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Holy Wednesday
Mark 12.1-11
How do we respond to God when He asks what is required of us? The parable of the tenants poses this question for us. The Lord has given each of us something. Some have more than others, therefore, more is required of those who have more. However, each person is required to give the Lord that which is rightfully His. Whenever we try to hold on to that which is the Lord's, we set ourselves against Him.

This is why it is so important that we tithe, that we give 10% of our earnings to the Lord. It's His due, not that He needs it; but we need to give to Him so that we might be mindful of Him who gave us the abilities that we have to do the work that we do.

I remember many years ago being told that the tithe was an Old Testament concept and that Jesus never mentioned that we were to tithe. They were quiet correct in saying that Jesus did not require a tithe. For Jesus requires a 100%.

The tithe is to help us in our relationship with Jesus. We give to Him that which is rightfully His. He allows us to participate with Him in bringing in the Kingdom of God. We get the privilege of seeing His hand at work in ways that we could neer imagine or dream. To tithe and to give sacrificially will help you in your walk with Jesus, for by doing so, you are responding to the Love that He has bestowed upon you.

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Fromwww.antiochian.org

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Service of the Sacrament of Holy Unction (The Holy Prayer-Oil)

The sacred ceremony of the Mysterion of the Holy Unction is celebrated on Holy Wednesday evening, a custom which has prevailed for a long period of time —"Anointing the sick with oil, in the Name of the Lord. . ." The woman who poured the precious oil on Jesus is the image of sacrifical love and repentance, which alone unites us with Christ.Jesus in turn has given us this Holy Oil as a Sacrament of Healing, by which we partake of His love that never fails! We are anointed this evening, so that our own suffering in Christ may become a visible victory over the ills of our body and our soul. This Sacrament is "a healing unto soul and body.. ." and is also a spiritual preparation for the receiving of the Holy Eucharist at the Holy Thursday Divine Liturgy. For this reason it is suggested and requested that all Orthodox Christians have recently received the Sacrament of Holy Confession to properly participate in the Mankind-saving events that are to be celebrated in the remaining days of Holy Week. Since Holy Unction is a Sacrament of the Church, only Orthodox Faithful may be anointed.

The Washing of the Feet Service. (Optional)

The service commemorates Christ's washing of His Disciples feet as an example of humility and love.

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Kyle Essary