives, and may He love those who are distressed among you unto all generations forever.

13 Many Gentiles will come from afar to the name of the Lord God, bearing gifts in their hands and offerings to the King of heaven. Generations of generations will offer You joyful worship.
14 Cursed are all who hate You; blessed are all who love You forever.
15 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad for the children of the righteous, for they will be gathered together and will bless the Lord of the righteous.
Blessed are those who love You. They will rejoice in Your peace.
16 Blessed are the many who grieved over all Your scourges, for they will rejoice when they see all Your glory and will rejoice forever. Let my soul bless God the great King.

17 For Jerusalem will be built with sapphire and emerald, and her walls with precious stones, and her towers and battlements with pure gold.
The streets of Jerusalem will be paved with beryl, onyx, and stones from Ophir.
18 All her streets will proclaim, ‘Alleluia!’ and will give praise, saying, ‘Blessed is God, who exalted you unto all the ages.’”
14:1 Then Tobit ceased giving thanks.

Discussion questions:

1) What did you notice in today’s reading? What surprised you or what was memorable to you? (Leader should note the basic thread of Tobit’s prayer. He begins by praising God for His power, as the one who punishes, and the one who has mercy. He then acknowledges the sin of his people, and God’s just judgment in exiling them; at this point he points out that, being exiled among the nations, they are able to do what was their purpose from the beginning, to proclaim the good works of the Lord to all the nations. He urges his people to repent, because God will have mercy on them and return them from exile, and to proclaim His name to their captors, because they may hear and be converted. He then speaks of Jerusalem, and how it too will be judged and exiled, but will be restored again, and then he begins to speak of the Gentiles, all the foreign nations, coming to worship God there, and ends with a vision of the heavenly Jerusalem, in words that we recognize from John’s vision of the Church as the Bride of Christ. So in all this, Tobit is seeing the big picture, and giving glory to God for His mercy and His justice and His wonderful works for the children of men.)

2) Where do we see Christ in this text; what is He saying or doing here?

3) Do we see ourselves and the Church in this text; what does it say about us?

4) What do you find difficult about this reading? Is there anything confusing about it, or anything that you dislike? (This is an open question, as always. )

5) Does this reading make you think that you need to change anything in your life?

Day 2 (Wednesday)

Letter of St. Ignatius to the Ephesians – 8

Last time, Ignatius urged the Christians in Ephesus to faith and love, to truly become the temples of God in this world, and assured them that God would always be present with them. This time, he warns them against false teaching and evil living, because such things drive away the presence of God and corrupt and destroy the souls of those who give themselves over to them.

The Stench of Evil Teaching

Do not be misled, my brothers and sisters: those who adulterously corrupt households will not inherit the kingdom of God. Now if those who do such things physically are put to death, how much more if by evil teaching someone corrupts faith in God, for which Jesus Christ was crucified! Such a person, having polluted himself, will go to the unquenchable fire, as will also the one who listens to him.

The Lord accepted the ointment upon his head for this reason: that he might breathe incorruptibility upon the church. Do not be anointed with the stench of the teaching of the ruler of this age, lest he take you captive and rob you of the life set before you. Why do we not all become wise by receiving God’s knowledge, which is Jesus Christ? Why do we foolishly perish, ignoring the gracious gift that the Lord has truly sent?

Discussion questions:

1) What did you notice in today’s reading? What surprised you or what was memorable to you? (Leader should note that the evil teaching to which Ignatius refers may be either false teaching about God, what we might refer to as theological heresy, or false moral teaching, the sort of lax and permissive idea that we can partake of the pleasures and values of this world and still be faithful to God. It is important to hold fast to the essential truths of the Christian Faith, that Jesus is truly both God and Man, that He both died and rose, and that He calls us to holiness and transformation. It is also important to not be led astray by the many temptations of the world, the “teaching of the ruler of this age,” which tells us that we can follow our “natural” desires to happiness and fulfillment and self-actualization, rather than following Christ and taking up our cross. He is making the firm point that the Christian life and the “fulfillment” the world offers are mutually exclusive.)

2) Where do we see Christ in this text; what is He saying or doing here?

3) Do we see ourselves and the Church in this text; what does it say about us?

