Day 1 (Monday)

Exodus 8:1-15

Last time, we saw the first of the plagues that the Lord brought upon Egypt as a warning lest worst things come about, when God turned the water of the Nile River into blood through Moses and Aaron. Pharaoh refused to repent, and the river water remained blood for seven days. We will see what happens next today.

The Second Plague: Frogs

8 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go to Pharaoh and say to him, ‘Thus says the Lord: Let my people go, so that they may worship me. 2 If you refuse to let them go, I will plague your whole country with frogs. 3 The river shall swarm with frogs; they shall come up into your palace, into your bedchamber and your bed, and into the houses of your officials and of your people, and into your ovens and your kneading bowls. 4 The frogs shall come up on you and on your people and on all your officials.’”

5 And the Lord said to Moses, “Say to Aaron, ‘Stretch out your hand with your staff over the rivers, the canals, and the pools, and make frogs come up on the land of Egypt.’” 6 So Aaron stretched out his hand over the waters of Egypt; and the frogs came up and covered the land of Egypt. 7 But the magicians did the same by their secret arts, and brought frogs up on the land of Egypt.

8 Then Pharaoh called Moses and Aaron, and said, “Pray to the Lord to take away the frogs from me and my people, and I will let the people go to sacrifice to the Lord.” 9 Moses said to Pharaoh, “Kindly tell me when I am to pray for you and for your officials and for your people, that the frogs may be removed from you and your houses and be left only in the Nile.” 10 And he said, “Tomorrow.” Moses said, “As you say! So that you may know that there is no one like the Lord our God, 11 the frogs shall leave you and your houses and your officials and your people; they shall be left only in the Nile.”

12 Then Moses and Aaron went out from Pharaoh; and Moses cried out to the Lord concerning the frogs that he had brought upon Pharaoh. 13 And the Lord did as Moses requested: the frogs died in the houses, the courtyards, and the fields. 14 And they gathered them together in heaps, and the land stank. 15 But when Pharaoh saw that there was a respite, he hardened his heart, and would not listen to them, just as the Lord had said.

Discussion questions:

1) What did you notice in today’s reading? What surprised you or what was memorable to you? (The Leader should point out that, with the staff becoming a snake and even the water becoming blood, these were not deadly plagues, ultimately, nor were they punishments, as such. Rather, they were signs and miracles which God used to show Pharaoh that He was truly the Most High God. They were also warnings that worse was to come if Pharaoh refused to let the people of Israel go. This time, God sends them to Pharaoh with an ultimatum and a consequence: let Israel go, or this will happen to you. God is systematically removing any room that Pharaoh has to deny His existence or His power; He is inviting Pharaoh to repent, but removing any other option besides repentance or intentional opposition. We should note, too, that Pharaoh gets this: in verse 8, for the first time, he actually acknowledges Yahweh’s existence, and asks Moses and Aaron to pray to Yahweh for him. Finally, we should note that Moses lets Pharaoh pick the time that the frogs will leave, lest there be any doubt that Moses has somehow pre-planned this plague as a trick. But nonetheless, with all of that, as soon as the frogs are dead and gone, Pharaoh goes back on his word and refuses to let the people go.)

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)

Meeting Hymns

On February 2nd, the Orthodox Church celebrates the Feast of the Meeting, or ῾Υπαπαντή in Greek. This feast commemorates what happened on the 40th day after the birth of Jesus, when the Virgin Mary and Joseph the Betrothed brought Him to the Temple as an infant to present Him to the Lord, and to make the sacrifice to redeem Him back, in accordance with the Law of Moses. This event can be found in Luke chapter 2, verses 22 through 39. In the narrative, we see two elderly people come to meet the Lord in the Temple, the first, a righteous man named Simeon, who had been told by the Holy Spirit that he would not die until he met the Messiah, and the second, a prophetess named Anna, who recognized Him as the Messiah as well, and told everyone who was faithful in Jerusalem that He had come. We will therefore read several of the hymns from the Feast, to see how the Church celebrates this event.

2nd Hymn of the Kekragaria

Symeon, receive the One whom Moses saw in the dark cloud giving the Law on Sinai, and who now became an infant and is submitting to the Law. He is the One who spoke through the Law and who was spoken of by the Prophets; He became incarnate for us and saved humanity. Let us worship Him.

Idiomelon 1 of the Liti

The ancient of days, Who gave Moses the law on Sinai in former times, today appears as a Child. As Maker of the law, He fulfills the law! He is brought into the Temple according to the law, and given over to the Elder. Simeon the righteous receives Him. Beholding the fulfillment of the divine order now brought to pass, rejoicing aloud, he cries: My eyes have seen the mystery hidden from the ages made manifest in these latter days, the Light that disperses the foolishness of the faithless gentiles, and the glory of the newly-chosen Israel! Therefore let Your servant depart from the bonds of this flesh to the life filled with wonder that knows no age or end, for You grant the world great mercy!

Hymn 1 of the Aposticha

Decorate your bridal hall, O Zion, and welcome Christ the King. Greet Mary, the heavenly gate; for she became a cherubic throne. She holds the King of glory. The Virgin is the cloud of light, carrying her Son in the flesh, who is before the Morning. When Symeon took Him in his arms, he proclaimed to the people, that He is the Master of life and death, and the Savior of the world.

