Holy First-Martyr and Equal-to-the-Apostles Thekla
1 Corinthians 10:23-28; Matthew 24:34-44
Read 1 Corinthians 10:23-28
Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!
“Am I my brother’s keeper?” These are the words that Cain threw at the Lord after he had murdered his brother Abel. The short answer to this question is of course- yes, we are!
St. Paul repeats a famous saying that the Corinthians of his day took pride in “All things are lawful.” To be described as “Corinthian” was to be considered indulgent in pleasure and loose in morals. Into this “freedom” the gospel is preached which offers true and lasting freedom. True freedom is always a means to a greater end – Union with Christ—and not an absolute good. In other words, it is always “freedom for sanctity, freedom for love.” With this comes both the freedom from certain dietary laws and restrictions but also the awareness that what we do or don’t do has in impact on those around us. The way we carry our crosses matters in either leading others to Christ or away from Him.
Although you may be allowed to do something or refrain from something, consider how your actions might affect your brothers and sisters before choosing a certain course.