'Daily Bread'
Friday, April 19, 2024
"All images reveal and make perceptible those things which are hidden. For example, a man does not have immediate knowledge of invisible things, since the soul is veiled by the body. Nor can man have immediate knowledge of things which are distant from each other or separated by place, because he himself is limited by place and time. Therefore the icon was devised that he might advance in knowledge, and that secret things might be revealed and made perceptible. Therefore, icons are a source of profit, help, and salvation for all, since they make things so obviously manifest, enabling us to perceive hidden things. Thus, we are encouraged to desire and imitate what is good and to shun and hate what is evil."
- St. John of Damascus
Daily Scripture Reading for Friday, April 19, 2024
6th Hour Reading: Isaiah 45:11-17
11 Thus says the Lord, The Holy One of Israel, and his Maker: “Ask Me of things to come concerning My sons; and concerning the work of My hands, you command Me.
12 I have made the earth, and created man on it. I – My hands – stretched out the heavens, and all their host I have commanded.
13 I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways; He shall build My city and let My exiles go free, not for price nor reward,” says the Lord of hosts.
14 Thus says the Lord: “The labor of Egypt and merchandise of Cush and of the Sabeans, men of stature, shall come over to you, and they shall be yours; they shall walk behind you, they shall come over in chains; and they shall bow down to you. They will make supplication to you, saying, ‘God is with you only, and there is no other; no god besides Him.’
15 Truly You are God, who hide Yourself, O God of Israel, the Savior!
16 They shall be ashamed and also disgraced, all of them; they shall go in confusion together, who are makers of idols.
17 But Israel shall be saved by the Lord with an everlasting salvation; you shall not be ashamed or disgraced forever and ever.
Vespers 2nd Reading: Proverbs 17:17-18:5
17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
18 A man devoid of understanding shakes hands in a pledge, and becomes surety for his friend.
19 He who loves transgression loves strife, and he who exalts his gate seeks destruction.
20 He who has a deceitful heart finds no good, and he who has a perverse tongue falls into evil.
21 He who begets a scoffer does so to his sorrow, and the father of a fool has no joy.
22 A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones.
23 A wicked man accepts a bribe behind the back to pervert the ways of justice.
24 Wisdom is in the sight of him who has understanding, but the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth.
25 A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her who bore him.
26 Also, to punish the righteous is not good, nor to strike princes for their uprightness.
27 He who has knowledge spares his words, and a man of understanding is of a calm spirit.
28 Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; when he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive.
1 A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; he rages against all wise judgment.
2 A fool has no delight in understanding, but in expressing his own heart.
3 When the wicked comes, contempt comes also; and with dishonor comes reproach.
4 The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; the wellspring of wisdom is a flowing brook.
5 It is not good to show partiality to the wicked, or to overthrow the righteous in judgment.
Ven. John of the Ancient Caves in Palestine (8th c.)
Saint John of the Ancient Caves is so called because he lived during the eighth century in the Lavra of Saint Chariton (September 28). This was called the “Old,” or ancient cave, since it was one the oldest of the Palestinian monasteries. The Lavra was situated not far from Bethlehem, near the Dead Sea.
Saint John in his early years left the world, went to venerate the holy places of Jerusalem, and settled at the Lavra, where he labored in fasting, vigil, and prayer. He was ordained to the holy priesthood, and glorified by his ascetic life.
THE GATE IS NARROW, FEW WILL ENTER
This week’s calendar reminders:
Monday 4/15: Lenten Matins 8:30 a.m. ; Stewards’ Meeting 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday 4/16: No services or events
Wednesday 4/17: Pre-sanctified Liturgy 6:30 p.m., potluck meal
Thursday 4/18: The Great Canon of St. Andrew the Crete 7 p.m.
Friday 4/19: Lenten Matins 8:30 a.m.
Saturday 4/20: Memorial Divine Liturgy 9:15 a.m.; Choir practice 5 p.m.; Great Vespers 6 p.m.
Sunday 4/21: Divine Liturgy 9:15 a.m.