Glory Hymn of the Aposticha

He who rides upon the Cherubim, and who is extolled by the Seraphim, and who now according to the law is brought to the holy Temple, He is enthroned in the embraces of the Elder; and He as God receives the gifts offered by Joseph, a pair of turtledoves, as a figure of the spotless Church and the new-chosen people of the Gentiles; and two young pigeons, since He is the author of both Old and New Covenants. Symeon received the fulfillment of what had been prophesied to him; and in blessing Mary the Virgin Theotokos, he revealed to her the symbols of the Passion of the Son she had borne; and from Him he requests to be released, saying: Master, now You are dismissing me, even as You promised me; for I have seen You, the pre-eternal Light and the Savior Lord, O Christ, of the people named after You.

Heirmos of Ode 5 of the Canon

Isaiah had a mystical vision of God * sitting on a throne lifted up, * and around Him stood the glorious Seraphim. * The Prophet cried out, "Woe is me! * With my eyes I have foreseen incarnate God; * and He is the Master of never-setting light and peace."

Hymn 1 of Ode 5 of the Canon

The God-inspired Elder perceived the glory that the Prophet had seen of old, * seeing the Logos seated in His Mother's arms. * He cried out, "O Lady, rejoice! * You are holding God as if you are His throne; * and He is the Master of never-setting light and peace."

Glory Hymn of Ode 5 of the Canon

The Elder came and reverentially bowed; * and inspired by God, he kissed the feet of the virgin Mother of God and said to her, * "O pure one, you are holding fire. * I shudder at the thought of embracing God, * for He is the Master of never-setting light and peace."

Both now Hymn of Ode 5 of the Canon

"Prophet Isaiah was cleansed * when he touched the burning coal from the Seraphim," * the Elder said to the holy Mother of God. * "As you give me the One you hold in your hands, as if tongs, you brighten me. * For He is the Master of never-setting light and peace."

Discussion questions:

1) What did you notice in today’s reading? What surprised you or what was memorable to you? (The Leader should point out two things. First, that the hymns emphasize time and again that Jesus is Yahweh, the Most High God Himself, by saying that He comes into the Temple in obedience to the Law that He had Himself given, and therefore shows His humility, and how He has united Himself with us, in order to save us. Second, several of the hymns talk about the Virgin Mary as the Cherubic Throne, which is an image from the Old Testament of the Throne of Yahweh, which is not stationary, but everywhere present, moving through the world, because He is the Creator and Ruler of all things. In becoming incarnate for us, He is restoring and recreating and reclaiming His authority even over our broken and fallen nature, and delivering all of us from slavery to any other power, and even as an infant, His Mother carries Him throughout the world, so that she becomes the Throne that moves everywhere the Lord is ruling and saving His Creation.)

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)

Mark 7:1-23

Last week we read about how Jesus sent His disciples back across the lake after the feeding of the 5,000, and how a wind rose against them, until He came to them walking on the water, and how they were afraid and full of doubt. After this He remained with them in the boat until they reached the other side, where He continued to heal those who came to Him. This time, we will see that the religious authorities, even those from Jerusalem, have heard about Him, and were beginning to actively criticize and oppose Him.

The Tradition of the Elders

7 Now when the Pharisees and some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around him, 2 they noticed that some of his disciples were eating with defiled hands, that is, without washing them. 3 (For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, do not eat unless they thoroughly wash their hands, thus observing the tradition of the elders; 4 and they do not eat anything from the market unless they wash it; and there are also many other traditions that they observe, the washing of cups, pots, and bronze kettles.)

5 So the Pharisees and the scribes asked him, “Why do your disciples not live according to the tradition of the elders, but eat with defiled hands?” 6 He said to them, “Isaiah prophesied rightly about you hypocrites, as it is written,

‘This people honors me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me;
7 in vain do they worship me,
teaching human precepts as doctrines.’

8 You abandon the commandment of God and hold to human tradition.”

9 Then he said to them, “You have a fine way of rejecting the commandment of God in order to keep your tradition! 10 For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother’; and, ‘Whoever speaks evil of father or mother must surely die.’ 11 But you say that if anyone tells father or mother, ‘Whatever support you might have had from me is Corban’ (that is, an offering to God)— 12 then you no longer permit doing anything for a father or mother, 13 thus making void the word of God through your tradition that you have handed on. And you do many things like this.”

14 Then he called the crowd again and said to them, “Listen to me, all of you, and understand: 15 there is nothing outside a person that by going in can defile, but the things that come out are what defile.”

17 When he had left the crowd and entered the house, his disciples asked him about the parable. 18 He said to them, “Then do you also fail to understand? Do you not see that whatever goes into a person from outside cannot defile, 19 since it enters, not the heart but the stomach, and goes out into the sewer?” (Thus he declared all foods clean.) 20 And he said, “It is what comes out of a person that defiles. 21 For it is from within, from the human heart, that evil intentions come: fornication, theft, murder, 22 adultery, avarice, wickedness, deceit, licentiousness, envy, slander, pride, folly. 23 All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”

Discussion questions:

1) What did you notice in today’s reading? What surprised you or what was memorable to you? (The Leader should point out that what Jesus is criticizing in the Pharisees is not their obedience to the Law of Moses, but the many rules that they had added to the Law, which were full of inconsistencies and foolishness, and had been turned into instruments of control and domination of the people, tools by which the Pharisees and scribes maintained their own authority. He is not saying that the Law itself is bad, but is condemning them for their failures in following it, even though they boasted that they were the ones who kept it perfectly. It is easy for us to criticize the Pharisees ourselves, but it is much better for us to turn the lens upon ourselves; most of us, I think, have things in our lives that we excuse because we “keep the important rules,” even as we neglect things that, if we take even a moment to consider carefully, we can easily see are the truly important matters of life and faith and relationship with God. The Lord’s words are an invitation to US to repent, not an invitation to think ourselves better than those around 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 1 (Monday)

Exodus 7:8-25

Last time, Moses had questioned God because things were not going well, and God responded by assuring Moses that He would be true to His word and would indeed deliver the people of Israel, “multiplying signs and wonders” and showing His power to the Egyptians. This time, we will see the first fulfillment of this promise, as God begins to work wonders to show His power and divinity to Pharaoh. We need to remember that in these signs and wonders, and even in the plagues that begin with the water of the Nile River being turned into blood, God is being merciful to Pharaoh and to the Egyptians, giving them a warning and time to repent. We need to remember, as well, that even though Pharaoh refuses to repent, some of his people do, and become part of God’s people as they leave Egypt. In all this, God is merciful and patient, and gives every possible opportunity for repentance.

