Day 1 (Monday)

2 Kingdoms 1:1-27; 2:1-32; 3:1-39; 4:1-12; 5:1-25 (David Mourns for Saul & Jonathan, David Anointed King of Judah, War Between Judah and Israel, Abner Defects and is Murdered, Ishbaal is Murdered, David Anointed King of all Israel, Defeats Philistines)

Last time we saw justice finally arrive for Saul, as he faced the Philistines in battle, cut off from the grace of God by his own faithlessness and stubbornness, and without the support and defense of David, the Anointed of the Lord, because of his jealousy. We saw his sons killed in the rout as Israel fled from the Philistines, and we saw Saul fall on his own sword rather than be captured alive by the Philistines. We also saw David go and rescue his family and the families of all his men from the raiding Amalekites, and then return to his place.  We will pick up the story there, and will read selections of the next few chapters, as David comes into his kingship.

David Mourns for Saul and Jonathan

1 After the death of Saul, when David had returned from defeating the Amalekites, David remained two days in Ziklag. 2 On the third day, a man came from Saul’s camp, with his clothes torn and dirt on his head. When he came to David, he fell to the ground and did obeisance. 3 David said to him, “Where have you come from?” He said to him, “I have escaped from the camp of Israel.” 4 David said to him, “How did things go? Tell me!” He answered, “The army fled from the battle, but also many of the army fell and died; and Saul and his son Jonathan also died.” 

5 Then David asked the young man who was reporting to him, “How do you know that Saul and his son Jonathan died?” 6 The young man reporting to him said, “I happened to be on Mount Gilboa; and there was Saul leaning on his spear, while the chariots and the horsemen drew close to him. 7 When he looked behind him, he saw me, and called to me. I answered, ‘Here sir.’ 8 And he said to me, ‘Who are you?’ I answered him, ‘I am an Amalekite.’ 9 He said to me, ‘Come, stand over me and kill me; for convulsions have seized me, and yet my life still lingers.’ 10 So I stood over him, and killed him, for I knew that he could not live after he had fallen. I took the crown that was on his head and the armlet that was on his arm, and I have brought them here to my lord.”

11 Then David took hold of his clothes and tore them; and all the men who were with him did the same. 12 They mourned and wept, and fasted until evening for Saul and for his son Jonathan, and for the army of the Lord and for the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword. 13 David said to the young man who had reported to him, “Where do you come from?” He answered, “I am the son of a resident alien, an Amalekite.” 14 David said to him, “Were you not afraid to lift your hand to destroy the Lord’s anointed?” 15 Then David called one of the young men and said, “Come here and strike him down.” So he struck him down and he died. 16 David said to him, “Your blood be on your head; for your own mouth has testified against you, saying, ‘I have killed the Lord’s anointed.’”

17 David intoned this lamentation over Saul and his son Jonathan. 18 (He ordered that The Song of the Bow be taught to the people of Judah; it is written in the Book of Jashar.) He said:

19 Your glory, O Israel, lies slain upon your high places!

    How the mighty have fallen!

20 Tell it not in Gath,

    proclaim it not in the streets of Ashkelon;

or the daughters of the Philistines will rejoice,

    the daughters of the uncircumcised will exult.

 

21 You mountains of Gilboa,

    let there be no dew or rain upon you,

    nor bounteous fields!

For there the shield of the mighty was defiled,

    the shield of Saul, anointed with oil no more.

22 From the blood of the slain,

    from the fat of the mighty,

the bow of Jonathan did not turn back,

    nor the sword of Saul return empty.

 

23 Saul and Jonathan, beloved and lovely!

    In life and in death they were not divided;

they were swifter than eagles,

    they were stronger than lions.

24 O daughters of Israel, weep over Saul,

    who clothed you with crimson, in luxury,

    who put ornaments of gold on your apparel.

 

25 How the mighty have fallen

    in the midst of the battle!

Jonathan lies slain upon your high places.

26     I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan;

greatly beloved were you to me;

    your love to me was wonderful,

    passing the love of women.

27 How the mighty have fallen,

    and the weapons of war perished!

David Anointed King of Judah

2 After this David inquired of the Lord, “Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah?” The Lord said to him, “Go up.” David said, “To which shall I go up?” He said, “To Hebron.” 2 So David went up there, along with his two wives, Ahinoam of Jezreel, and Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel. 3 David brought up the men who were with him, every one with his household; and they settled in the towns of Hebron. 4 Then the people of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah.

When they told David, “It was the people of Jabesh-gilead who buried Saul,” 5 David sent messengers to the people of Jabesh-gilead, and said to them, “May you be blessed by the Lord, because you showed this loyalty to Saul your lord, and buried him! 6 Now may the Lord show steadfast love and faithfulness to you! And I too will reward you because you have done this thing. 7 Therefore let your hands be strong, and be valiant; for Saul your lord is dead, and the house of Judah has anointed me king over them.”

Ishbaal King of Israel

Chapter 2:8 But Abner son of Ner, commander of Saul’s army, had taken Ishbaal son of Saul, and brought him over to Mahanaim. 9 He made him king over Gilead, the Ashurites, Jezreel, Ephraim, Benjamin, and over all Israel. 10 Ishbaal, Saul’s son, was forty years old when he began to reign over Israel, and he reigned two years. But the house of Judah followed David. 11 The time that David was king in Hebron over the house of Judah was seven years and six months.

We will skip over in summary what follows in Chapter 3: there is war between Judah and Israel, and in the course of the war, Abner kills Asahel, the brother of Joab. (Joab is David’s nephew and the commander of his army). The war continued, with David growing stronger, and the house of Saul growing weaker, until Abner defects to David. Just as he defects, however, Joab murders him treacherously, pretending friendship, then stabbing him with a hidden dagger. David grieves publicly for Abner, renouncing any connection or approval for the murder (but also not bringing any justice upon Joab, although he curses him before God). After Abner’s death, two men murder Ish-baal and bring his head to David, hoping to gain his favor. We will pick up the story there:

Chapter 4:9 David answered Rechab and his brother Baanah, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, “As the Lord lives, who has redeemed my life out of every adversity, 10 when the one who told me, ‘See, Saul is dead,’ thought he was bringing good news, I seized him and killed him at Ziklag—this was the reward I gave him for his news. 11 How much more then, when wicked men have killed a righteous man on his bed in his own house! And now shall I not require his blood at your hand, and destroy you from the earth?” 12 So David commanded the young men, and they killed them; they cut off their hands and feet, and hung their bodies beside the pool at Hebron. But the head of Ishbaal they took and buried in the tomb of Abner at Hebron.

David Anointed King of All Israel

Chapter 5 Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron, and said, “Look, we are your bone and flesh. 2 For some time, while Saul was king over us, it was you who led out Israel and brought it in. The Lord said to you: It is you who shall be shepherd of my people Israel, you who shall be ruler over Israel.” 3 So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron; and King David made a covenant with them at Hebron before the Lord, and they anointed David king over Israel. 4 David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years. 5 At Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months; and at Jerusalem he reigned over all Israel and Judah thirty-three years.

Jerusalem Made Capital of the United Kingdom

6 The king and his men marched to Jerusalem against the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land, who said to David, “You will not come in here, even the blind and the lame will turn you back”—thinking, “David cannot come in here.” 7 Nevertheless David took the stronghold of Zion, which is now the city of David. 8 David had said on that day, “Whoever would strike down the Jebusites, let him get up the water shaft to attack the lame and the blind, those whom David hates.” Therefore it is said, “The blind and the lame shall not come into the house.” 9 David occupied the stronghold, and named it the city of David. David built the city all around from the Millo inward. 10 And David became greater and greater, for the Lord, the God of hosts, was with him.

Unfortunately, there was one particular point where David is going further and further astray, as we can see in these two excerpts, from Chapter 3:2-5 & from chapter 5:13-16:

From Chapter 3:2 Sons were born to David at Hebron: his firstborn was Amnon, of Ahinoam of Jezreel; 3 his second, Chileab, of Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel; the third, Absalom son of Maacah, daughter of King Talmai of Geshur; 4 the fourth, Adonijah son of Haggith; the fifth, Shephatiah son of Abital; 5 and the sixth, Ithream, of David’s wife Eglah. These were born to David in Hebron.

From Chapter 5:13 In Jerusalem, after he came from Hebron, David took more concubines and wives; and more sons and daughters were born to David. 14 These are the names of those who were born to him in Jerusalem: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon, 15 Ibhar, Elishua, Nepheg, Japhia, 16 Elishama, Eliada, and Eliphelet.

