Homily 10.29.23. On the Gadarene Demoniac, Luke 8:26-39

preached 4th sunday of Lent 2023

Homily for the 3rd Sunday of Lent, 2023.

References to Deuteronomy 15, especially verse 7. References to Proverbs 14:19-34. References to 2 Corinthians 11-12.

Cheesefare, Forgiveness Sunday.

Readings from Jeremiah chapters 2-3, 31; Proverbs 28

 

Accidentally said Ishmael once instead of Esau...  For Jacob seizing the blessing: from Isaac (stealing from ESAU), Genesis 27:1-29. From God: Genesis 32:24-30. Bad dog story in the OT, involving Jezebel: 1Kings 21:19, 23-26, 22:38, 2Kings 9. Many more bad dog stories or images, including Psalm 22 which Christ quotes from the cross, as the suffering Messiah. 

Proverbs 13:7-18 There is one who makes himself rich, yet has nothing; And one who makes himself poor, yet has great riches. 8 The ransom of a man's life is his riches, But the poor does not hear rebuke. 9 The light of the righteous rejoices, But the lamp of the wicked will be put out. 10 By pride comes nothing but strife, But with the well-advised is wisdom. 11 Wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished, But he who gathers by labor will increase. 12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, But when the desire comes, it is a tree of life. 13 He who despises the word will be destroyed, But he who fears the commandment will be rewarded. 14 The law of the wise is a fountain of life, To turn one away from the snares of death. 15 Good understanding gains favor, But the way of the unfaithful is hard. 16 Every prudent man acts with knowledge, But a fool lays open his folly. 17A wicked messenger falls into trouble, But a faithful ambassador brings health. 18 Poverty and shame will come to him who disdains correction, But he who regards a rebuke will be honored.

I may have merged several points or used another translation for the Climacus point about the exaltation of humility. Here are more exact quotations from the searchable translation by Fr. Lazarus Moore. "A meek soul is a throne of simplicity, but an angry mind is a creator of evil." Ladder, St. John, Step 24.9 "Man ought to use every means to raise his clay, so to speak, and seat it on the throne of God. And let no one make excuses for not undertaking this ascent, because the way and the door are open." Ladder, St. John, Step 26.135