Post-feast of the Dormition; Holy Apostle Thaddeus; Holy Martyr Bassa (c. 305)
2 Corinthians 7:10-16; Mark 2:18-22
Abstinence from meat and foods that contain meat
Read 2 Corinthians 7:10-16
We see a clear distinction between Christianity and the world in Paul’s letters. Paul’s encouragement of “godly grief” cuts against most of the philosophical schools in antiquity active in the 1st century. Grief, remorse, regret, and sorrow, were considered vicious, not virtuous. According to the Stoics, the wise man feels no regret, for he is morally perfect. Yet, for Paul, it is not only praiseworthy but “godly.” Acetic saints are often depicted in iconography with tears streaming down their face, drawing long furrows in their cheeks. They have received what the tradition understands as the gift of tears. The ability to repent is itself a gift from God. It means we can change. In Paul’s language, “Godly grief” produces all sorts of positive states: earnestness, eagerness to remain clean of sin, indignation before evil, longing and zeal for God. Christian grief is not simply a temporary state that goes away when we are perfect. Indeed, Maximus the Confessor tells us the saints in heaven participate in “God’s grief” for those not yet saved. This, we may consider, is the source of their intercession for us on our behalf.