Thursday of the Third Week of Holy Lent

The Gospel according to St. John (12: 44-50)

    ”Then Jesus cried out and said, “He who believes in Me, believes not in Me but in Him who sent Me. And he who sees Me sees Him who sent Me. I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness. And if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him—the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day. For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak. And I know that His command is everlasting life. Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak.”“

    This chapter we appropriately read in the week of temptations of the Lord in the wilderness. It guides us on the path of victory over temptations.

First: Faith in Jesus:

    Faith is the way of victory. “And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” (1Jn 4:5). Clinging to the Lord and trusting in Him is our power. It suffices us to examine the lives of those who pleased the Lord, in the past or present; and, we will conclude that they all were men (and women) of faith. Without faith it is impossible to please Him.  Through faith they “subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword …“(Heb 11:33,34).

    Let us then hold on to our faith and beseech Christ saying “increase our faith”. Even in moments when our faith is weakened and withered, we persist in prayers and supplications, emulating Peter when he started to sink “he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”  And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14: 30,31).

    Recall and remember the works that God had made for you and your faith will increase. Do not lend your ear to the words of the tempter who sows doubt saying if you were the son of God, …”.

    Contemplating in the creation and all the universe, in the plants, how they grow, and the birds how they live will increase our faith, our reliance on Him and our trust in His providence.

    In befriending the saints and knowing their beautiful life stories we see living examples of faith. Let us learn from them.

Second: Listening to His words:

    The scripture is the word of God. This chapter of the gospel focuses on whether or not we are listening to the words of Christ. Listening to the word means to accept it with faith, submit to it and its demands throughout our life. Accepting the word full heartedly changes one’s entire life. The word becomes the sword of the spirit with which we fight and conquer.

    A life that does not submit to the word of God shall not find victory. Memorizing the scriptures mentally without work makes the enemy rejoice exceedingly. On the other hand, implementing the commandments in life burns the devils and disperses their counsel.

    Let us hear and do. We hear His voice and follow His footsteps as sheep following the Good Shepherd.

    What a beautiful life when it concords with the words of Christ. Your words are a lamp for my feet. I shall not take one step in my life without the light of the word.

Third: “I have come as a light into the world,” John 12:46

    When we accept Christ Who is the light of the world by faith and submit to His words, darkness and the spirit of darkness will have no authority over us.

    Living by the light and in the light is glorious and joyful.

    To the extent that the light penetrates life, enjoyment of fellowship, joy and peace will dwell in us. As much as darkness overshadows the life of a person, his or her life will be full of sadness, strife and regret.

    Walk in the light for you are children of the Light.

    Love the Light. The people of the world “loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” Seek the Light joyfully then your works will be praised by God.

    In conclusion, you shall find a life in Christ filled with contentment. No one other than Him can say “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

Fr. Louka Sidarous

(19/22)