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 how we see David acting more and more the king, still not seizing power, but now that Saul is dead, accepting authority when it is offered to him. We see him struggling, and too often failing, to rein in the wild and violent men who have been following him in the wilderness. As he becomes king of Judah, and eventually king of Israel, we see him dealing justice, even and especially on those who seek to curry favor with him by doing violence to Saul and to his family…and finally, we see Jerusalem enter the story for the first time, as the City of David and the new capital of a united Israel. But we must note that all of this has a sinister edge, both because of the violence between Israelites that has accompanied all this, and because of the many wives that David has taken. In all this, he is straying from the way that has been laid out for him in the Torah, and is planting the seeds of profound trouble in the future.)

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)

Saint Theophan the Recluse – The Path of Prayer – Sermon 3-4

Last time, St. Theophan outlined for us the way in which the faithful disciplines of spoken prayer and mental prayer lead to the gift of this genuine and unceasing prayer. In particular, he expressed the paradox, that this gift is something which requires great labor, as we warm our soul to the task of prayer and the desire for communion with God, and yet it is not a wage that is earned, but a gift of God. This time he will conclude this sermon with words of encouragement.

Unceasing Prayer – 4

* * *

When you begin to possess yourself in this way – possessing yourself in your heart as the body possesses itself when it is surrounded on all sides by warmth …

Or when you begin to conduct yourself as people do in the presence of a great and important personage – with fear and attention, unwilling to offend in anything even when they have permission to walk and act freely …

Then you will see begin in your soul the same reaction to the Lord that a bride may have toward a beloved bridegroom …

And then you will know that the precious guest of our souls is very near the door; so that He will come to you and dwell within you.

I think that these few instructions are enough to guide those who search energetically. But really, all this is said only to let those of you who labour in prayer know what is the final end of your prayer. Otherwise, having laboured little and achieved little, you may think you have achieved all that is possible, and then you may relax and weaken in your efforts. This will halt your further ascent on the steps of prayer.

* * *

On the roads, there are signposts to let travellers know how far they have come, and how far they have still to go. In the same way, in our spiritual life, there are similar signs which mark out the steps to perfection. These are provided in order that, knowing where they started, those who are eager for perfection should know how far they have still to go. Then they will not hat hal way, so denying themselves the fruits of their work, fruits which – if they would only take one or two more turnings – are perhaps waiting only just round the corner.

Now I will close my sermon with an ardent prayer, asking that the Lord may give you wisdom in everything, and that you may all reach the perfection of man according to the measure of your age in Christ.

Discussion questions:

1) What did you notice in today’s reading? What surprised you or what was memorable to you? (The Leader should emphasize that St. Theophan's purpose in this is to encourage those who have set out upon this path of prayer, to urge them to dedicated and faithful prayer, assuring them that there is a grace and joy beyond imagining beyond the effort. It is a good thing to hear and begin to understand what course this growth in Christ will take, but the knowledge is not the grace. We must learn to take this knowledge, and turn it toward making a beginning, and having begun, we must run the race faithfully to its end. May the Lord grant to all of us the grace to run with patience.)

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)

John 18:19-38a (High Priest Questions Jesus, Peter Denies Jesus Again, Jesus before Pilate)

Last time we saw Jesus betrayed and and arrested, healing the servant of the high priest after Peter cut off his ear, and then we saw the Lord brought to the house of the high priests. We saw John and Peter follow him, and gain entry (through some family connections of John's) to the courtyard. There, Peter denied that he was a disciple of the Lord for the first time.  We will now see how matters continue.

The High Priest Questions Jesus

19 Then the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and about his teaching. 20 Jesus answered, “I have spoken openly to the world; I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all the Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. 21 Why do you ask me? Ask those who heard what I said to them; they know what I said.” 22 When he had said this, one of the police standing nearby struck Jesus on the face, saying, “Is that how you answer the high priest?” 23 Jesus answered, “If I have spoken wrongly, testify to the wrong. But if I have spoken rightly, why do you strike me?” 24 Then Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.

Peter Denies Jesus Again

25 Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. They asked him, “You are not also one of his disciples, are you?” He denied it and said, “I am not.” 26 One of the slaves of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, “Did I not see you in the garden with him?” 27 Again Peter denied it, and at that moment the cock crowed.

Jesus before Pilate

28 Then they took Jesus from Caiaphas to Pilate’s headquarters. It was early in the morning. They themselves did not enter the headquarters, so as to avoid ritual defilement and to be able to eat the Passover. 29 So Pilate went out to them and said, “What accusation do you bring against this man?” 30 They answered, “If this man were not a criminal, we would not have handed him over to you.” 31 Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and judge him according to your law.” The Jews replied, “We are not permitted to put anyone to death.” 32 (This was to fulfill what Jesus had said when he indicated the kind of death he was to die.)

33 Then Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” 34 Jesus answered, “Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?” 35 Pilate replied, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?” 36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.” 37 Pilate asked him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” 38 Pilate asked him, “What is truth?”

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 Jesus is conducting himself calmly, without fear or anger, and is even continuing to teach. When he is struck, he mildly asks what crime he is being struck for, even as he replies mildly, but firmly, to the accusations against Him, reminding them that He has taught publicly, and His teachings are well known to all. Meanwhile, Peter denies the Lord again, not once, but twice, and then the rooster crows, just as Jesus had told Peter that it would after Peter denied Him three times. From all this, however, we see the high priests and the leaders of the people determined to see Jesus killed, which is why they bring Him to Pilate. It is good to note that, while the high priests could "normally" incite a mob to stone someone that they dislike, they are being very careful not to create a riot during the Passover, because they know that Pilate is perfectly willing to massacre Jews in order to keep the peace. But they are unwilling to let Jesus go, now that He has fallen into their hands; so they take Him to Pilate, making up accusations that will require His death as they 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 1 (Monday)

1 Kingdoms 30:1-31; 31:1-13 (David Avenges the Destruction of Ziklag, the Death of Saul & his Sons)

Last time we saw Saul consult a medium, asking her to inquire of Samuel what would happen in the coming battle with the Philistines. To the shock of the medium, Samuel actually came when she “summoned” him, and told Saul exactly the same thing that he had told him before, that God had forsaken him because he, Saul, had forsaken God, and that Saul and his sons would die in battle the next day. We then saw David try to march with the Philistines as they went to battle, but they turned him back, not trusting him to fight on their side, and expecting that he would turn against them in the course of the battle. This time, we will see what happens to David after this, and will see the final end of King Saul.

David Avenges the Destruction of Ziklag

30 Now when David and his men came to Ziklag on the third day, the Amalekites had made a raid on the Negeb and on Ziklag. They had attacked Ziklag, burned it down, 2 and taken captive the women and all who were in it, both small and great; they killed none of them, but carried them off, and went their way. 3 When David and his men came to the city, they found it burned down, and their wives and sons and daughters taken captive. 

4 Then David and the people who were with him raised their voices and wept, until they had no more strength to weep. 5 David’s two wives also had been taken captive, Ahinoam of Jezreel, and Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel. 6 David was in great danger; for the people spoke of stoning him, because all the people were bitter in spirit for their sons and daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.

7 David said to the priest Abiathar son of Ahimelech, “Bring me the ephod.” So Abiathar brought the ephod to David. 8 David inquired of the Lord, “Shall I pursue this band? Shall I overtake them?” He answered him, “Pursue; for you shall surely overtake and shall surely rescue.” 9 So David set out, he and the six hundred men who were with him. They came to the Wadi Besor, where those stayed who were left behind. 10 But David went on with the pursuit, he and four hundred men; two hundred stayed behind, too exhausted to cross the Wadi Besor.

11 In the open country they found an Egyptian, and brought him to David. They gave him bread and he ate; they gave him water to drink; 12 they also gave him a piece of fig cake and two clusters of raisins. When he had eaten, his spirit revived; for he had not eaten bread or drunk water for three days and three nights. 13 Then David said to him, “To whom do you belong? Where are you from?” 

He said, “I am a young man of Egypt, servant to an Amalekite. My master left me behind because I fell sick three days ago. 14 We had made a raid on the Negeb of the Cherethites and on that which belongs to Judah and on the Negeb of Caleb; and we burned Ziklag down.” 15 David said to him, “Will you take me down to this raiding party?” He said, “Swear to me by God that you will not kill me, or hand me over to my master, and I will take you down to them.”