Aaron’s Miraculous Rod

8 The Lord said to Moses and Aaron, 9 “When Pharaoh says to you, ‘Perform a wonder,’ then you shall say to Aaron, ‘Take your staff and throw it down before Pharaoh, and it will become a snake.’” 10 So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and did as the Lord had commanded; Aaron threw down his staff before Pharaoh and his officials, and it became a snake. 11 Then Pharaoh summoned the wise men and the sorcerers; and they also, the magicians of Egypt, did the same by their secret arts. 12 Each one threw down his staff, and they became snakes; but Aaron’s staff swallowed up theirs. 13 Still Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not listen to them, as the Lord had said.

The First Plague: Water Turned to Blood

14 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Pharaoh’s heart is hardened; he refuses to let the people go. 15 Go to Pharaoh in the morning, as he is going out to the water; stand by at the river bank to meet him, and take in your hand the staff that was turned into a snake. 16 Say to him, ‘The Lord, the God of the Hebrews, sent me to you to say, “Let my people go, so that they may worship me in the wilderness.” But until now you have not listened. 17 Thus says the Lord, “By this you shall know that I am the Lord.” See, with the staff that is in my hand I will strike the water that is in the Nile, and it shall be turned to blood. 18 The fish in the river shall die, the river itself shall stink, and the Egyptians shall be unable to drink water from the Nile.’”

19 The Lord said to Moses, “Say to Aaron, ‘Take your staff and stretch out your hand over the waters of Egypt—over its rivers, its canals, and its ponds, and all its pools of water—so that they may become blood; and there shall be blood throughout the whole land of Egypt, even in vessels of wood and in vessels of stone.’”

20 Moses and Aaron did just as the Lord commanded. In the sight of Pharaoh and of his officials he lifted up the staff and struck the water in the river, and all the water in the river was turned into blood, 21 and the fish in the river died. The river stank so that the Egyptians could not drink its water, and there was blood throughout the whole land of Egypt.

22 But the magicians of Egypt did the same by their secret arts; so Pharaoh’s heart remained hardened, and he would not listen to them, as the Lord had said. 23 Pharaoh turned and went into his house, and he did not take even this to heart. 24 And all the Egyptians had to dig along the Nile for water to drink, for they could not drink the water of the river. 25 Seven days passed after the Lord had struck the Nile.

Discussion questions:

1) What did you notice in today’s reading? What surprised you or what was memorable to you? (The Leader should point out that both the miracle of Aaron’s walking stick becoming a snake and consuming the snakes produced by the Pharaoh’s magicians, and the river water becoming blood, are not just random miracles. They are targeted strikes against the slavery under which both the Egyptians and the Israelites were laboring. Snakes were a symbol of divinity and kingship for the Egyptians; Aaron’s rod becoming a snake, and then consuming the Egyptian snakes, is a demonstration of the power and true divinity of Yahweh, and the weakness of Pharaoh and the demon gods he served. As for the Nile, the river itself was considered to be a god by the Egyptians, and was worshipped and supplicated because it was the source of life and fertility for Egypt. The turning of the water into blood is therefore another demonstration of Yahweh’s absolute power over the false gods of Egypt. In making an open show of their humiliation, He gives an invitation to the Egyptians to be delivered from their power, and simultaneously gives a warning to Pharaoh that his refusal to let Israel go will not stand.)

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)

Prayer at the Second Antiphon

When we begin the Divine Liturgy Sunday morning, we start with the Great Litany (with all the Lord, have mercy’s), and then we sing either two Psalms and the Beatitudes, or selected verses from the Psalms, together with a refrain. These are called Antiphons, because they are sung back and forth by two choirs. While they are being sung, the Priest prays a series of three prayers on behalf of all the people, for the beginning of the Liturgy. We will read the second of these today.

Prayer at the Second Antiphon

Lord our God, save Your people and bless Your inheritance; protect the whole body of Your Church; sanctify those who love the beauty of Your house; glorify them in return by Your divine power; and do not forsake us who hope in You.

For Yours is the dominion, the kingdom, the power, and the glory of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.

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 this prayer is spoken as a community; it is not an individual prayer, but one that recognizes that we are all part of a larger whole, as we gather together for the Divine Liturgy. Normally in prayer we are confessing who we are, and turning our eyes and our heart toward the Lord, inhabiting with purpose the true relationship between ourselves as weak and dependent human beings and God. In this prayer we do the same thing, except we are inhabiting our shared identity as the worshipping people of God, and together turning our eyes and hearts toward Him, asking for His salvation, blessing, protection, sanctification, glory, and ongoing presence with 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)

Mark 6:45-56

Last time we saw Jesus feed the 5,000, using what the Apostles had to offer (five loaves and two fish) and making it sufficient for all those who were present. We noted how our responsibility in the face of the troubles we find in the world is not to come up with a solution ourselves, but simply to offer what we have to offer to God, and to entrust the final outcome to Him. This time we will see what happens after this miracle.

