Leave-taking of the Feast of the Holy Theophany; Our Venerable Fathers Massacred in Sinai and Rhaithu (c. 370); the Repose of the Holy Equal-to-the Apostles Nina, Enlightener of Georgia
1 Peter 4:12-5:5; Mark 12:38-44
Read 1 Peter 4:12-5:5
Christ is baptised!
Because we are Christians, we are going to be subject to trials not experienced by others. Those who are not of this world will always be at odds, to some degree, with those who are of this world. Insofar as we partake in the sufferings of Christ, we will partake in His glory.
With that said, it is important to distinguish between suffering ‘as a Christian’ and other kinds of sufferings. Not all suffering is equal! When seeking to understand whether you are suffering as a Christian, you need to ask yourself: Am I being attentive to the Gospel? Am I seeking Christ in prayer and silence? Do I seek spiritual counsel from mentors or spiritual directors in living out my life? If your answer to all three questions is yes, then ask: Is my suffering because someone else is acting against my decision to live my life in Christ? If the answer to this is also yes, then you can be fairly certain that you are suffering ‘as a Christian’.
Other kinds of suffering, though it may appear to be ‘as a Christian’, really is not. Heed St. Peter’s warning, and don’t suffer in other peoples’ matters. Don’t push your way into the dealings of others, however bad, claiming to do it for good or some other righteous reason, and then claim to be suffering as a Christian. When you are not invited into others’ lives, or don’t have the proper position and authority to do so, you are likely acting out of pride or a sense of enlarged self-importance, however well-intentioned. In these circumstances, you may experience pushback or even suffering, but it is not suffering ‘as a Christian’.
Instead, stay close to Christ, the sacraments, Holy Scripture, and the Liturgy. Keep your heart, mind, and ears open to His voice, and follow it. If suffering comes your way, you’ll know that you are partaking in Christ’s suffering.