16 When he had taken him down, they were spread out all over the ground, eating and drinking and dancing, because of the great amount of spoil they had taken from the land of the Philistines and from the land of Judah. 17 David attacked them from twilight until the evening of the next day. Not one of them escaped, except four hundred young men, who mounted camels and fled. 18 David recovered all that the Amalekites had taken; and David rescued his two wives. 19 Nothing was missing, whether small or great, sons or daughters, spoil or anything that had been taken; David brought back everything. 20 David also captured all the flocks and herds, which were driven ahead of the other cattle; people said, “This is David’s spoil.”

21 Then David came to the two hundred men who had been too exhausted to follow David, and who had been left at the Wadi Besor. They went out to meet David and to meet the people who were with him. When David drew near to the people he saluted them. 22 Then all the corrupt and worthless fellows among the men who had gone with David said, “Because they did not go with us, we will not give them any of the spoil that we have recovered, except that each man may take his wife and children, and leave.” 

23 But David said, “You shall not do so, my brothers, with what the Lord has given us; he has preserved us and handed over to us the raiding party that attacked us. 24 Who would listen to you in this matter? For the share of the one who goes down into the battle shall be the same as the share of the one who stays by the baggage; they shall share alike.” 25 From that day forward he made it a statute and an ordinance for Israel; it continues to the present day.

26 When David came to Ziklag, he sent part of the spoil to his friends, the elders of Judah, saying, “Here is a present for you from the spoil of the enemies of the Lord”; 27 it was for those in Bethel, in Ramoth of the Negeb, in Jattir, 28 in Aroer, in Siphmoth, in Eshtemoa, 29 in Racal, in the towns of the Jerahmeelites, in the towns of the Kenites, 30 in Hormah, in Bor-ashan, in Athach, 31 in Hebron, all the places where David and his men had roamed.

The Death of Saul and His Sons

31 Now the Philistines fought against Israel; and the men of Israel fled before the Philistines, and many fell on Mount Gilboa. 2 The Philistines overtook Saul and his sons; and the Philistines killed Jonathan and Abinadab and Malchishua, the sons of Saul. 3 The battle pressed hard upon Saul; the archers found him, and he was badly wounded by them. 4 Then Saul said to his armor-bearer, “Draw your sword and thrust me through with it, so that these uncircumcised may not come and thrust me through, and make sport of me.” But his armor-bearer was unwilling; for he was terrified. So Saul took his own sword and fell upon it. 

5 When his armor-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he also fell upon his sword and died with him. 6 So Saul and his three sons and his armor-bearer and all his men died together on the same day. 7 When the men of Israel who were on the other side of the valley and those beyond the Jordan saw that the men of Israel had fled and that Saul and his sons were dead, they forsook their towns and fled; and the Philistines came and occupied them.

8 The next day, when the Philistines came to strip the dead, they found Saul and his three sons fallen on Mount Gilboa. 9 They cut off his head, stripped off his armor, and sent messengers throughout the land of the Philistines to carry the good news to the houses of their idols and to the people. 10 They put his armor in the temple of Astarte; and they fastened his body to the wall of Beth-shan. 

11 But when the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead heard what the Philistines had done to Saul, 12 all the valiant men set out, traveled all night long, and took the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Beth-shan. They came to Jabesh and burned them there. 13 Then they took their bones and buried them under the tamarisk tree in Jabesh, and fasted seven days.

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 we see the Lord helping David here, in two ways. First, in that the Lord grants him a victory over this raiding party, so that he is able to recover everyone and everything that was lost, and much more besides. Second, in that David comes back to Ziklag in time to go after the raiders in the first place. If the Philistines had not sent him back, then by the time David returned, his wives, and the wives and children and possessions of all his men, would have been long gone, past recovery. On the other hand, we also see today the final end of King Saul, as his army is defeated, and his sons are killed in the rout, and he himself kills himself rather than be overtaken and killed by the Philistines. It is a sad end to the young man we first saw last year, searching for his father’s donkeys; the silver lining is the heroic journey of the men of Jabesh-Gilead, who raided deep into what was now Philistine-controlled territory to recover the bodies of Saul and his sons. We should note that burning of bodies is not normal; it may be that this is done because the flesh has already begun to rot, or perhaps as a matter of purification, as the bodies had been desecrated by the Philistines. It is also strange that the men of Jabesh Gilead fast for seven days, but if we remember, one of the first victories that Saul won was over Nahash the Ammonite, who had given Jabesh Gilead seven days to ask for help before he annihilated them (in 1 Samuel 11). Saul came and delivered them on the seventh day, and therefore, perhaps, this seven day fast is to honor the fallen glory of the Lord’s Anointed, Saul.)

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)

Saint Theophan the Recluse – The Path of Prayer – Sermon 3-3

Last time, we saw St. Theophan speak of how genuine and unceasing prayer is true prayer, and how we labour towards attaining this through the discipline of the daily rule of spoken prayer, and the practice of mental prayer, turning our minds toward the things of God at all times through the day. At the same time, he reminded us very clearly that unceasing prayer is not the mechanical or automatic result of such disciplines, but is rather a gift of God. It is essential that we labour for it, because this is how we turn our desire toward the Lord and ask for this gift and blessing, but it is God’s gift to those who receive it. This time, he will describe this in more detail.

Unceasing Prayer – 3-3

* * *

We pray morning and evening. The time between is long. However ardently we pray, if we turn to God only at these times in the whole day and night, it will all become scattered again. Then, when the time for prayer comes round, the soul will again be as cold and empty as before. Even if we pray fervently, if we then keep cooling down and becoming distracted, what profit is there in it? We just create and destroy, create and destroy again: it is no more than empty labour.

But if we now put ourselves to the task of not only of accomplishing our rule of prayer with attention and feeling, morning and night, but more: of practicing reflection on divine things, of turning every action to the glory of God, of frequently appealing to God from our heart with short, prayerful exclamations – then these long intervals between morning and evening, and between evening and morning prayers, will be filled with frequent appeals to God, and with frequent prayerful actions.

* * *

Although this is not unceasing prayer, it will be repeated often in such a way that, the more often it is repeated, the closer it will grow to unceasing prayer. This work is an inevitable and necessary transitional stage on the way to achievement of unceasing prayer.

If you carry out this work every day, constantly and without tiring, you can see for yourself what must happen in your soul!

From meditation on the divine, the fear of God will be born. This fear of God is already an achievement. In it, we understand the everlasting perfection of the actions of God – comprehending them through both thought and feeling.

By turning our every action to the glory of God, we will bear within ourselves the constant remembrance of God. Remembering, whatever we do, that we are constantly in the presence of God, we will actually be walking in the presence of God.

Finally, by frequent appeals to God… in other words, by often evoking reverent feelings toward God in our hearts, we will give birth to the constant warm and loving utterance in our heart of the sweet name of our Lord. In turn, this will inevitably kindle in our hearts the spiritual fire about which I spoke earlier. This (inner fire) brings with it a profound peace, constant watchful-ness, and life-giving courage. With it we will enter into that state which is the highest we can aspire to on earth, a true foretaste of the state of bliss awaiting us all in the future.

This is a true realization of what the apostle described when he said: "Your life is hid with Christ in God." (Colossians 3:3).

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 seeming paradox in this, how there is a process of disciplined growth that can be discerned and described, which seems to naturally establish this reality of unceasing prayer. But at the same time, this unceasing prayer is a fire which is kindled by God, not some high and lofty attainment which is available to the spiritually ambitious. The process is natural and dependable because of God’s love for us, and His desire for us to reach the fulfillment for which He has created us, and not because of some mechanistic system which has been discovered, discerned, or created. Unceasing prayer is the natural result of disciplined and heartfelt labour in prayer; but it is God’s gift to those who seek Him. Our freedom and God’s freedom are both preserved in this.)

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)

John 18:1-18 (Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus, Jesus before the High Priest, Peter Denies Jesus)

Last time, we saw Jesus conclude the High Priestly Prayer at the end of the Mystical Supper in the Upper Room. We noted how this prayer, for His disciples, and by extension all of us, to be one with one another, with Him, and with the Father, is remarkable in its expression of the high calling that we have received in the Lord. It is worth noting that the Anaphora of the Divine Liturgy resonates strongly with what the Lord says in this prayer; it is our response in Thanskgiving to His prayer for us.

The Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus

18 After Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the Kidron valley to a place where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. 2 Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, because Jesus often met there with his disciples. 3 So Judas brought a detachment of soldiers together with police from the chief priests and the Pharisees, and they came there with lanterns and torches and weapons. 

