Day 1 (Monday)
Ezekiel 1:26-28; 2:1-5; 8:1-6, 18; 9:1-11; 10:1-22, 11:13-25 (Ezekiel’s Vision of God’s Judgment, God’s Glory Departing the Temple)
Last time we saw the end of the kingdom of Judah, as the Lord delivered them into the hands of the Chaldeans from the Neo-Babylonion Empire of Nebuchadnezzar. The Temple was destroyed, and all the wealth and beauty and the various appointments that Solomon had established for the Temple were removed and taken away, either to be melted down or to be a part of the treasury of Babylon. This time, we will see the visions of the prophet Ezekiel, who was taken away into captivity with the first group that Nebuchadnezzar took away from Jerusalem with Jehoiachin, some eleven years before the final destruction of Jerusalem. Ezekiel’s visions, then, come to him in Babylon, as warnings against the last king of Judah, Zedekiah, and a sign and explanation to those in exile already of what was happening, so that they might repent and turn back to the Lord.
Selections from Ezekiel (1:26-28; 2:1-5; 8:1-6, 18; 9:1-11; 10:1-22, 11:13-25)
[The book of Ezekiel begins with a vision that Ezekiel the priest, who was in exile in Babylon, received in the 5th month of the 5th year of the reign of Zedekiah, the last king of Judah, while he stood in the plain by the river Chebar. God showed him the four cherubim, the four living creatures who carried the throne of God. Then the One seated on the throne is described in chapter 1:26.]
26 And above the firmament over their heads there was the likeness of a throne, in appearance like sapphire;[j] and seated above the likeness of a throne was a likeness as it were of a human form. 27 And upward from what had the appearance of his loins I saw as it were gleaming bronze, like the appearance of fire enclosed round about; and downward from what had the appearance of his loins I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and there was brightness round about him.[k] 28 Like the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud on the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about. Such was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord.[l] And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard the voice of one speaking.
The Vision of the Scroll
2 And he said to me, “Son of man, stand upon your feet, and I will speak with you.” 2 And when he spoke to me, the Spirit entered into me and set me upon my feet; and I heard him speaking to me. 3 And he said to me, “Son of man, I send you to the people of Israel, to a nation of rebels, who have rebelled against me; they and their fathers have transgressed against me to this very day. 4 The people also are impudent and stubborn: I send you to them; and you shall say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God.’ 5 And whether they hear or refuse to hear (for they are a rebellious house) they will know that there has been a prophet among them. …
[Then Ezekiel describes the visions that he has at that time, and after. Then, in chapter 8, his visions continue:]
Abominations in the Temple
8 In the sixth year, in the sixth month, on the fifth day of the month, as I sat in my house, with the elders of Judah sitting before me, the hand of the Lord God fell there upon me. 2 Then I beheld, and lo, a form that had the appearance of a man;[a] below what appeared to be his loins it was fire, and above his loins it was like the appearance of brightness, like gleaming bronze. 3 He put forth the form of a hand, and took me by a lock of my head; and the Spirit lifted me up between earth and heaven, and brought me in visions of God to Jerusalem, to the entrance of the gateway of the inner court that faces north, where was the seat of the image of jealousy, which provokes to jealousy. 4 And behold, the glory of the God of Israel was there, like the vision that I saw in the plain.
5 Then he said to me, “Son of man, lift up your eyes now in the direction of the north.” So I lifted up my eyes toward the north, and behold, north of the altar gate, in the entrance, was this image of jealousy. 6 And he said to me, “Son of man, do you see what they are doing, the great abominations that the house of Israel are committing here, to drive me far from my sanctuary? But you will see still greater abominations.”
[And then he showed Ezekiel how the people of Israel and Judah were worshipping other gods in the dark, with all the idols of the nations inside their homes and on the inner walls of their rooms, and then he said to Ezekiel: ]
Chapter 8:18 Therefore I will deal in wrath; my eye will not spare, nor will I have pity; and though they cry in my ears with a loud voice, I will not hear them.”
The Slaughter of the Idolaters
9 Then he cried in my ears with a loud voice, saying, “Draw near, you executioners of the city, each with his destroying weapon in his hand.” 2 And lo, six men came from the direction of the upper gate, which faces north, every man with his weapon for slaughter in his hand, and with them was a man clothed in linen, with a writing case at his side. And they went in and stood beside the bronze altar.
