Thursday, May 30, 2013

Judas, one of the twelve


But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said,  “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?”  He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it. John 12:4-6, ESV

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Praise from the past


Hail, O Christ, the Word and Wisdom and Power of God. You Who are God all-powerful! What can we helpless ones give You in return for all these good gifts? For they all come from You, and You demand nothing from us except our salvation, You Who Yourself are the giver of salvation, and yet are grateful to those who receive it through Your unspeakable goodness. Thanks be to You Who gave us life though Your indescribable humility, and granted us the grace of a truly blessed life, restoring it to us when we had gone astray.

On the Orthodox Faith, by John of Damascus (675-749 A.D.)