4 Then Jesus, knowing all that was to happen to him, came forward and asked them, “Whom are you looking for?” 5 They answered, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus replied, “I am he.” Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. 6 When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they stepped back and fell to the ground. 7 Again he asked them, “Whom are you looking for?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” 8 Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. So if you are looking for me, let these men go.” 

9 This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken, “I did not lose a single one of those whom you gave me.” 10 Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it, struck the high priest’s slave, and cut off his right ear. The slave’s name was Malchus. 11 Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword back into its sheath. Am I not to drink the cup that the Father has given me?”

Jesus before the High Priest

12 So the soldiers, their officer, and the Jewish police arrested Jesus and bound him. 13 First they took him to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. 14 Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it was better to have one person die for the people.

Peter Denies Jesus

15 Simon Peter and another disciple followed Jesus. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest, 16 but Peter was standing outside at the gate. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out, spoke to the woman who guarded the gate, and brought Peter in. 17 The woman said to Peter, “You are not also one of this man’s disciples, are you?” He said, “I am not.” 18 Now the slaves and the police had made a charcoal fire because it was cold, and they were standing around it and warming themselves. Peter also was standing with them and warming himself.

Discussion questions:

1) What did you notice in today’s reading? What surprised you or what was memorable to you? (The Leader should note how St. John interprets what the Lord had said previously, that not one of those the Father had given to Him had been lost, except the son of perdition…that it is speaking specifically of His twelve disciples, and of how the Lord has preserved them all, even in the moment of His own betrayal (which is actually extremely unusual, that the followers of an accused subversive should be allowed to escape), and how this shows that He is not arrested against His will, but goes willingly, even in His captivity as the Lord of all. We must also note how the Lord corrects Peter, gently, but firmly, refusing to accept the violence that Peter has done as a gift or service to him, and healing the wound that he has inflicted. The shedding of blood is not the way to serve and follow the Lord, and for Peter, this is a hard lesson, and perhaps stands somewhat behind his denial 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 1 (Monday)

1 Kingdoms 28:1-25; 29:1-11; (Saul Consults a Medium, the Death of Saul, the Philistines Reject David)

Last time we saw David spare Saul’s life once more, and then go to take refuge among the Philistines. We saw that he was even granted a town of his own for him and his men and their families to live in, and that he spent his time going out and attacking the long-time enemies of Israel (while claiming that he was actually attacking Israel itself). This is somewhat ambiguous to us; it may be that David is making an error like Abraham, seeking refuge in Egypt rather than trusting in God, or it may be that David is using this as an opportunity to continue to function as the actual king of Israel, continuing the destruction of pagan peoples who remained in the Promised Land after Joshua’s death. The fact that he keeps the booty from these attacks, indicates that he is in fact lapsing from faithfulness, but it’s not clear at this point.

The Philistines Prepare for War

28 In those days the Philistines gathered their forces for war, to fight against Israel. Achish said to David, “You know, of course, that you and your men are to go out with me in the army.” 2 David said to Achish, “Very well, then you shall know what your servant can do.” Achish said to David, “Very well, I will make you my bodyguard for life.”

Saul Consults a Medium

3 Now Samuel had died, and all Israel had mourned for him and buried him in Ramah, his own city. Saul had expelled the mediums and the wizards from the land. 4 The Philistines assembled, and came and encamped at Shunem. Saul gathered all Israel, and they encamped at Gilboa. 5 When Saul saw the army of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart trembled greatly. 6 When Saul inquired of the Lord, the Lord did not answer him, not by dreams, or by Urim, or by prophets. 7 Then Saul said to his servants, “Seek out for me a woman who is a medium, so that I may go to her and inquire of her.” His servants said to him, “There is a medium at Endor.”

8 So Saul disguised himself and put on other clothes and went there, he and two men with him. They came to the woman by night. And he said, “Consult a spirit for me, and bring up for me the one whom I name to you.” 9 The woman said to him, “Surely you know what Saul has done, how he has cut off the mediums and the wizards from the land. Why then are you laying a snare for my life to bring about my death?” 10 But Saul swore to her by the Lord, “As the Lord lives, no punishment shall come upon you for this thing.”

11 Then the woman said, “Whom shall I bring up for you?” He answered, “Bring up Samuel for me.” 12 When the woman saw Samuel, she cried out with a loud voice; and the woman said to Saul, “Why have you deceived me? You are Saul!” 13 The king said to her, “Have no fear; what do you see?” The woman said to Saul, “I see a divine being coming up out of the ground.” 14 He said to her, “What is his appearance?” She said, “An old man is coming up; he is wrapped in a robe.” So Saul knew that it was Samuel, and he bowed with his face to the ground, and did obeisance.

15 Then Samuel said to Saul, “Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?” Saul answered, “I am in great distress, for the Philistines are warring against me, and God has turned away from me and answers me no more, either by prophets or by dreams; so I have summoned you to tell me what I should do.”

16 Samuel said, “Why then do you ask me, since the Lord has turned from you and become your enemy? 17 The Lord has done to you just as he spoke by me; for the Lord has torn the kingdom out of your hand, and given it to your neighbor, David. 18 Because you did not obey the voice of the Lord, and did not carry out his fierce wrath against Amalek, therefore the Lord has done this thing to you today. 19 Moreover the Lord will give Israel along with you into the hands of the Philistines; and tomorrow you and your sons shall be with me; the Lord will also give the army of Israel into the hands of the Philistines.”

20 Immediately Saul fell full length on the ground, filled with fear because of the words of Samuel; and there was no strength in him, for he had eaten nothing all day and all night. 21 The woman came to Saul, and when she saw that he was terrified, she said to him, “Your servant has listened to you; I have taken my life in my hand, and have listened to what you have said to me. 22 Now therefore, you also listen to your servant; let me set a morsel of bread before you. Eat, that you may have strength when you go on your way.”

23 He refused, and said, “I will not eat.” But his servants, together with the woman, urged him; and he listened to their words. So he got up from the ground and sat on the bed. 24 Now the woman had a fatted calf in the house. She quickly slaughtered it, and she took flour, kneaded it, and baked unleavened cakes. 25 She put them before Saul and his servants, and they ate. Then they rose and went away that night.

The Philistines Reject David

29 Now the Philistines gathered all their forces at Aphek, while the Israelites were encamped by the fountain that is in Jezreel. 2 As the lords of the Philistines were passing on by hundreds and by thousands, and David and his men were passing on in the rear with Achish, 3 the commanders of the Philistines said, “What are these Hebrews doing here?” Achish said to the commanders of the Philistines, “Is this not David, the servant of King Saul of Israel, who has been with me now for days and years? Since he deserted to me I have found no fault in him to this day.”

4 But the commanders of the Philistines were angry with him; and the commanders of the Philistines said to him, “Send the man back, so that he may return to the place that you have assigned to him; he shall not go down with us to battle, or else he may become an adversary to us in the battle. For how could this fellow reconcile himself to his lord? Would it not be with the heads of the men here? 5 Is this not David, of whom they sing to one another in dances,

‘Saul has killed his thousands,
and David his ten thousands’?”

6 Then Achish called David and said to him, “As the Lord lives, you have been honest, and to me it seems right that you should march out and in with me in the campaign; for I have found nothing wrong in you from the day of your coming to me until today. Nevertheless the lords do not approve of you. 7 So go back now; and go peaceably; do nothing to displease the lords of the Philistines.” 8 David said to Achish, “But what have I done? What have you found in your servant from the day I entered your service until now, that I should not go and fight against the enemies of my lord the king?”

9 Achish replied to David, “I know that you are as blameless in my sight as an angel of God; nevertheless, the commanders of the Philistines have said, ‘He shall not go up with us to the battle.’ 10 Now then rise early in the morning, you and the servants of your lord who came with you, and go to the place that I appointed for you. As for the evil report, do not take it to heart, for you have done well before me. Start early in the morning, and leave as soon as you have light.” 11 So David set out with his men early in the morning, to return to the land of the Philistines. But the Philistines went up to Jezreel.

