Daily Scripture Reading for Thursday, January 11, 2024
Old Testament Reading: Wisdom of Solomon 3:1-9
1 But the souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment will ever touch them.
2 In the eyes of the foolish they seemed to have died, and their departure was thought to be affliction,
Gospel Reading: Matthew 11:27-30
27 All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.
28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
Ven. Michael of Klops, Fool-for-Christ (Novgorod—ca. 1453-56)
In 1412, the monks of the Monastery of Klops (near Novgorod) found an unknown man, dressed as a monk, in the church, reading from the Epistles by candle-light. When asked who he was, he replied: “Only the One Who created me knows who I am.”
LISTEN to a two-minute reading on Ven. Michael of Klops by Ancient Faith Ministries and find out the identity of this monk who was unknown for years living as an ascetic.
The following excerpt is from the ‘THIS IS FROM ME’ letter written by St. Seraphim of Viritsa to a spiritual child of his, a hierarch who was at that time in a Soviet prison. It is in the form of consolation given by God to a troubled man’s soul.
I am your God, the circumstances of your life are in My hands; you did not end up in your position by chance; this is precisely the position I have appointed for you. Weren't you asking Me to teach you humility? And there - I placed you precisely in the "school" where they teach this lesson. Your environment, and those who are around you, are performing My will. Do you have financial difficulties and can just barely survive? Know that This was from Me.
Remember always that every difficulty you come across, every offensive word, every slander and criticism, every obstacle to your works, which could cause frustration and
disappointment, This is from Me.
Know and remember always, no matter where you are, That whatsoever hurts will be dulled as soon as you learn In all things, to look at Me. Everything has been sent to you by Me, for the perfection of your soul. All these things were from Me.
St. Seraphim of Viritsa
READ the entire ‘THIS IS FROM ME’ letter by St. Seraphim.
This week’s calendar reminders:
Sunday 1/7: Divine Liturgy 9:15 a.m.
Monday 1/8: Matins 8:30 a.m.
Tuesday 1/9: no services or events
Wednesday 1/10: no services or events
Thursday 1/11: Matins 8:30 a.m. ; Men’s Group 7 p.m.
Friday 1/12: Matins 8:30 a.m.
Saturday 1/13: Women’s Group 9 a.m. ; Great Vespers 6 p.m.