Sunday Scriptures

When we pray we speak to God; when we read the Scriptures God speaks to us. When we read the Scriptures in the Liturgy God speaks to the Church. These reflections on themes in the Sunday readings help point the way to hearing God speak to our Church today. At every Divine Liturgy there are two readings from the New Testament (Old Testament readings are often heard at Vespers). The second reading, from one of the Gospels, often is the source of the Sunday's title (for example, the Sunday of the Blind Man) and the subject of the priest's homily. The first reading, from an Epistle or the Acts of the Apostles, is often overlooked. These reflections may be drawn from either reading. The references for these readings are on the Church calendar. You may enhance your hearing of God's Word at the Liturgy by reading the Scriptural texts and the corresponding reflection before the Liturgy.

August 30	The Forerunner in Hades
August 23	In What Is Our Joy?	Matthew 19:16-26
August 16	Gazing on the Image of His Face	Matthew 18:23-35
August 9	Seeing the Light of God
August 2	The Fast of the Theotokos	Matthew 14:22-34
July 26	The Messianic Banquet	Matthew 14:14-22