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 things here – first, it should be noted that generally, the practice of necromancy at this time dealt in sounds only, which the medium would interpret to whoever was making the inquiry. This is why the medium in this case responds as she does when she sees Samuel, fully formed and visible; her trick has surprisingly been far more successful than expected. We can understand from this that God has sent Samuel to give to Saul one final word; this may even be one final opportunity for Saul to repent, to deliver over the kingdom to David, and to ask for mercy for himself and his family. But Saul does not repent; he knows himself to be guilty, and all-but-faints at the words of the prophet. As for David, despite his time with the Philistines, we see here that he is sent away by them. He appears to be willing to fight with the Philistines against Saul, but is effectively preserved from the need to do this by their distrust of him. It is not clear what the sense of this is; it’s possible that David actually intended to do exactly what the Philistine commanders feared, and to turn on them at the pivotal point in the battle, and that the result of their distrust is the Philistine victory that God has ordained in judgment against Saul, and to finally grant the kingdom to David. But all this is ambiguous, and somewhat troubling, especially as we have seen David beginning to act as just another Canaanite warlord/king. What we need to remember in all this is that David’s path is not a perfect one, but is one that leads to profound repentance and prayer and faith; it is for this that he is remembered, and because of this that he is counted among the Saints, and his prayers are read as the most fundamental prayer book 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 2 (Wednesday)

Saint Theophan the Recluse – The Path of Prayer – Sermon 3-2

Last time, St. Theophan urged us to move beyond spoken and mental prayer, and to learn what he calls genuine prayer, a constant turning of the mind and heart toward the Lord. He spent some time describing what this is like, and giving us words from Scripture that assure us that this unceasing prayer is truly something to which we are all called, and is indeed the reality in which we are called to live. This time, he will continue to outline what is the path toward this, and to assure us that it is for all of us.

Unceasing Prayer – 2

We must learn to do on earth all this that is done by the angels and saints in heaven. We must learn here to become accustomed to this angelic, continual, prayerful standing before God in our hearts.

Only someone who achieves this will become a true man of prayer. But how can one become worthy of this great gift?

I will answer this question briefly as follows: If you labour untiringly in prayer, always zealous and full of hope – if you strive without ceasing to reach the promised land, which is the burning of the spirit – you will certainly attain what you seek.

Saint Macarius of Egypt – who practised this work and received the fruits of prayer – testified to this fact. "If you do not have prayer," he said, "Labour in prayer. Then the Lord, seeing your work, will grant you this prayer, because of your patient perseverance, and because of your powerful desire for this blessing. "

Labour alone reaches only so far. But [it changes] when the fire is lit, that of which our Lord speaks as follows: "I come to cast fire upon the earth," (Luke 12:49) "and what will I do if it is already kindled. " At this time, the labour comes to an end, and then our prayer becomes an easy, free and comforting flow.

But do not think that this describes some kind of very high state, one which cannot be approached by people in ordinary life. No. It actually is a high state, but it can be achieved by everyone. Everyone sometimes feels a warmth and ardour during prayer. This happens when the soul becomes detached from everything, enters into itself, and so prays to God with real warmth. It is actually during this occasional inspired descent of the Spirit upon prayer that the landmark of prayer may be reached, so that after this it becomes a constant condition.

As I have said, the way to this is to make efforts in prayer. When wood is rubbed against wood, it becomes hot, and in this way it makes fire. In the same way, when the soul is rubbed in the effort to pray, this friction finally evokes the fire of prayer.

The effort required for prayer consists of conscientiously persisting in the two stages of prayer I have already described. We can name them: reverent recital of the customary rule of prayer with feeling and attention, is followed by teaching the soul to ascend to God by reflecting on divine things in such a way that we turn everything to the glory of God. This leads us to appeal to God frequently from the heart.

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 this “genuine prayer,” this unceasing prayer, is something that all of us can attain to, if we are willing. Second, that it is not something that we can gain for ourselves, but rather, that it is the gift of God to us. This is a paradox, and yet it is true. It takes great effort from us, and yet, it is always a gift 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 3 (Friday)

John 17:20-26 (High Priestly Prayer continued)

Last time we skipped ahead from the Pharisees’ rejection of the Lord in John 10 to the middle of the Mystical Supper, as the Lord began what is referred to as His “High Priestly Prayer” for the Apostles, and for all the Church, praying that they might be protected and sanctified and brought into unity with one another, and with Him and with the Father. This time, we will see Him expand this prayer beyond the circle of the Apostles only.

High Priestly Prayer Continued

20 “I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, 23 I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. 24 Father, I desire that those also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory, which you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.

25 “Righteous Father, the world does not know you, but I know you; and these know that you have sent me. 26 I made your name known to them, and I will make it known, so that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in 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 how in this place, as in some others, we see the Lord explicitly turning and looking at, and in this instance praying for, all of us, and not just for those who were present there with Him. This means that we are included in the glory and the protection and sanctification which He offers to His Apostles, and we are included in this most remarkable of promises and prayers: “22 The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, 23 I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. “)

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)

1 Kingdoms 26:1-25; 27:1-12 (David Spares Saul’s Life a Second Time, Serves the King of Gath)

Last time we saw David encounter Nabal, a wealthy and surly man, and lose his temper to the point that he was prepared to kill Nabal and all the men in his household. We saw David turned from this purpose by the wisdom, discretion, and decisive action of Nabal’s wife Abigail, who brought gifts to David and his men. When she told her husband what she had done, he died in shock and rage, and David married her instead. We noted that this was not a good thing, even though Abigail is an excellent wife for David, because she is neither his first or second wife; this is the point that David begins to act more like a king of the Gentile nations than the Anointed of Yahweh, the God of Israel. Nonetheless, David remains humble and faithful to God, as we will see in this week’s reading.

David Spares Saul’s Life a Second Time

26 Then the Ziphites came to Saul at Gibeah, saying, “David is in hiding on the hill of Hachilah, which is opposite Jeshimon.” 2 So Saul rose and went down to the Wilderness of Ziph, with three thousand chosen men of Israel, to seek David in the Wilderness of Ziph. 3 Saul encamped on the hill of Hachilah, which is opposite Jeshimon beside the road. But David remained in the wilderness. When he learned that Saul had come after him into the wilderness, 4 David sent out spies, and learned that Saul had indeed arrived. 5 Then David set out and came to the place where Saul had encamped; and David saw the place where Saul lay, with Abner son of Ner, the commander of his army. Saul was lying within the encampment, while the army was encamped around him.

6 Then David said to Ahimelech the Hittite, and to Joab’s brother Abishai son of Zeruiah, “Who will go down with me into the camp to Saul?” Abishai said, “I will go down with you.” 7 So David and Abishai went to the army by night; there Saul lay sleeping within the encampment, with his spear stuck in the ground at his head; and Abner and the army lay around him. 8 Abishai said to David, “God has given your enemy into your hand today; now therefore let me pin him to the ground with one stroke of the spear; I will not strike him twice.”

9 But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him; for who can raise his hand against the Lord’s anointed, and be guiltless?” 10 David said, “As the Lord lives, the Lord will strike him down; or his day will come to die; or he will go down into battle and perish. 11 The Lord forbid that I should raise my hand against the Lord’s anointed; but now take the spear that is at his head, and the water jar, and let us go.” 12 So David took the spear that was at Saul’s head and the water jar, and they went away. No one saw it, or knew it, nor did anyone awake; for they were all asleep, because a deep sleep from the Lord had fallen upon them.

13 Then David went over to the other side, and stood on top of a hill far away, with a great distance between them. 14 David called to the army and to Abner son of Ner, saying, “Abner! Will you not answer?” Then Abner replied, “Who are you that calls to the king?” 15 David said to Abner, “Are you not a man? Who is like you in Israel? Why then have you not kept watch over your lord the king? For one of the people came in to destroy your lord the king. 16 This thing that you have done is not good. As the Lord lives, you deserve to die, because you have not kept watch over your lord, the Lord’s anointed. See now, where is the king’s spear, or the water jar that was at his head?”

17 Saul recognized David’s voice, and said, “Is this your voice, my son David?” David said, “It is my voice, my lord, O king.” 18 And he added, “Why does my lord pursue his servant? For what have I done? What guilt is on my hands? 19 Now therefore let my lord the king hear the words of his servant. If it is the Lord who has stirred you up against me, may he accept an offering; but if it is mortals, may they be cursed before the Lord, for they have driven me out today from my share in the heritage of the Lord, saying, ‘Go, serve other gods.’ 20 Now therefore, do not let my blood fall to the ground, away from the presence of the Lord; for the king of Israel has come out to seek a single flea, like one who hunts a partridge in the mountains.”

21 Then Saul said, “I have done wrong; come back, my son David, for I will never harm you again, because my life was precious in your sight today; I have been a fool, and have made a great mistake.” 22 David replied, “Here is the spear, O king! Let one of the young men come over and get it. 23 The Lord rewards everyone for his righteousness and his faithfulness; for the Lord gave you into my hand today, but I would not raise my hand against the Lord’s anointed. 24 As your life was precious today in my sight, so may my life be precious in the sight of the Lord, and may he rescue me from all tribulation.” 25 Then Saul said to David, “Blessed be you, my son David! You will do many things and will succeed in them.” So David went his way, and Saul returned to his place.

