Day 1 (Monday)
Exodus 10:1-20 (8th Plague – Locusts)
We return to our normal Old Testament readings this week, after looking at different passages for Christmas, and at the book of Proverbs, over the last three weeks. We left Moses, Aaron, Pharaoh, and the people of Israel and Egypt in the midst of the ten plagues, as the Lord strives with Pharaoh and the demon gods of Egypt for the lives and salvation of the people in the land. When we last saw them, we saw the heavens themselves turned against Pharaoh and the people of Egypt, as God sent thunder and hail to destroy the crops that were in the field. We saw how Yahweh was still merciful, even at this moment of judgment, and gave warning in advance so that anyone who listened to the warning could keep their people and their livestock under shelter, and how not all the crops were destroyed at once, leaving some food for the people of Egypt. We also saw Pharaoh bargain once more for mercy, and promise to let the people go if God brought an end to the hail, and once again we saw him turn to treachery and refuse to let them go once the hail stopped. This time, we will see the Lord explain His purpose in more detail to Moses as He sends him once more to warn Pharaoh that the 8th plague is coming.
The Eighth Plague: Locusts
10 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go in to Pharaoh; for I have hardened his heart and the heart of his servants, that I may show these signs of mine among them, 2 and that you may tell in the hearing of your son and of your son’s son how I have made sport of the Egyptians and what signs I have done among them; that you may know that I am the Lord.”
3 So Moses and Aaron went in to Pharaoh, and said to him, “Thus says the Lord, the God of the Hebrews, ‘How long will you refuse to humble yourself before me? Let my people go, that they may serve me. 4 For if you refuse to let my people go, behold, tomorrow I will bring locusts into your country, 5 and they shall cover the face of the land, so that no one can see the land; and they shall eat what is left to you after the hail, and they shall eat every tree of yours which grows in the field, 6 and they shall fill your houses, and the houses of all your servants and of all the Egyptians; as neither your fathers nor your grandfathers have seen, from the day they came on earth to this day.’” Then he turned and went out from Pharaoh.
7 And Pharaoh’s servants said to him, “How long shall this man be a snare to us? Let the men go, that they may serve the Lord their God; do you not yet understand that Egypt is ruined?” 8 So Moses and Aaron were brought back to Pharaoh; and he said to them, “Go, serve the Lord your God; but who are to go?”
9 And Moses said, “We will go with our young and our old; we will go with our sons and daughters and with our flocks and herds, for we must hold a feast to the Lord.” 10 And he said to them, “The Lord be with you, if ever I let you and your little ones go! Look, you have some evil purpose in mind. 11 No! Go, the men among you, and serve the Lord, for that is what you desire.” And they were driven out from Pharaoh’s presence.
12 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the land of Egypt for the locusts, that they may come upon the land of Egypt, and eat every plant in the land, all that the hail has left.” 13 So Moses stretched forth his rod over the land of Egypt, and the Lord brought an east wind upon the land all that day and all that night; and when it was morning the east wind had brought the locusts.
14 And the locusts came up over all the land of Egypt, and settled on the whole country of Egypt, such a dense swarm of locusts as had never been before, nor ever shall be again. 15 For they covered the face of the whole land, so that the land was darkened, and they ate all the plants in the land and all the fruit of the trees which the hail had left; not a green thing remained, neither tree nor plant of the field, through all the land of Egypt.
16 Then Pharaoh called Moses and Aaron in haste, and said, “I have sinned against the Lord your God, and against you. 17 Now therefore, forgive my sin, I pray you, only this once, and entreat the Lord your God only to remove this death from me.” 18 So he went out from Pharaoh, and entreated the Lord. 19 And the Lord turned a very strong west wind, which lifted the locusts and drove them into the Red Sea; not a single locust was left in all the country of Egypt. 20 But the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he did not let the children of Israel go.
Reading 11
664 words
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 at least one way in which God is hardening Pharaoh’s heart is by requiring not just compliance, but humility from him. Pharaoh might be willing to let the people go, or to bargain for some better settlement, in which he could keep his pride or his standing. Indeed, Yahweh offered just such a thing earlier on, but we will remember that earlier on, Pharaoh wasn’t willing even to recognize Yahweh as a real being, much less as one worthy of dealing with “the mighty Pharaoh.” Now, Yahweh is requiring that Pharaoh humble himself and acknowledge his weakness; and this is the one thing Pharaoh is most unwilling to do, even though it is the only way he can be saved. Therefore the judgment that Yahweh sends upon him here is both terrifying, since it brings the famine that the hail did not (in Yahweh’s mercy) bring, and also humiliating, since the Pharaoh is being shown helpless before mere insects, and the power of his gods, which had claimed to have power to keep locusts away, is shown to be utterly vain as well.)
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?
