DYNAMIS!
A publication of St. George Orthodox Christian Cathedral
Wichita, KS
Thurs., Dec. 6, 2007 Nativity
Fast
Nicholas the Wonder-worker, Archbishop of
Vespers All Saints: Wisdom 5:15-6:3 Epistle: Hebrews
13:17-21 Gospel:
St. Luke 6:17-23
Grace for the Saints: Wisdom 5:15-6:3 LXX, especially vss. 15, 16:“But
the righteous live for evermore; their reward also is with the Lord, and the
care of them is with the most High.
Therefore shall they receive a glorious Kingdom, and a beautiful crown
from the Lord’s hand.” Leonid Ouspensky asserts
“that an icon is an external expression of the transfigured state of man,
of his sanctification by the uncreated Divine light,” to which he adds,
“Therefore, all the visible world represented in the icon changes,
becomes the image of the future unity of the whole creation - the Kingdom of
the Holy Spirit. In accordance with
this, all that is depicted in the icon reflects not the disorder of our sinful
world, but Divine order, peace, a realm governed not by earthly logic...but by
Divine Grace.” This present
reading from the Book of Wisdom, in a similar fashion, centers attention on
“the righteous” (vs. 15) - that is to say, it reveals the Saints as
fully known and manifest in the
What does the writer of Wisdom convey when he calls the
Saints “the righteous” (vs. 15)? Clearly he draws attention to
Peter’s love for the Lord (Jn. 21:17), to the
joy of the Myrrh-bearing women (Lk. 24:1-12), and to
the peace in the heart of Thomas when he cried, “My Lord and my
God!” (Jn. 20:28). Yes, every one of the fruits of the
Spirit manifests in the Saints: “love, joy, peace, longsuffering,
kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Gal.
5:22). Thus, all the visible work
of God the Holy Spirit leads beyond the witness of the Saints, beautifully
manifest in them, to the grace of God working within and for all men. This is the message flowing from
Solomon’s wisdom - God cares for everyone; acts with zeal on behalf of
everyone; and reminds everyone that the powers that we enjoy derive from Him.
God cares for you and me, Beloved, with the same outpouring
of grace that He showered upon the Saints.
Hence, let us have no hesitation to pray for a “glorious
Kingdom” (
The central portion of this passage, concerning the grace
of God for His Saints, describes the zeal with which God pursues His work of
showering favor upon His People.
The Revised Standard Version translation of verse 17 captures the
original meaning in the word, “zalos” or “zeal,”
rather than does Sir Brenton’s
“jealousy” - “The Lord will take His zeal as His whole
armor, and will arm all creation to repel His enemies.” God the Warrior fully arms Himself and
employs all creatures as weapons “for the revenge of His enemies”
(vs. 17). He brings all His own
righteousness, true judgment, and holiness to unleash “His severe
wrath...against the unwise” (vs. 20).
The entire world of human endeavor - all nations, leagues,
and enterprises - are put on notice to cease trusting in their powers, rule,
glory, and sovereignty, as if they existed through their own efforts (vss. 6:1-3).
God loves the entire world and all men, and gives grace to all. Earthly abilities, capacities to control
and manage skills come from God - “power is given...of the Lord, and
sovereignty from the Highest” (vs. 3). The grace given the Saints is available
for you and for me, and for all.
Admit that God tries, tests, examines the works
and counsels of every man (vs. 3).
This includes you and your talents, capacities, and abilities. Offer them to God in thanksgiving!
Rejoice in the Lord, O ye just: Praise becometh
the upright. Alleluia!
Return to the December Calendar