David Serves King Achish of Gath

27 David said in his heart, “I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul; there is nothing better for me than to escape to the land of the Philistines; then Saul will despair of seeking me any longer within the borders of Israel, and I shall escape out of his hand.” 2 So David set out and went over, he and the six hundred men who were with him, to King Achish son of Maoch of Gath. 3 David stayed with Achish at Gath, he and his troops, every man with his household, and David with his two wives, Ahinoam of Jezreel, and Abigail of Carmel, Nabal’s widow. 4 When Saul was told that David had fled to Gath, he no longer sought for him.

5 Then David said to Achish, “If I have found favor in your sight, let a place be given me in one of the country towns, so that I may live there; for why should your servant live in the royal city with you?” 6 So that day Achish gave him Ziklag; therefore Ziklag has belonged to the kings of Judah to this day. 7 The length of time that David lived in the country of the Philistines was one year and four months.

8 Now David and his men went up and made raids on the Geshurites, the Girzites, and the Amalekites; for these were the landed settlements from Telam on the way to Shur and on to the land of Egypt. 9 David struck the land, leaving neither man nor woman alive, but took away the sheep, the oxen, the donkeys, the camels, and the clothing, and came back to Achish. 10 When Achish asked, “Against whom have you made a raid today?” David would say, “Against the Negeb of Judah,” or “Against the Negeb of the Jerahmeelites,” or, “Against the Negeb of the Kenites.” 11 David left neither man nor woman alive to be brought back to Gath, thinking, “They might tell about us, and say, ‘David has done so and so.’” Such was his practice all the time he lived in the country of the Philistines. 12 Achish trusted David, thinking, “He has made himself utterly abhorrent to his people Israel; therefore he shall always be my servant.”

Discussion questions:

1) What did you notice in today’s reading? What surprised you or what was memorable to you? (The Leader should read this quote from St. Bede of Jarrow, discussing David's dealings with Saul: "1 Samuel 19:18 (ACCS Jos-2 Sam): Bede: David was allotted the kingdom of the Israelites in place of Saul. He was a humble, innocent and gentle exile, yet he was for a long time tormented by [Saul’s] unjust persecution.… Whoever upon hearing these things begins to strive after humility and innocence and to drive pride and envy from his heart, has, as it were, found a draught of the clearest water, by which he may be refreshed. But if he recognizes that Saul signifies those who persecute, and David signifies Christ and the church; and if he recognizes that on account of the [persecutors’] lack of faith, both their material and spiritual sovereignty has been destroyed, while the reign of Christ and the church will always remain; [with this understanding] he will perceive a cup of wine made from the water, for he will know that he is reading not only about that king but about his own life and reign, where before he read [the story] as if it were an ancient history about others. Homilies on the Gospels 1.14." With that said, the Leader should also note that this portion, where David goes and takes refuge with the Philistines, is a strange and remarkable turn for the Anointed of God who began his “career” in defeating the Philistines on behalf of the Lord. It may be that God grants him favor with the Philistine king, but it is also possible that this, like the polygamy we saw last time, indicates a further lapse, and specifically a lapse of faith in God, Who has preserved him so far in every case from Saul.)

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)

Saint Theophan the Recluse – The Path of Prayer – Sermon 3-1

As we prepare to enter into Great Lent, it is good that we should read something regarding the spiritual effort of prayer in which we are engaged. For the last two years, we have read two of four little sermons preached by St. Theophan the Recluse on the subject of prayer, and this year, we will read another. This is the third of four sermons published in the little book “The Path of Prayer” by Praxis Press, translated by Esther Williams. St. Theophan will provide us with an introduction himself, connecting this sermon to the prior two.

Unceasing Prayer – 1

I have already explained to you briefly two aspects, two stages of prayer. These are spoken prayer, when we pray to God with the prayers of others, and mental prayer, when we raise our mind to God through reflection on divine things. In this we offer everything to God, at the same time making frequent appeals to Him from the heart.

But even this is not all. There is a third stage of prayer, and this is genuine prayer. The first two are merely preparations for this. This can be described as: the constant turning of mind and heart to God. This is accompanied by inner warmth, and then by a burning of the spirit. This is the end which prayer should reach, and the aim which every worker in the spirit should keep in mind. Without it, we will labour in vain in the task of prayer.

Remember what is said about prayer in the Holy Word of God: “Watch and pray” (Matthew 26:41) says the Lord. “Be sober, be watchful," teaches the apostle Peter (1 Peter 5), "continue steadfastly in prayer, watching therein," (Colossians 4:2) and: "with all prayer and supplication praying at all seasons in the Spirit," (Ephesians 6:18) the Apostle Paul instructs us. He explains elsewhere the reason why we should do this. It is because – he says: " life is hid with Christ in God." (Corinthians 3:3), and "The Spirit of God dwelleth in you," (Corinthians 3:16) – “to Him it is we call Abba, Father."

From these exhortations and instructions you cannot fail to see that prayer is not some kind of casual, occasional activity, but should abide in us as an uninterrupted state of the spirit, just as breathing and the beating of the heart are uninterrupted actions of the body.

I will illustrate this with an example. The sun stands in the centre, and around it are all the planets; they are all attracted to it and turned towards it, some on one side, some on the other.

What the sun is in the world of objects, God is in the world of mind: the Sun of spirit. Turn your thoughts to heaven, and there, what will you find? The angels! According to the Lord's word, they always see the face of their heavenly Father. All the disembodied spirits, as well as all the saints in heaven, are turned towards God. All of them fix their mental eyes upon Him, and because of the inexpressible bliss which flows through them from this contemplation of God, they never wish to tear away their gaze.

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 how St. Theophan is explaining to us that prayer needs to become more than something that we do, but rather something that we ARE, a reality that permeates and drives our entire existence, the true reality of our being. More remarkably, he is speaking of this reality as something that is attainable, accessible to us, if we have the will to seek it. This is a blessing for which we are created – and this is a marvel that is great indeed.)

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)

John 17:1-19 (Jesus Prays for His Disciples)

Last time we saw Jesus engage one more time with the people of Judaea in the Temple in the winter time, at the feast of the Dedication (which is Hanukkah, incidentally), when He declared Himself clearly once again to be God, one with the Father, and they tried once more to kill Him. At that point He departed from Jerusalem, and went across the Jordan. He remained there until the message came that Lazarus was dying, and when He went and raised Lazarus from the dead, the narrative moves quickly toward Passover, and the Mystical Supper, and the Lord’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection. We will skip (for the moment) over the story of Lazarus, of the plot of the High Priests to kill Jesus, over the anointing of the Lord’s feet by Mary, Lazarus’ sister, over Palm Sunday, over the Last Supper, the Lord’s washing of the feet of His disciples, and most of the Lord’s discourse with His disciples at the Mystical Supper. We will return to all of those things after Pascha, and will read them through the summer, but since so much of the Gospel according to John is set in Jerusalem immediately before the Crucifixion, we need to skip ahead in order to get to the Crucifixion in time for Holy Week. Today, then, we will pick up the story after He has said to them: “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). And from there, He moves into what is usually called the High Priestly Prayer of the Lord.

Jesus Prays for His Disciples

17 After Jesus had spoken these words, he looked up to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you, 2 since you have given him authority over all people, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. 3 And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. 4 I glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do. 5 So now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had in your presence before the world existed.

6 “I have made your name known to those whom you gave me from the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. 7 Now they know that everything you have given me is from you; 8 for the words that you gave to me I have given to them, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. 9 I am asking on their behalf; I am not asking on behalf of the world, but on behalf of those whom you gave me, because they are yours.

10 All mine are yours, and yours are mine; and I have been glorified in them. 11 And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one. 12 While I was with them, I protected them in your name that you have given me. I guarded them, and not one of them was lost except the one destined to be lost, so that the scripture might be fulfilled. 13 But now I am coming to you, and I speak these things in the world so that they may have my joy made complete in themselves.

14 I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. 15 I am not asking you to take them out of the world, but I ask you to protect them from the evil one. 16 They do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. 17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you have sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, so that they also may be sanctified in truth.