3 Now the glory of the God of Israel had gone up from the cherubim on which it rested to the threshold of the house; and he called to the man clothed in linen, who had the writing case at his side. 4 And the Lord said to him, “Go through the city, through Jerusalem, and put a mark upon the foreheads of the men who sigh and groan over all the abominations that are committed in it.” 5 And to the others he said in my hearing, “Pass through the city after him, and smite; your eye shall not spare, and you shall show no pity; 6 slay old men outright, young men and maidens, little children and women, but touch no one upon whom is the mark. And begin at my sanctuary.” So they began with the elders who were before the house. 7 Then he said to them, “Defile the house, and fill the courts with the slain. Go forth.” So they went forth, and smote in the city. 8 And while they were smiting, and I was left alone, I fell upon my face, and cried, “Ah Lord God! wilt thou destroy all that remains of Israel in the outpouring of thy wrath upon Jerusalem?”
9 Then he said to me, “The guilt of the house of Israel and Judah is exceedingly great; the land is full of blood, and the city full of injustice; for they say, ‘The Lord has forsaken the land, and the Lord does not see.’ 10 As for me, my eye will not spare, nor will I have pity, but I will requite their deeds upon their heads.”
11 And lo, the man clothed in linen, with the writing case at his side, brought back word, saying, “I have done as thou didst command me.”
God’s Glory Leaves Jerusalem
10 Then I looked, and behold, on the firmament that was over the heads of the cherubim there appeared above them something like a sapphire, in form resembling a throne. 2 And he said to the man clothed in linen, “Go in among the whirling wheels underneath the cherubim; fill your hands with burning coals from between the cherubim, and scatter them over the city.”
And he went in before my eyes. 3 Now the cherubim were standing on the south side of the house, when the man went in; and a cloud filled the inner court. 4 And the glory of the Lord went up from the cherubim to the threshold of the house; and the house was filled with the cloud, and the court was full of the brightness of the glory of the Lord. 5 And the sound of the wings of the cherubim was heard as far as the outer court, like the voice of God Almighty when he speaks.
6 And when he commanded the man clothed in linen, “Take fire from between the whirling wheels, from between the cherubim,” he went in and stood beside a wheel. 7 And a cherub stretched forth his hand from between the cherubim to the fire that was between the cherubim, and took some of it, and put it into the hands of the man clothed in linen, who took it and went out. 8 The cherubim appeared to have the form of a human hand under their wings.
9 And I looked, and behold, there were four wheels beside the cherubim, one beside each cherub; and the appearance of the wheels was like sparkling chrysolite. 10 And as for their appearance, the four had the same likeness, as if a wheel were within a wheel. 11 When they went, they went in any of their four directions[a] without turning as they went, but in whatever direction the front wheel faced the others followed without turning as they went. 12 And their rims, and their spokes, and the wheels were full of eyes round about—the wheels that the four of them had. 13 As for the wheels, they were called in my hearing the whirling wheels. 14 And every one had four faces: the first face was the face of the cherub, and the second face was the face of a man, and the third the face of a lion, and the fourth the face of an eagle.
15 And the cherubim mounted up. These were the living creatures that I saw by the river Chebar. 16 And when the cherubim went, the wheels went beside them; and when the cherubim lifted up their wings to mount up from the earth, the wheels did not turn from beside them. 17 When they stood still, these stood still, and when they mounted up, these mounted up with them; for the spirit of the living creatures[d] was in them.
18 Then the glory of the Lord went forth from the threshold of the house, and stood over the cherubim. 19 And the cherubim lifted up their wings and mounted up from the earth in my sight as they went forth, with the wheels beside them; and they stood at the door of the east gate of the house of the Lord; and the glory of the God of Israel was over them.
20 These were the living creatures that I saw underneath the God of Israel by the river Chebar; and I knew that they were cherubim. 21 Each had four faces, and each four wings, and underneath their wings the semblance of human hands. 22 And as for the likeness of their faces, they were the very faces whose appearance I had seen by the river Chebar. They went every one straight forward.
Judgment on Wicked Counselors
[Then, in chapter 11, God shows Ezekiel the judgment of the wicked counselors of Israel, who had led the people astray, and as Ezekiel watches, a man that he knew, one of the princes of the people, died, and Ezekiel was distraught:] Then I fell down upon my face, and cried with a loud voice, and said, “Ah Lord God! wilt thou make a full end of the remnant of Israel?”
God Will Restore Israel
14 And the word of the Lord came to me: 15 “Son of man, your brethren, even your brethren, your fellow exiles, the whole house of Israel, all of them, are those of whom the inhabitants of Jerusalem have said, ‘They have gone far from the Lord; to us this land is given for a possession.’ 16 Therefore say, ‘Thus says the Lord God: Though I removed them far off among the nations, and though I scattered them among the countries, yet I have been a sanctuary to them for a while in the countries where they have gone.’ 17 Therefore say, ‘Thus says the Lord God: I will gather you from the peoples, and assemble you out of the countries where you have been scattered, and I will give you the land of Israel.’ 18 And when they come there, they will remove from it all its detestable things and all its abominations. 19 And I will give them on heart, and put a new spirit within them; I will take the stony heart out of their flesh and give them a heart of flesh, 20 that they may walk in my statutes and keep my ordinances and obey them; and they shall be my people, and I will be their God. 21 But as for those whose heart goes after their detestable things and their abominations, I will requite their deeds upon their own heads, says the Lord God.”
