The Holy Martyrs Sergius and Bacchus (293-305)
Philippians 3:1-8; Luke 7:17-30
Read Luke 7:17-30
Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!
It seems strange that St. John the Baptist sends his disciples to find out if Jesus really is the Messiah. How can John not be confirmed in his faith in Jesus after witnessing the amazing Theophany in the Jordan—Jesus was baptised and the Father spoke confirming him as His Son and the Spirit descended anointing Jesus in the form of a dove. Soon after his baptism Jesus began his ministry: preaching, teaching and healing. The news of the amazing work being done through Jesus of Nazareth spread quickly and all over. One would think that this for St. John, who experienced the Theophany, that hearing about the mighty works of Christ would have been confirmation enough.
St. Ephraim the Syrian says, “John sent them to him not to interrogate him, but rather that the Lord might confirm those former things that John had proclaimed to them. John was directing the minds of his disciples toward the Lord… He sent them out in such a way that, having seen Jesus’ miracles, they might be confirmed in their faith in him.” (Commentary on Tatian’s Diatessaron, 9.2). St. John sent his disciples to experience Jesus for themselves, so they would be confirmed in their faith. Just like the disciples of John we also need to be confirmed in our faith in Christ. It is not enough for us to hear about how wonderful Jesus is, but we need to experience the glory and wonder of the Son of God for ourselves. This experience is only gifted us through a personal encounter with him. We have to desire, seek and study him. Strive to uphold his commandments especially that of purity of heart: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matt 5:8).