6) “What is the a) literal, b) allegorical, c) moral/ethical, d) anagogical/eschatological meaning of this text? (Think of these questions as a mountain which we can ascend, or as layers of meaning upon which we can reflect. Oftentimes, as we reflect upon a text in this way, we may find that the anagogical reading, in which we see the text as revealing the glory of God and His kingdom in a deeper manner, sheds new insights on the lower levels of interpretation.)
Day 2 (Wednesday)
Prayer from the Great Blessing of the Waters on Theophany (January 6th)
Every year we bless the waters on January 6th, on the Feast of Theophany, when we celebrate the baptism of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist in the Jordan. There is a special prayer that we only use on this feast-day, that talks about what happens when the Lord is baptized, and reflects on how all of Creation is changed and transformed in this moment. It was written by St. Sophronios of Jerusalem.
Prayer from the Great Blessing of the Waters on Theophany
Trinity beyond all being, beyond all goodness, beyond all godhead, all-powerful, all-vigilant, invisible, incomprehensible; Creator of the spiritual beings and rational natures, innate goodness, unapproachable Light that enlightens everyone coming into the world, shine also in me your unworthy servant. Enlighten the eyes of my mind that I may dare to sing the praise of your measureless benevolence and power. May my supplication for the people here present be acceptable, so that my offences may not prevent the Holy Spirit from being present here; but permit me now without condemnation to cry out to you, O Master, lover of mankind, beyond all goodness, Almighty and eternal King, and to say:
We glorify you, the Creator and Fashioner of the universe. We glorify you, only-begotten Son of God, without father from your Mother, without mother from your Father. For in the preceding feast we saw you as a babe, but in the present one we see you full and perfect man, our God, made manifest as perfect God from perfect God.
For today the moment of the feast is here for us and the choir of saints assembles here with us, and Angels keep festival with mortals. Today the grace of the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove dwelt upon the waters. Today the Sun that never sets has dawned and the world is made radiant with the light of the Lord. Today the Moon with its radiant beams sheds light on the world. Today the stars formed of light make the inhabited world lovely with the brightness of their splendour. Today the clouds rain down from heaven the shower of justice for mankind.
Today the Uncreated by his own will accepts the laying on of hands by his own creature. Today the Prophet and Forerunner draws near, but stands by with fear seeing God’s condescension towards us. Today the streams of Jordan are changed into healing by the presence of the Lord. Today all creation is watered by mystical streams. Today the failings of mankind are being washed away by the waters of Jordan. Today Paradise is opened for mortals and the Sun of justice shines down on us. Today the bitter water is changed to sweetness by the presence of the Lord, as it once was for Moses’ people of old.
Today we have been delivered from the ancient grief, and saved as the new Israel. Today we have been redeemed from darkness and are filled with radiance by the light of the knowledge of God. Today the gloomy fog of the world is cleansed by the manifestation of our God. Today all creation shines with light from on high. Today error has been destroyed and the coming of the Master makes for us a way of salvation. Today things on high keep festival with those below, and things below commune with things on high. Today the sacred and triumphant festal assembly of the Orthodox exults.
Today the Master hastens towards baptism, that He may lead humanity to the heights. Today the One who does not bow bows down to His own servant, that He may free us from servitude. Today we have purchased the Kingdom of heaven, for the Kingdom of the Lord will have no end. Today earth and sea share the joy of the world, and the world has been filled with gladness. The waters saw you, O God, the waters saw you and were afraid.
The Jordan turned back when it saw the fire of the godhead descending in bodily form and entering it. The Jordan turned back as it contemplated the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove, descending and flying about you. The Jordan turned back as it saw the Invisible made visible, the Creator made flesh, the Master in the form of a servant. The Jordan turned back and the mountains leapt as they saw God in the flesh, and the clouds uttered their voice, marveling at what had come to pass, seeing Light from Light, true God from true God, the Master’s festival today in Jordan; seeing him drowning the death from disobedience, the goad of error and the bond of Hell in Jordan and granting the Baptism of salvation to the world.
Therefore I too, a sinner and your unworthy servant, recount the greatness of your wonders and, seized with fear, in compunction cry out to you:
“Great are You, O Lord, and wondrous are Your works, and no word will suffice to hymn Your wonders!”
639 words
Discussion questions:
1) What did you notice in today’s reading? What surprised you or what was memorable to you? (The Leader should note the various elements from the additional discussion questions below. He should also note that this prayer is, effectively, an anagogical reading of the Lord’s Baptism in the Jordan River.)
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?
6) “What is the a) literal, b) allegorical, c) moral/ethical, d) anagogical/eschatological meaning of this text? (Think of these questions as a mountain which we can ascend, or as layers of meaning upon which we can reflect. Oftentimes, as we reflect upon a text in this way, we may find that the anagogical reading, in which we see the text as revealing the glory of God and His kingdom in a deeper manner, sheds new insights on the lower levels of interpretation.)
Additional discussion questions:
1) There are two things that are repeated in this prayer; what were they? (The prayer says “Today” several times, and it says “The Jordan turned back!” several times as well.