Jesus Walks on the Water

45 Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. 46 After saying farewell to them, he went up on the mountain to pray.

47 When evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land. 48 When he saw that they were straining at the oars against an adverse wind, he came towards them early in the morning, walking on the sea. He intended to pass them by. 49 But when they saw him walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost and cried out; 50 for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” 51 Then he got into the boat with them and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, 52 for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.

Healing the Sick in Gennesaret

53 When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret and moored the boat. 54 When they got out of the boat, people at once recognized him, 55 and rushed about that whole region and began to bring the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. 56 And wherever he went, into villages or cities or farms, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged him that they might touch even the fringe of his cloak; and all who touched it were healed.

Discussion questions:

1) What did you notice in today’s reading? What surprised you or what was memorable to you? (The Leader should point out that in this passage, St. Mark tells us what he thinks the lesson of the loaves is, that it shows the power and divinity of Jesus Christ. He tells us this when he points out that the Apostles were amazed at Jesus walking on the water and calming the storm; if they had understood what happened with the loaves, they would not have been surprised. We may find this comforting; if the Apostles, who were living with Jesus and saw Him do miracles every day, could misunderstand Who He Is, then it is perhaps not surprising that we who live our lives in the Church so easily miss the point, take Him for granted, and fall into doubt. This is not to excuse ourselves, however; if the Apostles hearts were hardened, then this must mean that ours are as well, and we need to attend to softening our hearts. We do this through prayer, through reading, through acts of mercy, and above all through humility and repentance.)

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)

Exodus 6:1-13; 26-30; 7:1-7

Last time, Moses and Aaron met with Pharaoh for the first time, and gave him the message that God had told them to give him, commanding him to let the Lord’s people go. Pharaoh refused, and denied the existence of Yahweh, saying that he did not know him, and would not do what he said. He then proceeded to punish the people of Israel, in order to turn them against Moses and Aaron and ensure their subjugation. Moses complained to God about this result; this time we will see what the Lord says to him in response. (Note: every time we see the text say “The Lord,” we need to remember that the original Hebrew reads “Yahweh”, and that this is the name of God which we translate into the Greek as Ὁ Ὤν, and which we translate into English as “He Who Is”.)

Israel’s Deliverance Assured

6 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Now you shall see what I will do to Pharaoh: Indeed, by a mighty hand he will let them go; by a mighty hand he will drive them out of his land.”

2 God also spoke to Moses and said to him: “I am the Lord. 3 I appeared to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as God Almighty, but by my name ‘The Lord’ I did not make myself known to them. 4 I also established my covenant with them, to give them the land of Canaan, the land in which they resided as aliens. 5 I have also heard the groaning of the Israelites whom the Egyptians are holding as slaves, and I have remembered my covenant.

6 Say therefore to the Israelites, ‘I am the Lord, and I will free you from the burdens of the Egyptians and deliver you from slavery to them. I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment. 7 I will take you as my people, and I will be your God. You shall know that I am the Lord your God, who has freed you from the burdens of the Egyptians.

8 I will bring you into the land that I swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; I will give it to you for a possession. I am the Lord.’” 9 Moses told this to the Israelites; but they would not listen to Moses, because of their broken spirit and their cruel slavery.

10 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, 11 “Go and tell Pharaoh king of Egypt to let the Israelites go out of his land.” 12 But Moses spoke to the Lord, “The Israelites have not listened to me; how then shall Pharaoh listen to me, poor speaker that I am?” 13 Thus the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, and gave them orders regarding the Israelites and Pharaoh king of Egypt, charging them to free the Israelites from the land of Egypt.

Then the text gives the genealogy of Moses and Aaron, how they were the descendants of Jacob’s son Levi, and who all their family were. Then it continues:

26 It was this same Aaron and Moses to whom the Lord said, “Bring the Israelites out of the land of Egypt, company by company.” 27 It was they who spoke to Pharaoh king of Egypt to bring the Israelites out of Egypt, the same Moses and Aaron.

Moses and Aaron Obey God’s Commands

28 On the day when the Lord spoke to Moses in the land of Egypt, 29 he said to him, “I am the Lord; tell Pharaoh king of Egypt all that I am speaking to you.” 30 But Moses said in the Lord’s presence, “Since I am a poor speaker, why would Pharaoh listen to me?”

7 The Lord said to Moses, “See, I have made you like God to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron shall be your prophet. 2 You shall speak all that I command you, and your brother Aaron shall tell Pharaoh to let the Israelites go out of his land. 3 But I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and I will multiply my signs and wonders in the land of Egypt. 4 When Pharaoh does not listen to you, I will lay my hand upon Egypt and bring my people the Israelites, company by company, out of the land of Egypt by great acts of judgment. 5 The Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I stretch out my hand against Egypt and bring the Israelites out from among them.” 6 Moses and Aaron did so; they did just as the Lord commanded them. 7 Moses was eighty years old and Aaron eighty-three when they spoke to Pharaoh.

Discussion questions:

1) What did you notice in today’s reading? What surprised you or what was memorable to you? (The Leader should draw attention to the name of God as it is present here in this text, as we noted in the introduction. Otherwise, it’s important to sum up the thread of the narrative here. Pharaoh has refused to let the people go, and Moses has brought this issue to God. God has reminded Moses that He is God Almighty, and that He is now revealing Himself in a special way to the children of Israel, so that they even know His Name now. Then, when Pharaoh refuses to even recognize Yahweh as God, the Lord responds with an insult, by not letting Moses speak to Pharaoh anymore, but establishing Aaron as the spokesman/prophet for Moses. This is a diplomatic insult; it conveys to Pharaoh that Pharaoh isn’t of a high enough rank to even talk to God’s messenger, but that God’s messenger (Moses) needs a messenger to speak to Pharaoh. The message sent by this is that Pharaoh is himself a pawn, a servant of greater powers, the demons that he worships as gods, but that Yahweh is God Most High, with no peer or equal, the one against whom those demons rebelled.)

