The Journey to Joy for me involves daily reminders of the presence of God. What is not seen or heard is often forgotten in the rush of our daily lives. So I must fill my days with physical reminders of Him, the Resurrection and the life of all. He Who sustains me.
On Sunday, June 16th, in the Eastern Orthodox Church it was the Feast of Pentecost. Fifty days after the Resurrection of Christ, the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles, giving them the ability to speak in other tongues so that they could easily spread the gospel throughout the world.
During this 50 days of Pascha, in the church, we refrain from singing/saying the short prayer that begins each and every service and each prayer at home. But it is brought back on this day of Pentecost. We also refrain from kneeling or prostrating during this time. On this day of Pentecost we bring back to our prayers both the prayer and the kneeling.
The troparion (hymn) of the day is one of my favorites (the melody our church uses is unique and fun as well)…
Blessed art Thou, O Christ our God,
Who hast revealed the fishermen as most wise
by sending down upon them the Holy Spirit,
and through them Thou didst draw the world into Thy net.
O Lover of Man, glory to Thee!
May we remember, each and every day, that our Heavenly King, the Comforter is truly “everywhere present and fillest all things”. He is with us always. He is near us forever. Let us open our eyes to see Him.
Kindler of Joy! 