Great and Holy Tuesday Holy Week Fast
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
6th Hour: Ezekiel 1:21-2:1 2nd Vespers: Job 1:13-22 Gospel: St. Matthew 24:36-26:2
St. Matthew 24:36-26:2, especially vs.25:13: "Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour
in which the Son of Man is coming." Today's Gospel ends with the Lord Jesus' announcement that in two days "the Son
of Man will be delivered up to be crucified" (vs. 26:2). This concluding declaration of our Savior serves as end-point to the
recurring watchword of this extended Pre-Passion teaching - which is "Watch." Since Christ was going to leave His
disciples they were to be ready for the Master's return, guard against the thief, have their lamps filled with oil, ever tend to
the Lord's business, and care for those in need whom He might place in their path.
The Lord Jesus' message is stated explicitly - as in the verse quoted above at the start - but it is implicit throughout the
passage. In some instances, "watch" could be rephrased as a command of a similar kind: "Be attentive" or "Be prepared."
But watchfulness, attentiveness, or readiness - whatever one calls the mindset - was to be the constant; for throughout, with
His departure imminent, the return of the Son of Man was to take central position in the awareness of any who called
themselves by His Name. Yes, and we too are to be watchful to the ages of ages.
First of all, then, Christ our God would have us accept the uselessness of trying to figure out when He will return. "No one
knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only" (vs. 24:36). If we had the date down as an exact appointment,
we would be tempted like so many students who wait until the last minute to cram for an exam or get a project completed.
Why would that be so terrible? Because, knowing the date would invite inattention, causing us to think like those in
Noah's day - or those today - that "eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage" are what are really important.
No, our eternal life is primary!
Hence, a healthy dread of His return is essential. Jesus Christ does not want us to be evil servants and say in our hearts,
"My master is delaying his coming" (vs. 24:48), and take up vicious habits. If we should fall into that trap, as He reminds
us, He will come and cut us in two and appoint our portion with the hypocrites, with "weeping and gnashing of teeth" (vs.
24:51). Let us heed St. Isaac the Syrian: "Establish, O man, in your heart the thought that instant departure confronts you,
and constantly say to yourself: 'There, already, at the door is the messenger come for me. Why am I idle? My removal is
for ever; there will be no return.'"
The choice which our Lord gives us is following the diligent example of the wise virgins or being like the foolish ones (vss.
25:1-13). We are to garner blessed oil for the return of the Bridegroom. Listen to St. Seraphim of Sarov: "God's all-saving
will consists in doing good solely to acquire the Holy Spirit, as an eternal, inexhaustible treasure which cannot be rightly
valued. The acquisition of the Holy Spirit is, so to say, the oil which the foolish virgins lacked. They were called foolish
just because they had forgotten that necessary fruit of virtue, the grace of the Holy Spirit, without which no one is or can be
saved."
What is to be done? Invest the talent that you have; do not bury it (vss. 25:14-30). Never think that you have too little! It
is a deception of the enemy. And, where should we invest our talents? Seek the Lord among those in need and minister to
them in His Name, for "all nations will be gathered before Him when He comes"(vs. 25:32) and we shall be judged for our
mercy. Never doubt! How wonderful to hear Him say, "Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for
you from the foundation of the world.... inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me"
(vs. 25:40).
O Christ the Bridegroom, number us with the wise virgins and have mercy upon us.