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)

St. Anthony the Great

As the last great persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire was winding down, and it came to be an easier life to be a Christian in the world, and many of the great and powerful in the empire were becoming Christians, the first stirrings of what eventually became Orthodox Christian monasticism began out in the desert of Egypt. One of the great early monastic saints was St. Anthony. Since we celebrate his feast day this week, on the 17th, we will read one of his most commonly quoted sayings; this is often written on the scroll in his hands in icons depicting him.

St. Anthony the Great on Humility

“Abba Anthony said, ‘I saw the snares that the enemy spreads out over the world and I said, groaning, “What can escape from such snares?” Then I heard a voice saying to me, “Humility.”’”

Discussion questions:

1) What did you notice in today’s reading? What surprised you or what was memorable to you? (The Leader should point out that it is precisely humility which Pharaoh lacks in the Day 1 reading, and which God is showing him that he needs. Pharaoh is enslaved to evil powers precisely because he believes their lies that he is himself a god, that he is great and powerful and has no peer. God is actually being merciful to Pharaoh, then, in humiliating him, in giving him the opportunity to see and accept the truth, and be freed from the demons to whom he is in fact enslaved. For all of us, then, it is essential that we not think too highly of ourselves, and that we turn to the Lord for mercy and salvation. This is the first and last and constant action of the Christian 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 3 (Friday)

Mark 6:30-44

Last time we saw that the news of the preaching of the Apostles when Jesus sent them out had become known to Herod the king, and that he was worried that John the Baptist, whom he had killed, had come back to life, and that this was who Jesus was. We then heard the story of how John the Baptist had died. This time, we return to the story of the Lord, as the apostles return from their preaching.

Feeding the Five Thousand

30 The apostles gathered around Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught. 31 He said to them, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. 32 And they went away in the boat to a deserted place by themselves.

33 Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they hurried there on foot from all the towns and arrived ahead of them. 34 As he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.

35 When it grew late, his disciples came to him and said, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is now very late; 36 send them away so that they may go into the surrounding country and villages and buy something for themselves to eat.” 37 But he answered them, “You give them something to eat.” They said to him, “Are we to go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread, and give it to them to eat?”

38 And he said to them, “How many loaves have you? Go and see.” When they had found out, they said, “Five, and two fish.” 39 Then he ordered them to get all the people to sit down in groups on the green grass. 40 So they sat down in groups of hundreds and of fifties.

41 Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before the people; and he divided the two fish among them all. 42 And all ate and were filled; 43 and they took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and of the fish. 44 Those who had eaten the loaves numbered five thousand men.

Discussion questions:

1) What did you notice in today’s reading? What surprised you or what was memorable to you? (The Leader can point out many lessons here, including the revelation once again of the Divinity of the Lord, that He is able to multiply the fish and the loaves and feed so many people. But I suggest focusing on the fact that Jesus wants His Apostles to take care of the people, not just to do miracles and accept their praise. The gifts of the Lord are not given for the sake of pride and power, but for the sake of service and love. The Apostles were happy to preach and exercise authority on behalf of the Lord, but were less willing to accept responsibility and care for the people who followed the Lord. They eventually learned this lesson, as all of them ended their lives in martyrdom for the Lord and the Gospel and the Church. The lesson for us, when we see problems in the world, is that we should not at first say to ourselves “God should do something about this,” but rather that we need to see what we can do to attend to those problems ourselves, even as we also entrust ourselves and those we serve to the Lord.)

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)

Exodus 15:1-21

Before the Christmas/Theophany recess, we were reading about the Patriarch Abram, and how he left his ancestral city of Ur and followed the call of the Lord to go into a strange country, where God would make him into a new nation, a people called by the name of the Lord. We will leave Abram behind now, and see what happened to his descendants.

Abram was re-named Abraham (which means father of many nations), and had a son according to God’s promise, Isaac. Isaac had a son named Jacob, whom God renamed Israel, and Jacob/Israel had twelve sons, and they eventually ended up living in Egypt due to a famine. They stayed there for 400 years, and grew into a numerous people, and the Egyptians became afraid of them, so they enslaved them and began to kill all the baby boys that were born to Abraham’s descendants.

One of these baby boys, however, was saved by God through the cleverness of his mother and the mercy of the daughter of Pharaoh, who adopted him and raised him as her own. When he grew up, he ended up having to flee from Egypt, and went out into the wilderness, where he settled with a tribe of traveling herdsmen. He married and had two children there, but one day God spoke to him up on a mountain, and told him to go into Egypt and deliver God’s people from slavery. God told him to tell Pharaoh that the nation of Israel was His firstborn son, and that if Pharaoh did not let them go, God would bring justice upon Pharaoh and the people of Egypt for the murder of the baby boys of the Israelites, and would kill the firstborn children of the Egyptians.

When Moses went to Egypt, his brother Aaron was sent by God to meet him, and together, they went to Pharaoh to deliver God’s message. This is where we will pick up the story.

Bricks without Straw

5 Afterward Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and said, “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, ‘Let my people go, so that they may celebrate a festival to me in the wilderness.’” 2 But Pharaoh said, “Who is the Lord, that I should heed him and let Israel go? I do not know the Lord, and I will not let Israel go.” 3 Then they said, “The God of the Hebrews has revealed himself to us; let us go a three days’ journey into the wilderness to sacrifice to the Lord our God, or he will fall upon us with pestilence or sword.”

