Thoughts to live by: St. Gregory of Narek

Thursday, 27 February, 7th Week in Ordinary Time

Readings — Sir. 5:1-8; Ps. 1:1-2, 3, 4, 6; Mk. 9:41-50.

Some Notes on St. Gregory of Narek

1. St. Gregory of Narek is widely revered as one of the greatest figures of medieval Armenian religious thought and literature. He was born in 950 in the Armenian town of Andzevatsik, located in present-day Turkey. He entered a monastery at a young age and was ordained a priest at 25. He lived at the monastery at Narek his whole priestly life and taught at the monastic school. He became the Abbot of the monastery.

2. With a profound love for the Virgin Mary, he enjoyed deep mystical experiences. He displayed his great learning in various works of mystical theology. His best known writings include a commentary on the Song of Songs. In 1003, he produced his masterpiece, "Book of Lamentations," more commonly known as the "Narek." It includes 95 prayers and has been translated into more than 30 languages. St. Gregory died in Narek around 1005. In 2021, Pope Francis named him as a Doctor of the Church.

3. 1st Reading, Sir. 5:1-8 -- The Book of Sirach, also known as the Wisdom of Jesus, the Son of Sirach, or Ecclesiastes is the longest extant wisdom book from antiquity, written between 196 and 175 BC. It consists of ethical teachings. Sir. 5:1-8 gives advice on one's relationship with God regarding wealth, power and sinfulness. It is presumptuous to rely on your wealth, power, and strength. The Lord will exact punishment (vv. 1-3). Do not sin repeatedly and presume on the mercy and forgiveness of God, for his wrath falls on the wicked (vv. 4-6). Your wealth will not help you on the day of wrath. So, do not delay your conversion (vv. 7-8).

4. Resp. Ps. 1:1-2, 3, 4, 6 -- True Blessedness. Blessed is the man who is not guided by the wicked nor follow the way of sinners, but rather follow the law of the Lord with joy. Whatever he does prospers, like a fruitful tree by the water (vv. 1-3). But the wicked are like chaff driven by the wind. They will not seat in the assembly of the just. Their wicked ways lead to ruin (vv. 4-6).

5. Gospel, Mk. 9:41-50 -- An act of kindness to you because you "belong to Christ" will be rewarded. Do not be a cause of sin to these "little ones." If you do, it would be better for you to be drowned at sea (vv. 41-42). If any part of your body causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter heaven crippled than to be thrown unmaimed into Gehenna (vv. 43-46).

6. Today's Readings present the absolute supremacy of the kingdom of heaven (Gospel), the blessedness of those who follow and live God's law, the avoidance of sin and following the way of the just (Resp. Psalm). We are reminded to trust in God's mercy and not on material possessions. St. Gregory of Narek is our example.

7. Prayer -- O God, you are Life, you are Salvation, you are Health, you are Immortality, you are Blessedness, you are Illumination! Grant me rest from the weariness of my sins, so that you, too, may rest from my wailing and troublesome pleading which constantly afflict you, O my Judge. For you rejoice in nothing except the salvation of humanity, O you who are blessed forever. Amen. (St. Gregory of Narek, Book of Lamentations).

Prayers, best wishes, God bless!