The Epistle to the Hebrews, conceived 329b

Brethren, by faith Moses, having come of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, and rather wanted to suffer with the people of God than to have temporary sinful pleasure, and he considered the reproach of Christ to be a greater wealth for himself than the Egyptian treasures; for he looked to the recompense. And what else can I say? I will not have enough time to tell about Gideon, about Barak, about Samson and Jephthah, about David, Samuel and (others)

And all these who bore witness in faith did not receive the promise, because God had provided something better for us, that they might not be made perfect without us. Wherefore we, too, having such a cloud of witnesses around us, let us lay aside every burden and sin that besets us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the author and finisher of faith.

Hebrews 11:24–26; 32–12:2a

Sunday 1 of Great Lent

The Epistle to the Hebrews, conceived 330

And all these who bore witness in faith did not receive the promise, because God had provided something better for us, that they might not be made perfect without us. Wherefore we, too, having such a cloud of witnesses around us, let us lay aside every burden and sin that besets us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the author and finisher of faith.

Hebrews 11:33–12:2a

Sunday 1 after Pentecost, All Saints.

To the Martyrs

The Epistle to the Hebrews, conceived 331a

Brethren, having around us such a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every burden and sin that besets us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking to the author and finisher of the faith, Jesus, who, instead of the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Think of Him Who endured such reproach from sinners, so that you may not grow weary and faint in your souls. You have not yet fought unto blood, struggling against sin, and you have forgotten the consolation that is offered to you as sons: My son, do not despise the chastisement of the Lord, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you. For the Lord chastens whom He loves; but he smites every son whom he receives. If you endure chastisement, God treats you as sons. For is there any son whom his father does not punish? But if you remain without punishment, which is common to all, then you are illegitimate children, and not sons. Moreover, if we, being chastened by our carnal parents, feared them, then must we not submit much more to the Father of spirits in order to live? They punished us arbitrarily for a few days; but He is for profit, that we may have a share in His holiness.

Hebrews 12:1–10

March 9, to the Holy Martyrs of Sebaste