4 But the king of Egypt said to them, “Moses and Aaron, why are you taking the people away from their work? Get to your labors!” 5 Pharaoh continued, “Now they are more numerous than the people of the land and yet you want them to stop working!” 6 That same day Pharaoh commanded the taskmasters of the people, as well as their supervisors, 7 “You shall no longer give the people straw to make bricks, as before; let them go and gather straw for themselves. 8 But you shall require of them the same quantity of bricks as they have made previously; do not diminish it, for they are lazy; that is why they cry, ‘Let us go and offer sacrifice to our God.’ 9 Let heavier work be laid on them; then they will labor at it and pay no attention to deceptive words.”

10 So the taskmasters and the supervisors of the people went out and said to the people, “Thus says Pharaoh, ‘I will not give you straw. 11 Go and get straw yourselves, wherever you can find it; but your work will not be lessened in the least.’” 12 So the people scattered throughout the land of Egypt, to gather stubble for straw. 13 The taskmasters were urgent, saying, “Complete your work, the same daily assignment as when you were given straw.” 14 And the supervisors of the Israelites, whom Pharaoh’s taskmasters had set over them, were beaten, and were asked, “Why did you not finish the required quantity of bricks yesterday and today, as you did before?”

15 Then the Israelite supervisors came to Pharaoh and cried, “Why do you treat your servants like this? 16 No straw is given to your servants, yet they say to us, ‘Make bricks!’ Look how your servants are beaten! You are unjust to your own people.” 17 He said, “You are lazy, lazy; that is why you say, ‘Let us go and sacrifice to the Lord.’ 18 Go now, and work; for no straw shall be given you, but you shall still deliver the same number of bricks.”

19 The Israelite supervisors saw that they were in trouble when they were told, “You shall not lessen your daily number of bricks.” 20 As they left Pharaoh, they came upon Moses and Aaron who were waiting to meet them. 21 They said to them, “The Lord look upon you and judge! You have brought us into bad odor with Pharaoh and his officials, and have put a sword in their hand to kill us.”

22 Then Moses turned again to the Lord and said, “O Lord, why have you mistreated this people? Why did you ever send me? 23 Since I first came to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has mistreated this people, and you have done nothing at all to deliver your people.”

Discussion questions:

1) What did you notice in today’s reading? What surprised you or what was memorable to you? (The Leader should note that the English translation can make it seem like God is playing tricks with Pharaoh, asking him to just let the Israelites go for three days, and promising that they’ll come back later, when there is in fact no intent for them to return. This is just a problem of the translation. When it says, “Let my people go,” the clear meaning in the original is “free/release/let go completely of your power over my people.” The statement of the three day journey is not intended to promise a return afterward, but to express that the Israelites will go completely out of Egypt, a three day journey beyond the border. The point is that they are going to leave Egypt, and not come back. When Pharaoh refuses, saying that he doesn’t know Israel’s god, he is saying he doesn’t believe Yahweh exists, or has any power. He only believes in himself and his own divinity. In following this refusal with the command to require bricks to be made without providing straw, his intent is to discredit Moses & Aaron, to make the Israelites hate them; and as we can see, his methods are effective. Moses’ prayer to God is clearly frustrated, but God’s response will be clear and powerful, as we will see in the coming weeks. Finally, we should note that God is being merciful to Pharaoh; for what he has done in murdering the countless baby boys of the Israelites, he and his people are deserving of much worse, but God is giving him a chance to escape that punishment and simply let the people go. He is not making a good start at receiving that mercy, though.)

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)

Apolytikion (Dismissal Hymn) of St. John the Baptist

This past Friday, we celebrated the Feast Day of St. John the Baptist, and on this coming Friday, we will read the account of his death from the Gospel of Mark. This makes today an appropriate time to read and discuss the Dismissal Hymn of the Forerunner. As a side note, the Dismissal Hymn (Apolytikion/Ἀπολυτίκιον) is the last hymn sung in the Vespers service, right before the Dismissal of the people at the end of the service, which is why it is called that. It can be thought of as the theme song of any given feast or saint, and often sums up the most important things about them.

Apolytikion of St. John the Baptist

The memory of the just is observed with hymns of praise; for you suffices the testimony of the Lord, O Forerunner. You have proved to be truly more ven'rable than the Prophets, since you were granted to baptize in the river the One whom they proclaimed. Therefore, when for the truth you had contested, rejoicing, to those in Hades you preached the Gospel, that God was manifested in the flesh, and takes away the sin of the world, and grants to us the great mercy.

Discussion questions:

1) What did you notice in today’s reading? What surprised you or what was memorable to you? (The Leader should point out that in this hymn, we talk about St. John as being the greatest of the Prophets, because while all the Prophets had foretold the coming of Jesus Christ, John the Baptist not only saw Him in the flesh, but even touched Him and baptized Him in the river. Because of this great honor, the hymn says that St. John doesn’t need hymns to praise him, because the Lord’s words praising him glorify him more than a thousand hymns could. Finally, it makes the important point that St. John didn’t just proclaim the coming of the Lord while he was alive, but even after he was killed, he continued to be the Forerunner and herald of Jesus Christ, going before Him even into Hades, where he announced that the Lord was coming SOON to deliver the captives of sin and death from their slavery.)

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)

Mark 6:14-29

Last time we saw Jesus go back to His home town of Nazareth, where the people who had known Him as a child refused to accept Him as the Messiah, and doubted and questioned and rejected Him. At this point, we saw the Lord send out the twelve disciples to preach the Gospel of His coming and His victory throughout the country, and they did so, and cast out many demons and healed many sick people, to the point that the name and actions of Jesus and His disciples became known more widely through the region. That is where we will pick up the story.

