NOTES for Pro 2:1-22
At the beginning of the fast, the Church calls us, in the words of the Proverbs of Solomon, to “call out for knowledge and raise our voice for understanding.” Over the course of the fast we are to read all four Gospels. By reading the Gospel, we become attentive to wisdom and incline our heart to reflection, as today’s reading from Proverbs says. And by reading the Bible we also restore once again to our memory everything connected with the history of this world. It is as though we contemplate anew the history of creation, the history of expectation for Christ’s coming, and the prophet’s call to repentance. Sunday, which is the seventh day of the week, is best devoted during the fast to attending church and receiving Communion together. Fervent prayer and weekly Communion will certainly bear fruit, whether we stand or fall on our personal path through the fast. Through Communion we receive strength for prayer and for following Christ, through the remembrance of the Cross and His sacrifice for us.