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 two remarkable things that are present throughout this passage. First, that the Lord says so explicitly that He has shared in the glory of the Father from eternity, and abides always with the Father. This is a truth beyond our understanding or comprehension, but the Lord is clear in what He says here. The second remarkable thing, however, is that the Lord prays for His disciples, and all who follow Him, to become partakers of this glory and truth and life and love and unity that are revealed to us by the Lord, in which He abides eternally with the Father and the Holy Spirit.)

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)

1 Kingdoms 25:1-44 (Death of Samuel, David & the Wife of Nabal)

Last time we saw David acting more as the king of Israel than Saul, saving a city being attacked by the Philistines, and then fleeing when they prepared to hand him over to Saul in exchange for that good deed. We saw him have an opportunity to kill Saul, and we saw him refuse to take this opportunity, unwilling to raise his hand against the Lord’s Anointed (and we noted that this phrase could as easily be translated as “The Messiah of Yahweh”). This time, we will see what transpires afterward, and (possibly) we will see the first place where David doesn’t quite get it right.

Death of Samuel

25 Now Samuel died; and all Israel assembled and mourned for him. They buried him at his home in Ramah.

Then David got up and went down to the wilderness of Paran.

David and the Wife of Nabal

2 There was a man in Maon, whose property was in Carmel. The man was very rich; he had three thousand sheep and a thousand goats. He was shearing his sheep in Carmel. 3 Now the name of the man was Nabal, and the name of his wife Abigail. The woman was clever and beautiful, but the man was surly and mean; he was a Calebite. 4 David heard in the wilderness that Nabal was shearing his sheep.

5 So David sent ten young men; and David said to the young men, “Go up to Carmel, and go to Nabal, and greet him in my name. 6 Thus you shall salute him: ‘Peace be to you, and peace be to your house, and peace be to all that you have. 7 I hear that you have shearers; now your shepherds have been with us, and we did them no harm, and they missed nothing, all the time they were in Carmel. 8 Ask your young men, and they will tell you. Therefore let my young men find favor in your sight; for we have come on a feast day. Please give whatever you have at hand to your servants and to your son David.’”

9 When David’s young men came, they said all this to Nabal in the name of David; and then they waited. 10 But Nabal answered David’s servants, “Who is David? Who is the son of Jesse? There are many servants today who are breaking away from their masters. 11 Shall I take my bread and my water and the meat that I have butchered for my shearers, and give it to men who come from I do not know where?”

12 So David’s young men turned away, and came back and told him all this. 13 David said to his men, “Every man strap on his sword!” And every one of them strapped on his sword; David also strapped on his sword; and about four hundred men went up after David, while two hundred remained with the baggage.

14 But one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal’s wife, “David sent messengers out of the wilderness to salute our master; and he shouted insults at them. 15 Yet the men were very good to us, and we suffered no harm, and we never missed anything when we were in the fields, as long as we were with them; 16 they were a wall to us both by night and by day, all the while we were with them keeping the sheep. 17 Now therefore know this and consider what you should do; for evil has been decided against our master and against all his house; he is so ill-natured that no one can speak to him.”

18 Then Abigail hurried and took two hundred loaves, two skins of wine, five sheep ready dressed, five measures of parched grain, one hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes of figs. She loaded them on donkeys 19 and said to her young men, “Go on ahead of me; I am coming after you.” But she did not tell her husband Nabal. 20 As she rode on the donkey and came down under cover of the mountain, David and his men came down toward her; and she met them. 21 Now David had said, “Surely it was in vain that I protected all that this fellow has in the wilderness, so that nothing was missed of all that belonged to him; but he has returned me evil for good. 22 God do so to David and more also, if by morning I leave so much as one male of all who belong to him.”

23 When Abigail saw David, she hurried and alighted from the donkey, and fell before David on her face, bowing to the ground. 24 She fell at his feet and said, “Upon me alone, my lord, be the guilt; please let your servant speak in your ears, and hear the words of your servant. 25 My lord, do not take seriously this ill-natured fellow, Nabal; for as his name is, so is he; Nabal is his name, and folly is with him; but I, your servant, did not see the young men of my lord, whom you sent.

26 “Now then, my lord, as the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, since the Lord has restrained you from bloodguilt and from taking vengeance with your own hand, now let your enemies and those who seek to do evil to my lord be like Nabal. 27 And now let this present that your servant has brought to my lord be given to the young men who follow my lord. 28 Please forgive the trespass of your servant; for the Lord will certainly make my lord a sure house, because my lord is fighting the battles of the Lord; and evil shall not be found in you so long as you live.”

“29 If anyone should rise up to pursue you and to seek your life, the life of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of the living under the care of the Lord your God; but the lives of your enemies he shall sling out as from the hollow of a sling. 30 When the Lord has done to my lord according to all the good that he has spoken concerning you, and has appointed you prince over Israel, 31 my lord shall have no cause of grief, or pangs of conscience, for having shed blood without cause or for having saved himself. And when the Lord has dealt well with my lord, then remember your servant.”

32 David said to Abigail, “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who sent you to meet me today! 33 Blessed be your good sense, and blessed be you, who have kept me today from bloodguilt and from avenging myself by my own hand! 34 For as surely as the Lord the God of Israel lives, who has restrained me from hurting you, unless you had hurried and come to meet me, truly by morning there would not have been left to Nabal so much as one male.” 35 Then David received from her hand what she had brought him; he said to her, “Go up to your house in peace; see, I have heeded your voice, and I have granted your petition.”

36 Abigail came to Nabal; he was holding a feast in his house, like the feast of a king. Nabal’s heart was merry within him, for he was very drunk; so she told him nothing at all until the morning light. 37 In the morning, when the wine had gone out of Nabal, his wife told him these things, and his heart died within him; he became like a stone. 38 About ten days later the Lord struck Nabal, and he died.

39 When David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, “Blessed be the Lord who has judged the case of Nabal’s insult to me, and has kept back his servant from evil; the Lord has returned the evildoing of Nabal upon his own head.” Then David sent and wooed Abigail, to make her his wife. 40 When David’s servants came to Abigail at Carmel, they said to her, “David has sent us to you to take you to him as his wife.” 41 She rose and bowed down, with her face to the ground, and said, “Your servant is a slave to wash the feet of the servants of my lord.” 42 Abigail got up hurriedly and rode away on a donkey; her five maids attended her. She went after the messengers of David and became his wife.

43 David also married Ahinoam of Jezreel; both of them became his wives. 44 Saul had given his daughter Michal, David’s wife, to Palti son of Laish, who was from Gallim.

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 the star of this story is Abigail, not David, and certainly not Nabal. The reason that we are given this story is not overtly clear, in terms of David’s story, but the discretion and wisdom of Abigail indicates that this story may simply be given to us so that we can see an example of a prudent, faithful and discrete woman. Abigail is generally remembered in both the Christian and the Jewish tradition as an example of righteousness and holiness; among the Jews, she is counted as one of seven women prophets, along with the likes of Miriam, Deborah, Hannah, Sarah, and Esther). Her son with David, is the only one of David’s older sons to not ever be mentioned again in the Scriptures, unlike his brothers and half-brothers, who all raised rebellion against David. His name, perhaps significantly, is Chileab or Daniel, and one might speculate that perhaps the Daniel of the exile is a descendant of David through his line. As for David, however, in this passage we see him taking a 2nd and a 3rd wife, besides Michal the daughter of Saul. The taking of multiple wives is a custom of the heathen tribes, and is not what a good and faithful king is supposed to do (cf. Deut. 17:14-1714 “When you come to the land that the Lord your God is giving you, and you possess it and dwell in it and then say, ‘I will set a king over me, like all the nations that are around me,’ 15 you may indeed set a king over you whom the Lord your God will choose. One from among your brothers you shall set as king over you. You may not put a foreigner over you, who is not your brother. 16 Only he must not acquire many horses for himself or cause the people to return to Egypt in order to acquire many horses, since the Lord has said to you, ‘You shall never return that way again.’ 17 And he shall not acquire many wives for himself, lest his heart turn away, nor shall he acquire for himself excessive silver and gold.”). In this mismanagement of his household, we see the seeds of David’s eventual great sin and the trouble that afflicts him in his later years.)

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 – 7

Last time, we saw St. Anthony speak about the weakness of the demons’ in their attacks upon us, and also give a guide for how to discern whether a spiritual experience is a demonic attack or not. In that instance, he speaks of the fear, and reminds us that when we are visited by an angel or other messenger of God, they will move quickly to alleviate the fear, but the evil spirits will never do so. We should refuse to give in to fear of them, but if they do not comfort that fear, then we may know by that who they are. He then begins to give some of his own experiences, as illustrations of these principles, and he will continue with this, and with some final advice for those troubled by evil spirits, in our selection for today as we come to the end of his discourse.