22 Then the cherubim lifted up their wings, with the wheels beside them; and the glory of the God of Israel was over them. 23 And the glory of the Lord went up from the midst of the city, and stood upon the mountain which is on the east side of the city. 24 And the Spirit lifted me up and brought me in the vision by the Spirit of God into Chalde′a, to the exiles. Then the vision that I had seen went up from me. 25 And I told the exiles all the things that the Lord had showed me.
Reading 18 – 2097 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 that, in summary, what Ezekiel is seeing is the throne of Yahweh, the God of Israel, carried by the Cherubim, first present within the Temple in Jerusalem, and then leaving the Temple, as the Lord gives warnings to the people, on the one hand, prophesying the judgment that is coming upon them, but also gives promises of restoration, on the other hand, to all who repent or who are faithful in the midst of this darkness. We must note that, although the people were returned to Judaea and rebuilt Jerusalem and the Temple within 70 years of the exile, the presence of the Lord never returns to the Holy Place in the visible way described when Solomon dedicated the Temple. But in the coming weeks, as we see the birth of the Theotokos, and eventually in November with the feast of the Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple, and finally with the Lord’s Meeting with Simeon and Anna in the Temple on the 40th day after His Nativity, on February 2nd, we see the Lord return to the Temple.)
2) Where do we see Christ in this text; what is He saying or doing here?
3) Do we see ourselves and the Church in this text; what does it say about us?
4) What do you find difficult about this reading? Is there anything confusing about it, or anything that you dislike? (This is an open question, as always. )
5) Does this reading make you think that you need to change anything in your life?
Day 2 (Wednesday)
Feast of the Koimisis
Last week we read a selection of the hymns that were sung during the celebration of the Feast of Transfiguration on August 6th. This week, we will read a similar selection of the hymns that are sung for the feast of the Koimisis of the Theotokos on August 15th. This is the final feast of the Church year, and celebrates the Falling Asleep (what Koimisis means) of the Virgin Mary, which is to say, it is the celebration of her death and funeral. Because her tomb was found to be empty when the Apostle Thomas arrived and wished to venerate her body, the Church understands and confesses that her body has been raised and that she has taken her place in the Divine Council of the Lord, and already tastes the fullness of the Resurrection. Therefore this is a true and complete celebration in the fullness of joy, not at all mixed with sadness in the face of her death, because Christ has triumphed over death, and that victory is already revealed to us in her.
Hymns of Koimisis
1st Hymn of the Liti
It was fitting that the eyewitnesses and ministers of the Word should oversee the Dormition of His Mother according to the flesh, this being the final mystery concerning her; so that they might behold not only the Savior's ascent from earth, but also be witnesses of His Mother's translation. Therefore, transported by divine power, from every part of the world, they arrived in Zion. And they ushered her, who is higher than the Cherubim, as she hastened toward heaven. Together with them, we also honor her; and she intercedes on behalf of our souls.
Doxastikon of the Aposticha
When you, O Virgin Theotokos, passed away to Him who was ineffably born of you, present were James, the brother of the Lord and first hierarch, and Peter, the most honorable and preeminent paramount of the Theologians, and the entire holy choir of Apostles. With utterances unveiling secrets of theology, they all extolled the divine and sublime mystery of the dispensation of Christ our God. And when they had buried your body that had generated life and had hosted God, they were filled with joy, O all-lauded Lady. From on high, the all-holy and most venerable host of Angels marveled at the wonder. Out of respect they bowed for you, and they called out to one another: "Lift up your gates, and receive her who gave birth to the Creator of the heavens and the earth. Let us sing hymns of glory and extol her august and holy body, which held the Lord who to us is invisible." And now, we also celebrate your memory and sing aloud to you, O all-lauded Lady: Exalt the Christians' horn of strength and save our souls.
Idiomelon after Psalm 50
When the translation of your immaculate body was being prepared, the Apostles, surrounding your bed, looked at you fearfully. As they gazed at your body, they were overcome by awe. Peter cried aloud to you tearfully, "O Virgin, I see you here, laid out for burial, the life of all, and I am struck with wonder. For in you, the delight of the life to come made His dwelling." Now we pray, O immaculate Lady: Fervently entreat your Son and God, to keep your people safe and sound.
