1st day of 8 day Fast

1st day of 8 day Fast

Vishudha Grantha Vayanakurup (JSC 2017) suggests the readings for Suboro Evening: St. Luke 8:16-21 Morning: St. Mark 3:31-35 Before Holy Qurbana: Deuteronomy 26:16-27:10 Judges 13:2-14 Zechariah 2:10-13, 4:1-7, 8:3 Isaiah 63:15-64:5 Holy Qurbana: I John 3:2-17 Hebrews 6:13-7:10 St. Luke 1:26-38 Today's Gospel pericope is the narrative of the Annunciation to St. Mary. It is only natural to attach feelings of great joy to this miraculous event. However, let us take a moment to reflect from another perspective. In the scriptures we read many examples of individuals who were born of miraculous circumstances. In his 'Commentary on the Gospel of Luke,' St. Severus Moshe bar Kepha ♰ 903 writes on the distinction between the miraculous birth of Christ and the birth of holy men such as the prophets. He says in relation to Luke 1:30: "because none of the barren or older women who gave birth found (grace) like her [St. Mary], neither Sarah, nor Rebecca, nor Rachel, nor Hannah, nor Elizabeth. Equal grace was given to these barren and older women, and it was conferred on the bearers and their sons. But the grace that Mary found was only for her, and not commonly for her and the one who was born from her. For this one who was born from her gives grace for others, and does not receive grace, just as John said, “we have received from his fullness." While noting the clear difference between the Incarnation of our Lord and the birth of many saints, we still acknowledge that a miracle has taken place. What then, do we say about our married family and friends today who have not borne children? The pain of infertility cannot be fully perceived by one who does not carry such a burden. In the scriptures, miraculous conceptions occur to those who pray unceasingly and live a life of holiness. Is infertility then, a reflection of lacking in holiness by a married couple? Certainly not! Yet, the self-realization of infertility not being a hallmark of sin does not minimize the impact infertility has on a couple, especially in a community setting like the Church. In her fantastic book, 'Under the Laurel Tree: Grieving Infertility with Saints Joachim and Anna' author Nicole Roccas provides an observation of what most childless families experience in parishes, "Orthodox couples with infertility encounter specific social and cultural challenges when navigating expectations surrounding childbearing and childlessness in the Church. These are intensified by the generational divides and non-Western cultural mentalities that typically characterize Orthodox parish life." However, she continues on a more positive note stating, "On the other hand, I maintain that interactions like the one above also illustrate the best of what the Orthodox Church imparts to the human condition. They show an empathy and honesty, if meddlesome, that is largely absent in mainstream attitudes toward infertility." Today, as we meditate on the Annunciation while fasting and seeking the Virgin's intercession, take a moment to pray for those whom this gospel passage may be one of great difficulty. While the Church celebrates the great revelation of life and birth, many are reminded of their struggles in childbearing. Through the intercession of St. Mary Yoldath Aloho, may they find comfort, hope and thanksgiving in Christ.