6th Sunday - Sunday of The Joy of Spiritual Asking
CHRIST is Risen - Truly He is Risen
Khristós Anésti! Alithós Anésti!
Sundays of the Holy Fifties
Meditation on Church reading during the Holy Fifties:Reading:
1 Peter 1:12
The fathers of the church arranged and named Sundays of the Holy Fifties as they did with the Sundays of the Great Fasting.
+ 1st Sunday of the Holy Fifty Days is the Sunday of Faith (Thomas Sunday)
+ 2nd is the Sunday of the Bread of Life.
+ 3rd is the Sunday of the Living water.
+ 4th is the Sunday of the True Light.
+ 5th is the Sunday of the Only Way.
+ 6th is the Sunday of the Joy of Spiritual Asking.
+ 7th is the Sunday the Pentecost.
6th Sunday - Sunday of The Joy of Spiritual Asking:
1 Peter 1:12
Our Lord Jesus Christ was crucified for our redemption and to restore our joy, by which we were born to a living hope. The sanctification of the Spirit that we got as redemption for Christ's sacrifice for us, to be born again by the resurrection from the dead .. Jesus said: "Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full." John 16:24
“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full." John 15:11
Our Lord Has given us hope by teaching us to rejoice even in sufferings and tribulation and also through the resurrection. "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." 1 Peter 1:3
We are begotten .. again to a living hope in baptism. As Jesus told Nicodemus, we enter the Kingdom of God by being "born of water and spirit." John 3:5 This new birth in baptism unites us with Christ and His Resurrection "Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?" Romans 6:3
The following verses also confirmed to us this sacramental reality:
"Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”
Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."
Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them."
Acts 2:37, 38, 41
Also
"To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.”
“Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?”
"And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days."
Acts 10:43, 47,48
"Washing of regeneration" In Titus 3:5, where baptism and God's mercy are coupled. The sacrament of baptism is the power by which we suffer faithfully. Being regenerated, given new life in Christ, we have a hope by which to live. This grace of God sustains us in the trials of life.
To reach the Joy of blessing of eternal life in Christ, we first experience the sadness of the passing world, along with the afflictions we must face. (James 1:1-12) To the watching world, the perseverance of the faithful during affliction appears foolish and even contemptible. But having strengthen our faith during or under trial is precious indeed. Bearing more glory and honor as it continues to stand under trial.(Mat 25:31-46 ; 1 Co 3:10-15)
St Peter knew by experience the failure to perceive the truth until he saw it with his own eyes. (Luke 24:8-12 ; Acts 10:39-43)
This is the faith of baptism and the faith of eternal life. The sufferings of Christ, His Resurrection, Ascension, and Second Coming.
We must be obedient to Jesus Christ to be able to receive the joy of the new birth and the eternal life with Him. In contrast to the disobedience of the first Adam, the second Adam, Christ, fulfilled the Law completely and performed all righteousness. Through His obedience, corrupt human nature will be transformed into incorrupt human nature.
Stay on the right path, follow the word of God, to harvest the Joy of the Holy Resurrection:
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Psalm 16:11
Sing, O heavens!
Be joyful, O earth!
And break out in singing, O mountains!
For the Lord has comforted His people.
Isaiah 49:13
May the Lord Grant us His Divine Peace that we can enjoy the internal peace and the joy that no one can take away from us …. Amen!
