16- THE ICON OF MID-PENTECOST We celebrate all that God has done for us in His Son, Jesus Christ, the Cross, Tomb, Resurrection, Ascension, and Descent of the Holy Spirit. The whole event is summarized in the term: Paschal Mystery, and is celebrated for fifty days. The twenty-fifth day of this celebration is called the Feast of Mid-Pentecost. It celebrates Christ as Teacher . The Gospel of the feast emphasizes Jesus as Teacher. He teaches with divine authority. The feast was half over by the time Jesus went into the temple area and began to teach. The Jews were filled with amazement and said, "How did this man get his education when he had no teacher?" This was Jesus' answer: "My doctrine is not My own; it comes to Me from Him Who sent Me. ...The truth is, I have not come of Myself. I was sent by One Who has the right to send, and Him you do not know. I know Him because it is from Him I come: He sent Me." (Jn. 7: 14-29) The Icon shows Christ seated in the center of the assembly on a circular bench against an architectural background which represents the temple. Two groups of elders, to whom Christ speaks, flank Him and are represented with expressions of astonishment. The question can be read on their faces, "How did this man get His education when He had no teacher?" (Jn. 7: 15) In the background we see the Mother of God and Joseph. Regarding the figure of Christ Himself, there is an obvious anachronism. Although the Gospel for the feast describes Christ during His ministry, the Icon refers to His childhood experience when He was found in the temple by His parents. (Lk. 2: 41-49) The emphasis here is that the teaching of Jesus comes from His Father, "from Him Who sent Me." Jesus' holding the Gospel Book, another anachronism, is to show that His teaching is embodied in the life, spirit, and truth which is recorded in all of the Gospels. The Icon speaks to us and calls us to see Jesus as our Way, Truth, and Life. TROPARION -When the Paschal Feast is half completed, quench my thirsty soul with the waters of devotion; for You have announced to all, O Savior, "Let him who is thirsty come to Me and drink." O Christ God, Source of Our Life, glory be to You !
Today I am all one with the spirit within There are times when we all feel as if we need to be alone. We just want to get away from everyone and everything and be alone. Sometimes we may feel guilty or selfish for thinking the way, but it is perfectly normal. To be alone is the best thing we can do for ourselves. To be alone means to be all one with the spirit within. When we are alone, we have an opportunity to get in touch with, to talk to and be guided by our power source, Spirit. To be alone means going to the essence of your being. To ask questions within and get clear, concise answers. To be alone means taking the time to give to yourself a small portion of what we have been giving of ourselves for so long. It is like drinking from the fountain of restoration to bring back your physical, mental and spiritual health. So go ahead. Tell them all and don't feel bad about saying it. "I want to be alone." In the solitude of your mind are the answers to all your questions about life. You must take the time to ask and listen.