2) Why do you think it says “today!” when it talks about all of these things that happened a long time ago? (This is a question to encourage discussion, but there are two points that should be emphasized once the discussion has died down. First, we talk about these things as happening “today” because we share in the consequences, the blessings, that have come from the Lord’s active presence in this world. Second, we talk about them happening “today” because in celebrating the Lord’s baptism, we participate in the event ourselves through the mechanism of memory and liturgical celebration. The barriers of time fall away when we enter the Church; we step out of the normal stream of time and enter into God’s time, His “Kairos,” the time of salvation, of opportunity, of transformation. So when we celebrate the Lord’s Baptism, and every other event of His life, we celebrate as those who are present, participating with all the Saints of all ages in the joy of the Lord’s Incarnation, of His presence in our midst.)
3) Why do you think we repeat that “the Jordan turned back”? (Again, this is to encourage discussion, but the idea is that Creation itself, and all the parts of it, even the rivers, and the mountains, and the clouds, were amazed at the presence of their Creator present in the flesh, saving and healing and restoring and transforming all that was and is broken in what He has made).
4) What do you think Jesus’ baptism means? Why did He begin His ministry by being baptized? (We’ll talk about this more on Friday, but at its core, the Lord’s baptism is a sign and token and first fruit of His Incarnation. He immerses Himself in our created nature completely; and by being present in it, He heals it, and transforms it, and reconciles it with Himself, and all of us are called to participate in that reconciliation. Which is why we too are baptized).
Day 3 (Friday)
Luke 8:40-56 (A Girl Restored to Life and a Woman Healed)
Last week we read about Jesus & the disciples crossing the lake and how the Lord delivered the man who was possessed by many demons. After He had done so, they crossed back over the lake, so that the cleansing of the demon-possessed man was the only thing that the Lord did in the course of that entire laborious crossing. As he returns to the Galilean side of the sea, the crowd will already be waiting for Him, and among them a father in the last extreme of desperation.
A Girl Restored to Life and a Woman Healed
40 Now when Jesus returned, the crowd welcomed him, for they were all waiting for him. 41 And there came a man named Ja′irus, who was a ruler of the synagogue; and falling at Jesus’ feet he besought him to come to his house, 42 for he had an only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she was dying.
As he went, the people pressed round him. 43 And a woman who had had a flow of blood for twelve years and had spent all her living upon physicians[f] and could not be healed by any one, 44 came up behind him, and touched the fringe of his garment; and immediately her flow of blood ceased. 45 And Jesus said, “Who was it that touched me?” When all denied it, Peter[g] said, “Master, the multitudes surround you and press upon you!” 46 But Jesus said, “Some one touched me; for I perceive that power has gone forth from me.” 47 And when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before him declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed. 48 And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.”
49 While he was still speaking, a man from the ruler’s house came and said, “Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the Teacher any more.” 50 But Jesus on hearing this answered him, “Do not fear; only believe, and she shall be well.” 51 And when he came to the house, he permitted no one to enter with him, except Peter and John and James, and the father and mother of the child. 52 And all were weeping and bewailing her; but he said, “Do not weep; for she is not dead but sleeping.” 53 And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. 54 But taking her by the hand he called, saying, “Child, arise.” 55 And her spirit returned, and she got up at once; and he directed that something should be given her to eat. 56 And her parents were amazed; but he charged them to tell no one what had happened.
Reading 19
384 words
Discussion questions:
1) What did you notice in today’s reading? What surprised you or what was memorable to you? (The Leader should note the two miracles contained here, and how the woman was healed just by touching Jesus, which is different from what we normally see. Also, this is the second time Jesus raises someone from the dead. The first was the son of the widow of Nain, in Luke 7)
2) Where do we see Christ in this text; what is He saying or doing here? (We learn that He is compassionate, and comforting, and how power over sickness and even death.).
3) Do we see ourselves and the Church in this text; what does it say about us? (We see the sort of problems that we tend to have: chronic sickness, death, and grief.).
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. Some may wonder why the woman was healed without actually asking, or why Jesus told the parents not to tell anyone what happened with the girl who was dead. The Scripture doesn’t provide clear answers, so these are a good opportunity for discussion, to see what kind of answers the group comes up with.).
5) Does this reading make you think that you need to change anything in your life? (The woman who was healed came to Jesus with purpose and intent – too often we just go through the motions when we pray or come to Church. We would do much better if we imitate this woman at those times, and always, and approach Christ with purpose and intent, desiring greatly that He make us whole).
6) “What is the a) literal, b) allegorical, c) moral/ethical, d) anagogical/eschatological meaning of this text? (Think of these questions as a mountain which we can ascend, or as layers of meaning upon which we can reflect. Oftentimes, as we reflect upon a text in this way, we may find that the anagogical reading, in which we see the text as revealing the glory of God and His kingdom in a deeper manner, sheds new insights on the lower levels of interpretation.)
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