Holy Priest-Martyr Phocas, Bishop of Sinope (98-117); Holy Prophet Jonah (786-46 BC); Venerable Jonah the Presbyter, Father of Theophanes, Composer of Canons, and Theodore the Branded
Ephesians 2:19-3:7; Mark 11:11-23
Read Ephesians 2:19-3:7
Witnessing another’s faith should encourage us to a stronger, more vibrant life of faith, but sometimes that witnessing can have the opposite effect. Rather than encouraging us and acting as a positive example of a life with Christ, it becomes a discouragement because our faith is not as strong or vibrant as another’s.
There are two things that are true about every faithful member of the Body of Christ: 1) everyone is a sinner and 2) we are all striving for holiness which cannot be acquired alone but only in cooperation with God.
No matter how strong a particular individual’s faith may be in comparison to our own, they fall into sin as we do, and, like us, they desire and strive for holiness in cooperation with God. A negative influence is something the devil desires so that it may affect us and lead us into despair. May we never despair but rather keep our eyes on Christ and move towards Him.