THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
March 14, 2021

Sunday of the Judge

Scripture Notes for Today’s Readings

Luke 17:20-18:14 Jesus describes the Second Coming as a time like any other in some ways, with people in pursuit of their usual pleasures; joys as well as suffering continue. Yet we learn that His Coming will be as bold as a bolt of lightning. We cannot be prepared for it if we have not lived all along as God’s devoted children; if we haven’t, we will be reluctant to leave behind earthly preoccupations for heavenly ones. This description is immediately followed by The Parable of the Unjust Judge (ort Persistent Widow). See below for more on this parable and reflection questions. Discuss/reflect: How does Jesus’ example of Lot’s wife looking back clarify the meaning of verse 33: “whoever tries to keep their life will lose it and whoever loses their life will preserve it”?

Philippians 3:1-4:9 “Rejoice in the Lord!” St. Paul declares, since all that once was valued is nothing, rubbish (lit: dung;3:8) compared to knowing Jesus. A life for those who eschew earthly things for a glorious “citizenship in heaven” is marked by joy, gratitude, a worry-free serenity. And a peace from God that “transcends all understanding.” (4:7) Discuss/reflect: How would you finish the sentence in v.13 as you try to draw ever closer to Christ: “…one thing I do:______.”

Isaiah 65:8-25 In prophesying to postexilic Israel, Isaiah shares God’s promises of judgment to the disobedient but salvation and renewal to the faithful – a world where there will no longer be tears and where the wolf and the lamb will peacefully co-exist. Discuss/reflect: “I called and you did not answer…I spoke and you did not listen…you chose what displeases me…” (v.12) In some ways, could this describe you? How?

Sunday of the Judge To underscore the importance of prayer, Jesus tells the parable of an unjust judge who neglects the pleas of a poor widow until, tired of her persistence, he hands down a decision and sends her away. Just as Jesus used the example of a less-than-virtuous-steward (last Sunday’s Lenten lesson), he now uses the example of an exasperated, self-centered judge. If he submits to the supplication of the widow, won’t a merciful, loving God hear and respond to our needs? Prayer is one of the essential ways we grow closer to God. It was the only thing the disciples asked Jesus to teach them! Reflection: When do you pray? Only at certain times? When you feel angry or sad? Thankful? Memorize I

Thessalonians 5:16-18 as a good mantra for prayerful living

Department of Christian Education Diocese of the Armenian Church (Eastern) elisea@armeniandiocese.org

“Lord, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night….” (Nehemiah 1:5–6).   Prayers are requested for Ethel Terzian, Taron Poghosyan, Alice Charles, Theodora Mirakian, Leslie Movsesian & Larry Grocott.

Lent 2021:
Adult Christian Education (ACE) will present the following ZOOM programs this season of Lent. All sessions will begin at 7:00 pm unless otherwise noted.  Register at nancybasmajian@verizon.net to receive the link.

Friday 3/12 – Dn. Armen Terjimanian, Pastoral Intern – The Luke Connection:  Lent & Advent
Friday 3/19 – Dn. Albert Keshgegian – Beside Still Waters: Day by Day  Book Discussion
Friday 3/26 – Rev. Fr. Garabed Kochakian – Holy Week though the Sacred Art of Armenian Miniatures

PEACE AND REST SERVICES

In-person attendance is invited for these services that will take place at church every Friday at noon starting February 26 through March 26.  Masks are required and social distancing must be maintained.  Access to the church is through the main entrance doors ONLY.

Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday, March 14, 2021, so please remember to turn your clock forward one hour before you go to bed on Saturday night (3/13/21).  Remember:  Spring forward, Fall back!

DIVINE LITURGY IN YOUR HOME
Since we do not stream services at our church every week, we invite you to click on one of the following links to partake of Badarak at any of the following:

https://www.facebook.com/SSSMAAC/live/ (St. Sahag & St. Mesrob Armenian Church)
http://www.stleon.org (St Leon Live Stream)
https://www.facebook.com/stvartancathedral (St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral)
http://www.holy-martyrs.org (Holy Martyrs Live Stream)

EMERGENCY CLOSINGS: In an effort to inform parishioners and guests when a Holy Trinity church service or program needs to be canceled or delayed due to inclement weather or other reasons, we request that you check our website (www.holytrinity-pa.org) or facebook page (www.facebook.com/holytrinitypa) for the most accurate information.

ASA OPEN HOUSE: Interested in finding out more about ASA for your child?

We welcome the opportunity to meet with you, answer any questions and guide your family through the admissions process. Though our campus is open, due to safety concerns in light of COVID-19 we are unable to welcome visitors to campus during school hours. We have transitioned our spring open house and tours into virtual zoom/phone meetings as well as after-hours tours. Email Legna Santerian at lsanterian@asaphila.org to schedule a tour – just for your family!

We look forward to meeting you and introducing you to the Armenian Sisters Academy!
Check out our video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wevb1U3tAnI 

Legna