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Feast of the Protection of the Theotokos
Today’s Feast of the Protection of the Theotokos commemorates the appearance of the most holy Theotokos
in the Church of Blachernae in Constantinople in the early sixth century, as recorded in the life of Saint Andrew the Fool
for Christ. While the multitudes of the faithful were gathered in the church,
praying for deliverance from invaders, Epiphanius, the friend of Saint Andrew, beheld the Virgin Mary above the faithful and
spreading out her veil over them, signifying her unceasing protection of all Christians.
Because of this, we keep a yearly feast of gratitude, imploring our Lady to never cease sheltering us in her mighty
prayers. Please see the related article in “Father Quotes.”
The Epistle reading today is that
of the Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost, and contains some general considerations on the giving of alms.
The
Gospel reading takes us back to the very first teachings of Jesus in Galilee, and, in particular, to
the Sermon on the Mount in Luke’s abridged version of it. Today’s
very short reading deals with loving one’s enemies.
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The readings below are Sunday, October 1, 2023.
Today's Epistle reading [2 Corinthians 6.16-17.1]:
Now this I say: He who soweth sparingly
shall also reap sparingly: and he who soweth in blessings shall also reap blessings.
Every one as he hath determined in his heart, not with sadness or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound in you: that ye always, having all sufficiently
in all things, may abound to every good work. As it is written: He hath dispersed
abroad, he hath given to the poor: his justice remaineth for ever. And he
that ministereth seed to the sower will both give you bread to eat and will multiply your seed and increase the growth of
the fruits of your justice: That being enriched in all things, you may abound
unto all simplicity which worketh through us thanksgiving to God.
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The Gospel reading for today [Luke 5.1-11]:
And as you would that men should do to
you, do you also to them in like manner. And if you love them that love you,
what thanks are to you? For sinners also love those that love them. And if you do good to them who do good to you, what thanks are to you?
For sinners also do this. And if you lend to them of whom you hope
to receive, what thanks are to you? For sinners also lend to sinners, for
to receive as much. But love ye your enemies: do good, and lend, hoping for
nothing thereby: and your reward shall be great, and you shall be the sons of the Highest.
For he is kind to the unthankful and to the evil. Be ye therefore
merciful, as your Father also is merciful.
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