previously were difficult to deny to himself change in their appearance, and he sees them as they really are.
There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. (Proverbs 14:12)
A life of indulgence, luxury and ease does not bring happiness, and never has and never will. It only wastes time, and dulls the senses of the
soul, and we are left with a vague feeling of unhappiness and unfulfillment. The things we are called to deny ourselves of are all injurious to
us. We are able to see this only with experience. Most people never know why they feel this way. A very few, such as the prodigal son,
come to their senses and see why their soul is in such a state. A better way to learn the benefit of denying ourselves is to live with effort and
desire.
A similar reading from St Mark is used on the 3
rd
Sunday of Great Lent
(Mark 8:34-9:1). See
Third Sunday of Great LentÁ-? for homilies
on this topic.
Luke 9:27 But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not
taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God.
This is a reference to our LordÁ-?s transfiguration, which followed some few days
after He spoke these words.
Bibliography
The Explanation of the Holy Gospel according to St Luke, by Blessed Theophylact, published by
Chrysostom Press -
. ALL FOUR BOOKS ARE HIGHLY
RECOMMENDED!
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