4) What do you find difficult about this reading? Is there anything confusing about it, or anything that you dislike? (This is an open question, as always. )

5) Does this reading make you think that you need to change anything in your life?

Day 3 (Friday)

Luke 19:1-27

Last time we saw Jesus reach Jericho, and heal the blind man, who gave an example of the sort of trust and faith that Jesus had been urging to His disciples over the past several chapters. This week we will see Him enter Jericho and meet Zacchaeus.

Jesus and Zacchaeus

19 He entered Jericho and was passing through it. 2 A man was there named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was rich. 3 He was trying to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was short in stature. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to see him, because he was going to pass that way. 5 When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down; for I must stay at your house today.” 6 So he hurried down and was happy to welcome him.

7 All who saw it began to grumble and said, “He has gone to be the guest of one who is a sinner.” 8 Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, “Look, half of my possessions, Lord, I will give to the poor; and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will pay back four times as much.” 9 Then Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he too is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost.”

The Parable of the Ten Pounds

11 As they were listening to this, he went on to tell a parable, because he was near Jerusalem, and because they supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately. 12 So he said, “A nobleman went to a distant country to get royal power for himself and then return. 13 He summoned ten of his slaves, and gave them ten pounds, and said to them, ‘Do business with these until I come back.’ 14 But the citizens of his country hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We do not want this man to rule over us.’

15 When he returned, having received royal power, he ordered these slaves, to whom he had given the money, to be summoned so that he might find out what they had gained by trading. 16 The first came forward and said, ‘Lord, your pound has made ten more pounds.’ 17 He said to him, ‘Well done, good slave! Because you have been trustworthy in a very small thing, take charge of ten cities.’ 18 Then the second came, saying, ‘Lord, your pound has made five pounds.’ 19 He said to him, ‘And you, rule over five cities.’ 20 Then the other came, saying, ‘Lord, here is your pound. I wrapped it up in a piece of cloth, 21 for I was afraid of you, because you are a harsh man; you take what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not sow.’

22 He said to him, ‘I will judge you by your own words, you wicked slave! You knew, did you, that I was a harsh man, taking what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow? 23 Why then did you not put my money into the bank? Then when I returned, I could have collected it with interest.’ 24 He said to the bystanders, ‘Take the pound from him and give it to the one who has ten pounds.’ 25 (And they said to him, ‘Lord, he has ten pounds!’) 26 ‘I tell you, to all those who have, more will be given; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. 27 But as for these enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them—bring them here and slaughter them in my presence.’”

Discussion Questions

1) What did you notice in today’s reading? What surprised you or what was memorable to you? (Leader should point out that Zacchaeus provides another example of what it looks like to turn to Christ and follow Him. Because he is a wealthy man, whose wealth was gained by evil deeds, his path is different from that of the blind man, who needed only to be persistent; he needs to repent, and make right what he has done wrong, and yes, become much less rich in order to be saved. We can therefore see him as a surprising counterpart to the rich young ruler we met last week, who had kept the Law all his life, but was unable to part with his money. For the second part, the parable, we should note that the slaves of the nobleman in this case represent those who follow Him, and those who are the enemies of the nobleman represent those who reject Christ. This parable therefore fulfill a dual purpose. First, it makes clear that Jesus is not coming to establish a Jewish empire in place of the Roman empire, and that His visible kingdom is not going to be established soon. Second, it makes clear that those who follow Him in the meantime have a responsibility to bear fruit, to work with the grace that He has given to them. To simply sit still and hold what we have been given without working actively to see that grace grow in our lives is to invite judgment upon ourselves. We should note, as well, that the next episode in the narrative, immediately following this reading, is the entrance into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, where He is greeted as the Messiah, and His entrance into the Temple, where He drives out the money-changers and begins to preach there. We read this before Holy Week, so next week we will continue instead with the beginning of chapter 20, seeing some of His preaching in the Temple prior to His Passion.)

2) Where do we see Christ in this text; what is He saying or doing here?

3) Do we see ourselves and the Church in this text; what does it say about us?

4) What do you find difficult about this reading? Is there anything confusing about it, or anything that you dislike? (This is an open question, as always. )

5) Does this reading make you think that you need to change anything in your life?