The Death of John the Baptist

14 King Herod heard of it, for Jesus’ name had become known. Some were saying, “John the baptizer has been raised from the dead; and for this reason these powers are at work in him.” 15 But others said, “It is Elijah.” And others said, “It is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” 16 But when Herod heard of it, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.”

17 For Herod himself had sent men who arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because Herod had married her. 18 For John had been telling Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” 19 And Herodias had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, 20 for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he protected him. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed; and yet he liked to listen to him.

21 But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and for the leaders of Galilee. 22 When his daughter Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests; and the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it.” 23 And he solemnly swore to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom.” 24 She went out and said to her mother, “What should I ask for?” She replied, “The head of John the baptizer.” 25 Immediately she rushed back to the king and requested, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.”

26 The king was deeply grieved; yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he did not want to refuse her. 27 Immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard with orders to bring John’s head. He went and beheaded him in the prison, 28 brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl. Then the girl gave it to her mother. 29 When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body, and laid it in a tomb.

Discussion questions:

1) What did you notice in today’s reading? What surprised you or what was memorable to you? (The Leader should point out that Herod seems, at first glance, better than Pharaoh. He doesn’t understand or submit to John, but he doesn’t reject him out of hand, and on occasion likes to listen to him. But at the end of the day, he is no better than Pharaoh; he is too attached to his own reputation with his courtiers and friends, on the one hand, and too enslaved to his passions and desires, on the other, to be able to hear and understand and submit and be saved by St. John’s preaching, and ultimately, he becomes the agent of St. John’s murder. This ultimately serves as a warning to us all, against succumbing to peer pressure, against the great sin of pride, and against the dangers of lust and the other passions. May the Lord deliver us from all these things.)

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)

Proverbs 3:1-10

As we begin the New Year of 2022, we will continue for one more week to pause from our normal narrative readings, and return once again to the Book of Proverbs. This book, written by a father seeking to provide good guidance to his son, and by extension to all of us, directs us to walk the narrow path of faithfulness, avoiding the common temptations and holding fast to the Lord in all things. It is a good way to begin the new year.

Admonition to Trust and Honor God

3 My child, do not forget my teaching,
but let your heart keep my commandments;
2 for length of days and years of life
and abundant welfare they will give you.

3 Do not let loyalty and faithfulness forsake you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 So you will find favor and good repute
in the sight of God and of people.

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not rely on your own insight.
6 In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.

8 It will be a healing for your flesh
and a refreshment for your body.
9 Honor the Lord with your substance
and with the first fruits of all your produce;
10 then your barns will be filled with plenty,
and your vats will be bursting with wine.

Discussion questions:

1) What did you notice in today’s reading? What surprised you or what was memorable to you? (The Leader should point out that in this passage, the teaching of the father is equated with the teaching of the Lord, because the father is faithful and is teaching what he is responsible to teach. We are assured here that following the Lord’s teaching and commandments will protect us from evil and grant us peace. And the substance of that teaching is loyalty and faithfulness to God, trust, humility, and repentance, offering our lives to Him, and receiving from Him all the blessings that come from Him alone. For us who are parents or godparents, this is what we are commanded to teach, both by word and by example. For us who are children, this is what we should be seeking to learn and to do.)

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)

Hymns from Theophany

On January 6th, the Orthodox Church celebrates the feast of Theophany, which commemorates the Baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River by John the Baptist. This feast is not a simple historical remembrance, but is laden with cosmic significance; the Church sees this moment as a turning point, a fulfillment of many expectations, and a promise of greater things to come, as the water of the Jordan becomes the first matter to be made holy by the Lord Who has come into our midst as one of us, in order to sanctify us, and all Creation with us. These are the themes that the Church reflects on in the hymns of this feast day. There are a great many hymns worth reading for the feast-day, so do not hesitate to read only a selection, if you wish.

Idiomelon 1 of the First Hour

Today the substance of water is made holy, for the Master is washed in the Jordan. When the River sees Him, it stops its flow and bursts forth

Idiomelon 2 of the First Hour

You have come to the River as a man, O Christ our King; and You urgently request to receive a Baptism befitting a servant, at the hands of the Forerunner, all because of our sins, O good Lord who loves humanit

Doxastikon of the First Hour

When You had taken the form of a servant, O Lord, You approached John, the voice of the one crying in the wilderness, "Prepare the way of the Lord!" and You requested Baptism, although You were without sin. The waters saw You and were afraid. The Forerunner trembled in reaction, and he cried out and said, "How can I, who am the lamp, illumine You, who are the Light? How can I, the servant, lay my hand on You, my Master? I pray You sanctify me and the waters, O Savior, who takes away the sin of the world!

Kontakion from the Royal Hours

To the flowing streams today * of River Jordan * comes the Lord and cries aloud * to John the Baptist, and He says, * "Be not afraid to baptize me now; * for I have come to save Adam, the first-formed man."

Idiomelon 1 of the Kekragaria

O Lord, our illumination, who enlightens everyone, when the Forerunner saw You coming to be baptized, his soul rejoiced, while his hand trembled. He pointed at You and said to the people, "Behold, the One who delivers Israel, the One who frees us from corruption." O sinless One, O Christ our God, glory to You.

Mid Reading Troparion 1

You appeared in the world, even as the world's Creator, to illumine those who sit in darkness. Lord who loves humanity, glory to You.

Troparion 1 of the Great Blessing of the Water

The voice of the Lord is upon the waters, crying out and saying, "Come all, and receive the Spirit of wisdom, the Spirit of understanding, the Spirit of the fear of God, yes, of Christ, who has come in His epiphany.

