The Holy and Glorious Martyr Irene (321-23); Our Venerable Father Nicephoras, Hegumen of the Monastery at Medicius
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Acts 10:21-33; John 7:1-13
Christ is risen! Truly, He is risen!
The Church has been greatly blessed with kerygmatic preachers, great healers, wonderful ascetics, and many holy men and women. Many of us may have a personal devotion to one or more saints and may have examples in our own personal lives of such Christ-like living. We, too, aspire to be like the saints or imitate the Christian life of personal examples of holiness.
Cornelius, whom we heard about yesterday and again today, desires to imitate Peter. He sees in the Apostle Peter an example of exemplary Christian life. But what Peter helps Cornelius realize is that he, Peter, is just a simple man who has allowed God to work through him. In other words, Peter allows Christ to live in him so that others may desire and strive for the same.
Just as the saints and personal examples of holiness point us towards Christ, may we do likewise in our own lives. May our example of a Christ-centred life not become a temptation for personal pride; rather, may it be another opportunity to point others towards Christ, the prototype to whom we should all aspire.