As we prepare ourselves for the coming fast let us reflect upon the following hymn from yesterday’s matins: “when I ponder in my wretchedness on the many terrible things that I have done, I tremble for that fearful day, the Day of Judgement. But trusting in the mercy of Your compassion, like David I cry to You, “have mercy on me, O God, according to Your great mercy.
From the Psalmist: the Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is a stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (27:1) which finds a response in Isiah: “fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand” (41:10)… Have a blessed 40 day fast.
If you do not have the ears to hear then how can you hear? And if you do have the ears to hear but do not act; then what is the point of the hearing?
God made man and put him at the centre of creation. As such he is responsible for all creation. This means that whatever he does he should do with great forethought, compassion and in love. After all, that immortal part of us – our soul understands both good and evil as we partook of the tree of knowledge. Whatever choices we make will impact upon creation itself.