St. Anthony the Great on the Evil Spirits

Reading 7

40. “Once a very tall demon appeared in an apparition and had the daring to say, ‘I am the Power of God,’ and ‘I am Providence; what do you wish that I would give you?’ But then, especially, I puffed at him, and speaking the name of Christ I made an attempt to strike him. I seemed to have hit home, and at once, with the mention of the name of Christ, this giant figure vanished, along with all his demons. Once while I was fasting, the cunning one even came as a monk, having the semblance of loaves of bread, and he offered me counsel, saying, ‘Eat, and stop your many labors; you too are a man, and you are about to grow weak.’ But perceiving his strategy, I rose to say my prayers, and he could not stand it, for he fled, and he had the appearance of smoke that passes through the door.

How many times he presented the illusion of gold to me in the wilderness, in hopes that I would just touch and gaze on it! But I sang psalms in resistance to him, and he melted away. Many times he whipped me, and I said, ‘Nothing shall separate me from the love of Christ’ (Romans 8:35). After that they lashed each other instead. But I was not the one who stopped them and nullified their actions—it was the Lord, who says, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven” (Luke 10:18). And, my children, mindful of the Apostle’s word, I have applied all this to myself (1 Corinthians 4:6), so that you might learn not to falter in the discipline, nor to fear the devil and the apparitions of his demons.

41. “And since I have become a fool in describing these events, receive this as well for your protection and fearlessness, and trust me, for I am not lying. Once someone knocked at the door of my cell. And when I went out, I saw someone who seemed massive and tall. When I asked, ‘Who are you?’ he said, ‘I am Satan.’ I said, ‘What are you doing here?’ And he asked, ‘Why do the monks and all the other Christians censure me without cause? Why do they curse me every hour?’

When I replied, ‘Why do you torment them?’ he said, ‘I am not the one tormenting them, but they disturb themselves, for I have become weak. Haven’t they read that the swords of the enemy have failed utterly, and that you have destroyed their cities (Psalm 9:6)? I no longer have a place—no weapon, no city. There are Christians everywhere, and even the desert has filled with monks. Let them watch after themselves and stop censuring me for no reason!’

Marveling then at the grace of the Lord, I said to him: ‘Even though you are always a liar, and never tell the truth, nevertheless this time, even if you did not intend to, you have spoken truly. For Christ in his coming reduced you to weakness, and after throwing you down he left you defenseless.’ Upon hearing the Savior’s name, and being unable to endure the scorching from it, he became invisible.

42. “Now if even the devil himself confesses that he is able to do nothing, then we ought to treat him and his demons with utter contempt. For his part, the enemy with his dogs has treacheries of the sort I have described, but we are able to scorn them, having learned of their weakness. Therefore let us not be plunged into despair in this way, nor contemplate horrors in the soul, nor invent fears for ourselves, saying, ‘How I hope that when a demon comes, he will not overthrow me—or pick me up and throw me down—or suddenly set himself next to me and cast me into confusion!’ We must not entertain these thoughts at all, nor grieve like those who are perishing.

Instead, let us take courage and let us always rejoice, like those who are being redeemed. And let us consider in our soul that the Lord is with us, he who routed them and reduced them to idleness. Let us likewise always understand and take it to heart that while the Lord is with us, the enemies will do nothing to us. For when they come, their actions correspond to the condition in which they find us; they pattern their phantasms after our thoughts.

Should they find us frightened and distressed, immediately they attack like robbers, having found the place unprotected. Whatever we are turning over in our minds, this—and more—is what they do. For if they see that we are fearful and terrified, they increase even more what is dreadful in the apparitions and threats, and the suffering soul is punished with these.

However, should they discover us rejoicing in the Lord, thinking about the good things to come, contemplating things that have to do with the Lord, reflecting that all things are in the hand of the Lord, and that a demon has no strength against a Christian, nor has he any authority over anyone—then seeing the soul safeguarded by such thoughts, they are put to shame and turned away.

It was for this reason that the enemy, seeing Job so defended, departed from him, but finding Judas unarmed with these, took him captive. So if we wish to despise the enemy, let us always contemplate the things that have to do with the Lord, and let the soul always rejoice in hope. Then we shall see the antics of the demons to be like smoke, and we shall see them in flight rather than pursuit. For, as I said earlier, they are very cowardly, always expectant of the fire that has been prepared for them.

43. “For your fearlessness against them you have for yourselves also this sure sign. Whenever some apparition occurs, do not collapse in terror, but whatever it may be, ask first, bravely, ‘Who are you and where do you come from?’ And if it is a vision of holy ones, they will give you full assurance and transform your fear into joy. But if it is someone diabolical, it immediately is weakened, finding your spirit formidable. For simply by asking, ‘Who are you and where do you come from?’ you give evidence of your calmness. So when the son of Nun asked, he learned (Joshua 5:13); and the enemy did not go unseen when Daniel questioned him (Susanna 51-59).”

Discussion questions:

1) What did you notice in today’s reading? What surprised you or what was memorable to you? (The Leader should recommend all this advice, but emphasize in particular the final guidance that St. Anthony gives, that we should challenge any spiritual visitation, whether in dreams or in waking, asking who they are and where they come from. In this way, we may find that we are indeed blessed to have been visited by a saint or an angel; but more likely, we will by this, entrusting ourselves to the Lord, find that we are under attack. In that case, or in any case of doubt, what we must do is to turn toward the Lord, and deny and ignore the attacks of the evil spirits. It is not for us to argue with the demons, or to convince them of their error, or to refute their temptations or their stories. The Lord has already conquered them…we must simply entrust ourselves 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 3 (Friday)

John 10:22-42 (Jesus is Rejected by the Jews)

Last time we saw Jesus continue to speak of Himself as the Good Shepherd, and end by speaking clearly of His power to lay down His life and to take it up again, and that this is the will of the Father. The people of Judaea who are listening to Him remain divided about what He is saying; some believe He has a demon, but others understand from the signs that He does, opening the eyes of the blind, show Him to have far greater authority and power, and specifically creative power for good, than any demon-possessed man. Only God can create; demons can only destroy. (although they don’t go that far in their reasoning). We shall see this week the final encounter with the people of Judaea before the Lord’s approach to His Passion begins.

Jesus Is Rejected by the Jews

22 At that time the festival of the Dedication took place in Jerusalem. It was winter, 23 and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon. 24 So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.”

25 Jesus answered, “I have told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name testify to me; 26 but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep. 27 My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 What my Father has given me is greater than all else, and no one can snatch it out of the Father’s hand. 30 The Father and I are one.”

31 The Jews took up stones again to stone him. 32 Jesus replied, “I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these are you going to stone me?” 33 The Jews answered, “It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you, but for blasphemy, because you, though only a human being, are making yourself God.”

34 Jesus answered, “Is it not written in your law, ‘I said, you are gods’? 35 If those to whom the word of God came were called ‘gods’—and the scripture cannot be annulled— 36 can you say that the one whom the Father has sanctified and sent into the world is blaspheming because I said, ‘I am God’s Son’? 37 If I am not doing the works of my Father, then do not believe me. 38 But if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, so that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.” 39 Then they tried to arrest him again, but he escaped from their hands.

40 He went away again across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing earlier, and he remained there. 41 Many came to him, and they were saying, “John performed no sign, but everything that John said about this man was true.” 42 And many believed in him there.

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 first how the mystery of the Trinity is indicated here. First, the Lord says that “He and the Father are one,” but then He speaks of Himself as the one that the Father “has sanctified and sent into the world.” The one phrasing indicates a close and absolute identity between Him and the Father, while the other indicates the preeminence of the Father, as the One Who makes the Son Holy and sends Him into the world. The temptation for us is to double down on one or the other, but in fact we are required to take both at once, to confess both the distinction between the Father and the Son, and their unity in the glory and preeminence of the Father. The Leader can also point out that the Lord’s quote from Psalm 82 “I said, you are gods” is a point of profound complexity, but the basic gist here is that Jesus is showing how it is not unknown in Scripture to speak of human beings as called to be divine, sons of the Most High, but that how this is to happen is not made clear, and thus it is not a thing that they speak of. The only way for humanity to be raised up to become truly sons of the Most High is for the Most High Himself to come to them and to sanctify and save them. This is the ultimate connection between His statement that He and the Father are One and the quoted Scripture.)

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?