On the patronal feast of St. Herman of Alaska, Fr. Matthew Howell talks about St. Herman’s famous phrase, “From this day, from this hour, from this minute, let us love God above all, and strive to fulfill His holy will.” Fr. Matthew then connects that phrase with Jesus’ words in John 15:9-10: “Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in His love.”
Galatians 5:22-6:2
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,23gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.24And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.25If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.26Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.1Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.2Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Luke 6:17-23
17And He came down with them and stood on a level place with a crowd of His disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem, and from the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear Him and be healed of their diseases,18as well as those who were tormented with unclean spirits. And they were healed.19And the whole multitude sought to touch Him, for power went out from Him and healed them all.20Then He lifted up His eyes toward His disciples, and said: “Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.21Blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh.22Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude you, and revile you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of Man’s sake.23Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! For indeed your reward is great in heaven, for in like manner their fathers did to the prophets.