The Holy Great-Martyr and Healer Panteleimon (286-305); Our Holy Father Clement the Wonderworker, Archbishop of Okhrid (910)
2 Timothy 2:1-10; John 15:17-16:2
Polyeleos Feast.
Read John 15:17-16:2
Although today’s reading carries a heavy tone, it is actually quite comforting. Christ even tells us, “I have said these things to you to keep you from stumbling” (Jn. 16:1). His words are not meant to frighten us but rather to encourage us when times get difficult.
Generally speaking, people like to be liked. People want to be accepted and loved. When faithful Christians are made fun of, criticized, persecuted, or even killed for their faith, it is reassuring to remember that Christ said “servants are not greater than their master” (Jn. 15:20). Christ was persecuted and hated, and so Christians should expect to receive the same treatment. We can recall Christ saying elsewhere in scripture, “If any want to become My followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow Me” (Lk. 9:23). Our Lord had to carry His cross, and so we have to carry our daily crosses, whatever they might be. These daily crosses include receiving ill-treatment from others but responding to them with love and forgiveness. It is important to remember that as Christ’s cross did not end in death but rather the resurrection, faithfully carrying our crosses as disciples of Christ will lead to this same, glorious end.
Whenever we are mistreated or experience that our Christian beliefs are not welcome in society, let us take courage in the fact that we are following in Christ’s footsteps.