FOURTH FRIDAY OF LENT Gregory the Illuminator, Bishop and Missionary of Armenia, c.332
am: Ps 107:1-32
pm: 107:33-43
Exod 2:1-22
1 Cor 12:27-13:3
Mark 9:2-13
LITURGICAL THEME FOR THE DAY: On this day we remember the first Bishop of Armenia, Gregory. The ancient kingdom of Armenia was the first country to become Christian, and it recognizes Gregory as its apostle. Armenia was a buffer state between the powerful empires of Rome and Parthia (Persia), and both of them sought to control it. Gregory was born about 257. When he was still an infant, his father assassinated the King of Parthia, and friends of the family carried Gregory away for protection to Caesarea in Cappadocia, where he was reared as a Christian. About 280 he returned to Armenia, where he was at first treated severely, but eventually by his preaching and example brought both King Tiridates and a majority of his people to the Christian faith.
MEDITATION OF THE DAY: Psalm 107 continues to challenge us to consider how we apprehend the idea of giftedness in our spiritual journey. Are we individuals and churches who remind ourselves and witness to others that God’s steadfast love does endure? Are we signs of God’s presence assured that He will lead us through and out of troubles? This is an important message and witness in a broken world that seems more and more to be spinning out of control.
As people of faith who receive this psalm we can appreciate God’s rescue of His people who find themselves struggling in various circumstances. It got so bad that some of the people have been foolish and have become so sick that they cannot even eat. At this time, people believed that sickness was a punishment from God for sin, and so it would have been viewed as just that these “foolish” people had become ill. Yet, in spite of this God steps in and rescues them, healing them so thoroughly that they are able offer thanksgiving sacrifices which, according to the law, included eating the sacrifice afterwards.
We know sickness is not God’s punishment but it can often be a consequence of our own actions, and sometimes it just is. What do we seek of God? Heal and rescue us, of course in the hope that strength and wholeness flowing from God’s grace and presence will fill us. When one is filled with that grace and has gratitude, a profound witness to the Gospel can be had
PRAYER OF THE DAY: Almighty God, whose will it is to be glorified in your saints, and who raised up your servant Gregory the Illuminator to be a light in the world, and to preach the Gospel to the people of Armenia: Shine, we pray, in our hearts, that we also in our generation may show forth your praise, who called us out of darkness into your marvelous light; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
ANCIENT WISDOM/PRESENT GRACE: “ Wickedness is not so strong…as to prevail over the power of good; nor is the folly of our nature more powerful and more abiding than the wisdom of God…for as evil does not extend to infinity, but is comprehended by necessary limits, it would appear that good once more follows in succession upon the limit of evil – St. Gregory of Nyssa
Lenten Discipline– The Armenian Church has suffered mightily, yet as an ancient home of the faith it was known for sharing its resources. Go through your closet today and give away to those in need abroad at least five pieces of unused clothing Learn to live with less. Spruce up old clothing instead of buying new. Discuss what guides your clothes purchasing habits.