Thursday 21st November 2024
Nativity Fast: fish, wine and oil allowed
The Entry of the Most Holy Theotokos into the Temple
Today we commemorate:
St. Rufus of Rome (c.90).
British Isles and Ireland:
St. Digain (5th C).
Colossians 4:2-9; Luke 18:31-34
For the Commemoration: Hebrews 9:1-7; Luke 10:38-42,11:27-28
Readings in bold type are those appointed by the Typikon for use at the Liturgy
Colossians 4:2-9
Persevere in prayer with thanksgiving; be vigilant in it. At the same time pray for us too, that God may open a door for the word so that we may speak of the mystery of Christ for which I have been chained, and that I may reveal it in the way I ought to speak. Conduct yourselves with wisdom towards outsiders; make the most of the time. Let your words always be gracious, seasoned with salt, knowing how you ought to respond to each one. Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord, will let you know all about me. It is for this very purpose, to learn something about you and to comfort your hearts, that I sent him to you with Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother who is one of you. They will inform you about everything here.
Luke 18:31-34
Jesus took the Twelve aside and said to them, ‘Listen, we are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled. For he will be handed over to the Gentiles and mocked and mistreated and spat upon, and after scourging him they will put him to death. Then on the third day he will rise again.’ But they grasped none of this. These words were hidden from them and they did not understand what was being said.
Hebrews 9:1-7
Even the first Tent had regulations for worship and an earthly sanctuary. A chamber was prepared, the first one. It was called the Holy Place, and in it were the lamp stand, the table and the shewbread. Beyond the second curtain was a chamber called the Holy of Holies. It held the golden censer and the Ark of the Covenant that was entirely covered in gold on every side. In this were a golden jar holding the manna, Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tablets of the covenant. Above it, cherubim of glory overshadowed the mercy seat. We are not at present describing these things in detail. And so with this arrangement the priests continually go into the first chamber to fulfil the rites of worship. Into the second the High Priest enters once a year, alone, and not without the blood that he offers for himself and for the sins committed in ignorance by the people.
Luke 10:38-42,11:27-28
As they were travelling along, Jesus entered a village and a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. She had a sister called Mary who sat at Jesus’ feet and listened to what he said. Martha however was distracted with much serving. She came up to him and said, ‘Lord, do you not care that my sister left me to serve alone? Then speak to her so that she may help me.’ But in reply Jesus told her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things. Only one thing is needed and Mary made the right choice. It shall not be taken from her.’ … As he was saying these things, a woman called out from the crowd, saying to him, ‘Blessed is the womb that bore you and the breasts that nursed you.’ And he replied, ‘Yes, and more than that. Blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it.’