JULY 2: CONFESSION – 08:30 AM, DIVINE LITURGY – 09:00 AM (LIVE-STREAMED AND OUTDOORS WEATHER PERMITTING).
We also commemorate the Deposition of the Robe of the Theotokos. Please see previous post about this commemoration day.
PROPERS: 07-02-23_Sunday_DL
Parishes live-streaming in the Diocese can be found here: https://www.eparchyofpassaic.com/directory
Today, we have two Gospel readings. First, the Gospel Reading for this Sunday is Matthew 8:28 – 9:3 and the Gospel reading for the commemoration of the Robe of the Theotokos is Luke 10:38-42 & 11:27-28.
In the first Gospel Reading, Jesus restores two demon-possessed men and casts the demons into pigs. In this reading Jesus is now in His public ministry and encounters humans who are “demon-possessed.” The demons took control of their mental state and tormented their lives. When Jesus visited this area, He delivered the men from the demons. During this confrontation, the demons begged Jesus to send them into a herd of pigs that was nearby, because they paniced and were afraid of Christ. After this happened, news spread to the town about what happened. Instead of welcoming Jesus, the people pleaded with Him to leave their region. Why would they not welcome Him? Perhaps they were more afraid for themselves, for this was no ordinary prophet in their midst, but one who judges and casts out evil. We do not know unfortunately, but importantly, though, Christ leaves when asked, He is alway willing to help those who receive Him and asks they spread “the Good News.”
The second reading, Luke 10:38-42 and 11:27-28, about Hospitality, Distraction and Worry. While Mary, sat and listened to Jesus, Martha, worried about the meal and did not listen. Remember, you need to focus on the what is important and that is the Lord. He is the one who lessens our worries, so don’t occupy yourselves with anything else because He always comes first for us.