Idiomelon 1 of the Liti

He who covers Himself with light as with a garment ⁄ has granted for our sakes to become as we are. ⁄ Today He is covered by the streams of the Jordan, ⁄ though He has no need to be cleansed by them: ⁄ But through the cleansing that He Himself receives — ⁄ wonder — He bestows regeneration on us! ⁄ He refashions without shattering, ⁄ and without fire, He casts anew, ⁄ and He saves those who are enlightened in Him, ⁄⁄ Christ our God, the Savior of our souls.

Idiomelon 1 of the Aposticha

At the River Jordan, when John saw You coming to him, he said to You, O Christ our God, "Why have You come to a servant, for there is no dirt on You, O Lord? In whose name should I baptize You? In the name of the Father? But you have Him within You. In the name of the Son? But You are He incarnate. In the name of the Holy Spirit? But You know how to give It to the faithful by mouth." O God, who have appeared, have mercy on us.

Troparion 1 of Ode 1 of Canon 1 of the Feast

The Lord, the King of the ages, ⁄ renewed corrupted Adam, in the streams of Jordan. ⁄ He shattered the heads of the dragons hidden there, ⁄ for He has been glorified

Troparion 2 of Ode 1 of Canon 1 of the Feast

The Lord, incarnate of the Virgin, ⁄ having clothed material flesh with the immaterial fire of His divinity, ⁄ wraps Himself in the waters of Jordan, ⁄ for He has been glorified

Troparion 3 of Ode 1 of Canon 1 of the Feast

The Lord who purges out the filth of men, ⁄ was cleansed in the Jordan for their sake. ⁄ Of His own will, He made Himself like them, ⁄ while yet remaining what He was. ⁄ He enlightens those in darkness, ⁄ for He has been glorified.

Troparion 2 of Ode 1 of Canon 2 of the Feast

Word without beginning, ⁄ You have buried mankind with Yourself in the stream: ⁄ He was corrupted by error, but You make him new again! ⁄ The Father ineffably testified to You with a mighty voice: ⁄ This is My beloved Son, equal to Me by nature.

Idiomelon 3 of the Praises

When You our Savior were baptized in the River Jordan, You sanctified the waters, You were touched by the hand of Your servant, and You cured the world's passions. Great is the mystery of Your economy! O Lord who loves humanity, glory to You.

Discussion questions:

1) What did you notice in today’s reading? What surprised you or what was memorable to you? (The Leader should point out the basic point of all these hymns is that Jesus is being baptized in the water, but it is not washing Him; rather, He is cleansing IT, and all of us by means of it. The Feast of Theophany is, in many ways, the pre-eminent celebration of the Lord’s Incarnation, and this is what we reflect on and marvel at in this season: that God has become human, and in becoming human, has transformed humanity. God has entered into His own creation, and by His entrance, the Creation itself is made holy. The Lord goes into the water, and its very nature is transformed, and it becomes the first fruit of the New Creation for us. This is why we consecrate the Holy Water on this day, so that we can participate in this joy and this glory. This is why we drink the Holy Water, and also why we use it to bless our homes and our businesses; because we don’t just remember that the Water was made holy, we don’t just confess that this happened, we don’t just marvel at the miracle. It is done for a purpose, to be an instrument of sanctification, a means by which we are made holy, and which we can use to cleanse our homes, and dedicate them to the service and worship of the Lord.)

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)

Mark 6:1-13

This week we return to our journey through the Gospel of Mark. In the previous chapter, we saw Jesus cross the Sea of Galilee and cast out the legion of demons from the man there, and then return to the Judaean side, where He healed the woman with the flow of blood and raised the little girl from the dead. This time, we will see Him go to His hometown, but things will be different there.

The Rejection of Jesus at Nazareth

6 He left that place and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. 2 On the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, “Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands! 3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him.

4 Then Jesus said to them, “Prophets are not without honor, except in their hometown, and among their own kin, and in their own house.” 5 And he could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them. 6 And he was amazed at their unbelief.

The Mission of the Twelve

Then he went about among the villages teaching. 7 He called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. 8 He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; 9 but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics.

10 He said to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. 11 If any place will not welcome you and they refuse to hear you, as you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.” 12 So they went out and proclaimed that all should repent. 13 They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.

Discussion questions:

1) What did you notice in today’s reading? What surprised you or what was memorable to you? (The Leader should point out what St. Mark says, that Jesus “could do no deed of power there.” This is something remarkable; it tells us that something is required from the people that Jesus heals for Him to be able to help them. We know that this cannot be righteousness, because the demon-possessed man was not righteous. We know it cannot be poverty, because the father of the little girl who died was not poor. We know it cannot be purity, because the woman with the flow of blood was ritually impure, and had been for twelve years. What St. Mark says (and the other Gospel writers agree) is that faith is what is required. Faith in Greek is πιστις, and can be translated variously as belief/faith/trust/faithfulness. When it says in verse 6 that “He was amazed by their unbelief,” it is this word again. He was amazed at their lack of belief/faith/trust/faithfulness. All the people in His hometown could do was question, doubt, criticize, or co-opt…it was as though they could not accept that someone they knew from childhood could be worth listening to, obeying, or following. Therefore, they missed out on the great blessings that He had brought to other towns. When the Lord, then, sends the disciples out to begin to preach on His behalf, we see Him warn them against spending their time preaching to people without belief/faith/trust/faithfulness. So we must attend to ourselves, and ensure that we are not approaching the Lord ourselves without belief/faith/trust/faithfulness.)

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?