Midday of Monday and Quick Description of 6th Hour (Midday) Offices

I've really been on top of my translating game as of late - I finished all the Sunday offices and have another office turned out the next day. Anyway, this post will have a brief commentary on the Midday office of Monday but first give a quick description of the office type as I've done for all the other offices.
To access the Midday Office of Monday click here.

Structurally, the Midday (called the '6th Hour' in Syriac since it is the 6th Hour of being awake) office is very similar to the other smaller offices (i.e. the 3rd and 9th Hours). It can be simply divided into four parts, like the other two small offices: an opening prayer, a psalm, a hoosoyo and a bo'otho. The only difference the office really has from its counterparts is that Psalm 91 is recited instead of Psalm 51.

Now this specific office focuses on the sinfulness of man. As the qolo says, "we wallow in sins" and, again, in the bo'otho "my transgressions are innumerable." However, in Syriac theology God is emphasized as a most merciful Lord - indeed mentioned at the conclusion, He is a Lord "who accepts all penitents who knock at His door of compassion." One asks how can we know of God's mercy? The bo'otho responds by looking at its type in Scripture. It likens sin to being like Daniel stuck at the bottom of the pit of lions (Daniel 6:10-16) - the situation seems hopeless yet God can grant even the impossible if asked in sincerity. Even more apropos is the typology of Simon who witnesses Jesus walk upon the waves, is called to Christ and sinks when he doubts and Christ saves him even in his doubt (Matthew 14:22-33) - even when the Lord gives to us and we betray His gift He will still save us in His limitless mercy.

While Syriac theology focuses on the inevitable and innumerable sins of man it also gives us hope for we have a merciful God who forgave His people Israel numerous times, gave them the Law for their sustenance and, when He decided the time was proper, He voluntarily became man to give us a means of theosis.

Our Lord, accept our service, our prayers, come to our aid and have mercy on us!