Hymn 3 of the 7th Ode of the 1st Canon
The godly-minded people has convened. * For the glorious tabernacle of God * is conveyed from Zion to * a celestial dwelling * where the sound is clearly heard * of a multitude keeping feast with a voice of speechless joy, * and in exultation * crying out to Christ, saying: Lord our God, * who are glorified, and God * of our fathers, You are blessed.
Hymn 2 of the 7th Ode of the 2nd Canon
With the trumpets of * the Spirit, let celestial * mountains now trumpet forth; * and let the heavenly hills * exult now; and let divine Apostles leap for joy. * For the Queen of all * is going over to her Son, * there to reign with Him forever.
Doxastikon of the Ainoi
At your Dormition that transcended death, O Theotokos and Mother of Life, clouds caught the Apostles up into the air; and, from being dispersed throughout the world, they were reunited before your immaculate body. And when they had buried you with dignity, they lifted up their voices and sang the words of Gabriel, "Rejoice, O unwedded and virgin Mother who are full of grace; the Lord is with you." Along with them, entreat your Son and our God, for the salvation of our souls.
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 the hymns of the Church commemorate BOTH the death and burial of the Mother of God, and also her translation and glorification to a heavenly dwelling-place, where she intercedes without ceasing for the Faithful. These two points are vital in the Church’s understanding of the role of the Virgin Mary. Without question, she died and was buried. But equally without question, her body was not found in the tomb when they opened it, and she is already partaking in the glory and joy of the Resurrection, and in her, the destiny and purpose of the Church, and therefore of all Creation, is revealed, as the fruit of the Lord’s Incarnation is shown forth in her.)
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)
Acts 28:17-31 (Paul & Jewish Leaders in Rome, Paul Preaches in Rome)
Last time, we saw St. Paul arrive in Rome and placed effectively under house arrest, with one soldier guarding him, but able to write and speak, and to receive visitors. The importance of this will become evident as we begin this final reading from the book of Acts. As we do so, we should also remember the history of the Church in Rome, that all the Jews had been expelled from the city some years before, and eventually allowed to return, and in their absence, the Gentile Christians had continued to worship without their Jewish counterparts. Some scholars argue that the return of the Jewish Christians was the occasion for St. Paul to write his Epistle to the Romans, urging them to continue as a single community, with the Christians (Jewish and Gentile alike) still participating in the readings and prayers at the synagogue on the Sabbath Day, and then to gather on the next day, the Lord’s Day, for the celebration of the Eucharist.
Paul and Jewish Leaders in Rome
17 Three days later he called together the local leaders of the Jews. When they had assembled, he said to them, “Brothers, though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our ancestors, yet I was arrested in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans. 18 When they had examined me, the Romans wanted to release me, because there was no reason for the death penalty in my case. 19 But when the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to the emperor—even though I had no charge to bring against my nation.”
20 “For this reason therefore I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is for the sake of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain.” 21 They replied, “We have received no letters from Judea about you, and none of the brothers coming here has reported or spoken anything evil about you. 22 But we would like to hear from you what you think, for with regard to this sect we know that everywhere it is spoken against.”
Paul Preaches in Rome
23 After they had set a day to meet with him, they came to him at his lodgings in great numbers. From morning until evening he explained the matter to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the law of Moses and from the prophets. 24 Some were convinced by what he had said, while others refused to believe. 25 So they disagreed with each other; and as they were leaving, Paul made one further statement: “The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your ancestors through the prophet Isaiah,
26 ‘Go to this people and say,
You will indeed listen, but never understand,
and you will indeed look, but never perceive.
27 For this people’s heart has grown dull,
and their ears are hard of hearing,
and they have shut their eyes;
so that they might not look with their eyes,
and listen with their ears,
and understand with their heart and turn—
and I would heal them.’
28 Let it be known to you then that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.”
30 He lived there two whole years at his own expense and welcomed all who came to him, 31 proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.
Reading 52 – 424 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 that, here in Rome, as elsewhere in his travels, Paul’s arrival in the city becomes a crisis for all the Jews present there. When he preaches, he calls those who hear him to make a decision and to follow Christ, and his preaching is strong, and at the end of his preaching, a division has been made between those who are willing to follow Christ, and those who reject Him. This is not necessarily St. Paul’s intent; he desires earnestly that all his fellow Jews should receive the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ, and be delivered from vanity and confusion and sin and death. But when he preaches, those who have been on the fence have to make a decision, and despite all his efforts, it seems that from this point on, the Christian and Jewish communities in Rome become irreconcilably separate. We should note, as well, that this is not, traditionally, the end of St. Paul’s ministry. Tradition holds that he was released from this imprisonment and eventually traveled to Spain before being brought back to Rome for his martyrdom a few years later. But this is the end of the book of Acts, as well as of our five year cycle of the Religious Education Initiative. Next week, we will start again, with Genesis and with the Gospel of Luke.)
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?